Here we go again, yet another portable Bluetooth speaker system with a built-in battery back up. We just can’t get enough of these things. BRAVEN recently released the BRAVEN SIX series speakers. Dubbing them ‘The World’s most talented speakers.’ Does the claim live up to its words? Let’s find out.
The BRAVEN SIX series includes three various models to choose from. There is the 600, 625s and 650. All three have the same speakers, similar design but is each unique in its own way and offers you something a little better with each model you go up. There will be a bit more about hat at the bottom of this review about each of the other models. We were fortunate enough to get our hands on the BRAVEN 600, which is the less expensive of the three, but not to be out done by its bigger brothers. Lets go a head and open her up and take a gander.
Whats in the box
- BRAVEN 600 Speaker
- USB cable
- Wall charger
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm headphone cable
- Silk carrying bag
Design
The BRAVEN 600’s design and build quality surpass most portable speaker units we have tested and used. The outer case is a solid piece of aluminum that comes in either the ash grey or in a Moab red. On the front and rear of the speaker is the grill that protects the speakers and allows for the sound to escape. This grill is a series of holes punched right though the aluminum housing giving it a solid construction and uniform look and feel. It is light weight and feels great in your hands. You can easily tell this isn’t just a toy speaker.
Inside this housing you will find two 3w speakers facing the front of the unit and passive sub-woofers facing the rear.
 
The sides where all your controls are black with black buttons. The only lights you will see are when checking the battery level, and a flashing or solid light when you flip the power button on.
 
Functionality
The BRAVEN SIX series is more than just a portable Bluetooth speaker with the ability to charge your phone. It also has built in speaker phone functionality. The 1,400 mAh rechargeable battery inside the unit gives you enough juice for approximately 12 hours of playback time via Bluetooth at medium volume. If you plan to charge your device the charge amount can vary. Mostly due to level of charge in the BRAVEN and the type of device you are charging. On a fully charged 600 you should be able to swing anywhere from 50% to 70% charge.
Sound Quality
Personally I am the kind of person that wants loud speakers that are clear and have some good bass. Getting that sort of sound out of a portable Bluetooth speaker can sometimes be a little tricky. The BRAVEN 600 delivers an extremely clear sound with enough bass to make the music sound rich and not over powered. Using a pair of 3w speakers to deliver 6w of total power is a nice upside compared to some of the 2w speakers we have used in the past. I was very pleased with the sound quality of the unit with regards to music and movies. The speakerphone aspect wasn’t as spectacular as the media sound quality though. Overall, the speaker sounds great though. It easily fills a room, campsite or car and looks great doing it.
Ease of Use
There is nothing complicated about the BRAVEN SIX line of speakers. Charging ports are easily accessible. Splitting the buttons to either side of the device that have significant relevancy to each other makes it simple to operate. With a dedicated power switch rather than a button you have to hold down for a set number of seconds make powering it on a breeze. No more remembering complicated light flashing sequences. Syncing the speaker to my device was just as easy, hold the phone button for 3 seconds to enter pairing mode and connect it to your device. It paired with ease and reconnects without a problem.
The additional 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable included gives the BRAVEN SIX the added ability to connect it to portable gaming units like Nintendo DS’s, PSP’s or Laptops and Netbooks. Giving you more sound where you need it quickly, easily and with style.
What we liked about the BRAVEN 600
The style and design have to be our favorite aspect of the device. It just looks great sitting out and visitors are always picking it up and asking about it. It is light weight at 12oz, but packs a great sound inside. The size is nice at  6.25 in. x 2.5 in. x 1.75 in, giving it presence when sitting out while maintaining portability. There is no need to memorize a series of different flashing lights or complicated multi-button commands. Hold the volume up key for 3 seconds to change your track forward, volume down key for 3 seconds to go back. Easy. It simple to use and lives up to its expectations.
What we didn’t like about the BRAVEN 600
No matter how great a product is designed or built there is always something that could be better. It was tough for us to find anything we really didn’t like other than the speakerphone sound quality. The people I spoke with had a difficult time hearing me and their voices were a little bassy. The speakerphone aspect of this device and of every single unit we have ever tested, has been a continuous problem. We aren’t sure if it is due to mics used, mic placement or lack of noise cancelling technology built-in. BRAVEN makes no mention of any noise cancelling built-in and this could be the issue. We aren’t sure.
Overall
If you are looking for a product that produces great sound quality for a variety of your devices and does more than just play music, the BRAVEN 600 is a great product to do it with. It looks great sitting out and sounds great when in use. With a price tag of $149.99, you are definitely getting a product that you can use anywhere any time.
BRAVEN has two other version of the SIX series also available. The BRAVEN 625s has all the same functions as the 600, but its outer edge is wrapped in rubber. It comes with a water proof carrying pouch, USB LED flashlight  and lanyard. The 625s is aimed more at the active users like hikers, bikers, boaters and campers. The 625s also gets a slight boost in battery power with a 1,700 mAh battery inside and can run for 16 hours of use on Bluetooth at medium volume. The BRAVEN 625s will set you back $179.99.
The Final of the three, is the BRAVEN 650. This is the top of the line model and looks similar to the 600. It comes in a more stylish and professional silver color. This model includes enhanced APTX wireless audio, and while we haven’t heard it ourselves, we can image it sounds a little bit better than the 600. The 650 also gets another battery boost with a 2,000 mAh battery inside that offers up to 20 hours of playback time. You can snag the 650 for a $189.99.
Feel free to place your order for the one that suites yours needs and lifestyle below. For more information about each version, head over to Braven.com.
