One thing that many portable Bluetooth speakers have in common: they can be pretty annoying to lug around, requiring you to shove them into a bag, leave them rattling around loose, and rarely will they make much of a visual impression. It’s understandable to an extent- they are meant to withstand rough conditions often with waterproof shells that add bulk, sacrificing battery life and power to reach a compact size.
Those pre-conceptions- and most of the competition- can be set aside when checking out the Vifa Helsinki Wireless Speaker. You probably aren’t familiar with the brand- it’s not yet widely available here- but this Danish company focuses completely on their line of three wireless speakers. Other brands tend to throw out a ton of different models or make a huge range of audio gear, but Vifa’s focus is clear: chic Bluetooth accessories, a little feminine in style, well-designed and minimalist. Vifa created the trio in collaboration with Kvadrat, one of Europe’s leading textile manufacturers, and each features a ‘special-woven textile cover, giving the product a warm, rough look and feel’.
The exterior is a soft, stain-resistant wool but the speaker itself is die-cast aluminum, and comes with a lovely leather strap for easy carrying. Weighing in at about three pounds and a bit over 8 inches tall, the Helsinki boasts dual woofers and dual 55mm drivers. The audio quality is solid too- there’s Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX which offers higher-resolution music. Which means that no matter what you’re listening to, it’ll sound like you were connected directly (which is a possibility as well, thanks to the 3.5mm auxiliary input). And it sounds almost as elegant as it looks- a bit restrained compared with the boosted audio now common, but warmer, airier, and better-balanced. Hip-hop fans who want serious bass might want to look at others, but Vifa’s Bluetooth speaker is ideal especially those who like acoustic music.
Available in four color schemes- Willow Green, Misty Blue, Dusty Rose and Sandstone Grey- ours was the latter and can go with just about anything. It’s a suitable kitchen companion that can move into the living room or bedroom, and is loud enough to use anywhere in the house or office, good-looking enough to leave out for guests to admire. And with eight to ten hours of battery life between charges, you can take it to the park for a picnic and enjoy a full day of tunes. Expect to spend around $450, online and in stores.