The majority of affordable portable speakers are small and simple to carry, with such a strong focus on usability, but there are a few exceptions. The iGear Evoke is one such gadget, a portable speaker that stands out from others in its price range for a variety of reasons. You could believe this is an ancient radio set from the past or perhaps a Saregama Carvaan knock-off at first sight, but this gadget has modern capabilities and networking choices that make it relevant in today’s world of wireless audio streaming.
Price
The iGear Evoke offers a lot for its asking price of Rs. 3,000, with vintage style, a radio tuner, several networking choices, and the ability to charge using sunlight. Is this the greatest budget-friendly portable speaker on the market right now? Learn more in this review.
Special Features like The iGear Evoke speaker has solar and micro-USB charging
The iGear Evoke looks a lot like the Saregama Carvaan line of portable music players, which is inspired by vintage radio sets. Aside from its styling, the device’s color selections make it even more noticeable; the yellow unit I received is extremely bright and noticeable, but blue and white color variants are also available.
The top of the item includes a folding handle for ease of transport, and the speaker driver is pointing in front. The iGear Evoke’s controls and ports are located on the front and right sides. On the front, there’s an AM/FM/SW radio frequency dial, as well as four buttons to control playing and connection mode (when using Bluetooth or digital storage media).
Switches for selecting the source (radio or digital media), a USB port, a microSD card slot, an auxiliary socket for a 3.5mm connection, and a Micro-USB connector for wired charging are all located on the speaker’s side. The power and volume likewise controls using a dial. The speaker comes on with an audible click when you first twist it, and turning it again boosts or reduces the volume. The speaker is huge, and all of the controls are comfortable and functional, without making the iGear Evoke feel cluttered or difficult to use.
More Features
The solar panel on top of the iGear Evoke allows the speaker to charge itself as long as it exposes to sunshine. A telescopic antenna that extends to increase radio signal quality is also included.
Users may not even need to plug the speaker into a wired charger at all if they utilize solar charging. However, this will depend on your usage. Although the iGear Evoke’s charging time isn’t specified. Solar charging is far slower than cable charging and can take several hours. If not days, to fully charge the speaker’s battery. At times, you may have to rely on USB charging. However, if you’re taking the Evoke on a camping trip. Also, don’t have access to a power outlet, this is still a valuable tool to have.
The iGear Evoke’s battery capacity is 1,200mAh. It may be used to charge other devices by attaching a USB cord and turning it on. This implies that you may use the gadget as a solar-powered power bank in an emergency. Albeit it will be sluggish. Aside from that, the speaker’s sound output rates are at 5W. Audio plays through Bluetooth 5, FM/AM/SW radio, USB port, microSD card slot, and 3.5mm auxiliary input. A power adapter and charging cable include in the sales box to charge the speaker.
The iGear Evoke’s battery life will vary depending on your media source and use conditions. As it can always charge itself using its solar panel even when in use. However, using it will drain the battery far faster than it can recharge itself. While connected to Bluetooth and playing music at moderate settings. user will be able to use the speaker for roughly 10 hours until the battery died.
The iGear Evoke has a lot of networking choices, but the sound quality isn’t great
The iGear Evoke is unusual in many respects, but when it comes to sound quality, it falls short of expectations. Depending on the music source, the sound was either adequate or below average. Although, even at its finest, the sound had flaws. However, I didn’t find it awful for casual listening at home. It had a warm, fuzzy sound that complimented the speaker’s antique design.
The iGear Evoke is unusual in many respects, but when it comes to sound quality, it falls short of expectations. Depending on the music source, the sound was either adequate or below average. Although, even at its finest, the sound had flaws. However, I didn’t find it awful for casual listening at home. It had a warm, fuzzy sound that complimented the speaker’s antique design.
When compared to music streamed digitally over Bluetooth or MP3 files played .from local storage devices. FM radio sounded far less polished and clear. Even with the antenna fully extended in an open location and the volume at reasonable settings. It detected a lot of crackling and distortion in the radio reception. Although Bluetooth and audio from a USB device sounded clearer. The quality was still flat and lacking in excitement and depth.
Despite the fact that there is still a dial for tuning radio frequencies. The iGear Evoke manages to automatically latch into stations without any effort. The four physical buttons on its front can utilize to control music while utilizing digital connectivity. A little display will be useful to indicate the music being played and other information like the battery. Although, at this price, I wouldn’t hold the iGear Evoke back.
The highs sounded harsh and overbearing, vocals were muffled. Also, there were weird volume spikes that soon created listener fatigue. Even with the volume set to moderate levels for music played from a USB drive. In all of the recordings I attempted, there was scarcely any detail to be heard. Unfortunately, despite all of its networking choices and capabilities, the iGear Evoke’s sound quality is poor.
Verdict
There are a lot of inexpensive wireless speakers with great functionality. However, the iGear Evoke stands out for two reasons: its vintage look as well as the ability to charge itself using solar energy. The fact that the speaker can charge other devices and has a multitude of connecting choices also helps. The only true flaw here is the sound quality, which is regrettably a major flaw.
