STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Tronsmart Mirtune C2 is a small Bluetooth speaker at the price of a mini speaker.
In return, you get great features, good operation, but a somewhat weak sound.
Pros
- Great sound for the money
- Light show and app with equalizer
- Long battery life, analog input, MicroSD card reader
- Large carrying strap, large control buttons, hands-free microphone
Cons
- Somewhat harsh voice reproduction
- Little volume and punch in the bass
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Practice / Connectivity9.2
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Price/Performance9.8
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Naturalness / transparency6.6
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Bass / Dynamics4.7
The Tronsmart Mirtune C2 is more of a competitor to the JBL Flip 6 in terms of its concept and dimensions. In terms of price, however, it competes more with the smallest Bluetooth speakers in the American range. But even these cannot keep up with the manufacturer’s price recommendations: The tiny JBL Go 4 is said to cost 49 euros, the slightly larger JBL Clip 5 even 69 euros, mainly because of its carabiner hook. The Mirtune C2 not only offers a significantly larger housing volume, which is extremely useful for bass. For just under 40 euros, it even puts on a light show with LED rings in the bass radiators. The Tronsmart leaves a good impression in terms of workmanship with its mesh-wrapped housing.
And the exemplary large control elements, which also stand out well from the housing of the small Bluetooth speaker, which is only available in black, also contribute to the positive overall picture. With its two full-range drivers arranged on opposite sides of the round housing, the Mirtune C2 is designed to deliver 360° surround sound. The recently reviewed Tribit StormBox 2, which is significantly more expensive at 70 euros, also follows this concept. However, the young brands from China are unabashedly juggling with terms that actually have a different meaning: Surround sound systems, as in a movie theater or home cinema, have the speakers of a multi-channel system distributed around you. And virtual surround sound also requires a lot more than a small box with two drivers.
2-channel concept vs 2-way technology
Regardless of the advertising slogans, the two price breakers still pose a technical challenge to the top dog JBL, as the Americans abandoned 2-channel technology a few years ago when they changed their models and opted for 2-way technology like Bang & Olufsen with the Beosound A1. This means that full-range transducers for two channels face separate bass-midrange and tweeters for a mono channel.
If you consider that true stereo sound is not possible with channels so close together, then the 2-way speakers have theoretical and, in direct comparison, audible advantages with drivers that are optimized for the respective areas. And finally, with the Marshall Emberton 2 (around 180 euros), there are also expensive small Bluetooth speakers that also rely on full-range speakers.
With Bluetooth version 5.3, the Mirtune C2 offers contemporary connectivity and stability, ensuring seamless pairing with your devices. The wireless range of over 15 meters in an open area offers flexibility and freedom of movement without compromising sound quality. Two Mirtune C2 speakers can also be connected via Bluetooth to form a stereo pair using a button on the control panel.
Versatile use
With a card reader for MicroSD cards up to 256 GB and an Aux input for analog sources, the Bluetooth speaker is very flexible in terms of connectivity.
The built-in 3600 mAh battery lasts for a long playing time of up to 24 hours at 50% of the maximum volume. The Tronsmart Mirtune C2 meets the IPX7 waterproof rating, which documents that it can be immersed in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. So you don’t need to worry about water damage at the pool or in a sudden downpour. However, the Mirtune C2 is not particularly protected against dust. For this reason, you should avoid placing it in the sand on the beach.
How the Tronsmart Mirtune C2 sounds in the sound test
In the listening test, the small Bluetooth speaker in Coke can format impressed in terms of handling, but not quite in terms of sound. Although it outperformed the more expensive JBL Go 4 in terms of bass and natural voice reproduction, it is not even half the size. However, the comparably sized Tribit Stormbox 2, which is still reasonably priced at 70 euros, didn’t give the Mirtune C2 a chance in the sound test. Its bass offered more depth and substance, the vocals were less harsh. However, it is also significantly more expensive than the Tronsmart. The C2 therefore left us somewhat divided.
You can test your speakers yourself with our STEREO GUIDE playlist on Qobuz
Tronsmart Mirtune C2: Conclusion and alternatives
The Tronsmart Mirtune C2 is one of the most affordable Bluetooth speakers in the small class. With premium manufacturers such as Marshall, you don’t even get a mini Bluetooth speaker for the money: the Willen costs two and a half times as much according to the recommended retail price and the current street price at the time of this review is also significantly higher than the Tronsmart. With the MicroSD card reader, it also has a very rare feature and if you like light shows, you won’t find another speaker in this class any time soon. And it has a hands-free microphone, which, in our practical experience, enables good quality phone calls. In this respect, the Mirtune C2 has some good arguments on its side, especially at higher levels, despite its somewhat thin bass and somewhat harsh voice reproduction.
Technical data Tronsmart Mirtune C2
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: 40 $
- Dimensions (W x H x D ): 7,2 x 18,4 x 7,2 cm
- Weight: 0.61 kg
- Battery life up to 24 hours
- Special features: AUX input, microSD card reader, IPX7 water protection, stereo pairing, LED light organ, USB-C charging cable, 3.5 mm jack cable, carrying strap
- More at: www.tronsmart.com
