Pure Jongo T4X review: On sale now for just £40
The Pure Jongo T4X’s Bluetooth Caskeid makes it easy to send music wirelessly to other speakers but the audio delay is frustrating
Specifications
Speakers: 2, RMS power output: 50W, Dock connector: None, Networking: 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (A2DP), Dimensions: 305x146x165mm, Weight: 3kg, Streaming formats: Bluetooth Caskeid
While most multiroom audio manufacturers resort to using a proprietary wireless network to deliver the audio, Pure uses the Bluetooth Caskeid technology instead. The main benefit is that you can send anything from your smartphone via Bluetooth.
This overcomes the main limitation of many multiroom audio systems: the need for music services to be supported by the app you use to stream music to your connected speakers. With so many services out there, from Google Play Music All Access to Spotify, there’s a chance that your favourite service isn’t supported; with this system, all you need is the app on your phone so that you can send the audio via Bluetooth.
Pure has the larger Jongo T6X for bigger rooms, but the Jongo T4X is designed as a more mid-range wireless speaker. It uses two speakers (for a total output of 50W), so doesn’t have quite as much power. This does mean it’s physically smaller, however. Measuring 305x146x165mm, it’s still reasonably large for a speaker in its price range. It also weighs 3kg that helps make it feel sturdy and robust.
With the Jongo X-denoted range, Pure has improved the overall design of its Jongo series. We weren’t fond of the bulbous design of the previous generation. The new design is far slicker and the Pure branding has been toned down considerably. There is now just a small logo in the corner whereas it took centre stage previously. The grille that dominates the front of the speaker is now far more attractive as well and the Jongo T4X is available in a choice of either Graphite Grey or Ice White.
There’s also a 3.5mm auxiliary connection on the back for connecting an external audio device. Disappointingly, it’s not possible to connect a wired device and then use Bluetooth Caskeid to transmit the audio to the other speakers. Usefully there’s a powered USB port that you can use to charge your smartphone or tablet, but you can’t play music off a flash drive.
The initial setup process for the T4X is straightforward, although we found it was a little slow. You’ll need to first download the Pure Connect app for iOS or Android and make sure your device is connected to your wireless network. The app will then connect to any nearby speakers using Wi-Fi. This part of the process can be slow as the app will connect to any Wi-Fi networks within range until it finds the relevant Jongo speaker.
Once it finds it, you simply enter your network password and the speaker will then connect. You’ll need to repeat this process for any other speakers. If you don’t have an iOS or Android device, it’s also possible to set up the Jongo T4X using a web browser.
The Pure Connect app makes it easy to control the volume on any connected speakers as well as group them together. You can also pair them for stereo sound and the interface makes this a simple process. You can make the power indicator on each speaker illuminate to help easily identify which speaker is which and you can then assign a logical name. Turning on the Bluetooth Caskeid setting for each speaker will make each speaker play identical music from your Bluetooth connected device. This does mean you’ll need your source device to be within Bluetooth range of one of the speakers, which is about 10m.
Hardware | |
---|---|
Speakers | 2 |
RMS power output | 50W |
Audio inputs | 3.5mm stereo |
Audio outputs | None |
Dock connector | None |
USB port | USB (charging and optional Ethernet only) |
Memory card support | None |
Networking | 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (A2DP) |
NFC | None |
App support | iOS, Android |
Battery capacity | N/A |
Dimensions | 305x146x165mm |
Weight | 3kg |
Streaming | |
Streaming formats | Bluetooth Caskeid |
Supported servers | None |
Audio formats | MP3, AAC, MP3, WMA, MP2 |
Internet streaming services | Pure Connect, Other services require phone app |
Buying information | |
Price including VAT | £150 |
Warranty | Three-year RTB |
Supplier | www.pure.com |
Details | www.pure.com |
Part code | Jongo T4X |