Review: Pure Classic Aura – Portable Bluetooth speaker with light accents

STEREO GUIDE verdict

83%

83%

With its 2-way system, the Pure Classic Aura delivers solid sound performance for its price and size. It can play for up to 30 hours on a single battery charge—provided you do without the atmospheric background lighting. In terms of mobility, there are limits despite the carrying strap and battery, as the speaker only meets protection class IPX2.

Pros

1. Rich, balanced sound
2. Remarkably powerful bass for its size
3. Ambient lighting and EQ can be adjusted using buttons
4. Battery can be replaced by the user

Cons

1. no App
2. Battery can be replaced by the user. With protection class IPX2, not designed for rough outdoor use.

• Tonal balance / Transparency

  8
• Bass / Dynamics

  7.8
• Usability / Connectivity

  8.2
• Price/Performance

  9.4

The Pure Classic Aura is aimed at anyone who not only values sound, but also a homely look. The compact Bluetooth speaker combines a 2-way sound system with atmospheric backlighting and is available in two design variants: cotton white/oak or coffee brown/walnut. This means it blends into a living environment rather than looking like a typical outdoor speaker. At the same time, it has enough battery power to be operated independently of a power socket. This is ideal for taking it out onto the balcony if necessary.

First impression and processing

Weighing just under two kilograms, the Classic Aura is stable on any surface. The wood look is fake, i.e. foil, and the speaker grille is made of plastic. However, the finish of the rounded edges and joints is neat and conveys a homely character. The controls on the top are harmoniously integrated. There is even a central rotary knob for volume control. The controls are generally well designed. Only the symbols and text on the buttons could be a little more contrasting in terms of color.

The housing is protected against light rain or splash water in accordance with the IPX2 standard, which makes the mobile Bluetooth speaker ideal for use indoors or on a covered patio. The backlight consists of a row of LEDs on the back. This feature provides indirect ambient lighting. The function can be activated as required using three buttons and switched to different colorful light scenarios to match the music or the mood of the room.

Speaker configuration and power

Inside, there is a 2-way system consisting of a 2-inch tweeter per stereo channel, a central 3.5-inch low-midrange driver, and an additional passive radiator. The two tweeters positioned on the left and right are designed to create a certain stereo effect. The large oval passive radiator amplifies the low frequency range in a similar way to a bass reflex system. The manufacturer originally only mentioned one tweeter and one woofer in the technical data. After our test was published, this error was corrected: there are two tweeters and one woofer. With a diameter of 2 inches (approx. 5 cm) for the tweeter, it can be assumed that this is a full-range speaker supported by a subwoofer with a diameter of approx. 9 cm.

With a total output of 40 watts, the Classic Aura has enough reserves for the living room, kitchen or balcony. Three selectable EQ profiles (Eco, Comfort and Dynamic) allow the tuning to be adapted to different music genres or listening habits. In Eco mode, the bass punch and dynamics are slightly reduced, but this is an acceptable compromise for longer battery life when listening to background music.

Battery performance and suitability for everyday use

With a runtime of up to 30 hours – depending on volume and light usage – the Classic Aura is also equipped for longer listening sessions. It is charged via USB-C. And the speaker can also be used as a power bank to supply a smartphone with energy on the go. Despite its homely design, this makes it a thoroughly mobile companion.

The included rubber strap can be attached to both sides of the housing for better transportation. The mobile Bluetooth speaker then looks like a classic transistor radio. It’s nice that Pure has also taken a look at sustainability. The 5000 mAh battery can be replaced through a cover on the underside of the housing with a simple Phillips screwdriver if it no longer provides enough maximum capacity for flawless operation.

Installation and operation

It is controlled directly on the device; Pure does not have an app in this class. The Classic Aura provides Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless music playback. The speaker was easy to pair with the smartphone and the connection remained stable throughout the home during the review. If you want to connect an analog mobile player such as the Fiio CP-13 cassette player on the go, there is an AUX input with a 3.5 mm jack on the back.

Sound test: This is what the Pure Classic Aura sounds like

The portable Bluetooth speaker produces a very balanced sound with natural voice reproduction for this price range. This makes long-term listening very pleasant. The lively, but by no means harsh highs are also impressive. The hissing of hi-hats and other high-frequency impulses are clearly and finely resolved. Those who like pop and rock will also enjoy the powerful but well-integrated bass. With tracks such as “The Game Of Love” by Daft Punk, the small Bluetooth speaker produces a great punch and pleases with good precision.

How the Classic Aura performs in the bass range depends more clearly on the positioning than with the slightly larger, comparably priced Edifier D32. This is due to the passive radiator at the rear. If you have a little sensitivity when setting up the speaker – keyword: close to the wall – you can elicit really amazing, thumping bass from the small box. Free-standing, however, the Aura seems a little thin compared to the D32.

As far as the mid-high range is concerned, the Edifier is quite coherent on its own, but in a direct comparison it can’t keep up with its smaller rival in terms of resolution and transparency. The D32’s mids and highs are comparatively overcast and less differentiated.

For such a compact loudspeaker, the sound detaches well from the cabinet. This makes the Classic Aura seem larger than it actually is. Although it can play quite loudly for its compact dimensions, the Edifier comes out on top in terms of level stability. Overall, the Pure Classic Aura delivers a very decent overall performance for the money.

Conclusion and alternatives: Pure Classic Aura

The Pure Classic Aura combines a living room-suitable exterior with practical functions such as long battery life, selectable sound profiles and optional lighting. It is likely to be used primarily in the home environment. However, the portable Bluetooth speaker with light can also be extended to the patio or kitchen thanks to its splash-proof design. Competition comes in the form of the Edifier D32, which also offers a retro look and rich sound and is only suitable for outdoor use to a limited extent despite its rechargeable battery. If you are looking for a Bluetooth speaker for camping, you should go for the Pure Woodland, which also offers a tuner for FM and DAB+ that is very useful on vacation.

Pure Woodland: Technical data

• Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 130 Euro
• Dimensions (W x H x D ): 25.2 x 15 x 10.6 cm
• Weight: 1.96 kg
• Battery life up to 30 hours
• Special features: Bluetooth 5.3, AUX input, USB-C, power bank function Protection class IPX2, USB C, detachable rubber carrying strap
• More at: www.pure-audio.com

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