AIWA Meteor MI-X 330 Speaker: A Review
Bluetooth speakers have come really far. Gone are the days when all that people looked for in a speaker was good audio. For this review, I have with me a modern-day Bluetooth speaker that is ready to be tried and tested. Although the AIWA MI-X 330 is a pretty simple-looking device, do not let the looks deceive you as it scores where it matters the most. In this review, I will also dive into AIWA's claim of an unbeatable audio experience and see if there's any truth to it.
The packaging of the AIWA Meteor is quite simplistic. The package comprises the main speaker unit, a type A to type C charging cable, an AUX cable and a user manual.
Build quality and design matters a lot and in the case of the AIWA Meteor, the detailing is simply superb. At one glance, you can easily tell why the brand priced it at an MRP of INR 34,990. The metallic body, the detachable leather strap and the overall suave aesthetics, all contribute to the Meteor's exceptional built quality. It also goes without saying that the brand has successfully integrated AIWA's iconic retro spirit into a rather modern structure.
The speaker has a circular LED screen at the top right corner, displaying details such as connectivity, battery level, volume and bass. On the top of the speaker is the control panel consisting of two knobs for bass and volume control, and five metallic buttons for controlling power, mode and music playback.
The AIWA speaker comes with two 31mm 15W tweeters as well as an additional pair of 3.5-inch mid-range subwoofers. Charging is done via a Type - C charging cable. In terms of connectivity, users have the option of a 3.5mm AUX input, USB, a card reader and of course, Bluetooth V5.0. The speaker also offers a mic input.
With a power output of about 60 watts and a runtime of 6 to 10 hours, the Meteor MI-X 330 is a powerful and highly impactful speaker. The device uses Bluetooth V5.0 which is more than sufficient when it comes to quick and seamless pairing.
What impressed me the most (as it should) is the MI-X 330's sound. As mentioned above, there are two dials on top, one for volume and the other for bass control. The dials allow users to be in full control of volume and bass levels. The bass is something I'll pick up in the latter part of the review once again (because it is quite amazing)
On a full charge, which should take about 5 to 6 hours, the 5,000 mAh battery delivers a run time of 6 to 10 hours (depending on volume and bass levels).
Connectivity is quick and smooth, be it AUX or Bluetooth. The audio too, is crisp, loud and rich.
| Pros | Cons |
| Suave design | Lacks in-depth controls |
| Top-notch quality | Priced on the higher end |
| Rich audio and bass | |
| Connectivity options | |
| Simple and minimalistic |
Right from the get-go, I would like to clarify that this is not a fancy Bluetooth speaker with tons of buttons. If you prefer speakers with more buttons than your fingers, this is not the right product for you. AIWA has kept things very simple as far as design is concerned.
I truly believe that the retro aesthetics of the speaker makes it even more desirable. The metal build, the sleek buttons and the old-school amplifier-shaped design make the MI-X 330 speaker stand out. The minimalism is hands down, appealing and, to be honest, refreshing. Do not forget the leather strap enabling users to carry the speaker around. It has a very smooth and premium feel.
The audio quality of the AIWA Meteor combined with its regal build and suave design is worth the money, in my opinion. However, if you're a budget-sensitive consumer, this might not be the way to go for you.
What really blew me away was the bass. Not that there aren’t speakers with better bass output out there, but the quality of the bass from the Meteor was totally unexpected. It killed two birds with one tune, meaning it not only enhanced my audio experience but it also offered something that I did not see coming. I have to say that the element of surprise did put a smile on my face.
The AIWA Meteor is what I would describe as the giant killer. The tiny (yet not so tiny) portable speaker quite frankly delivers a perfect combination of rich bass, simplistic yet quality design, and last but not least, crispy audio. Japanese consumer tech manufacturer AIWA, which was traditionally in boomboxes and stereos back in the 1960s, has done a remarkable job with the Meteor MI-X 330.
It is a powerhouse of a speaker that performs well throughout. The price tag might seem to be on the higher side but given what the speaker offers, a case can be made. Overall, this is a fun product for audiophiles and definitely for admirers of retro boomboxes.
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