INTRODUCTION

   I can't speak for all of you but whenever i happen to go away on a trip (regardless on whether it's for business or pleasure) i always like to pack every single electronic device that could come in handy during that time. So aside my tablet, at least one portable battery (powerbank) and a wireless headset i always like to pack along a wireless speaker (which i usually pair with a wireless Seagate drive that holds my entire audio collection). Choosing the right wireless speaker however is not as easy as choosing everything else since i have to take into account size, audio quality, volume levels and even looks (especially if i will not be the only one using it). HAVIT recently send us their M22 Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker so since it did very well in our review we decided to also check out their more "impressive" M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker With Powerbank.

   HAVIT, since 1998, is the global professional brand of PC and mobile terminal peripheral; it is the national A custom enterprise, the enterprise with independent international brand that is key cultivated and developed by Guangzhou government. Its business covers brand operation, import and export trade, cross-border E-commerce and supply chain service. The sales network evolves more than 80 countries and regions. Except that, it establishes branch office for marketing in Miami, America. It becomes specialized manufacture of many international brands and supplier of chain groups. In recent years, HAVIT has fully entered into new channel and industrial field such as cross-border E-commerce, mobile terminal, Borlee 3D printing. Under the promotion of remarkable achievements, the influence of its brand has become bigger and bigger, in future; HAVIT will continue to strive for more excellent achievements. Enjoy what I have!

   Unlike the rugged M22 the M9 is actually a far more elegant (however far less durable probably) and impressive wireless speaker largely thanks to its cylinder like aluminum enclosure and its multi-color camping lamp like LED. However the strong selling point of the M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank is actually neither its multi-color camping lamp like LED (4 colors in total with 4 modes) nor its 4000mAh built-in lithium-ion powerbank (also gives the M9 up to 20 hours of audio playback) but rather its two 40mm full-range dynamic drivers (5W each) which due to their positioning can deliver balanced audio wherever you may be located around the speaker (360 degree audio). The M9 also features Bluetooth v2.1+EDR (enhanced data rate) connectivity with A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile), AVRCP (audio/video remote control profile), HFP (hands free profile) and HSP (headset profile).

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

We received the M9 inside a grey box that has a product picture at the front along with the company logo and genuine product seal.

The various uses for the M9 are showcased on the left side.

At the rear of the box HAVIT has printed the features and specifications of the M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker.

HAVIT has placed one side of the M9 in a formed piece of foam (yes packaging could be better).

Along with the M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank you will also get a USB to microUSB charging cable, user guide, support/service paper and the usual feedback cards.

THE M9

Weighing 660g and measuring 225mm in height and 92mm in diameter the M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank is certainly not the smallest one around.

To have a better idea about its size we placed it right next to the HV-SK159BT and the M22 (all by HAVIT).

Both drivers sit low around the base of the speaker so as expected this section is perforated.

The mid-section of the M9 is the camping lamp feature.

You can pick one of the 4 available colors seen above (with 4 different modes).

At the top of the speaker HAVIT has placed the various controls so here we see the power on/off, play/pause, volume up/down and LED buttons.

A nice looking PU leather handle is also located the top of the speaker.

Both the USB and microUSB charging ports are placed at the base of the speaker as seen above.

Turning the M9 over we see a thin rubber ring and a sticker with its electrical and Bluetooth specifications.

CONCLUSION

   I used the M9 for a total of 12 days while away from the office and at the end it left me with mixed feelings. The reason I say that is because although audio quality is actually quite balanced with good mids and highs bass levels could be a lot better. Of course the M9 doesn’t feature a bass port so that was to be expected but for people who are looking for a strong wireless speaker in that specific area the M9 is certainly not the one. We also encountered a few (4 during all the days i tested it) quick disconnections while streaming audio to the M9 but this is probably due to the somewhat outdated Bluetooth v2.1 version used. Build quality is also surprisingly good for a wireless speaker although I have to admit that the M22 is a much better overall solution especially if you want to use it outdoors. The LEDs are a nice touch and further add to the looks of the M9 but till this moment I don’t understand why HAVIT didn’t use RGB LEDs and an equalizer mode. Had they done so the M9 would be extremely hard (almost impossible really) to beat in its price category (even more so if they also gave it a bass port). As for battery life HAVIT is somewhat stretching things since at almost full volume we never even reached 15 hours. Of course their numbers may be with the LEDs turned off but if you were to buy the M9 chances are you would have them on at all times.

   One thing good about HAVIT is that they are well aware that they can’t compete with the big names in the industry and that means that their products are priced accordingly. When it comes to the M9 LED Bluetooth Speaker with Powerbank it currently retails for USD59.99 inside the USA (Directly from HAVIT) and for just 39Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) a price tag which I think is well justified for what you’re getting (especially the EU one). Sure you’re not getting the most powerful and highest quality wireless speaker in the market today but it’s a very balanced model that looks great, can be used as a powerbank and is offered at a good price so we strongly recommend checking it out.

PROS

- Aluminum Enclosure
- Good Audio Quality
- Multi Color LED Lighting with 4 Modes
- Battery Life (Up To 20 Hours)
- Price (EU)

CONS

- Control Buttons Not Illuminated
- Bass Levels Could Be Better
- Bluetooth v2.1
- Price (USA)