STEREO GUIDE verdict
In the review, the Teufel Rockster 2 set exclamation marks in terms of level stability and bass volume. The large party speaker with Bluetooth 5.3, 440 watts of power, replaceable battery and microphone connection impressed in the practical test despite its rather spartan app. However, with its heavy weight of 44 kg and impressive dimensions, mobility is limited despite the castors supplied.
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Very good workmanship
- Practical power bank function
- DMX lighting system control
Cons
- App could be more versatile, e.g. equalizer
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Tonal balance / transparency9
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Bass / Dynamics10
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Usability / Connectivity9.5
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Price/Performance9.4
Now is the season for the Teufel Rockster 2! Whether in the allotment garden, by the pool or on the terrace, with the “event Bluetooth speaker”, as the Berliners call their largest and heaviest mobile speaker, you will be able to assert yourself. And that’s a promise. And not only there. The Teufel Rockster 2 is also ideal for a wide range of events, such as clubhouses, youth centers or school auditoriums. Depending on the size of the event, you can have two, but “only” a maximum of 100 Teufel Rockster 2s (in case you’re playing in Versailles).
Plenty of connections and solid workmanship
The new “monster” (weighing just under 44 kg) is the successor to the original Rockster, which has been in the range since 2016. This is a rarity in the Bluetooth speaker segment, but a Rockster cannot be compared with conventional “speakers” and is not purchased incidentally, but very consciously for its intended use (see above). The new model comes with four castors, two of which are fitted with brakes, which should also be used. This is because the Teufel Rockster 2 produces such bass forces that it is happy to start moving if the surface is easy to walk on …
Extremely level-resistant, but not particularly waterproof
Technically, Teufel relies on a comparatively simple but extremely level-resistant speaker concept for the Rockster 2. A 35-millimeter compression driver with a polypropylene cone is used for the treble range, while a huge 38-centimeter woofer made of water-repellent cellulose takes care of the bass range. The team is powered by a Class D power amplifier with an output of 440 watts RMS. According to the manufacturer, the party speaker achieves a maximum sound pressure level of an impressive 126 dB at a distance of one meter and covers a frequency range of 36 to 20,000 Hertz (-6 dB). Even on paper, this makes it clear that the Rockster 2 was designed less as a classic Bluetooth speaker and more as a mobile sound system for larger events.
Whether it’s a karaoke party or a disco, the Rockster 2 can handle anything, even if it gets a little damp outside. It is certified to IPX2, which according to the standard means that it is protected against dripping water falling at an angle of up to 15°. Whoever sets these standards, the Teufel from Berlin is certainly not suitable for swimming and extreme Wacken-like events (heavy rain and mud) are not its thing. It’s perfect for putting pressure on (oh yes, very good!), more on that below, and it’s extremely easy to connect. The workmanship is flawless, nothing creaks, the front perforated plate also makes a more than solid impression during the knock test.
The cover on the back of the Rockster 2 is versatile: instruments such as electric guitars or keyboards can be connected via a 6.3 mm jack socket. An XLR microphone input is also available for moderation or karaoke. The party box also offers an additional line input via cinch if a tape deck or CD player needs to be connected. Teufel has also thought of a headphone output including volume control. Smartphones can be charged via the integrated USB port, while another Rockster 2 can be connected via XLR output.
Class D power amplifier from TI
What’s inside? We’ve already talked about the power, which is currently provided by a Class D DSP power amplifier from Texas Instruments. A 38 cm woofer with waveguide and a compression tweeter with tweeter horn are also responsible for the good sound. In addition to the connections listed above, the Teufel Rockster 2 can also establish contact with Bluetooth (version 5.3) devices, with two integrated receivers that are compatible with AAC, which means that two smartphones can be connected in parallel, supported by a source balance control. According to the manufacturer, the supplied and replaceable 99 watt-hour (Wh) battery should last up to 15 hours at medium volume. There is no need to connect a car battery, as was the case with the predecessor, but an additional rechargeable battery does have a moderate impact on the budget at a cost of 120 euros. A burner for “Rudi’s rolling disco” & Co. is DMX Control, which can be used to control the corresponding lighting systems.
Practical detail: iPad holder
Operation is almost self-explanatory. After switching on, the Rockster 2 announces itself with the typical Teufel “Blobb”. The control panel is located under a sturdy flap, an orange rubber lip is intended for clamping an iPad. That is practical. The control panel itself allows you to control two Teufel Rockster 2s, which is likely to be the case very often. The Berliners are also offering the duo at a reduced price. The microphone input is very good when the “Voice Clarity” is switched on, which improves speech intelligibility.
Teufel Go App
Yes, there is an app for the Teufel Rockster 2 and it’s called “Teufel Go”. If you are a DJ behind the infernal machine yourself, you won’t need it and you probably won’t need it too often. But yes, if you’re off to the bar, you can also use the iPad to lock the controls on the device and remotely adjust the volume, switch on ECO mode and switch on the microphone if Karin from the bowling club wants to make an announcement while you’re still ordering a rum and coke. The DMX lighting control can also be regulated via the app. For example, the “Lively” and “Soft” effects. Depending on the mood and music material. You can also activate a change of color schemes every 15 minutes.
Sound test: Pressure to the limit
The performance: The big devil doesn’t let himself be outdone. I challenged the incarnate being in the speaker and fed the Rockster 2 with Prince’s “This Could Be Us” from the album “Hitnrun Phase One”, among other things. Even at a fairly low volume level in the 80 square meter listening room, a cooling breeze blew around my trouser legs from the rear bass reflex channel. To illustrate what was being blown out, I placed two sugar sachets in the opening to demonstrate for you the forces at work there. The bags certainly get going (see picture sequence). Nina Hagen’s interpretation of “Seemann” (Apocalyptica) was also a joy to listen to and even Hermann van Veen’s “Weg da!”, in which a tuba sets the beat, makes a lot of pressure.
Yes, the highs are sometimes a little sharp, and there could be a little more detail in the mids. Furthermore, the Teufel Rockster 2 has a slight tendency towards nasality. Hey, but relax, that’s complaining at a high level. We’re talking about a party speaker for the big outdoor party. If you want hi-fi, buy hi-fi and listen to it from your sofa. Fine-tuning is also always possible using the treble, mid-range and bass controls. Freely definable equalizer presets within the app might have been the icing on the cake here, but this is not planned. Teufel itself is not silent on the subject and writes: “You cannot adjust the sound character of the ROCKSTER 2 in the app, as the ROCKSTER 2 has separate controls for bass, mids and treble for the different channels.” You can leave it at that.
Conclusion and alternatives: Teufel Rockster 2
The Berliners have taken their Rockster to the next level of performance. Not only in terms of weight, the predecessor “only” weighed 32 kg, the “two” weighs 44 kg. You can feel this in every nook and cranny. The Teufel Rockster 2 is superbly finished, sounds significantly better than the first version and the replaceable battery lasts longer, which also increases its utility value many times over. The connection options leave nothing to be desired and the level stability will make your ENT sit up and take notice (especially if you buy the Teufel in a double pack).
The Rockster is not the largest, but it is the heaviest party speaker in our reviews. The slightly higher Sony ULT Tower 10 is a good deal lighter at under 30 kilograms and stood out in the test with its almost ludicrous level stability. However, the lack of a battery ties it to the mains. It would therefore only be an alternative for the party room at the same price. The smaller Sony ULT Tower 9AC (list price 700 euros) is also available in a mobile version with an integrated battery for an additional 300 euros. However, the Japanese party speaker failed to convince us in terms of sound, particularly due to the mumbly, soft and uncontrolled bass.
We have not yet reviewed the direct counterpart to the Rockster 2 from JBL on STEREO GUIDE. The Ultimate party speaker, which is over one meter high and weighs just under 40 kilograms, is on a par in terms of price and also promises bass power and volume to the max due to its technical concept and cabinet volume. The JBL Partybox 520 we reviewed is two sizes smaller, but should be sufficient for use in the party room in most cases to produce sound pressure, bass and atmosphere, especially as for the recommended retail price of the Teufel Rockster 2 you can get almost two of these party speakers, which are very mobile for their size thanks to the trolley concept with wheels and extendable handle for proper stereo playback.
You can find more alternatives in our HiFi best list
Technical data: Teufel Rockster 2
- Manufacturer’s recommended retail price: 1,200 euros (double pack: 2,280 euros)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 52.4 x 98 x 59.5 cm - Weight: 43.79 kg
- Battery life up to 15 hours
- Special features: Inputs: 2x XLR, 1x RCA stereo, 1x 3.5mm jack, 1x 6.3mm jack, instrument input (guitar/keyboard or similar); Outputs: 1x XLR, 1x 3.5mm headphone output, USB-C (for charging/connecting); DMX control, Bluetooth 5.3 (with aptX, AAC); Battery: Replaceable, 99.84 Wh
- More at: teufel.de
