Thanks to Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker battery technology and PlayDirect, this speaker can be carried and used even without Wi-Fi network. Despite its small size, the sound it delivers is powerful. Only problem, it is sorely lacking treble and midrange.
The promise
This tube-shaped enclosure Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker is compatible with AirPlay and PlayDirect (direct link in Wi-Fi wireless network nearby). With its built-in battery and leather handle, it has the ability to move easily and use away from a power outlet. Autonomy announced by Libratone is 8hours wireframe and 4:00 in wireless mode. It is offered at 399 euros (only in Apple Store in gray and red) and 449 euros with a set of three covers: black, blue, red or black, pink and yellow!
Reality
The Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker compact speaker’s often sound cold restore their four speakers: two type tweeter (for treble) and two mediums (to restore the midrange). So, there is not enough bass. In the case of Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker is the opposite! The sound output from the speaker is too hot, probably because the speaker responsible for returning the bass frequencies complements two tweeters and that there is therefore no speaker for midrange. Result, would have called Libratone its enclosure the Zippo, the sound is so hot! This is blatant listening: low thunder literally, taking with them the mids and highs much.
From about 400 Hz, the curve generated by tests collapses, is indicating that the mid and high frequencies are reproduced with less power than the bas. According to music (style, quality of the recording), some details are more or less audible as the cymbals of a battery, especially the hat and the “ride.”
Like Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker offer – according to measurements – maximum power before distortion sound of 110 dB (which is a record given in its small size), the impact of certain pieces of rock or rap is enhanced, which may appeal to some. If you search more finesse, better balance, improved overall harmony in sound, Zipp does clearly not a good choice.
With or without Wi-Fi network
Good point, the configuration of the enclosure mode AirPlay is done simply through an app for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod). But, as the speaker is likely to be caught up in a place where no Wi-Fi network is not available (required for AirPlay technology), a picnic for example, Libratone has provided a way of wireless PlayDirect called, which allows you to connect directly to Wi-Fi Simply press a button on the enclosure and select it in the settings of the Wi-Fi smartphone or tablet. The little AirPlay logo appears in the app iTunes, with the ability to redirect the music to the Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker.
Autonomous but little endurance
Its vertical design of the Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker does not occupy much space on a desk. Its weight of 1.8 kg, in this case, the leather handle makes it easy to move. It hides some of the buttons and connectors of the speaker: auxiliary audio jack, USB port (for listening to music an Apple device while charging to battery), the charge indicator of the battery and the buttons AirPlay setup and PlayDirect. Above the enclosure, a single button to adjust the volume and acts as a switch. Finally, note that according to tests, the battery life is a little less than seven hours in AirPlay mode (wireless and push the volume up), which is pretty good considering the power of the speaker. However, compared to other autonomous wireless speakers, usually much smaller and less powerful, this is well below the average (about 12 hours).
The verdict
In addition to Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker design that leaves no one indifferent (good or bad), the Zipp is very powerful and can be configured simply, with or without Wi-Fi network nearby. The concern is that the battery life is quite low and – most importantly – the sound it delivers is far too loaded low, which tends to stifle a lot of music.
This was all regarding the Libratone Zipp AirPlay Speaker and its review, now you can choose that this product would be good for your or not.
