+ Balanced sound with rich bass and good dynamic reserves
+ TWS stereo pairing possible with two boomsters for really good stereo staging
+ DAB+/UKW tuner built-in
+ Useful front display
+ Powerbank function
+ Infrared remote control
- Keys poorly recognizable, rubberized surface difficult to clean
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Sound: Tonal Balance / Transparency7.8
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Sound: Bass / Dynamics8
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Ease-of-use / Connectivity10
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9.5
The basic remake gave the Teufel Boomster 2021 a new look. It also increased in weight and functionality.
The plastic housing now meets the IPX5 standard (protection against water jets from all directions). The outdoor taiglichkeit is also expressed in a subtle military look. With its large telescopic antenna for the integrated tuner for FM and DAB+, the Boomster has something of a radio. This is especially true for the black version. The new model is also available in sand white. This is also a change compared to the predecessor, which is still available at a lower price. Recently, another Kelvyn Colt edition with black case and large signature was added.
What happened in technical terms?
The current Boomster got a new driver concept. Teufel moved the woofer of the integrated subwoofer to the front for this purpose. There it sits in the center of the grilled baffle. Its diameter grew from 9 to 11 cm. The bass driver of the predecessor was located facing downwards above a wide gap below the baffle.
However, by supporting the “Dynamore” surround sound technology, the 2.1 sound system also creates a large room impression from just one stereo speaker. This much can already be revealed at this point.
The dimensions of the 2 cm dome tweeter and the 6.5 cm midrange driver remain unchanged. Two passive radiators were added for particularly powerful bass.
Connections and functions of the Teufel Boomster
Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX for wireless playback in CD quality is also new. With Bluetooth True Wireless Stereo (TWS), two Boomsters can be operated as a true stereo pair from model year 2021.
The Boomster’s ports are located under rubber flaps on the back. As before, it can be used as a powerbank for charging smart devices via the USB port. Next to it is a port for the external power supply, which is part of the One-Box system’s standard equipment.
Program diversity built in: 3.5 mm jack input and the already mentioned DAB+/UKW tuner with three memory slots expand the range of music and information. The most important functions can be controlled via the included credit card-sized infrared remote control. This is very convenient compared to ordinary Bluetooth boxes.
Battery replacement fell victim to model change
The battery power is now enough for 18 hours. That’s almost twice as long as the previous Boomster. So far, so good. The old one had a flap on the back. The could be opened with a coin to remove the lithium-ion batteries and use eight ordinary AA batteries in their place. There is not much more to be said for the predecessor, which also did not have a remote control.
Clever detail: When the Boomster is not connected to the power supply, it automatically switches off completely in standby. It can then only be activated on the button on the top. Via remote control, wake-up is possible only after it is reconnected to the mains. Teufel thus avoids the creeping battery discharge.
In general, the Teufel Boomster can be operated intuitively. The keys on the top of the 3.75 kilogram plastic case, which are embedded in a rubber layer, are difficult to see indoors. The developers did not use color-coded icons.
If you find it in the party cellar with dim lighting, you can adjust the subwoofer level individually via the volume buttons after pressing the bass button. If you like, you can also control the playback with voice commands. However, the lack of a microphone only works via an Amazon Echo device with Alexa or via Google Assistant using a Google Home device.
Much to discover in the listening test
In the listening test, there was an unusual amount of program selection for a Bluetooth speaker. Besides wireless streaming from the smartphone or tablet, FM and DAB+ were available in addition to the analog input. The analog broadcast sounded quite undynamic and lacked transparency. Its reception performance was also rather mediocre – at least compared to digital radio, with which noise was also not an issue. DAB+ enabled stable, interference-free reception after a station scan. In terms of dynamics, attack, punch and transparency, however, the sound yield was still a bit behind Bluetooth. At least the sound was warm and not at all tinny. This predestines the Boomster with digital radio as a perfect background sound and news source.
But it wasn’t until Bluetooth that the devil really got going. In terms of dynamics, liveliness, bass punch and resolution, the Boomster went one better. However, voices sounded a bit rougher and cooler than with DAB+, which is acceptable considering the price. We really had fun on the bass. The Teufel Boomster impressed with both depth and punch and precision. The manual bass boost should therefore not be an issue for normal listeners.
Thanks to Dynamore, the one-box system manages a comparatively generous, wide stage imaging despite the two tightly packed 2-way systems of the left and right channels.
Increase through stereo from two boom stars
If you want to top it all off, you can drastically upgrade the maximum listening level and staging. Teufel provided us with a white test unit in addition to the black one. Via TWS, we paired the two wireless speakers to form a stereo pair.
However, we first had to read the detailed user manual on the Teufel homepage and ponder over it. It says, “To activate TWS pairing mode, press the Bluetooth button and the + button simultaneously on both Boomster speakers.” Only how to perform two “spider monkey grips” at the same time? However, it is sufficient to press the key combinations on both devices in succession. When “TWS” appears on the display, you have reached the destination. Accompanied by an initial whistling from one of the two speakers, there was then proper stereophony with music played via Bluetooth.
Despite TWS, the slight roughness in the voice range remained. But what was then offered in terms of bass punch, dynamics and, above all, spatiality, does not need to hide behind stereo systems made of individual components. As far as tracking or focus was concerned, the two then really made even spoiled listeners sit up and take notice.
Via smart device or with the infrared remote control, you can control the volume of both Boomsters synchronously during TWS playback.
Conclusion and alternatives to the Teufel Boomster
Teufel goes its own way with the Boomster, even in the second generation. It embodies a reanimation of the portable cassette radio rather than competing with a JBL Xtreme. For less than 400 euros there is so to speak full equipment with DAB + / FM tuner, standard power supply, carrying handle, power bank function and not to forget, dynamic sound with rich, clean bass reproduction. With TWS stereo from two Teufel Boomstern, you can definitely replace a small stereo system. There are actually no direct alternatives with the range of functions and the price, at least in the mobile segment.
- Price: approx. 370 euros
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 37 x 18 x 14.8 cm
- Weight: 3,75 kg
- Battery life up to 18 hours
- Special features: Protection against water jets according to IPX5, TWS stereo, remote control, powerbank function.
- More at: teufelaudio.com
