DALI - KATCH G2

For sound quality it’s the Dali Katch. For everything else, I really like what JBL is doing.

Or also the Beoplay A2 which is pretty much the same as the Dali Katch G2 (though the G2 is slightly better). The Beoplay A2 will be cheaper as there are a lot more out there. And yes, both the Beoplay A2 and the Dali Katch G2 are also imo the best sounding BT speakers.

You call yourself an audiophile yet are convinced this is by far the best sounding BT speaker? I’m confident in saying this is probably one of the very few you’ve heard. The crackling noise could be due to the battery being degraded and not being able to supply enough voltage/current. Something small that will cover the whole frequency range is the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay A1 (1st Gen). Anything else the same size will not go as low as the A1 does. Footsteps and such are usually low pitched sounds so that could work.

\-DALI Katch G2 (portable, can sit plugged in, audiophile voicing) Among the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers with excellent clarity and impressive bass weight. Elegant design without lighting. Can play while charging. \-Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (2nd gen) (ultra-compact, refined bass, no lighting) Smaller than your SoundLink Mini but with surprisingly deep, clean bass for masking. It plays while charging. Minimal status LED only

Dali Katch series from Denmark are top end quality. Really great. https://www.dali-speakers.com/en/products/katch/?features=bluetooth

You’ve got more options in that range than we can list. What’s the perfect size for you? With regards preset EQs, though…many speakers require EQ tuning to sound good, so you may like speakers with fewer EQ levels to adjust. Personally, my favorite portable speaker is my Dali Katch Gen. 2. I paid less than $400 for it off Amazon UK, and it works perfectly for me. The sound is detailed, clear, “present” and offers a wide soundstage. It’s also just beautiful. If you can find one to listen to, do it. But also, go listen to other speakers in person (if possible) and see what you like.

Have you tried the DALI KATCH G2 perhaps? It is by far the best sounding Bluetooth speaker I've heard. It also comes with something annoying: charging requires an included adapter with a specific plug, and it's not usb. But the sound signature is super tight.

Yes, it goes loud but I'm not sure if the DSP allows your preferred volume.