Review
Roderick Scott 0

These days it seems like everyone and their momma has a Bluetooth speaker.  Most of them work the same way.  You pair your smartphone to it and then enjoy wireless sound.  Some are from name and brands you're already familiar with while others are from those you have never heard of.  Most of them are meh, some are good, and a select few are actually great.  

UK-based company Bayan Audio is definitely one of those you more than likely never heard of.  Founded in 2011as they are working their way into the US market w/ their Soundbook speakers along w/ other products.  After spending quite some time w/ it for testing, we're gonna let you know exactly where their high-end Soundbook X3 lies in terms of meh, good, or great.  

 

bayan audio soundbook x3

bayan audio soundbook x3

Design

 
For starters, the X3 has unique look to it.  It sports a Rhombus-like shape w/ a durable, nylon flip cover that also works as a stand as well as to power the speaker on/off.  Also, the cover houses a built-in FM antenna as well.  It is made from high-grade aluminum that adds some heft to it but its not a heavy brick.  It only weighs in at 3.1lbs BTW.  Just enough weight to give it a premium feel to it.  BTW, the X3 can be paired via Bluetooth or NFC as well.  
 
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Underneath its metal-frame lies 4 1.5inch drivers w/ 1 3inch passive bass radiator to create a combined 20-watts of sound.  The front panel displays a Lite Brite-style LED letters that shows when the Soundbook is connected via Bluetooth (it will show 'BLUE') or when the battery is full (it will show 'FULL').  You got an internal mic to be used a speakerphone, a USB port that can charge your devices, and a pair of 3.5mm jacks for input + output.  So Bayan Audio definitely covered all bases in regards to connectivity and getting a wide range of uses out of the X3.  

bayan audio soundbook x3

Battery Life

 
Bayan Audio claims up to 10 hours of continuous usage w/ the X3 at 50% volume.  I can attest that the battery life on their high-end Soundbook speaker is phenomenal.  I've been testing it for months and only charged it once.  Giving it and awesome standby time.  As far as continuous usage is concerned, I got about closer to 12 hours.  Job well done to the folks over at Bayan Audio.  

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Sound

 
Now onto the actual sound portion of things.  The X3 does pump out a more bigger + louder sound than we heard on previous Bluetooth speakers.  
The only real flaw that I've come across is that its not as consistent in regards to bass performance.  I tested out the sound listening to some Sam Smith, Kiesza, Yeezus, Bilal, Schoolboy Q, and R. Kelly.  At certain volumes, the X3 will unfortunately distort the bass levels where it sound too loud.  Giving it an overcompensating bass performance.  This happen s a lot more when you put the volume closer to maximum.  The upside is that it already pumps out a big sound, you rarely need to go that high. 
 

soundbook x3 review grade

Although it's not perfect, the Soundbook X3 pumps out big sound for a Bluetooth speaker.  

TG 2 Cents

 
Already being a crowded space, Bayan Audio steps into the US Bluetooth speaker market.  The Soundbook X3 is a powerful and long-lasting Bluetooth speaker.  I love how the design helps it stand out amongst the crowd of rectangles and squares.  The durable cover adds a nice touch as well.  Despite the hiccups, it does offer a more fuller sound than other speakers.  Still giving it an advantage.  The X3 will be ideal for those who want bigger sound w/o investing into a home theater setup.  Buy yours here.

To Buy or Not To Buy

 
Priced at $300, it's definitely pricier than most Bluetooth speakers in the market.  For the price you pay, it should be a more consistent in regards to performance.  It's  a nice speaker but there are more comparable Bluetooth speakers on the market that less expensive like a Bose SoundLink Mini or a Logitech UE Boom for $200.  
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Author: Roderick Scott

Father. Husband. Creative. Mild foodie. Batman in my dreams.