Eton Rukus Solar Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£130
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Audio output power: 14.00 W
  • Battery life: 8 hours
  • IP rating: IPX4
  • Bluetooth version: 2.1
  • Weight: 1600 g

Eton Rukus Solar review. Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

6.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.

Score components:

80.0%

6.4

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

6.9

Audio

20.0%

6.1

Battery

18.0%

7.0

Durability

16.0%

6.3

Connectivity

8.0%

5.1

Controls

3.0%

7.7

Design

3.0%

3.9

Smart features

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.3
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    4.9

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.5

    Weight

    15.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

  • 3.6
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.4

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    2.8

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.5

    Weight

    15.0%

    4.0

    Party mode

  • 4.3
    Home listening

    Score components:

    35.0%

    4.0

    Multi-room support

    30.0%

    4.0

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    20.0%

    2.4

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.5

    Weight

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £130

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Eton Rukus Solar is a portable Bluetooth boombox featuring two full-range speaker drivers and a built-in 40-square-inch monocrystal solar panel designed for outdoor use. Key characteristics include an internal 7.4V 1500mAh lithium-ion battery delivering over 8 hours of playback, a low-power E-Ink display that stays highly readable in direct sunlight, and a built-in 5V USB port to charge mobile devices. Major pros include its exceptional self-powering efficiency—recharging completely in 6 hours of direct sunlight—as well as integrated carrying handles and quick one-touch Bluetooth pairing with A2DP support. On the downside, the speaker delivers average sound quality with somewhat subdued bass performance, lacks an integrated microphone for speakerphone calls, and provides a low USB power output that cannot support demanding devices like tablets.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker Eton Rukus Solar

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.

When it matters: When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.

Score components:

32.0%

?

Audio

20.0%

?

Battery

18.0%

?

Durability

16.0%

?

Connectivity

8.0%

?

Controls

3.0%

?

Design

3.0%

?

Smart features

6.4
Eton Rukus Solar has a technical score of 6.43 points, which is lower than 72.5% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.

When it matters: When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters: When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
1.0
Eton Rukus Solar has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 58.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.

When it matters: When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.5
Eton Rukus Solar has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.5 points, which is lower than 68.8% of products in this category.
Audio output power
What it is: The maximum continuous power the speaker system can deliver.
When it matters: When you need enough output to fill a larger or noisier space.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 W

14.00 W
Eton Rukus Solar has an audio output power of 14.00 W which is lower than that of 61.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1.5% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 14.00 W.
Driver unit size
What it is: The diameter of each main speaker driver.
When it matters: When the size of the main driver influences bass reach and output capability.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 50 mm

?
Number of drivers
What it is: The total number of speaker drivers built into the unit.
When it matters: When fuller driver arrays and broader sound coverage matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 2

2
Eton Rukus Solar has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 2.
Frequency response tolerance
What it is: The allowed deviation around the stated frequency response curve.
When it matters: When a flatter and more accurate frequency response matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 3 dB

?
Lowest frequency
What it is: The lowest audible frequency the speaker can reproduce.
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <= 60 Hz

?
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Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive audio over Bluetooth.
When it matters: When wireless playback from phones, tablets, or computers matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Eton Rukus Solar supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 5.0

2.1
Eton Rukus Solar supports Bluetooth version 2.1 which is older than that of 92% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% of portable speakers.
Bluetooth version: 2.1.
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: The farthest distance at which the Bluetooth link can remain usable.
When it matters: When the source device may be far from the speaker.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 10 m

?
Bluetooth profiles supported
What it is: The Bluetooth operating profiles available for playback, control, or calls.
When it matters: When Bluetooth playback, control, and call compatibility depend on specific profiles.

Importance: LOW

?
Bluetooth LE Audio
What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports the low-energy Bluetooth audio standard.
When it matters: When newer low-power Bluetooth audio features matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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Battery life
What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 20 h

8 hours
Eton Rukus Solar has a battery life of 8 hours which is shorter than that of 68.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 11.6% of portable speakers.
Battery capacity
What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >= 5000 mAh

1,500 mAh
Eton Rukus Solar has a battery capacity of 1,500 mAh which is smaller than that of 77.4% of portable speakers and equal to that of 2.1% of portable speakers.
Charging time
What it is: The time needed to recharge the battery fully.
When it matters: When the speaker needs to be ready again quickly.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <= 4 h

3 hours
Eton Rukus Solar has a charging time of 3 hours which is shorter than that of 35.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 35.1% of portable speakers.
Maximum charging input power
What it is: The maximum charging power the speaker can accept from a compatible power source.
When it matters: When faster charging requires the speaker to accept more input power.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >= 20 W

?
Built-in rechargeable battery
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker uses a battery that can be recharged.
When it matters: When portable use without disposable batteries or continuous mains power matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Eton Rukus Solar has a built-in rechargeable battery. 18.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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IP rating
What it is: The ingress protection code for dust and water resistance.
When it matters: When dust and water protection need to match the intended environment.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: IP67+

IPX4
Eton Rukus Solar has an IP rating of IPX4 which provides worse ingress protection than 77.7% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 21% of portable speakers.
Water resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the enclosure can resist water exposure.
When it matters: When the speaker may be used near pools, rain, or splashes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

yes
Eton Rukus Solar is water resistant. 38.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
What it is: Shows whether the enclosure is protected against dust ingress.
When it matters: When the speaker may be exposed to sand, soil, or dusty environments.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: yes

?
Waterproof depth rating
What it is: The maximum water depth the speaker is rated to withstand.
When it matters: When the speaker may be submerged or used very close to water.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >= 1 m

0 m
Eton Rukus Solar is not rated for underwater use. 47.6% of cameras have a native waterproof depth rating.
Drop resistance
What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

yes
Eton Rukus Solar resists accidental impacts. 67.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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On-device controls placement
What it is: The physical area of the speaker where its controls are located.
When it matters: When you want controls that are easy to reach in the speaker intended placement.

Importance: LOW

front
Touchscreen
What it is: Indicates whether a touch-sensitive screen is integrated.
When it matters: When direct visual control is more convenient than buttons or an app.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not have a touchscreen. 0.3% of portable speakers offer this feature.
The speaker does not have an integrated touchscreen.
Smartphone app control
What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not support smartphone app control. 54% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
Remote control
What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated remote control is supplied or supported.
When it matters: When you want to control playback from across the room.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No dedicated remote control is documented.
Fast pairing
What it is: Shows whether setup with compatible devices can be completed more quickly.
When it matters: When quick setup with compatible devices matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

?
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Weight
What it is: The total mass of the portable speaker.
When it matters: When carrying the speaker frequently or packing light matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 1000 g

1,600 g
Eton Rukus Solar weighs 1,600 g which is heavier than that of 67% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.6% of portable speakers.
Height
What it is: The vertical external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit beneath shelves or in a compact bag.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 20 cm

8.4 cm
Eton Rukus Solar has a height of 8.4 cm which is shorter than that of 70.6% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Width
What it is: The side-to-side external dimension of the speaker body.
When it matters: When the speaker must fit a narrow shelf, bag, or tabletop.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 25 cm

30.5 cm
Eton Rukus Solar has a width of 30.5 cm which is wider than that of 81.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Depth
What it is: The front-to-back depth of the speaker housing.
When it matters: When the speaker should take up less front-to-back space.

Importance: LOW

Good value: <= 10 cm

8.31 cm
Eton Rukus Solar has a depth of 8.31 cm which is deeper than that of 50.2% of portable speakers.
Carry options
What it is: The available ways to carry, hang, or attach the speaker.
When it matters: When a handle, strap, or attachment point changes how you carry the speaker.

Importance: LOW

handle
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Companion app name
What it is: The official app used to control settings and functions of the speaker.
When it matters: When app compatibility and the available control features depend on the official app.

Importance: LOW

?
Firmware updates
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can receive firmware revisions after purchase.
When it matters: When post-purchase fixes and feature improvements matter.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not support firmware updates. 47.2% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No supported user-accessible firmware update path.
Firmware update method
What it is: The path used to install firmware updates on the speaker.
When it matters: When the convenience and reliability of installing updates matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Voice assistant support
What it is: Indicates whether the speaker can work with supported voice assistants.
When it matters: When hands-free control through a compatible assistant matters.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not support voice assistants. 26.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No direct supported voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
What it is: Shows whether Spotify can stream directly to the speaker over the network.
When it matters: When Spotify should stream directly without keeping phone audio active.

Importance: LOW

Good value: yes

no
Eton Rukus Solar does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
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Eton Rukus Solar vs the average portable speaker

  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Eton Rukus Solar has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
    What it is: Shows whether the device uses separate left and right audio channels.
    When it matters: When true left-and-right channel playback matters without pairing a second speaker.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    Eton Rukus Solar resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
    What it is: Indicates whether the housing is designed to survive accidental drops.
    When it matters: When the speaker may be bumped or suffer an accidental fall during outdoor or travel use.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • Has a power bank function
    Eton Rukus Solar has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can send power to charge another device.
    When it matters: When the speaker should also charge a phone or another device.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Eton Rukus Solar has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    Physical USB ports: 2.
    What it is: The number of USB ports available on the speaker.
    When it matters: When several wired accessories or storage devices need USB connections.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Eton Rukus Solar has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).2 vs 1
  • Includes a power adapter
    Eton Rukus Solar includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated power adapter is included in the box.
    When it matters: When you want the required charging hardware supplied in the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • 1 more EQ presets
    Eton Rukus Solar has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).
    1 eq presets.
    What it is: The number of preset sound tuning profiles that can be selected.
    When it matters: When you want more ready-made sound profiles for different content.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 4 presets

    Eton Rukus Solar has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).1 vs 0
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    Eton Rukus Solar has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more USB ports
    Eton Rukus Solar has more USB ports than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
  • Has a power bank function
    Eton Rukus Solar has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Includes a power adapter
    Eton Rukus Solar includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Resists accidental impacts
    Eton Rukus Solar resists accidental impacts, while the average portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating.
  • 1 more EQ presets
    Eton Rukus Solar has more EQ presets than the average portable speaker (1 vs 0).
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Eton Rukus Solar has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Eton Rukus Solar does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • 6 W less audio output power
    Eton Rukus Solar has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (14 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 14.00 W.
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    Eton Rukus Solar has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 2.1.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Eton Rukus Solar has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 1,100 mAh less battery capacity
    Eton Rukus Solar has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Worse ingress protection
    Eton Rukus Solar has worse ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IPX4 vs IPX5).
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
  • Does not provide voice prompts
    Eton Rukus Solar does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 800 g heavier
    Eton Rukus Solar is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,600 g vs 800 g).
  • 12.4 cm wider
    Eton Rukus Solar is wider than the average portable speaker (30.5 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 7 older
    Eton Rukus Solar was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2012.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Eton Rukus Solar has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).
    Built-in microphones: 0.
    What it is: The number of microphones built into the speaker.
    When it matters: When voice pickup, calls, or beamforming performance matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 1

    Eton Rukus Solar has fewer microphones than the average portable speaker (0 vs 1).0 vs 1
  • Does not support smartphone app control
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
    No compatible mobile app for speaker control.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker can be controlled from a phone app.
    When it matters: When remote settings, updates, or sound adjustment from a phone matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar does not support smartphone app control, while the average portable speaker supports smartphone app control.
  • 4 hours shorter battery life
    Eton Rukus Solar has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).
    What it is: The playback time available from one full battery charge.
    When it matters: When you need longer playback between charges.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 20 h

    Eton Rukus Solar has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (8 hours vs 12 hours).8 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    Eton Rukus Solar has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 2.1.
    What it is: The generation of Bluetooth supported by the speaker hardware.
    When it matters: When compatibility and efficiency with newer Bluetooth devices matter.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 5.0

    Eton Rukus Solar has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).2.1 vs 5.0
  • 1,100 mAh less battery capacity
    Eton Rukus Solar has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
    What it is: The amount of electrical charge the internal battery can store.
    When it matters: When longer untethered playback or power-bank use needs more stored charge.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >= 5000 mAh

    Eton Rukus Solar has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (1,500 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).1500 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • Does not include a passive radiator
    Eton Rukus Solar does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
    What it is: Shows whether passive radiators are used to reinforce bass output.
    When it matters: When enhanced bass response from a compact enclosure matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar does not include a passive radiator, while the average portable speaker includes a passive radiator.
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
    True left/right stereo pairing: not supported.
    What it is: Indicates whether two compatible speakers can form a stereo pair.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should form separate left and right channels.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    Eton Rukus Solar does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
    Does not support True Wireless Stereo speaker linking.
    What it is: Shows whether the speaker supports true wireless speaker-to-speaker pairing.
    When it matters: When two compatible speakers should pair wirelessly for stereo playback.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    Eton Rukus Solar does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.

Graphic comparison of Eton Rukus Solar and other products in the Portable Speakers category

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Eton Rukus Solar?

  • Efficient solar panel continuously charges the battery outdoors
  • Acts as a power bank to charge smartphones via USB
  • Long internal battery life even when out of direct sunlight
  • Highly legible E-Ink display that is readable in bright sun
  • Quick and effortless Bluetooth pairing with mobile devices
  • Convenient built-in carrying handle and lightweight design
  • Clear and clean mid-to-high frequency sound reproduction

What customers dislike about Eton Rukus Solar?

  • Noticeably weak bass performance, even with bass boost engaged
  • Low maximum volume output when running strictly on battery power
  • Audio quality gets thin at lower volumes and distorts at maximum volume
  • Solar panel surface is prone to getting scratched easily
  • No integrated microphone for taking speakerphone calls
  • Lack of visual indicators when adjusting the volume level

Expert reviews

W
wired.com
19/01/2012
Summary of the review
J
johnvantine.com
30/04/2012
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
18/07/2012
Summary of the review
T
techcrunch.com
23/07/2012
Summary of the review
A
au.pcmag.com
26/07/2012
Summary of the review
D
digitaltrends.com
23/08/2019
Summary of the review
S
soundandvision.com
07/05/2012
Summary of the review
C
cadeandmolly.com
04/03/2018
Summary of the review
H
hifitest.de
17/09/2013
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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