Orange Amps released its first ever Bluetooth Speakers

Adarsh V.KJune 1, 23 Bluetooth, Orange Amps, Speakers

It looks like guitar amp companies making Bluetooth speakers could be a new thing. UK-based Orange Amps has just released a duo of Bluetooth speakers called the Box and Box-L. The former is a portable, battery-powered model, while the latter is a corded option that’s more of a home appliance. Both reflect the design of this famous brand’s guitar amp and amplifier series, using the same colors, logo and control panel style. The specs point to decent stereo sound in the $300-$350 price range, with Bluetooth 5.0, aptX support, a Class D amplifier for the subwoofer, and Class AB analog amps to help a full range of drivers produce a warmer sound. However, there are some departures from expectations, such as the lack of USB charging, the front-only design, and the lack of weather resistance or IP rating.

The orange box is slightly smaller than the two models: 11 x 6.9 x 6.7 inches and 6.6 pounds with a vegan leather carrying strap. You can choose between a classic orange exterior or a black version priced at $299 (£275). It has a 4-inch subwoofer powered by a 30-watt Class D amplifier and a pair of 2-inch full-range speakers with two 10-watt Class AB analog amplifiers for a warmer sound.

Orange Box portable Bluetooth speaker. (Image credit: Orange Amps)

The battery-powered box’s technical data specifies a full charge time of three hours and a use time of at least 15 hours. It also packs a 2,600mAh lithium-ion battery, so we’re interested in a real-life test. There’s no USB port, so you’re stuck with the included 19.5V DC charging cable.

The wired model is called the Box-L, and it’s slightly larger at 13.8 by 7.9 by 7.9 inches and 9.6 pounds. It’s also available in orange or black and costs $345 (£315). As mentioned, the ship doesn’t have a battery, so it’s more of a stable beast. However, you can expect slightly better sound with a larger 5-inch subwoofer powered by a Class D amplifier and two 2-inch full-range speakers powered by two 10-watt Class AB analog outputs.

Orange Amps Box-L Wired Bluetooth speaker. (Image credit: Orange Amps)

Both models have 50W RMS output and a frequency response of 35Hz to 20kHz, so we’d expect them to probably pack a decent amount of bass. It also supports Qualcomm aptX for high-resolution audio, as well as AAC and SBC.

The general physical structure is the same in both Box and Box-L. The basic frame is wood, tuxedo (vinyl) covering. At the top is a control panel with knobs and switches, just like in the brand’s line of guitar amplifiers. It has a power switch, battery indicator, bass, treble and volume control knobs and a 3.5mm aux input. There’s also a Bluetooth pairing button that doubles as a play/pause control, and a small audible indicator lets you know if you’re pushing the system too hard. The company claims it maintains a right to repair and offers replacement parts if you can’t stop yourself from pushing the speaker in too hard and something breaks.

Both models are available today in the US, UK and the rest of the world under the Orange Amps brand and on Amazon. Although in Australia you may have to commit to ordering through Amazon or the company’s regional distributor, Australis Music Group. The portable Orange Box costs $299 (£275), while the wired Orange Box-L costs $345 (£315).