Sharp GX-BT480 review

A Bluetooth speaker for parties

Somehow, the big Sharp GX-BT480 reminded us of a Bluetooth speaker from JBL, just like its little brother Sharp 6X-BT280. However, this only applies to the form. The Japanese do not use passive bass radiators on the sides of the cylinder, which weighs around 2 kilos. They use the space for controls, such as playback control on the smartphone connected via Bluetooth.

Practical equipment

In addition to Bluetooth, the Sharp also processes analogue signals from 3.5 mm mini-jack input. Under the protective rubber flap, there is also a card slot for MicroSD playback. The already mentioned buttons are used for switching, an equalizer can also be activated here. Because the GX-BT480 has no display, the currently selected EQ program (Bass Boost, Movie, Standard) is announced by voice. However, the labeling of the keys could be better. The volume control sits on the top of the case….

The GX-BT480 has a hands-free feature for Siri or Google Assistant voice assistants. Sharp promises up to 20 hours of playtime. After that, the heavy device must be charged with the included micro USB cable to a suitable USB port. A power supply unit is not included, but at least a carrying strap. Somehow the Sharp GX-BT480 already looks like a party machine.

This is how the Sharp GX-BT480 sounds

And as far as volume goes, he delivered too. It could play decidedly loud and came across as full and rich with quite a decent resolution. However, if you’re into house or hip hop, you might miss some substance in the low end in standard mode, while with bass boost, precision suffers quite a bit. If you then turned it up even louder it came to distortions.

In terms of attack, liveliness and dynamics, Sharp has done a great job in the new territory, but with a shot more warmth in the vocal range, the performance would have gotten under our skin more emotionally. And the distortion with the equalizer spoils the fun of the bass.

Evaluation and alternatives

In any case, the presentation of the Sharp GX-BT480 did not come close to the visually similar JBL Xtreme 3. JBL’s top dog can boast of proper waterproofing to IPX7 instead of the Sharp’s classified IP56 standard (splash proof). Above all, however, it doesn’t have any weaknesses in sound like the Japanese challenger, which struggles in the bass. Either it lacks punch or you activate the bass boost via equalizer and then it sounds distorted on many tracks.

Find more alternatives in the Bluetooth speaker ranking

Technical data: Bluetooth speaker Sharp GX-BT480

• Price: approx. 230 $
• Dimensions: 30.4 x 15 x 15.3 cm
• Weight: 2,15 kg
• Playback time with battery: up to 20 hours
• Special features: Hands-free calling, 3 equalizer modes, voice assistant integration, access to Siri or Google

• Sharp GX-BT60 review