Tronsmart T7 Lite
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Disclaimer:
Good morning, guys! Today, with the aim of bringing something new to MBA, I decided to bring a different review than usual. This is my first review about which can be worn but I am not new in this area. At home, I have several portable speakers with variable sizes and different performances. I own the whole series of GGMM brand; E2, E5 & M4, some other models from Blitzwolf, VTIN, Anker & Betnew.
First of all, I wanted to thank Nora from Tronsmart for sending me the Tronsmart T7 Lite.
I’m going to be as objective as possible, and being a common audio enthusiast, I will use simple words in this review.
I will highlight what I liked and what I didn’t, without any fear.
It is a very versatile BT speaker, and from the price, we can still consider it cheap.
I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Color: Black, Blue, Pink, Turquoise
- Audio Codecs : SBC
- Wireless Version: 5.3
- Wireless Range Up to 15m/49ft (Open Area)
- Input Power: 5V/2A, via Type-C port
- Output 24W
- Microphone Built-in
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Play Time (Varied by Volume Level & Audio Content) Up to 24 Hours (Varied by Light Display)
- Charging Time 4.5 Hours
- Frequency Range 60Hz – 20kHz
- Playing Modes Wireless/TF Card
- Voice Assistant Supports Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana
- Tronsmart App Control
- Vibrant Color Options/ Rainbow Light Show
- IPX7 Waterproof
- Product Dimension 195 x φ72mm/7.68 x 2.83 inches)
- Product Weight 470g/1.04lbs
Packaging:
It’s not my first Tronsmart product; I still have some Onyx NEO TWS that sound divine. The Tronsamrt T7 Lite comes in a very respectable package, with attention to detail and very graphically elaborate.
As soon as we open, we find the Tronsmart T7 lite in a plastic bag set by a double cardboard wall. We also found the following accessories:
- Type-C Charging Cable
- Warranty Card
- User Manual
- SoundPulse® Card
- Lanyard
We can say that the accessories are the basis for a similar product. The charging cable is a good one.
Design/Build Quality:
The Tronsmart T7 Lite in terms of design is reminiscent of many other speakers on the market; the shapes are more or less those of a JBL and the choice of LEDs is also very reminiscent of the modern bomboxes of the same brand. In my opinion, the choice to maintain a similar shape is the right one, even though the dimensions are a fair compromise between portability and performance.
In terms of build quality, we are faced with a very solid and well-built speaker. Under the front “Tronsmart” writing, we find the two 12W drivers, immediately above an oval passive radiator and at the ends, two other circular passive radiators surrounded by a semi-transparent membrane that is illuminated by LEDs. The grille is made of semi-fabric, with a resistant appearance (Cordura type); behind it we find the strap and the various control buttons.
Below the buttons, we find the charging and microSD compartments, closed by a silicone door to guarantee IP7X waterproofness.
To position it horizontally, they put two rubber feet (see photo), while to position it vertically, we have a rubberized side (see photo).
Built-in Technology:
Despite being a “lite” version, the Tronsmart T7 lite, in addition to the rainbow LEDs, also has an internal DSP connected to the proprietary app.
Their technology is called SoundPulse. I won’t bore you by reporting all the features of this technology but I will refer you directly to their website for more information.
- Tronsmart Site: https://www.tronsmart.com/sound-pulse.htm
What you want to know is whether you hear a real difference in terms of sound quality, right? What I can tell you is that, compared to many cheap speakers or those in a similar price range, there is no distortion, even at high volumes. Everything remains balanced without ruining the quality.
App & Features:
The presence of an app is always nice! It’s not used often to tell the truth and the features are quite limited to telling the truth. The first thing that catches my eye, however, is the possibility of updating the software on the Tronsmart T7 Lite. At the time of the test, there were no updates but I can think that if they wanted, they could implement other preset EQ and led games.
In any case, I find the application well made, much better than others for managing TWS.
The SoundPulse mode is, in my opinion, the best in terms of sound; the sound opens up slightly compared to the normal mode and has a slightly improved soundstage. The bass preset does nothing but remove the high range and make the sound warmer. The limit is probably in the size of the drivers.
It can be used together with another speaker to create a stereo pair as if they were TWS.
First configuration and test:
The Tronsmart T7 Lite has a personalized BT 5.3 chip; we will not hear the classic Bluetooth voice prompts but power-on/off (welcome) music. Searching for it via the smartphone is very simple, as it goes into automatic pairing. Once connected, you have all the buttons on the back to be able to use it without the ‘app!
Starting from the top, we find:
- On and off button + switching of LED games
- BT button to start pairing manually
- Volume up button / if held down – next song
- Volume down button / if held down – previous song
- Soundpulse to activate the mode
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- Redmi Note 7
- Poco M4 Pro
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz
Sound impressions:
Reviewing the audio quality of BT speakers is always a little difficult for me, as I am used to Spaeker monitors, IEMs, and over ear headphones. However, with the Tronsmart T7 Lite, I can say that we are at excellent audio quality levels when considering the product. The sound that comes out is very balanced and cared for in terms of details. Obviously, the low range does not push in a monstrous way but has a more balanced approach with a slight emphasis; the mids stand out well and the highs are well audible. They’re just not as bassy as other portable speakers I’ve had. In terms of bass, the quality is a bit boxy but average.
Sound Test:
Youtube Sound testAt maximum volume, minimal distortion is sporadically heard, probably due to the vibration of the passive radiators; in fact, it begins to walk if the bass in the track becomes intense. In terms of weight, I would perhaps have put in a larger and heavier battery for greater stability or, alternatively, used a thicker shell.
In any case, at a distance of 50 cm, peaks of 96/97 dB are reached, which is a very respectable value for a portable speaker of this size.
Light effects:
The LEDs are always beautiful and welcome; you can find it on each side, I think there are 4 independently controlled RGB LEDs that create very pleasant colours. There are not many modes and above all, there is no personal customization; however, I do not consider it fundamental. The real cool thing is that they go to a musical rhythm and the intensity of the brightness varies with the volume. When notifications arrive, it lights up at maximum intensity, even if sometimes it’s a bit random. I must say that it is very reminiscent of some JBL models and is really pleasant.
Fast comparison:
vs BlitzWolf BW-F4
If we take, for example, a slightly dated 20W model from Blitzwolf, the BlitzWolf BW-F4, the one from Tronsmart certainly sounds much cleaner and more detailed, and in terms of power, we are there. Perhaps the Blitwolf does a little better in terms of bass but everything else is in favor of the T7 lite.
vs GGMM E5
Here we enter a different territory… The GGMM E5 is a portable smartspeaker with WiFi connectivity, a physical equalizer, a dedicated amplifier, four drivers, and two larger passive radiators. What is surprising is that this speaker still has a stunning design and sound. Here we are talking about real 20W and I assure you that you can all hear it. It costs around $120 if you can still find it.
Conclusion:
The market is extremely saturated with these products, a bit like headphones, iem, and TWS. The choice becomes very complex if you don’t know where to look. I myself would have difficulty if I had to choose. I open Amazon and there are a multitude of similar products with similar specifications. Tronsmart offers very high-quality products for the asking price and is a great brand. There are no inaccuracies in the specifications, like on unknown brands that promise more watts and autonomy. The performance of this T7 lite is exceptional for the format; the Soundpulse DSP increases the stage and opens up the sound, bringing it to a higher quality. Excellent battery life, good app, and very beautiful light effects.
Where to buy:
Official Tronsmart Site
Tronsmart AliExpress Store
Tronsmart Amazon Store (Available in different countries)
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Tronsmart for providing this review unit.
It can be gotten here: https://www.tronsmart.com/products/t7-lite-portable-outdoor-speaker or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1MWCQ3Q (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
Tested at $39.99 USD
ACCESSORIES
Accessories are quite spartan. In addition to the speakers, only a Type-C cable and lanyard are provided.
BUILD/UTILITY
The Tronsmart T7 Lite has a cylindrical chassis. The housing is fashioned from plastic, with the majority covered by a mesh-like material.
Weighing in at 470g, is is very portable, and users can easily bring it for office meetings, lectures and even for parties. There's an attached lanyard so it can be hung from bags or bikes.
This speaker can be used standing upright, or lying on its side. Interestingly, Tronsmart has added some rubberized feet on the sides of the fuselage, so as to prevent the T7 Lite from rolling around.
The side has buttons which correspond to the following:
The buttons work as advertised:
Pressing the Bluetooth button for 8 seconds does a factory reset. The T7 Lite will automatically shut down after 30 minutes if not paired with any other Bluetooth device. It also has an automatic protection function to shut itself down when the battery hits critically low levels.
Sadly, the T7 Lite has no aux in, and can only be fed music via bluetooth or via the SD card slot. It is charged via a Type-C cable, with no support for wireless charging.
Tronsmart advertises an IPX7 waterproofing for this speaker, which theoretically means it can survive submersion of 1 meter of water for 30 minutes! I don't dare put this to the test, but I've brought this speaker out in the rain and so far there have been no issues.
Tronsmart has a rubberized waterproof bung to cover the SD card and charging slots.
FUNCTION/CONNECTIVITY
I tested the T7 Lite with multiple bluetooth devices (both android and apple based, laptops/PCs and DAPs); this speaker was easily recognized and connected to them without much fuss. One area which may be a deal-breaker - the T7 Lite only supports SBC codec; higher-end codecs like AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC are unfortunately not supported.
The T7 Lite by default has flashing LED lights, which one can cycle through. Battery life is shortened with the LED on, so turning them off is also possible, but the lights definitely liven up parties for head-bopping fun.
Boasting of Blutetooth 5.3, wireless connectivity is top-notch. The effective Bluetooth range is around 15 meters with no obstructions, or about 10 meters or so with obstructions. There was some stuttering encountered with thick walls, though with nil drop outs. I didn’t detect much latency too.
Battery life is another feather on the cap on the T7 Lite. It can hit about 24 hours on a full charge, at 50% volume, but this is with the LED lights turned off. The type of files played on the SD card may also slightly impact on battery life. Bear in mind though, that battery life is expected to go down with repeated charge cycles. Sadly, the T7 Lite takes about 4 - 4.5 hours to achieve a full charge, which is a bit on the longer side.
This speaker supports various voice assistants such as Siri, Cortana and Google. Like other Tronsmart speakers, it has a True Wireless Stereo Pairing option to allow one to pair with another T7 Lite for a "surround sound" effect. It can also support a dual connection mode where 2 devices can be simultaneously paired to the T7 Lite.
I am also quite chuffed that the T7 Lite is supported by Tronsmart's free app for Android and Apple devices. The app allows one to access battery life, volume levels, playback, update firmware and even control voice prompts, LED modes and some music presets.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The T7 Lite contains 2 full-range drivers with 3 passive radiators. In stock form, it sports a very neutral profile, that is clear and non-coloured.
Mid-bass is neutral on this default setting, with a sub-bass roll-off. We hear no deep rumble, even with the speaker placed on reverberating surfaces. Basssheads will probably wince at the quantity, but the T7 Lite makes up for it with a very textured bass, which is nimble without any bleed.
The midrange is clear and transparent in view of no big bass encroachment, and instrument layering is allowed to shine. Upper mids are forwards, so vocals are very intelligible. Treble has good extension with minimal sibilance. Timbre is very natural.
The Tronsmart app provides 5 other presets other than the default stock neutral tuning:
1) Soundpulse - there's a boost in the upper mids and lower treble, providing greater micro-details and clarity. Vocals are much more forward and this may be a suitable setting for meetings and podcasts.
2) Deep bass - this provides a slight bump in the bass frequencies, but do note even with this toggled, it is not exactly basshead to my ears. It might be a useful setting for bass forward genres eg EDM, hip hop.
3) Classical - this sharpens imaging and increases soundstage. Perhaps an option for analysis of music.
4) Rock - this mode provides a boosted upper midrange with depressed lower mids. I found this mode to be a tinge harsh and sibilant at times, but this also depends on one's treble sensitivities. Probably my least used of the various pre-set EQ settings.
5) Customize - this allows 5 EQ presets. It does not allow very fine control of the entire frequency range, but it is better than nothing I suppose.
The T7 Lite can get to a max 90 dB loudness, and would be a suitable speaker for a small enclosed room. For outdoor usage, admittedly, it might not pack as much punch as some larger speakers, but it is still quite usable if the T7 Lite is placed a few meters away from the user.
CONCLUSIONS
The T7 Lite is a portable and compact speaker, with IPX7 waterproofing, excellent battery life and top-notch Bluetooth connectivity. I like that it is compatible with Tronsmart's app to unlock additional features such as the 6 sound presets, and even in stock form, this speaker is very neutral and uncoloured.
Granted, bassheads may find the bass amounts wanting, but the T7 Lite's bass quality is very well-done. Sadly, there is no aux in option, and only SBC codec is supported. However, by and large, the other plus points above make up for these deficiencies, and for a sub $40 USD speaker, the T7 Lite is quite an affordable and mobile speaker for myriad case usages.
I would like to thank Tronsmart for providing this review unit.
It can be gotten here: https://www.tronsmart.com/products/t7-lite-portable-outdoor-speaker or https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1MWCQ3Q (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
Tested at $39.99 USD
ACCESSORIES
Accessories are quite spartan. In addition to the speakers, only a Type-C cable and lanyard are provided.
BUILD/UTILITY
The Tronsmart T7 Lite has a cylindrical chassis. The housing is fashioned from plastic, with the majority covered by a mesh-like material.
Weighing in at 470g, is is very portable, and users can easily bring it for office meetings, lectures and even for parties. There's an attached lanyard so it can be hung from bags or bikes.
This speaker can be used standing upright, or lying on its side. Interestingly, Tronsmart has added some rubberized feet on the sides of the fuselage, so as to prevent the T7 Lite from rolling around.
The side has buttons which correspond to the following:
- Power on/Power off and charging indicator
- Bluetooth button
- Volume +/Next Track
- Play/Pause button
- Volume -/Previous Track
- SoundPulse EQ button
- SD card slot
- Type-C charging port
The buttons work as advertised:
Pressing the Bluetooth button for 8 seconds does a factory reset. The T7 Lite will automatically shut down after 30 minutes if not paired with any other Bluetooth device. It also has an automatic protection function to shut itself down when the battery hits critically low levels.
Sadly, the T7 Lite has no aux in, and can only be fed music via bluetooth or via the SD card slot. It is charged via a Type-C cable, with no support for wireless charging.
Tronsmart advertises an IPX7 waterproofing for this speaker, which theoretically means it can survive submersion of 1 meter of water for 30 minutes! I don't dare put this to the test, but I've brought this speaker out in the rain and so far there have been no issues.
Tronsmart has a rubberized waterproof bung to cover the SD card and charging slots.
FUNCTION/CONNECTIVITY
I tested the T7 Lite with multiple bluetooth devices (both android and apple based, laptops/PCs and DAPs); this speaker was easily recognized and connected to them without much fuss. One area which may be a deal-breaker - the T7 Lite only supports SBC codec; higher-end codecs like AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC are unfortunately not supported.
The T7 Lite by default has flashing LED lights, which one can cycle through. Battery life is shortened with the LED on, so turning them off is also possible, but the lights definitely liven up parties for head-bopping fun.
Boasting of Blutetooth 5.3, wireless connectivity is top-notch. The effective Bluetooth range is around 15 meters with no obstructions, or about 10 meters or so with obstructions. There was some stuttering encountered with thick walls, though with nil drop outs. I didn’t detect much latency too.
Battery life is another feather on the cap on the T7 Lite. It can hit about 24 hours on a full charge, at 50% volume, but this is with the LED lights turned off. The type of files played on the SD card may also slightly impact on battery life. Bear in mind though, that battery life is expected to go down with repeated charge cycles. Sadly, the T7 Lite takes about 4 - 4.5 hours to achieve a full charge, which is a bit on the longer side.
This speaker supports various voice assistants such as Siri, Cortana and Google. Like other Tronsmart speakers, it has a True Wireless Stereo Pairing option to allow one to pair with another T7 Lite for a "surround sound" effect. It can also support a dual connection mode where 2 devices can be simultaneously paired to the T7 Lite.
I am also quite chuffed that the T7 Lite is supported by Tronsmart's free app for Android and Apple devices. The app allows one to access battery life, volume levels, playback, update firmware and even control voice prompts, LED modes and some music presets.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The T7 Lite contains 2 full-range drivers with 3 passive radiators. In stock form, it sports a very neutral profile, that is clear and non-coloured.
Mid-bass is neutral on this default setting, with a sub-bass roll-off. We hear no deep rumble, even with the speaker placed on reverberating surfaces. Basssheads will probably wince at the quantity, but the T7 Lite makes up for it with a very textured bass, which is nimble without any bleed.
The midrange is clear and transparent in view of no big bass encroachment, and instrument layering is allowed to shine. Upper mids are forwards, so vocals are very intelligible. Treble has good extension with minimal sibilance. Timbre is very natural.
The Tronsmart app provides 5 other presets other than the default stock neutral tuning:
1) Soundpulse - there's a boost in the upper mids and lower treble, providing greater micro-details and clarity. Vocals are much more forward and this may be a suitable setting for meetings and podcasts.
2) Deep bass - this provides a slight bump in the bass frequencies, but do note even with this toggled, it is not exactly basshead to my ears. It might be a useful setting for bass forward genres eg EDM, hip hop.
3) Classical - this sharpens imaging and increases soundstage. Perhaps an option for analysis of music.
4) Rock - this mode provides a boosted upper midrange with depressed lower mids. I found this mode to be a tinge harsh and sibilant at times, but this also depends on one's treble sensitivities. Probably my least used of the various pre-set EQ settings.
5) Customize - this allows 5 EQ presets. It does not allow very fine control of the entire frequency range, but it is better than nothing I suppose.
The T7 Lite can get to a max 90 dB loudness, and would be a suitable speaker for a small enclosed room. For outdoor usage, admittedly, it might not pack as much punch as some larger speakers, but it is still quite usable if the T7 Lite is placed a few meters away from the user.
CONCLUSIONS
The T7 Lite is a portable and compact speaker, with IPX7 waterproofing, excellent battery life and top-notch Bluetooth connectivity. I like that it is compatible with Tronsmart's app to unlock additional features such as the 6 sound presets, and even in stock form, this speaker is very neutral and uncoloured.
Granted, bassheads may find the bass amounts wanting, but the T7 Lite's bass quality is very well-done. Sadly, there is no aux in option, and only SBC codec is supported. However, by and large, the other plus points above make up for these deficiencies, and for a sub $40 USD speaker, the T7 Lite is quite an affordable and mobile speaker for myriad case usages.
