Morel does not get a lot of coverage from the high-end audio press and that has always felt rather weird. Not only has the Israeli manufacturer of high-end loudspeakers and drivers been a fixture in the consumer A/V and car audio segments for decades, it has consistently made excellent drivers and tweeters for its own products and as an OEM supplier to other high-end brands. Its new BIGGIE wireless speakers promise the Morel house sound in rather chic colors.
BIGGIE Core Features
Built on the foundation of Morel’s previously released Högtalare wireless home speaker ($398 at Amazon), the BIGGIE portable speaker ($299) incorporates the following features.
- Precision Handcrafted Drivers: The heart of the BIGGIE is its speaker drivers. This includes a 4-inch custom-made woofer and a Morel 25mm soft dome tweeter. This is in combination with a front-mounted port. This 2-way bass reflex speaker system is designed to provide accurate bass and clear high frequencies.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with BLE: This allows users to wireless stream content from compatible smartphones, tablets, etc… to the BIGGIE. There is wireless freedom with a range of up to 50 meters, perfect for indoor/outdoor events and home use.
- TWS Pairing and Multi-Speaker Connection: The BIGGIE also provides TWS pairing to enable stereo sound. Pair two BIGGIE speakers wirelessly for a stereo soundstage (APP release in 2024), enhancing your listening experience.
- Chic and Modern Design: Complementing any home décor, nine color options add a touch of personality, while the leather-like handle enhances portability.
- Advanced DSP: Advanced DSP technology optimizes sound quality further. It optimizes sound quality, ensuring a well-balanced, natural sound without distortion or coloration.
Morel BIGGIE and Högtalare Comparison
BIGGIE | Högtalare | |
MSRP | $299 | $399 |
Use Type | Portable | Stationary (table or wall mount) |
Amplifier Type | Class D | Custom-made 3-channel amplifier (1 x woofer, 2 x tweeter) |
Power Output | 45W woofer + 15W tweeter (60 watts total) | 2 x 50 watts (100 watts total) |
Maximum Loudness (SPL) | 95 dB @ 1 m | N/A |
Frequency Range | 40Hz – 20kHz | 36Hz – 30kHz |
Drive Units | 1 × 100mm (4-inch) Woofer 1 × 25mm (1-inch) Tweeter | 1 x 152.4mm (6-inch) double magnet woofer 2 × 25mm (1-inch) Tweeters |
Ports | 1 Front | 2 Front |
Battery Type | Built-in, rechargeable Li-ion battery (28 Wh 11.1V 2600mAh) | None – AC Power Only |
Play Time | Up to 20 hours at normal volume levels (50% volume level) | Not Applicable |
Charging Time | Fast charging with 2 hours full recharge 20 min charge will give about 4 battery hours | Not Applicable |
Power Requirements (when used with AC) | Dual Voltage 100-240V, 50/60Hz | Dual Voltage 100-240V, 50/60Hz |
Power Input | USB-C | USB-A + AC |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 BLE, Auracast-ready | Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX WiFi Ready via optional WiFi Adapter |
Bluetooth Range | Up to 50m (165 feet) | Up to 50m (165 feet) |
Wired Connectivity | AUX input 3.5mm | AUX input 3.5mm |
Control Panel | Power Volume up/down BT pairing TWS mode | Power Volume up/down BT pairing Input Select |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 18 × 18 × 11.5cm 7 × 7 × 4.5 inches | 33 × 33 × 17mm 12.9 × 12.9 × 6.69 inches |
Weight | 2.6 kg 5.7 lbs | 7.31 kg 16.12 lbs |
Colors | Golden Yellow Oak Wood Denim Sky Midnight Blue Olive Green Aqua Frost Minimal White Ruby Red Cosmic Black | Red Statement Blue Blend White Minimal Black Out |
Initial Impressions
The portable bluetooth speaker market is very crowded and the BIGGIE will have to be very good to stand out in the segment. Morel designs and manufactures its own drivers and tweeters in-house and has considerable expertise integrating drivers into smaller enclosures and maximizing their sonic output.
If the BIGGIE delivers the house sound and proves to be a reliable performer — this could be a very interesting option in the portable category.
Price & Availability
The BIGGIE is priced at $299 and is available through Morelhifi.com.
The Högtalare is available for $398 at Amazon.
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