Sound Freaq SFQ01 review

Can Sound Freaq make a name for itself in the iPod dock market?

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Sound Freaq SFQ01
The SFQ-O1A offers Bluetooth connectivity as well as a dock connector

TechRadar Verdict

Pros

  • +

    Complete and detailed sound

  • +

    Bluetooth connectivity

Cons

  • -

    Doesn't shape sound well

  • -

    Not a great looker

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According to SoundFreaq, the SFQ-01A is built with three objectives in mind: performance, experience and design. So that's how we'll judge it.

Its performance is acceptable given the price, but it's far from outstanding. Audio is complete and detailed, but not as broadly shaped as we'd like.

A feature called 'U-Cubed', or UQ3, uses a proprietary technology to widen the sound, making the custom-built drivers seem further apart than they actually are. It does make a difference, but it's not as effective as Altec Lansing's similar ESS function.

You can manually adjust the bass and treble, but not by much, and this feature doesn't work at all when UQ3 is switched on.

As well as docking your iPod/ iPhone or using the 3.5mm AUX-in socket to listen to non-Apple audio players, you can transmit your sounds wirelessly from any A2DP-capable Bluetooth device. Pairing is easy, and it's great for streaming from your Mac or iPad, or for keeping your iPhone or iPod touch to hand while listening to your music.

There's an app to turn your iOS device into a remote too. But the SFQ-01A's design is underwhelming.

There's some neat touches, like the door on the side of the unit that houses the hand controller, but with its blocky design and fingerprint-hungry shiny plastic finish, it's certainly no great looker.

SoundFreaq's device offers decent quality for the price, but there are better docks at the £200 mark.

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Ian Osborne