I’m a self-professed science fiction geek. I like every part from Afro-futurism to speculative fiction to large robotic anime, so after I obtained a pitch from Gravastar to check their new package, I used to be positively . Upon reviewing the web site, I observed that they provide varied keyboards, mice, and Bluetooth audio system, all futuristic, mech-themed {hardware}.
Typically, the issue with collectibles is that they are often “low-hanging fruit.” I like fascinating hoodies, and I’ve loads of them. A well-known DJ has his personal line of licensed hoodies and prints varied anime drops with beautiful graphics on these hoodies. Nevertheless, the price usually doesn’t match the construct high quality of the hoodies. So, I used to be in love with the daring graphics, however very a lot underwhelmed by the development and weight of the hoodies.
With that stated, I had two major considerations about testing the Gravastar Mars Professional V2 Bluetooth speaker: Would the construct high quality be trash? Would Gravastar give attention to aesthetics, to the detriment of the sound high quality?
After working that speaker on my desktop setup linked to 2 completely different computer systems and a Google Pixel 9 by way of Bluetooth and wired for a couple of weeks, I’ve my solutions — and so they include excellent news!
|
Class |
Gravastar Mars Professional V2 |
|---|---|
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C to three.5mm cable |
|
Codecs supported |
SBC, AAC |
|
Drivers |
Twin speaker system with passive bass radiator |
|
Charging |
USB-C |
|
Battery life |
15 hours |
|
RGB modes |
6 strong colours, gradient pulse mode, music sync mode |
Constructed like an enormous robotic!
There are video video games and manga/anime “mechs,” big, pilot-driven robots like Voltron or Evangelion. Then there’s the Gravastar Mars Professional V2, which is mech-themed, however aesthetically talking, it’s extra like tech out of a Terminator film.
Weighing simply over 2 lbs., this spherical speaker with a zinc alloy shell has a reassuring heft. It feels like a high-quality collectible. That’s necessary as a result of at $200, which is often on sale, you’d have some critical purchaser’s regret if the Gravastar Mars Professional V2 felt “plasticky” and low-quality.
The speaker’s essential physique and legs are geared up with fantastically positioned, vibrant RGB lights that provide six completely different strong colours, a gradient mode that cycles by the colours, and a music sync mode.
These are managed proper from a button on the again of the speaker, the place most controls are positioned. I will word that the music sync mode is merely okay. The lights pulse and vibrate near the beat of no matter you’re listening to. I discovered the gradient coloration cycle mode to be far more pleasing.
The legs provide some primary articulation, which permits the speaker to be elevated, minimizing floor vibrations and finally producing higher sonics. Small rubber bumpers on the outstretched legs’ contact surfaces assist dampen these vibrations.
You’ll discover the touch-sensitive quantity controls that work like a allure on the high of the speaker physique. Responsive to the touch, and the lighting follows responsively as properly, stepping by quantity ranges as you slide your finger alongside the strip.
Picture 1 of 5
With the Mars Professional V2 in entrance of you, the 20-watt, dual-speaker system incorporates a 2.5” full-range speaker and a 1” high-frequency tweeter.
The RGB lighting on the entrance not solely throws mild at you but in addition fantastically illuminates the speaker behind a honeycomb steel grill, as seen within the second slide within the gallery above. Even in full daylight, with home windows open and daylight saturating your room, these RGB lights are shiny with daring, wealthy colours.
There’s a passive bass radiator, much like what Sony did with the Field 1 Bluetooth speaker that I reviewed. That is on the rear, and above that, there are three management buttons: one for pairing, one other for energy, and the third controls lighting choices.
Every thing in regards to the Gravastar Mars Professional V2’s aesthetics says, “high-quality geek collectible.” That stated, aesthetics aren’t every part. They might bode properly for the remainder of the expertise, however a fairly chassis doesn’t assure lovely sound. So, let’s get to the listening expertise.
Operate as strong as kind
The Gravastar Mars Professional V2 Bluetooth speaker is greater than a fairly gimmick. The sound high quality is surprisingly good for a speaker this measurement, which seems so good and is so area of interest.
I linked the speaker to my iMac Professional by way of Bluetooth, then a Google Pixel 9, and a Microsoft Surface Pro 11 by way of Bluetooth and the equipped USB-C to three.5mm cable, which connects to the USB-C port on the underside of the speaker. The location of the port is an fascinating resolution, and if you are going to depart it plugged in, you will need to take into account a USB-C with a proper angle. Alternatively, you may spend a couple of {dollars} extra and purchase their bundle that features the mech-themed charging base/stand.
I attempted that very same wired reference to a special 3.5mm cable, and it didn’t work, so concentrate on that.
For a 20-watt speaker with solely a passive bass radiator, the Gravastar Mars Professional V2 produces shiny highs, punchy mids, and desk-rattling bass response. That stated, because of the physics concerned, you aren’t going to get a lot in the best way of sub-bass. Enjoying Skrillex’s “Mumbai Energy” and JID’s “Bruuuh – Remix” hit me with desk vibrating bass copy that was entertaining and appeased my inside bass head.
The extreme sub-bass that each songs are recognized for is flat, however that’s to be anticipated. I discover that subject with any of the smaller Bluetooth speakers we’ve tested that do not have an energetic subwoofer.
The technical high quality of your music recordsdata will impression the readability and nuance reproduced by the Mars Professional. I performed audiophile-grade FLAC recordsdata with the Floor Professional and Pixel 9, and the speaker gave me admirable sonic photographs. “Diamonds on the Souls of Her Sneakers” and “Sikiliza Kwa Wahenga” from the “Get Out” OST each had satisfying soundstages that gave a robust sense of depth and texture. The latter music’s haunting lyrical efficiency was shiny and clear, with an engrossingly darkish, resonant bassline.
As for GravaStar’s claims of this being the right speaker for audiophiles? Some audiophiles will most definitely debate that declare. The Sonics lack the delicate nuance within the mids that audiophiles would usually search for. “Wanna Be Startin’ One thing” from Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album has barely discernible backing vocals in its intro that, with audiophile-grade package, are a lot better represented throughout playback.
With the Mars Professional, in case you didn’t know that component was there within the combine, you’d miss it. The general sound signature of the Mars Professional V2 is hotter within the bass and mids, with extra emphasis on these frequencies than the highs. Listening to lower-quality, decrease information recordsdata like MP3s additional exposes this tuning.
The “mech” expertise
I discussed the lighting expertise earlier, however the remainder of the futuristic mech expertise is equally fulfilling and polished as a lot of the mild present. Powering up the speaker makes a neat tone like a mech coming on-line. The identical is true when powering down. When the battery begins working low, I get a verbal “Not sufficient vitality” warning, with vocal notifications which can be top quality and fully on theme for the product. There are many varied mech sounds, beeps, and digital sound results.
Talking of “not sufficient vitality,” you’ll possible get the complete battery lifetime of 15 hours that Gravastar advertises, however the quantity at which you play sound, and another components like style (bass-heavy particularly), will have an effect on that battery life.
Nearly as good as this single speaker sounds, I’d love to listen to two taking part in collectively, which you are able to do by good connection choices. There’s a TWS (True Stereo Sound) mode, permitting you to attach two and playback audio with stereo constancy. A Celebration Mode additionally permits you to daisy-chain a number of Mars Professional V2s for amplified sound.
The GravaStar Mars Professional V2 wouldn’t be full and not using a full set of collectible-grade desktop equipment. Their Mercury K1 Professional keyboard with RGB lighting and that spider-like, hunter-killer drone design language could be a variety of enjoyable as a part of a themed setup. Their M1 Professional mouse follows an identical aesthetic however with a ribbed, see-through, skeletal look that’s fairly interesting within the photographs I’ve seen.
A cool high-quality speaker
For these seeking to create a futuristic, mech-themed desktop expertise of their gaming room, workplace, or wherever, a Gravastar Mars Professional V2, or two, could be a high-quality addition. You’ll be able to even buy a themed charging cradle for the speaker to sit down on, so it’s all the time able to go. That stated, I’d like to see a plug-in model of the V2 that you just don’t should activate each time you flip your pc on.
Go! Go! Mars Professional!
Collectibles might be hit and miss in the case of their high quality, however Gravastar places up a strong providing with the Mars Professional V2. It has fantastically sensible RGB lighting and results, a sturdy, weighty zinc alloy physique, and strong sound high quality for its measurement.
