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TDK Life On Record A33 Review | 130 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£130
  • Audio output power: 9.00 W
  • Battery life: 6 hours
  • IP rating: IP64
  • Bluetooth version: 2.1
  • Weight: 1200 g

TDK Life On Record A33 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.

6.2

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%

6.2

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.2

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%

6.8

Audio

20.0%

6.0

Battery

18.0%

7.1

Durability

16.0%

5.2

Connectivity

8.0%

4.5

Controls

3.0%

8.3

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

  • 8.2
    Outdoor durability

    Score components:

    40.0%

    10

    Water resistance

    25.0%

    8.9

    IP rating

    20.0%

    8.9

    Weight

    15.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

  • 3.1
    Powerful sound

    Score components:

    45.0%

    1.8

    Audio output power

    25.0%

    1.6

    Battery life

    15.0%

    8.9

    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%

    1.8

    Audio output power

    15.0%

    8.9

    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 TDK Life on Record A33 is a portable Bluetooth 2.1 speaker featuring an IP64-certified weatherized chassis that measures 9.5 x 3.75 x 2 inches and weighs 2.5 pounds. Its configuration includes two 1.5-inch front full-range drivers (3W each), two 3-inch rear passive radiators, and one 2.5-inch subwoofer (9W) that collectively deliver a full-range, rich audio profile. Main advantages of this model include a built-in microphone for hands-free speakerphone capabilities, an integrated tilt-back stand to optimize sound projection, and a USB port designed to charge external mobile devices. However, significant drawbacks include a mediocre 6-hour battery life from its Ni-MH pack, the absence of dedicated track navigation or play/pause buttons on the unit, and the requirement of a proprietary AC adapter for charging rather than a universal USB connection.

Technical Specifications of portable speaker TDK Life On Record A33

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

6.2
TDK Life On Record A33 has a technical score of 6.21 points, which is lower than 82.5% 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

9.8

Price

7.3
TDK Life On Record A33 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 83.1% 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

9.00 W
TDK Life On Record A33 has an audio output power of 9.00 W which is lower than that of 73.5% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.2% of portable speakers.
Total RMS output: 9.00 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

38.00 mm
TDK Life On Record A33 has a driver unit size of 38.00 mm which is smaller than that of 89.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.5% of portable speakers.
Primary driver diameter: 38.00 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

3
TDK Life On Record A33 has 3 drivers, which is more than 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 11.5% of portable speakers.
Acoustic drivers: 3.
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

60.00 Hz
TDK Life On Record A33 has a lowest frequency of 60.00 Hz which is lower than that of 43.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 9.2% of portable speakers.
Lower frequency-response endpoint: 60.00 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

10.00 m
TDK Life On Record A33 has a maximum Bluetooth range of 10.00 m which is longer than that of 4.3% of portable speakers and equal to that of 70.2% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range: 10.00 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

A2DP; HFP; HSP
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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

6 hours
TDK Life On Record A33 has a battery life of 6 hours which is shorter than that of 84.2% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% 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

2000 mAh
TDK Life On Record A33 has a battery capacity of 2000 mAh which is smaller than that of 64.9% of portable speakers and equal to that of 7.3% 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

?
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
TDK Life On Record A33 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+

IP64
TDK Life On Record A33 has an IP rating of IP64 which provides better ingress protection than 77.2% of portable speakers and the same ingress protection as 1.1% 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

yes
TDK Life On Record A33 is dust resistant. 48.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

no
TDK Life On Record A33 lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% 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

top; side
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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

?
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
TDK Life On Record A33 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

no
TDK Life On Record A33 does not support fast pairing. 22.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
No qualifying fast-pair capability; initial pairing is manual or standard.
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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

1,200 g
TDK Life On Record A33 weighs 1,200 g which is heavier than that of 59.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% 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

9.5 cm
TDK Life On Record A33 has a height of 9.5 cm which is shorter than that of 64% of portable speakers and equal to that of 1% 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

24.1 cm
TDK Life On Record A33 has a width of 24.1 cm which is wider than that of 67.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% 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

5.1 cm
TDK Life On Record A33 has a depth of 5.1 cm which is shallower than that of 81.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.7% 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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
TDK Life On Record A33 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
TDK Life On Record A33 does not support Spotify Connect. 10.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Does not support native Spotify Connect.
Show more

TDK Life On Record A33 vs the average portable speaker

  • Better ingress protection
    TDK Life On Record A33 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP64 vs IPX5).
    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+

    TDK Life On Record A33 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP64 vs IPX5).IP64 vs IPX5
  • Includes a subwoofer
    TDK Life On Record A33 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
    What it is: Indicates whether a dedicated low-frequency driver is included.
    When it matters: When stronger low-frequency output matters without adding separate equipment.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    TDK Life On Record A33 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • Has a power bank function
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    TDK Life On Record A33 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
    Acoustic drivers: 3.
    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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).3 vs 2
  • Has a removable battery
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
    What it is: Shows whether the battery can be removed from the speaker by the user.
    When it matters: When replacing a worn battery or carrying a spare matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    TDK Life On Record A33 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
    Supports the AAC Bluetooth audio codec.
    What it is: Indicates whether the AAC Bluetooth audio codec is supported.
    When it matters: When streaming from Apple devices or other AAC-focused sources matters.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: yes

    TDK Life On Record A33 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    TDK Life On Record A33 includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    TDK Life On Record A33 has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
  • 1 more speaker drivers
    TDK Life On Record A33 has more speaker drivers than the average portable speaker (3 vs 2).
  • Supports AAC Bluetooth audio
    TDK Life On Record A33 supports AAC Bluetooth audio, while the average portable speaker does not support AAC Bluetooth audio.
  • Has a power bank function
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a power bank function, while the average portable speaker does not have a power bank function.
  • Has a removable battery
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a removable battery, while the average portable speaker does not have a removable battery.
  • Includes a power adapter
    TDK Life On Record A33 includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Better ingress protection
    TDK Life On Record A33 has better ingress protection than the average portable speaker (IP64 vs IPX5).
  • Supports playback mute
    TDK Life On Record A33 supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
  • 3.2 cm shallower
    TDK Life On Record A33 is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.1 cm vs 8.3 cm).

Total
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Durability
Controls
Design
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 38.00 mm.
  • 11 W less audio output power
    TDK Life On Record A33 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (9 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 9.00 W.
  • 38 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 63.00 mm.
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    TDK Life On Record A33 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).
    Bluetooth version: 2.1.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).
  • 600 mAh less battery capacity
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (2000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    TDK Life On Record A33 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
    TDK Life On Record A33 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
    TDK Life On Record A33 does not provide voice prompts, while the average portable speaker provides voice prompts.
    No spoken status prompts; feedback is absent, visual, or tone-based.
  • 400 g heavier
    TDK Life On Record A33 is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,200 g vs 800 g).
  • 6 cm wider
    TDK Life On Record A33 is wider than the average portable speaker (24.1 cm vs 18.1 cm).
  • 7 older
    TDK Life On Record A33 was released earlier than the average portable speaker (2012 vs 2019).
    Release year: 2012.
  • 6 hours shorter battery life
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a shorter battery life than the average portable speaker (6 hours vs 12 hours).6 hours vs 12 hours
  • 2.9 Bluetooth levels older
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (2.1 vs 5.0).2.1 vs 5.0
  • 12 mm smaller main driver
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).
    Primary driver diameter: 38.00 mm.
    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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller main driver than the average portable speaker (38 mm vs 50.00 mm).38.00 mm vs 50.00 mm
  • 11 W less audio output power
    TDK Life On Record A33 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (9 W vs 20.00 W).
    Total RMS output: 9.00 W.
    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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has less audio output power than the average portable speaker (9 W vs 20.00 W).9.00 W vs 20.00 W
  • Does not support stereo pairing
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 does not support stereo pairing, while the average portable speaker supports stereo pairing.
  • Does not support True Wireless Stereo
    TDK Life On Record A33 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 does not support True Wireless Stereo, while the average portable speaker supports True Wireless Stereo.
  • 600 mAh less battery capacity
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (2000 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

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller battery capacity than the average portable speaker (2000 mAh vs 2,600 mAh).2000 mAh vs 2600 mAh
  • 38 mm smaller built-in subwoofer
    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 101 mm).
    Built-in subwoofer diameter: 63.00 mm.
    What it is: The diameter of the integrated subwoofer driver.
    When it matters: When the built-in subwoofer needs to move more air for stronger bass.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >= 75 mm

    TDK Life On Record A33 has a smaller built-in subwoofer than the average portable speaker (63 mm vs 101 mm).63.00 mm vs 101 mm
Total
Overall
Audio
Connectivity
Battery
Controls
Design
Smart features

Graphic comparison of TDK Life On Record A33 and other products in the Portable Speakers category

Attribute category
Attribute
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Third-party reviews

What customers like about TDK Life On Record A33?

  • Rich and punchy bass thanks to a dedicated built-in subwoofer and passive radiators
  • Sturdy, premium build quality that feels durable and hefty
  • IP64 weatherproof and splashproof rating protecting ports from dust and water
  • High volume ceiling with minimal audio distortion at high levels
  • Useful extra features including speakerphone capability and an integrated kickstand
  • Includes a USB out port allowing you to charge external devices like smartphones

What customers dislike about TDK Life On Record A33?

  • Short battery life averaging only 1 to 6 hours depending on volume
  • Uses an old-generation nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery instead of lithium-ion
  • Relatively heavy and bulky design makes it less ideal for frequent travel
  • No on-board track navigation controls like play, pause, or skip buttons
  • Requires a proprietary AC adapter for charging instead of a standard micro-USB cable
  • Lacks advanced dynamic range causing nuance loss or slight buzzing on complex audio tracks
  • Relies on outdated Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity with limited range through walls

Expert reviews

C
cnet.com
24/01/2014
Summary of the review
TDK Life on Record A33 Wireless Weatherproof Speaker review
N
nikktech.com
31/12/2013
Summary of the review
TDK A33 Wireless Weatherproof Speaker Review - NikkTech
0
01net.com
20/12/2012
Summary of the review
Test: TDK designs an excellent all-terrain portable speaker
(Translated)Show original

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