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The personal audio devices space has been booming thanks to the promise of wire-free music streaming that Bluetooth technology has enabled. Many traditional audio equipment makers have joined in with their own devices featuring this wireless protocol, as have a number of new entrants.
Altec Lansing, a brand that in the past was very popular amongst shoppers looking for PC peripherals, has been attempting to steadily climb the value-add chain. It has been a speaker brand for decades, though it had largely focused on the lower-end of the price spectrum in India. Today it has a range of indoor and outdoor speakers and personal audio devices.
A couple of weeks ago, the Altec Lansing LifeJacket 2 wireless Bluetooth speaker landed on our test bench. This is a rather unique package, with its primary focus being ruggedness and all-weather usability. It is said to be waterproof, sandproof, snowproof, dustproof and shockproof.
We decided to check if the company’s claims were doubt-proof.
Design and build Like its name suggests, the LifeJacket 2 is a speaker that is protected from potential life threatening or damaging situations – not for the listener, but for the device. The speaker is shaped like three octagons stuck to each other’s sides. Its basic body seems to feature a solid metallic build, including a perforated mesh grille at the front. It also gets its ‘multi-element proof’ quality from the two protective layers of silicone that the speaker is wrapped in. The inner one which encases all of the speaker’s panels except the front grille comes in three different neon colours and the outer, stiffer layer of silicone looks more like a ribbed skeleton.
The LifeJacket 2 is not a lightweight portable Bluetooth speaker. At two pounds (or nearly a kilo), it is quite unbelievable that the LifeJacket 2 will float on water – its other standout feature which probably inspired its name. Its rugged construction has added to its weight. The choice of materials has probably also been influenced by the need to make the device sturdy. But, that doesn’t quite justify its rather uninspiring design. Placed next to some of today’s popular Bluetooth speakers, the LifeJacket 2’s finish seems very ‘industrial’ and in places, tacky too.
The controls and connectivity options are conveniently located. The power on – which also doubles up as the Bluetooth pairing button – and the volume controls are located at the top of the silicone layers. The wired, USB and Aux-in connectivity sockets are located at the rear right behind a water tight silicone flap. The speaker package is offered with all the cables (including a power cable) and mounting hardware for extended outdoor use.
Performance Connecting the LifeJacket 2 to a handset, tablet or laptop is an easy one-step affair. Bluetooth connectivity is quick and pairing can also be attempted via NFC with compatible devices. Voice confirmation and colour changing LEDs makes sure that connecting the device is easy even in the dark. In addition to streaming your music, the LifeJacket 2 can also be used as a speakerphone with in-built caller ID. The speaker also accepts voice commands.
Behind the LifeJacket’s ultra sturdy body panels are a pair of 2-inch neodymium drivers and a passive bass radiator. The combination of attributes that Altec Lansing has intended for this speaker means that the focus is strongly tilted in favour of making it nearly indestructible (like the video on the company website attempts to demonstrate). But, the speaker can't be awarded top marks for its reproduction quality. Despite DSP enhancement, the audio quality lacks depth and richness, The LifeJacket 2 is loud and will be audible even outdoors if you were to spend a sunny winter afternoon in the park.
But, even factoring in the limitations imposed by its compact dimensions, the bass levels feel suppressed. Clearly the choice of materials makes it a difficult marriage between ruggedness and audio quality.
Bottomline The Life Jacket 2 is good for lounge music, light instrumental and possibly even Bollywood music with the bass cut to size. But, if its all-weather ability is a big draw for you, this Altec Lansing is a blind buy. It is the battle tank of the portable speaker world. And, incredibly, despite its weight, the Life Jacket 2 actually floats on water!
Price: ₹14,000
Love: Rugged build quality
Hate: Average sound reproduction
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