Overview of the Philips Shoqbox SB7300 Portable Audio System

Philips SHOQBOX SB7300 was presented in 2012 at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin. Compact, stylish, with good sound for its size - the main features of a portable speaker system which I will tell you today.

► Declared specifications

4 x 1 "neodymium magnet based emitter + 1 low-frequency wOOx (total output power: 12 W)

Bluetooth profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP

The ability to control gestures

3.5 mm line input

Voice alert on charge level and connection status

1300 mAh battery (up to 8 hours)

Dimensions: 63 x 63 x 182 mm

Weight: 0.61 kg

A complete table of specifications from the official website of the manufacturer

In the Shoqbox lineup, besides the hero of our today's review, there are 2 more models - the SB7100 and SB7200. The first, in terms of design, is a complete analogue of the SB7300 (with the exception of color color), and is distinguished by two emitters (instead of four) and, accordingly, output power, which positively affected the weight and size parameters. The second model is also built on the basis of two emitters and differs from its senior counterparts in a shock and waterproof housing.

► Packing and packaging

Philips SB7300 comes in a fairly large box of thick cardboard black. All sides are filled with text informing us about certain features inherent in this device.

For example, the audio system can be used both vertically and horizontally. Interesting is the ability to combine two devices to get stereo sound. Such a system 2.0.

In addition to the “shock box” itself, the package includes: a huge number of instructions in various languages, warranty card, certificates of conformity with GOST and CE (more about them later), 3.5 mm stereo cable for line-in, USB cable and charger.

The power supply is standard: 2 A and voltage of 5 V. It is assembled soundly, it heats up during charging, but not critical.

By the way, about certificates. If you believe these pieces of paper, our test subject corresponds to at least 5 guests. All of them are in the “Electromagnetic Compatibility of Technical Equipment”, except for the latter - IEC 60065-2009 , which is responsible for safety requirements.

Good quality packaging, quality packaging, in a word - brand.

► Design, build quality

The whole device is made of metal. From the general concept stands out only the pad on the sensor control gestures. The speakers are covered with a metal grid, and the ends are covered with aluminum lining.

On one of the ends are all the main controls: the volume control and the function button (about it later). The first, besides, is combined also with the power button. The controller has an unlimited course, but when the volume is set to maximum, the device will beep and after that, with a pleasant female voice, will notify you of the achievement of the final indicator.

The opposite is covered with a rubberized cover, which is also used as a stand when using the Philips Shoqbox SB7300 in a vertical position. Under the cover is a connector for charging the Micro USB format.

The lower part (the junction of the protective mesh) is masked by a small aluminum plate with integrated rubber feet. Nearby you can see a line-in port for wired playback devices.

In general, the design of the "Shockbox" leaves only positive impressions. The whole construction is made of metal, which gives the device a premium status, the build quality is also at the highest level.
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► Management

The speaker supports any device with Bluetooth 2.1 or higher. If your device does not have this function, then a connection via a 3.5 mm line input will come to the rescue.

First you need to activate the speaker itself by pressing the power button. As a result, the LED ring behind the volume control should get a blue glow.

After that, on a device with Bluetooth, you need to perform a search and connect to the «SHOQBOX». Upon completion of the connection, the acoustics in the voice mode indicates the operability: “SHOQBOX is paired”. By the way, the “virtual woman” can speak 4 languages and unfortunately there is no Russian among them.

As you can see, in both cases, the connection takes a few seconds. But it's time to talk about the main "feature" of this gadget - gesture control. To activate the intelligent mode, double-click the button next to the volume control. After that, with a voice that is already familiar to us, they will tell us about the activation of this mode. Subsequent management also has no difficulties. In order to switch the track you need to move forward or backward. Holding the hand from top to bottom, you can pause or restart playback. Elementary and, at the same time, convenient. Moreover, the actions do not necessarily perform hand. ;)

A button near the volume control performs other actions, for example, after a single press, the acoustics will notify you of the charge level. With a long hold, the voice notification language change mode is activated. I already mentioned the possibility of combining two speakers into the active system 2.0 at the beginning of the article and this can be done (actually only in no other way) using an intelligent sensor: swipe from left to right over the left speaker and simultaneously from right to left above the right speaker. After the voice notification, you can establish a Bluetooth connection. At the same time, the left speaker becomes the main speaker and with its volume control you can change the overall volume level.

► Internals

A characteristic feature of the articles in our blog is the opening of the monitored devices. But in this case did not work, the device did not succumb to my screwdriver, so I will show only the beginning of the preparation.

In the on state, remove the volume control cover. Do not forget to turn off the speaker.

We remove the paper scattering filter that covers the printed circuit board with LED indication.

There is nothing interesting on the board - a LED, a pair of transistors and a strapping. Unscrewing a pair of screws on the PCB can remove the aluminum cap.

On the reverse side it has two cables that need to be turned off for subsequent disassembly. But at this stage I stopped, because even if you unscrew the two subsequent screws holding the volume control, you will not be able to remove it. He firmly "sits" on the glue + seal for tightness inside the box (closed type speaker).

If you try to peel off the seal and get the volume control, you can inadvertently break the speaker tightness, which can drastically change its sound.

► Sound

On the technical side, the SHOQBOX is equipped with four inch emitters with neodymium magnets. Total power - 12 watts. A characteristic feature of this acoustics is a soft sound with a sufficiently large stock of volume. That is, unlike cheaper counterparts, the number of distortions in the "shockbox" even at maximum volume will remain within acceptable limits. In simple words, there will be no yelling, blasting eardrums and causing ear bleeding.

The sound is smooth, with no emphasis on any frequencies. The only thing is that the bass sags a little at maximum volume, but the sound still remains at a good level. In general, the sound is only positive impressions, but let's not forget that everyone's susceptibility is different and ideally would listen to the IRL system before buying.

► Operation and autonomy

Given the sound characteristics of this device, there are quite a few options for its use. Whether it is background music at a family dinner, dancing at a small party or quiet in your office. The exception is active rest, for this in the arsenal of Philips there are similar systems, but already with certain degrees of protection from external influences. A nice addition is the ability to use speakers as a speakerphone thanks to the built-in microphone.

The SB7300 is equipped with a 1300 mAh battery. On average, acoustics showed autonomy at the level of 6-8 hours - a very good indicator as for such sizes. Charging the device from the power adapter or dual USB-cable. During charging, the indicator flashes red and the static light symbolizes the end of the battery charge.

Do not forget the developers and the power saving modes. So, if music playback is not started within three minutes after switching on, the speaker will go into power saving mode (“cut off” the power from the amplifier), which is indicated by a blue indicator that flashes at certain intervals. And after another 15 minutes of inactivity, completely shut down.

► Results

Philips SHOQBOX SB7300 - portable speaker system with excellent appearance, good build and no less high-quality sound. Given the price in the CIS (9900 rubles), the device is absolutely niche, because not everyone can afford to spend such a sum on a portable speaker. But it is worth looking at Amazon and before us there is already a rainbow price of $ 120, which this audio system more than justifies.