Smart speakers • Non-Gaming • Science & Technology • Eurogamer.net

Vice.Destroyer 4 Dec 2019 11:04:14 7,437 posts
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It's a little late to ask for advice, so I guess I'm looking for affirmation. I got the taste for smart speakers since I got a free Google Home Mini because I had the family tier of Spotify. I keep telling myself to ignore the nagging doubts about privacy by reminding myself that my mobile has not left my side for over 15 years and it's a little late to now sorry about a hot mic within earshot now.

Thanks to black Friday I now got myself a Google Nest Mini and two Amazon Echo (3rd generation). The Nest for my kitchen. The Echoes as Christmas presents. (Ł59 each).

Quick question, in regards to the audio quality, I was flirting with the idea of getting a HomePod instead of one of the Echoes, for my new brother. But I thought that the difference in audio quality would probably be lost on all but actual sound engineers. Should I have been more generous or was it a good choice?

BinaryBob101 4 Dec 2019 11:13:57 27,755 posts
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You're not really buying any of the cheaper smart speakers for audio quality, they're more convenience tools for use in the kitchen, or just to have music on in the background anywhere in the house.

If they haven't got any yet, then don't sweat it, folks won't be bothered about the audio quality if they get along with it as a tool.

Tonka 4 Dec 2019 12:10:38 31,979 posts
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Buy a set of IKEA speakers.

Psiloc 4 Dec 2019 12:19:31 6,366 posts
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The sound quality of the Echo Dot is actually incredible for its size and the price you can get them for

mrpon 4 Dec 2019 12:24:09 37,366 posts
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The Echo Studio is amazing, apparently.

nickthegun 4 Dec 2019 12:25:18 87,711 posts
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The echos are fine for the kitchen or whatever. I use one as, basically, a DAB radio.

Technoishmatt 4 Dec 2019 13:01:39 5,365 posts
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The larger echoes all have decent quality I think. I have also read that the much larger studio is a step up. I have an Echo plus that does a good job.

The dots are pretty shit in terms of music quality (but still value for money).

For properly listening to music I have my echoes connected to receivers and speakers.

Psiloc 4 Dec 2019 13:41:49 6,366 posts
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There's a massive sound quality improvement with the newer dots.

They ain't gonna be your main sound system or anything but I've always been seriously impressed for the size of them and the fact they're like Ł22 or whatever

Technoishmatt 4 Dec 2019 13:42:48 5,365 posts
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Yes impressive... but still shit.

elstoof 4 Dec 2019 13:58:11 28,125 posts
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HomePod sound is brilliant, I’m thinking of getting a second one - surely it depends on what ecosystem your brother’s already using though as I can’t imagine the HomePod would be much cop if he’s not already on Apple platforms

Psiloc 4 Dec 2019 14:21:47 6,366 posts
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I did wonder that too. I'd only get a HomePod if you're really bedded in with Apple.

Personally, whether Apple or Google or Amazon, I've never really seen those things as the main sound system for any source of music. I've personally got a Dot in the living room because I just connect it to the sound bar when I need the quality. I've got better ones in the dining room and game room true, but if I wanted hundreds of pounds worth of speaker, I'd buy a real sound system and connect a Dot to it.

elstoof 4 Dec 2019 14:57:18 28,125 posts
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The HomePod is my main sound system at home, don’t have a hifi any more. The sound is that good, and it goes fucking loud without losing anything. It’s expensive though, and you need an Apple Music sub to get the most out of it, but the sound is as good as they say

Dougs 4 Dec 2019 15:44:23 100,414 posts
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My only criticism of smart speakers is that the granular detail can be a bit hit and miss. Getting them to play specific albums or playlists can be a bit shit. Fine for genres or shuffle all etc though.

Zomoniac 4 Dec 2019 16:28:55 10,628 posts
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Get a Sonos One unless he’s all about Apple Music.

TommyUnderwear 4 Dec 2019 17:22:39 393 posts
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Zomoniac wrote:
Get a Sonos One unless he’s all about Apple Music.

I'd go with this. Am using the One and have 4 echo dots and an echo plug around the house and they are awful for sound compared to a real speaker. Great for bits of info and convenience but thats about it.

Vice.Destroyer 4 Dec 2019 17:36:05 7,437 posts
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Thanks for your suggestions, gents. My brother is indeed all in with Apple. His entire lineup (kids and wife) have iPhones with an Apple Music sub. That's why I went for the Amazon Echo, since it's either that or the HomePod if you want Apple Music compatibility. Aside from Bluetooth.
As I said, it has now been bought and I really wanted to see, after the fact, whether the audiophiles among us approve of my choice.

lordofthedunce 4 Dec 2019 17:50:29 775 posts
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I keep toying with the idea of a smart speaker for the kitchen but in the end I keep coming back to the fact that I always have my phone on me. I figure that Spotify connect is enough for my needs, really.
What might tempt me is a decent smart screen, rather that solely the smart speaker, but for some reason none have Netflix on them yet.