Ekotek Ekoplay Max Review - Budget Big Bass Speakers

Late last year, Ekotek launched the Ekoplay Max, a 5-in-1 desktop speaker that promises "Mega sounds" on a compact build and pocket friendly price.

Meet Ekotek Ekoplay Max

How? It has a dedicated 3-inch subwoofer for extra bass response and a pair of left and right twin speakers to complete the 2.1 channel experience for just PHP 1,835.

It can even be played wirelessly by connecting it via Bluetooth. In addition, it has a dedicated aux (3.5 mm) port, USB 2.0 and microSD input, and built-in FM Radio.

Sounds fun right? Here's our full review of the Ekoplay Max!

Ekotek Ekoplay Max Specs

Drivers: Twin speakers

Subwoofer: 3-inch

Connectivity: Bluetooth, 3.5 mm, USB input, microSD input, FM Radio

Power Input: 5V USB

Price: PHP 1,835

Disclaimer: This unit was seeded by Ekotek, an advertiser of this website. But, rest is assured of our honest and constructive take always.

Unboxing / Accessories

Everything inside

Packing is simple. It arrived in a kinda big box with clean print of the 2.1 speaker set, "true specs", and features.

You'll find the 3-inch back firing subwoofer, left and right speakers, 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm aux cable, paper documents, and the Ekotek stickers.

It has no cover cloth included in the package to protect the speaker from dust and dirt when not in use.

Build Quality / Design

View at the back

Construction is alright. There's nothing too special about it though. It's mostly made out of plastic. The plastic used on the subwoofer feels sturdier than the one used on the pair of speakers. It should last long enough if you'll properly take of the speaker well.

Design is stylish and compact for a desktop 2.1 setup. It's minimalist yet attractive at the same time. The twin speakers has generous curves! It has good glossy paint finish that it surprisingly not that prone to fingerprint smudges. Even the boxy subwoofer has good curves.

I personally liked the nearly all black color with nice white accents in the middle of the speakers and volume knob.

Only the subwoofer has rubber stoppers though. The twin speakers might accidentally slip on slippery surface.

Features

The subwoofer and controls

Setting up the Ekoplay Max is easy. It is also rich in features. All you need to do is connect the 3.5 mm male jack of the twin speaker to the female 3.5 mm port of the subwoofer.

After that, plug the USB 2.0 male port to a USB charger or your PC. Then turn on the speaker and connect it via Bluetooth for wireless audio playback. It can detect audio devices up 10 meters far.

In my opinion, playing audio thru wired cables is still better than wireless playback. Therefore, I recommend to use the 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm aux cable included in the package to enjoy the best possible sound of the Ekoplay Max.

I also liked that Ekotek included an option to use an option to enjoy music via USB, microSD, and even FM Radio.

To increase the volume, just turn the knob on the subwoofer to the right. To decrease the sound turn the knob to the left. To change the mode to either Bluetooth, aux, USB,  microSD, and FM Radio, just press "mode" button found on the subwoofer part.

It also has play and pause, previous, and next buttons located on the subwoofer.

Sound Quality

Big and loud sound!

To get the best possible sound of the Ekoplay Max, you need to tune it properly first. On my PC, I usually set the volume to around 30 to 40 percent. Then I will just adjust the loudness using the volume knob of the speaker.

Big bass, loud sound!

Sound is warm and smooth. Bass response is massive for the size. Sub-bass response is pretty good. It can even deliver the crawling bass effect at times. But as expected, it doesn't have the tightness and speed of bass found on high-end setups.

Clarity is alright, but I expected it to be a little cleaner. On bassy tracks, the sub-bass response could over power the mids and its vocals and instruments. Separation of tunes are acceptable.

Highs has some surprising sparkle. But, it also has peaky points on some tracks or when you crank the volume up.

Speaking of loudness, the speaker can go really loud when needed. Just expect to hear distortion on 80 to 100 percent volume loudness.

It has nice soundstage for the size due to its pair of speakers.

Sound quality is decent overall.

Pros - Compact size, big bass, loud sound, affordable price

Cons - No dedicated battery, could be too bassy for some, distortion on max loudness

Verdict

Ekotek's Ekoplay Max is a pretty good compact 2.1 budget speaker set. For just PHP 1,835, it delivered the promise of big sound and bass on a budget.

We just wish that its clarity is a bit better. It would have been better too if it has a built-in rechargeable battery.

The Ekotek Ekoplay Max is available at SM Megamall Cyberzone, Office Warehouse branches around the metro, and selected Astroplus and Anson’s branches.

Build / Design - 3.75

Features - 4.5

Sound - 4

Average - 4.08 / 5