STEREO GUIDE verdict
The Tronsmart Bang 2 has noticeably improved performance, dynamics and runtime. The bass is powerful and controlled, voices sound clear and present. Despite a small mystery surrounding the battery information, the party speaker impresses with its well thought-out features, high volume and solid outdoor concept. A successful step forward compared to its predecessor.
Pros
- Rich, clean bass and high level stability
- Logical app and well-designed control panel on the device
- Long battery life
Cons
- Sound somewhat harsh, sharp at very high levels
- The bass gets boomy in rooms
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Tonal balance / transparency6.6
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Bass / Dynamics8.6
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Usability / Connectivity9.3
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Price/Performance9.3
Just over a year ago, we reviewed the predecessor of the Tronsmart Bang 2, which appeared as an affordable alternative to the top dogs from JBL Xtreme 3 and the like. Nothing has changed in the concept of Generation 2: A barely compact, IPX6 splash-proof Bluetooth ghetto blaster on a fixed handle, which is particularly recommended for outdoor use on the sports field, on the beach or in the park. In terms of mobility, it scores with a slightly lower weight than its predecessor, but has increased slightly in width and height. With a metallic blue, a very fresh color variant has been added that sets the Bang 2 apart from the standard black.
The manufacturer advertises the Tronsmart Bang 2 with quite astonishing improvements in the B grades: the battery life is now said to be up to 26 hours (at half volume and without light, previously it was 15 hours). In our experience, this is not too high. The battery capacity has been increased from 10,800 mAh to 18,000 mAh to extend the battery life. However, there are again contradictions between the information on the manufacturer’s website and the user manual, which we used as a guide. After all, it makes sense to do the math when it comes to power consumption. The often-missed shoulder strap is included and there is also the promise of a significant leap forward in terms of amplifier power (90 instead of 60 watts) and bass performance.
We were particularly interested to see whether the sound character had improved at higher volumes. This was a very clear point of criticism in our review of the Tronsmart Bang (Generation 1) and prevented a higher rating.
More power, new chassis concept
The most unusual change behind the mesh fabric of the baffle can be seen in the driver configuration: the Tronsmart Bang 2 relies on mono reproduction in the low-mid range, but still retains two tweeters. While you can only expect a rudimentary stereo effect from the latter, the large, oval racetrack midwoofer makes perfect sense when it comes to increasing the cone area, bass response and efficiency compared to its predecessor with two smaller woofers.
Two side-mounted passive radiators help in the lower bass range. At the same time, the total output power has increased from 60 to 90 watts. The central bass-midrange driver alone accounts for 66 watts of this. The round feet on the sides next to the radiators also allow the Tronsmart to be used standing up. Theoretically at least, because it’s a wobbly thing.
Connectivity and connections
The Bang 2 has a more modern version of the Bluetooth interface (5.3). It can be easily connected to other devices of the model to form a stereo pair, or operated with up to 100 other Bang 2s in party mode. On the back of the plastic housing, which is protected
The USB-C cannot be switched as an input, but is only used for charging or the power bank function. As mentioned at the beginning, the manufacturer makes somewhat contradictory statements regarding the capacity of the built-in batteries, but calculated in mAh, the battery is enormous. To charge it in a reasonably adequate time, we recommend the USB-C port and a 9V power adapter.
Tronsmart Bang 2: Operation and app
Compared to the predecessor of the Tronsmart Bang 2, the operating buttons are printed in white and are therefore very easy to recognize. The operation is exemplary intuitive except for one point: There are two buttons with symbols that cannot be categorized without the operating instructions. These are the TuneConn and Soundpulse EQ buttons. With the first, speakers can be wirelessly paired as party chains or stereo pairs via Bluetooth. The second can be used to influence the sound tuning. Among the Bang’s sound modes, the Soundpulse preset is designed for maximum party effect.
Functional app
The lighting effects can be changed or deactivated in the free Tronsmart app for Android and iOS. There is also an equalizer with six sound presets, including “Rocks”, which suggests a lax approach to automatic translations. The equalizer can also be manually adjusted to the room and taste in 5 bands. The voice assistants of the smartphone paired via Bluetooth can be activated by voice via built-in microphones (depending on the operating system, “Hey Siri”, “OK Google” or “Hi Cortana”).
How does the Tronsmart Bang 2 sound: better than its predecessor?
In the open-air sound test, the Tronsmart Bang 2 showed that it can generate plenty of volume and lives up to its reputation as an affordable party speaker. We were particularly impressed by the rich, deep and clean bass in pop music, hip-hop and electronic music, which was amazingly enjoyable up to high volume levels. However, it didn’t really harmonize with the rest of the spectrum, as the Tronsmart Bang 2 combined a thin basic tone with an overly fresh, not quite clean brilliance.
Although, in contrast to its predecessor, the sound did not tilt into sharpness as the level increased, all music with voices sounded somehow exaggeratedly artificial, over-brilliant and sometimes harsh. Even in the Classic and Standard modes, it was unable to shed this character. However, when it came to pure party mood instead of hi-fi naturalness, the Bang 2 delivered in open-air mode when the “Soundpulse” setting was selected, which took things up a notch in terms of bass and penetrating treble.
We struggled a little with the indoor mode: in the apartment, the still rich, impulsive bass outside tipped over into over-fatness and sometimes caused a boomy boom. The tonal imbalance, especially with voices and instruments with a lot of overtones such as brass and electric guitars, also became even more apparent here.
Tronsmart Bang 2: Verdict and alternatives
On paper, the Tronsmart Bang 2 offers a lot of power and a wide range of connectivity options for little money. The long battery life and the rich, powerful bass outdoors should make it particularly attractive for applications such as in the park or on the sports field. Especially as it sounds quite assertive and the bass remains quite rich even at higher levels. It is definitely worth the extra cost compared to its predecessor, the Tronsmart Bang (Gen 1), simply because of the increased bass and level qualities and the less aggressive sound at high levels.
However, those who expect hi-fi qualities, like to listen to music with vocals or want to use the Bang 2 in smaller rooms should be careful. Here, the Tribit Stormbox Blast delivers significantly better qualities, even if the price and weight would speak in favor of the Tronsmart.
Technical specifications: Tronsmart Bang 2
- Manufacturer’s suggested retail price: 130 Euro
- Dimensions (W x H x D ): 38.9 x 20.8 x 15.9 cm
- Weight: 2.6 kg
- Battery life up to 26 hours
- Special features: AUX input, IPX6 water protection, stereo pairing, party mode, LED light organ, power bank
- More at: www.tronsmart.com
