Sharp GX-BT60 evaluation

You’ll be able to fork out a superb sum of money for a conveyable Bluetooth speaker. Nevertheless, in case you are strapped for money and need one thing that produces highly effective sound and is simple to take round with you, then you must think about the Sharp GX-BT60. 

Sharp affords a number of Bluetooth audio system in its audio line-up, and the GX-BT60 is the smallest and most cost-effective of the bunch. I’ve spent a while with it to see the way it holds up day-to-day. 

Design & Construct 

• Small construct that may slot in a pocket
• IP67 score

You will get the GX-BT60 in one in all three colors: black, gray and blue. I examined out the latter, which is a daring and enjoyable shade that can go well with customers preferring their tech to be extra outdoors of the field.  

The speaker itself measures 100 x 100 x 40mm and weighs 230g. This implies it will probably simply slot in one hand and is simple to port round in a small bag, and even a big pocket due to its sq. form just like the Tribit StormBox Micro. It additionally comes with a wrist strap which I used each for carrying it round and for securing it to issues.  

On the entrance aspect of the gadget, there are quantity controls and a play button. The quantity controls can be used to skip ahead and backwards on tracks in case you maintain them down, and the playback button can be used to activate the voice assistant or take calls utilizing the built-in microphone. 

The facility button is positioned on the right-hand aspect of the gadget, together with a lined micro-USB port which can be utilized for charging. There may be additionally a 3.5mm aux-in port subsequent to this, do you have to desire a wired connection out of your gadget. Each cables come included within the field.  

The GX-BT60 comes with an IP67 score, which means that it’s proof against mud and water. It is best to due to this fact be capable of take this by the pool or out on a wet day with no worries about it getting broken.  

Sound High quality  

• Loud sound with first rate bass
• Some particulars misplaced in highs and mids
• No help for aptX or AAC codecs

Connectivity-wise, the Sharp GX-BT60 comes geared up with Bluetooth 5.0, and help for each Siri and Google Assistant. Pairing the speaker is extraordinarily fast and straightforward – it routinely goes into pairing mode if it’s not related to a tool. As well as, you possibly can take your cellphone to a distinct storey in your own home while nonetheless having fun with your music. 

While the Sharp GX-BT60 solely has a 45mm driver and a 6W output, it nonetheless packs a punch, with a powerful bass and a good quantity output. I personally most well-liked utilizing this speaker for chilled out music, streams and the occasional massive rock tune to essentially push that bass to the restrict.  

Nevertheless, these massive bass tones find yourself overshadowing a few of the mids. For instance, when listening to Sebastian Bohm’s cowl of Name Me by Blondie, the low tones had been thumping all through, however the backing operatic vocals had been barely noticeable over the remainder of the tune. 

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

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Highs are clearer, however in case you crank the quantity all the way in which up then they’ll sound spiky and sharp. Podcasts and YouTube movies are ample, however don’t count on any majorly vibrant or detailed audio that you’d discover on costlier audio system. 

Sound is especially directed from the centre of the speaker, and can fill a room in case you place it within the center. Nevertheless, you gained’t need to place it face down, in any other case the audio will change into fairly muffled.

While I’ve not personally had the chance to check it, you too can hyperlink up two GX-BT60 audio system for a extra stereo expertise, or to spice up these quantity ranges in case you are utilizing them at a celebration.  

Sadly, there isn’t a help for aptX or AAC codecs – however that’s fairly frequent on Bluetooth audio system on this value vary.  

Battery Life 

• As much as 13 hours of battery life
• Micro-USB charging

Sharp claims that the GX-BT60 has as much as 13 hours of battery life. Nevertheless, in case you are taking part in the speaker at full blast, you’ll get lower than this. Regardless, the speaker ought to final you the day in case you take it out on a visit.  

The GX-BT60 makes use of micro-USB charging quite than the extra normal and trendy USB-C. That is barely annoying and outdated, however you do get a cable supplied within the field. It roughly takes round three hours to cost the speaker from flat to full so it’s not quick.

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Value & Availability  

The Sharp GX-BT60 Bluetooth Speaker prices £29.99 within the UK, and you’ll at the moment get it from Amazon and Currys. The GX-BT60 is just not obtainable to buy within the US.  

Contemplating the first rate battery life, the waterproofing and robust audio, this can be a aggressive value for a Bluetooth speaker and undercuts rivals which provide the same audio expertise. 

Our top-rated low-cost Bluetooth speaker is the EarFun Uboom, which retails for round £50. This comes with totally different audio modes, together with a devoted outside mode. For the same value to the Sharp mannequin, I might additionally suggest the Tribit StormBox Micro – which additionally boasts the identical compact sq. design however has higher audio high quality total.  

You’ll be able to take a look at additional choices in our chart of the most effective low-cost Bluetooth audio system, in addition to the most effective Bluetooth audio system total which incorporates some extra premium choices.  

Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry

Verdict

If you do not need to fork out a lot of cash for a Bluetooth speaker, then the Sharp GX-BT60 speaker matches the invoice. With a compact, waterproof design, all-day battery life and first rate bass tones, there’s a lot going for it.  

Nevertheless, the audio high quality doesn’t fairly match up with what rivals can produce – with mid tones like vocals drowned out by the lows and highs sounding sharp when cranked up. If you’re not too fussy concerning the audio high quality although, then it’s nonetheless a viable choice for listening to music on the go.  

Specs

• Three colors: Blue, black and gray
• 100 x 100 x 40mm
• 230g
• Micro-USB port
• 3.5mm aux-in port
• IP67 score
• Playback and quantity controls
• Siri/Google Assistant help
• 45mm driver
• 6W output
• Hand strap included