review

Soundcore Motion X600 Review Spatial Audio Bluetooth Speaker

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

 
Introducing the Motion X600, a sound sensation so nifty, a Bluetooth speaker that'll make your tunes feel so thrifty!
In this review of the Motion X600, we will delve into the features, specifications, and performance of the Motion X600, providing objective information and subjective insights to offer a balanced perspective to show how the Motion X600 stands out in the crowded market of portable speakers.


One of the standout features of the Motion X600 is its immersive spatial audio. Inspired by theater acoustics, this speaker boasts 5 drivers and 3 amplifiers that are strategically positioned to deliver sound all around you - multi-dimensionally. The sound quality doesn't disappoint but bluetooth audio sounds a lot louder than wired audio. Thanks to LDAC support and 50W RMS output, you can easily fill a medium size space with high-quality audio - perfect if you're hosting a party. You can manually tweak the sound signature via the Soundcore app by using the sound presets and equalizer.


There is also TWS mode, which is great for really large gatherings. TWS mode lets you connect a second Motion X600 speaker together, which has the benefit of doubling the RMS to 100W! Once both speakers are connected together, the volume and playback controls merge into one so, you can control them from either speaker.  Waterproof protection is another notable benefit you get with the Motion X600. With an IPX7 rating, this speaker can withstand being submerged in water, making it suitable for a swimming pool but not the beach due to lacking dust resistance.


Battery life is an essential consideration for any portable device, and the Motion X600 offers a respectable 12-hour playtime when streaming audio via SBC. A full charge takes 6 hours via a 5V/3A wall charger (not included). It's also worth noting that LDAC, Spatial Sound and "BassUp" consume more battery. With spatial Sound and BassUp enabled at the same time, the battery life is around 6 hours at 100% volume.


Speaking of charging, the Motion X600 supports passthrough audio (in bluetooth and wired mode) during charging, which means you can listen to audio when connecting the speaker to a power source. The USB-C charging port is located on the backside of the speaker, covered with a rubber piece to prevent water ingress. The USB-C port is charging only - it doesn't support audio. That said, there is a 3.5mm aux port next to the charging port, which enables connection to a phone's 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.


There are controls on-board the speaker too, consisting of physical buttons with built-in lights, which cannot be turned off. The bluetooth light also stays illuminated after connection. Control buttons let you power off/on the speaker, as well as control volume, BassUp, voice assistant, calls (answer/end/reject), track skipping, Spatial Sound and play/pause. You can also enable TWS mode from the speaker by long pressing the power button. The buttons aren't touch sensitive but they are flat (except the power button) with a subtle clicky actuation.


The Motion X600 is supported by the Soundcore mobile app, which is free to download. You can skip email registration, which is nice so, you aren't forced to register an account in order to use the app but, you will need an account if you want to save app settings. The Soundcore app interface is simple and easy to navigate. The app gives you access to battery level, play/pause control, volume slider, auto power off, LDAC function and EQ settings, which include four sound presets and custom 9-band EQ mode to create your own sound signature.


In terms of power output, the Motion X600 isn't as powerful as the Motion Boom Plus which has a higher RMS outpit (80W), so it's louder and provides a more impactful sound than the Motion X600. The Motion Boom Plus provides a longer battery life too - 20 hours versus 12 hours for the Motion X600. Both speakers offer water protection, although the Motion Boom Plus has IP67 waterproof and dust resistance, while the Motion X600 only has IPX7 waterproof rating.


The Motion Boom Plus and Motion X600 support the newer Bluetooth 5.3 version and TWS mode which allows you to pair a second speaker together. That said, the Motion Boom Plus supports PartyCast, which allows up to 100 partyCast-compatible speakers connected together. The Motion Boom Plus is also able to create a more immersive audio experience across multiple speakers.


In the portability department, the Motion X600 weighs 1.9kg and measures 31cm long x 8cm deep x 17cm high. The dimensions of the handle are 29cm long x 2cm wide x 4cm high. The Motion X600 is heavy for a portable bluetooth speaker but, then again the Motion X600 isn't a regular speaker. Most of that weight comes from the internal hardware, which includes 5 drivers and 5 amplifiers. The Motion X600 body shell is made entirely of plastic - including the grab handle and speaker grille - with the exception of the bottom feet and top section which are made of soft rubber. The grab handle is made of textured plastic on the underside so, it isn't rubberized. The Motion X600 is 500 grams lighter than the Motion Boom Plus so, it's easier to carry. If weight is your biggest requirement, you should consider the Soundcore Motion Plus version, which weighs 1kg.

Potential deal breakers
  • No multipoint
  • Button lights cannot be turned off
  • 3.5mm audio cable not included
  • The USB-C port doesn't support audio
  • LDAC only supported on Android 8.0 or later
  • Slow to charge and no fast charging
  • Non-rubberized handle
  • AAC codec isn't supported
  • Short battery life
  • Wired audio isn't as loud as bluetooth audio
Selling points
  • Passthrough audio whilst charging
  • TWS mode - two speaker connection
  • Illuminated buttons
  • Physical buttons
  • 3.5mm headphone jack audio support
  • Can be easily carried between rooms

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