SoundFreaq Sound Kick SFQ-04 has not
only nice design but also pretty good audio quality and features optimized for mobile
entertainment.
Sound Kick SFQ-04 is a new mobile speaker
from Soundfreaq manufacturer (USA). Despite being young, Soundfreaq has created
many hi-end entertainment devices, which are well-known, including Sound Stack
SFQ-03 and Sound Step SFQ-02.
Soundfreaq
Sound Kick SFQ-04 has nice and compact design optimized for mobile entertainment.
Similar to previous models, Sound Kick
SFQ-04 focuses on users of mobile devices equipped with Bluetooth. Sound Kick
SFQ-04 appears compact and regular in shape having common black rough surface.
The whole front is covered by a metal grid, which makes Sound Kick SFQ-04 more
powerful and professional. In the top lie power button and touch-sensitive control
keys modernized and appropriately placed.
The
speaker’s front is covered with rough black metal grid appearing sturdy. Near
bottom is LED status light.
Beside specialized in broadcasting music
wirelessly from Bluetooth-supported devices, Sound Kick SFQ-04 impresses users
with resonant box design called “XKICK”. This exclusive technology promises to bring
listeners full sound with strong bass yet still maintain this speaker’s
mobility.
When
not working, the rear resonant box of Soundfreaq Sound Kick SFQ-04 can be
hidden into the case.
In order to enhance the mobility of Sound
Kick SFQ-04, Soundfreaq equips the speaker with a Lithium-Ion battery plus
2,200mAh capacity. Users of USB-charger supported devices will be very pleased with
the USB charger dock (5V DC, 500mAh) integrated in the speaker’s back.
Aside
from the ability of broadcasting wirelessly music via Bluetooth, Soundfreaq Sound
Kick SFQ-04 supports 3.5mm audio input.
Overall, with 267x106x42mm size and 704g
weight, Sound Kick SFQ-04 doesn’t occupy much space when put in backpack or
handbag. Users can experience the speaker via either directly an enclosed
adaptor or an integrated battery. Though, it must be noticed that when using
energy from the battery, volume will be limited because it is designed to share
stored energy to recharge mobile devices if necessary.
Soundfreaq
Sound Kick SFQ-04 is compatible with DC 9V energy powered by either enclosed
adaptor or rechargeable battery. USB connector can refill batteries of other
mobile devices.
An only way to power this speaker is by opening
the sound box in the back. Once the sound box is completely pulled out (defined
by some colored lines), users can take advantage of this feature so as to lean
Sound Kick SFQ-04 diagonally to stabilize the speaker.
Resonant
box can be used as a back support
To have most unprejudiced reviews, we
tested Sound Kick SFQ-04 during 8 hours with different music genres. Due to
3.5mm jack slot, we decided to play this mobile speaker on PC integrated with
ALC887 sound card via hi-fi music (16 bit/44KHz) and Foobar 2000 player
(version 1.0.3).
Sound Kick SFQ-04 really made big
impression thanks to rather fine sound quality and loud volume though we just
used 50% of the computer’s volume. Touch-sensitive control keys in top edge is
properly categorized and equipped with high sensitivity.
Play,
Pause and navigation buttons is placed separately from power button.
For some common album such as Johannes
Linstead – Café Tropical 2006, Songbird CD1 – Kenny G, All My Loving – Jheena
Lodwick, Feelings Vol.2 – Jheena Lodwick and Gun’N’Roses greatest hits 2004, we
did notice that Sound Kick SFQ-04 is good at mid-range sound. Sound Kick
SFQ-04’s mid-range was reproduced completely and smoothly though treble still
lacked clarity at high volume. This speaker’s bass is thick yet not deep and
powerful like that on Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile speaker. Although the
resonant box contributed a lot in generating bass, Sound Kick SFQ-04 didn’t go
with ebullient sound concentrating on bass. It was clearly seen when we played
bass-orientated THX – Jurassic Lunch (Major Bass), 1-2-3-4-5-6 Bass or THX –
Sound Bass.
Except
from power button, other control keys are touch-sensitive.
Like other mobile speakers from the same
brand, Sound Kick SFQ-04 is also integrated with exclusive UQ3 technology optimizing
floating sound effects. We realized when this effect was activated, sound space
and surrounding effect were considerably improved but bass range became faded.
Users must note that some equalizer effects of music player sometimes created audio
distortion when matching with this UQ3 effect.
Refill
battery via back connector in the speaker
With songs (requiring a lot of space) such
as Avemaria in album Audiophile Reference 1 or Duo Violin and Cello, Op.7 –
Allegro Serioso, Non Troppo and The Carmen Ballet – IX Torero in album McIntosh
Audiophile Test Reference, Sound Kick SFQ-04 gave listeners a feeling a little
distant from the stage. However, sound quality could be moderately good.
Connecting Sound Kick SFQ-04 with iPhone
3GS and HTC Explorer via Bluetooth connection and trying some 128kps/320kps MP3
tracks, we noticed that sound quality didn’t change much like when we did on
PC. Sound Kick SFQ-04’s audio quality could perform best when volume was set at
60%-70%.
The
product comes with adaptor and 3.5mm signal cable.
Without control remote (though Sound Stack
SFQ-03 has one), users can download Soundfreaq Remote App to control this system
via Bluetooth easily. This app supports users change songs, choose broadcasting
source, adjust volume or turn power off. According to specific devices, users
can download this app freely from App Store and Android Market.
In general, with nice design, high mobility
and such performance for a reasonable price, Soundfreaq Sound Kick SFQ-04 can
be a good choice for wireless mobile entertainment.
Features
Wireless Bluetooth A2DP connectivity
3.5mm jack slot (TRS)
Refillable Lithium-Ion battery plus
2,200mAh capacity
DV 9V power line via enclosed adaptor
USB charger dock
267x106x42mm size
704g weight
