Review: XMI X-Mini II

Summary

XMI has release their generation 2 of Xmini, which is officially call Xmini II or Xmini 2nd Generation. This is part of the new model for their mono speaker series.

I personally own the Xmini MAX which belongs to their stereo speaker series and personally very happy with the performance especially the amazing sound for such a speaker size. As such, I will be comparing the performance using the Xmini MAX compared to the Xmini II.

The Xmini II is physically bigger then Xmini MAX in terms of speaker/driver size but shorter then the Xmini II, the pictures will give a clear idea. It is still very handy size and will fit into your palm (man-sized) or pocket with no issues.

For the new size, It has a significantly bigger driver then the X Mini II and that allows for much richer sound as compared to the Xmini MAX. Besides the new driver, there are a few more improvements to the design which XMI has improved from the 1st generation of Xmini and Xmini MAX.

Sound
Generally, the Xmini II gives out a much richer sound, in terms of bass and clarity. The sound is much warmer then Xmini Max and really shows off a nice smooth tone likely due to the larger driver. Next to the Xmini MAX, the MAX sounds “thin” and not as smooth and warm as the Xmini II.

Having said this, the Xmini II is a mono speaker and loses to the Xmini MAX in terms of soundstage and loudness. No matter how loud the Xmini II can go, it will lose out in loudness to the dual Xmini Max speakers and due to the dual speakers configuration, the sound is more “3D” then the Xmini II.

If you are very particular about the sound quality, I would say that the Xmini II is more suitable for your needs and it is also possible, with a bit of DIY, to custom make an audio cable to hook up 2 sets of Xmini II, 1 unit to transmit RIGHT and 1 unit to transmit LEFT thus converting the mono Xmini speakers into stereo configuration alike to Xmini MAX.

Features
One of the much highlighted feature of the Xmini II, is the ability to daisy chain several units of Xmini II in a round configuration, meaning you will get a louder sound from the multiple Xmini IIs that you hook up. It’s important to note that the more Xmini II you hook up will result in a louder sound which does NOT translate to a better sound, it is just well .. louder.

Picture courtesy from CNet Asia

The Xmini II retains the cool factor of the 1st generation such as the extendable bass vacuum with you can open with a twist.

The Xmini II also improves certain aspects of the earlier generation. 3.5mm Audio Cable is now built-in to the speaker which is very cool and convenient although a bit short in length, you may end up carrying a 3.5mm extension cable in the end.

The volume control is also now built-in to the speakers instead of the usb cables for the previous generation, the sunken-in design is not very easy to reach but functional enough, definitely better then the 1st generation.

Finally, XMI has bumped up the battery life to 10-11 hours per charge, which we were unable to verify to due time limitation.

Here's videos on the Xmini II and Xmini MAX in action. Do note that the video speakers on my camera aren't very good and it is NOT a true representation of the sound quality. In fact, I would say that the actual sound quality is much better then what you will see in the videos.

Xmini II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1BUlfWN0mk

Xmini MAX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_-8xr-HTAI

Verdict
All in all, we are very impressed with most of the sound of the new drivers and new features that improved the implementation from the 1st generation.

If you are looking for small portable speaker with reasonable sound, the Xmini II is a well designed product with a reasonable price tag and will satisfied your needs. Not to mention, the cool design will invite envy stares and curious on-lookers anywhere.

XMI Xmini II can be bought for 49.90 SGD at Challenger.

Product Link:
http://www.x-mini.com/

Scorecard

Build: 8/10
Sound: 7/10
Value: 7/10

Thanks Irene for loaning me her Xmini II for review.