TDK Life on Record TREK 360 review; big sound in every direction
When it comes to Bluetooth speakers, there's plenty out there to choose from. If you want to get a bit more premium, the choices start to thin out quite a bit. Try to get an upgraded option, but still remain affordable, and the choices are fewer. With the TREK 360, TDK wants to give you reason to think smaller without considering compromise. With speakers forcing sound in 360-degrees, does the TREK 360 produce enough quality sound to make you want to buy one? We find out.
Hardware
The small box is touch taller than it is square, and has a handle for easy portability right on top. All plastic with a metal speaker grill wrapping all the way around, the TREK 360 is light without sacrificing a solid feeling. That's pretty rare.
Around back, a small subwoofer port and port array is all you have interrupting clean lines. Ports are hidden behind a rubber cover to shield them from water, as the TREK 360 has an IPX3 rating.
Up front, we have the volume dial, Bluetooth or auxiliary toggle, and bass/treble switch. Plastic, the buttons have a nice click while the multi-purpose volume rocker has a nice action to it.
Use
Pairing the TREK 360 was simple, and it never lost connection or had to search hard to find a device it was paired with previously. On that level, TDK did a good job.
The multi-function dial controls either the volume or bass/treble. When you push the bass/treble button, a new light surfaces around the dial showing you the placement of your bass or treble. Leave the dial alone, and it reverts back to volume in a few seconds.
A built-in rechargeable battery promises 6 hours of playback on a single charge. Our testing resulted in slightly lower time, but not enough to complain about. The water resistant 'weatherized' design does protect against light water mist, but don't leave it out in the pouring rain.
Sound
Using TDK Life on Record technology, the TREK 360 packs a mean punch.
It's a little heavy-handed, though. While pop music or rap was enjoyable, acoustic tunes fell flat. The TREK 360 probably has the most bass we've seen in a speaker its size, though.
The 360-degree sound is great, but begs you to put it in the center of a room. It's loud enough to fill the space, too. In a large living room, it was pleasantly loud enough to likely keep conversation at a party to a minimum.
Regardless of direction, the TREK 360 sounds the same.
Conclusion
If you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, and have space towards the center of a room to house the TREK 360, it's worth your money. At $179.99, it's not cheap, but it does hold its own. Loud and clear, the output is great, but fails to hit the high notes some might feel it should.