Last year, Tronsmart made a strong push in the party speaker market, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to industry leaders like JBL and Sony. Through the launch of several Bluetooth speakers in the Bang series, including the Tronsmart Bang, Bang Mini, and Bang SE, the Chinese audio and accessory brand has continued to innovate and evolve in the industry. And now, as we move into the new year 2023, Tronsmart has introduced a brand new speaker model called Tronsmart Halo 100, further solidifying its presence in the market.
Unboxing
- As I opened the box, I was immediately impressed by the sleek design of the Halo 100 Portable Party Speaker. The speaker was compact and lightweight, making it perfect for taking on the go.
- I dug deeper into the box and found the aux-in cable and type-c cable, both of which were clearly labeled and easy to identify. I was impressed by the quality of the cables. They felt durable and well-made.
- Next, I found the SoundPulse Card, a small card containing information about the speaker’s unique sound technology. I was intrigued by the technology and couldn’t wait to test it out.
- Lastly, I found the user manual and warranty card. The user manual was easy to understand and provided clear instructions on how to set up and use the speaker. The warranty card gave me peace of mind knowing that my speaker was protected for a certain period.
Design
The Tronsmart Halo 100 boasts an impressive size and weight, measuring 287mm in height, 198mm in width, 150mm in depth, and weighing 2.72kg. This is significantly larger and heavier than the Tronsmart Bang SE, which weighs just over two kilos. The lower half of the device features a prominent woofer with a diameter of approximately 4.53 inches.
The upper half is home to three smaller speakers, including two mid-tweeters (approximately 2.09 inches) and a pure tweeter (1.22 inches), offering a total power output of up to 60 watts for the entire device. However, specific information about speaker distribution needs to be provided. Regardless, it can be assumed that the woofer will receive more power than the tweeter.
The Tronsmart Halo 100 Bluetooth speaker is equipped with active and passive components for superior sound quality. The device features a large 5.6-inch passive radiator at the back, which works in conjunction with the dynamic speakers at the front to deliver added depth and fullness to the audio. The active speakers are protected by a durable aluminum grille, while the rest of the case is made of plastic. There may be small gaps in the construction, but overall the device is well-built, and the parts fit together neatly.
Designed for portability, the Halo 100 also features a carrying handle made of artificial leather for a comfortable grip. However, the material may become brittle when exposed to various weather conditions. The speaker’s controls are on the top and consist of a large rubberized control panel with familiar buttons, and an added “M” button for the “mode” function. Detailed instructions on the button assignments and functions are available in the user manual.
The Tronsmart Halo 100 Bluetooth speaker offers a variety of connections on the back of the device, including USB-A, USB Type-C, AUX, and MicroSD. Additionally, there is a reset button for added convenience. The USB-A port can charge other devices or play music directly from a USB storage device.
RGB LED’s
The “halo” in the name is not just a coincidence, as the speaker features an LED-illuminated circle and two mid-high drivers, making it a perfect addition to Tronsmart’s “Party Speaker” series. The backlight can be deactivated for those who prefer a subtler look, but it also adds a unique visual element to the device. Overall, the Tronsmart Halo 100 is a well-designed speaker with a large three-way system, which is not typically found in smaller speakers. The only downside is that it only comes in one color, but it would look great in white.
IPX6
Regarding protecting against water damage, The Halo 100 is rated at IPX6, which means it can easily withstand water jets from all directions. However, it should be noted that neither model offers protection against permanent immersion. It is important to exercise caution and take care of the connections, as a large rubber strap protects them for a reason.
It is always recommended to ensure that all connections are properly sealed and secured before exposing the device to any water. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your device remains fully functional even in wet conditions. Additionally, it is always a good idea to read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for the proper use and care of your device to ensure that you take all necessary steps to protect it from water damage. With the right care and maintenance, your device can function at its best, even in challenging conditions.
Sound Quality
With a 10-20% volume range, it can serve as a background sprinkler, providing ambient sound to a room. At 50%, it can comfortably fill a small to medium-sized room with a decent volume, making it perfect for an office setting. However, at higher volume levels, it can serve very large rooms with sound, making it great for parties and other events.
One of the main drawbacks of the Halo 100 is its need for more accuracy at higher volume levels. It becomes very loud at 90-100%, but the sound quality could be cleaner and clearer at lower volume levels. The highs, in particular, could be more well-defined, despite including a tweeter. This is particularly noticeable when listening to music indoors but may be less pronounced when used outdoors.
Additionally, the tuning of the Halo 100 is quite low, which makes everything sound dull from the start. The drivers also don’t work in high resolution in this area, which can be disappointing for those looking for a more hi-fi sound experience. While the Halo 100 is not intended for orchestral sounds, other speakers in its class, such as the Bang SE, do better. Unfortunately, it is difficult to counteract this with the equalizer, which can be a limitation for some users.
Despite its ability to reach low frequencies, it needs to improve in terms of resolution and bass depth. Including a bass reflex tube would enhance the overall sound and provide a more immersive listening experience. However, it’s important to note that the Halo 100 excels in simpler tracks, where the individual drivers can shine and separate different elements of the music.
The Tronsmart Halo 100 offers decent sound quality when considering the price point. While it may not be a suitable replacement for a traditional home speaker, it’s the perfect addition to any house or garden party. Its portability and durability make it a great option for outdoor events and gatherings.
Tronsmart APP
The Tronsmart Halo 100 Bluetooth speaker is a cutting-edge audio device that offers a wide range of features and functionality to enhance your music listening experience. One of the most notable features of this speaker is its support for control via a mobile app. You can access a plethora of advanced settings and customization options by downloading the Tronsmart app, available for both Android and iOS platforms.
One of the most useful features of the Tronsmart app is the ability to update the firmware on your Halo 100 speaker. This ensures that your speaker is always running the latest version of the software, which can improve performance and fix any bugs or glitches that may have been present in previous versions.
In addition to firmware updates, the Tronsmart app allows you to customize the equalizer settings on your Halo 100 speaker. This means you can fine-tune the audio output to your personal preferences, making your music sound exactly how you want it to.
Another unique feature of the Halo 100 speaker is its LED lighting. The speaker has a total of 5 different LED modes, each of which flashes to the beat of the music, bringing your favorite songs and the life party. This makes the Halo 100 ideal for parties and other events where you want to add some visual flair to your music.
Battery
The Tronsmart Halo 100 is a portable Bluetooth speaker that boasts a powerful 6,000 mAh battery, which according to the manufacturer, can provide up to 18 hours of music playback time. However, it is important to note that this estimation is based on ideal conditions such as 50% volume and no use of the RGB LED lights. In real-world usage, the Halo 100 has been found to have a battery life of around 10-11 hours before needing to be recharged.
One potential downside of the Halo 100 is its charging time. With an input charging capacity of only 10W, it can take over 5 hours to fully charge the speaker when it has been completely drained. This may be an issue for users who frequently rely on their speaker for extended periods. Despite this, the Tronsmart Halo 100 is a great option for anyone needing a portable Bluetooth speaker with a powerful battery and various features.
Verdict
Tronsmart has made a strong impression in the market with its Party series of portable speakers, and the Halo 100 is no exception. This device stands out among its competitors for its unique features and excellent value for money. Despite its affordable price point, the Halo 100 boasts impressive volume and sound quality performance.
One of the most notable features of the Halo 100 is its ability to connect to other speakers in a Bluetooth stereo network. This allows users to create an immersive and powerful sound experience, making it perfect for parties and gatherings. The device’s design is also noteworthy, with a sleek and modern look that is sure to impress.
However, it’s important to note that the Halo 100 has limitations. While the sound quality could be better, it may not be suitable for audiophiles looking for the highest level of sound clarity. Additionally, the device’s build quality may not be as durable as some of the more premium portable speakers on the market.
Overall, the Tronsmart Halo 100 is a great option for affordable and powerful portable speakers. Its unique features and impressive sound performance make it a top choice for music lovers on a budget. For buyers, it’s suggested to consider the usage of the device and the sound quality expectations before making the purchase. Also, it’s recommended to check the build quality and durability to ensure long-lasting use.
