So I've been testing the Tribit Micro 3 against the Soundcore Boom Go 3i and here are my thoughts.
Quick side note, the Micro 3 sounds better than the Micro 2. It actually has bass at lower volumes. As Alan Ross mentioned in his review, some might say that the Micro 2 sounds cleaner because it is mid and treble forward, but the Micro 3 is fuller sounding because it has more bass and that seems to be a more pleasing overall sound.
**Now onto the M3 vs the BG3i.**
Generalizations based on my ears at 20-50% volume:
M3 bass sounds more accurate and is punchier. BG3i bass sounds deeper.
M3 bass can sound weak at lower volumes. BG3i bass can drown out other frequencies.
M3 sounds mid forward. BG3i sounds bass and treble forward.
M3 sounds cleaner. BG3i sounds more detailed.
M3 sounds fuller. BG3i sounds wider.
M3 sounds harsher. BG3i sounds smoother.
M3 sounds more forward. BG3i sounds more recessed.
M3 can sometimes sound congested. BG3i can sometimes sound thin.
**If I had to choose one for all uses and all volumes, I would choose the Micro 3.**
That being said, I would pick differently in different situations.
I feel like 35% volume or so is the break even point for me. In general, below that I like the sound of the BG3i better (though not always, sometimes I liked the M3 better). The bass stands out better then the M3 and it just gives it a fuller more pleasing sound, while maintaining treble detail and just sounding smoother overall. Above 35% and I generally prefer the Micro 3 (though not always, sometimes I likes the BG3i better). At those levels, the bass is on par with the BG3i, but the M3 generally has better fullness and clarity and is more forward.
Outside, I almost always prefer the Micro 3. The bass really punches through and is more audible that the BG3i over the background noises. The harsher forward sound of the mids/treble on the M3 help it to sound more clear and audible in these same outdoor conditions.
On the Boom Go 3i I used the Soundcore Signature EQ at all volumes.
On the Micro 3 I used the Popular EQ over 40% and I used the Xbass EQ under 40%. At lower volumes without Xbass EQ on, the bass was too light for me on the M3. Over 40% and Xbass EQ was too slappy and didn't sound good, Popular sounds better at these higher volumes.
I'm going to experiment with my own EQs to try and correct my perceived weaknesses of each and then compare them again. For now I'm keeping both as they are both good in their own way.
I just went back and did a side by side listen between the two (30-60% volume). I think what's happening in my ears, is that the M3 has more low end fullness and so it doesn't sound as harsh in the treble. With the M2 being more subtle in the low end, the treble stands out more to me and makes it sound "harsher". Maybe harsher is too exaggerative of a word. I think the M3 sounds slightly cleaner too.
I agree with that. I spent months perfecting my Boom 2 EQ, but finally got it to a point that I really liked it.
However, the first round of EQ adjustments for these two smaller speakers made the Micro 3 sound better and made the Go 3i sound worse. I’m going to keep playing with it.
New Pill is supposed to be decent.
Bose Flex is a nice compact speaker that fits in backback too.
Earfun uboom L is that weight category and a good budget option.
I have a Soundcore Motion Plus that has worked well for a few years. It is a heavy little speaker compared to the ones mentioned above.
I have a little Tribit stormbox mico for crusin on the bike that does a good job for it's small size.
Tribit iirc Storm (smaller square one, good speakers on sale) does this but for some reason, and nothing states this anywhere, will only charge something when the speaker is over 50%
desertboots
