Hands-on: X-mini KAI Bluetooth speaker

X-mini KAI closeup
A top down look at the familiar-looking X-mini KAI Bluetooth speaker.

Fans of diminutive portable speakers would probably be well-acquainted with Xmi, the Singapore-based company behind the X-mini speakers. Xmi's latest model, the KAI (which apparently stands for Key Audio Initiative), serves as the company's foray into Bluetooth-enabled audio and is also the first in its new Bluetooth-enabled speaker range.

X-mini daisy chain
Three X-mini speakers daisy chained.
The highlight of the KAI is its Bluetooth connectivity which allows smartphones, tablets or other Bluetooth devices to be paired with the speaker. Users can either control the music playback from their portable devices or via a tiny jog dial on the speaker unit, which allows for basic playback control. There's even a built-in microphone on the KAI which gives it teleconferencing capabilities. Of course, the speaker still retains the 3.5mm input (which Xmi calls the Buddy Jack), 3.5mm cable for connection to non-Bluetooth devices and a built-in battery that's charged via USB. Owners of X-mini speakers with Buddy Jacks can also daisy chain their other speakers for greater audio amplitude.

First impressions


The X-mini KAI looks nearly identical to the recently launched Rave model that has a built-in FM radio. It has a similar 40mm magnetically-shielded speaker driver and a familiar matte-black color. The differences lie at the base, where there's a jog dial to switch tracks and to play and pause music as well. A small blue LED strip is another way to identify the X-mini KAI. We also noticed some subtle changes to the top of the unit, which is now more rounded at the edges.

We were quite pleased with the simplicity of pairing our iPhone 4 with the KAI. No button holding, pairing codes or special tricks was necessary, just turn your phone's Bluetooth on and viola, you're paired.

Audio quality


X-mini KAI paired
The KAI paired with my iPhone.

The sound from the KAI was as good as the X-mini Rave and Happy, the latter is the model with an SD card reader and onboard music player. With a wireless Bluetooth connection, however, we were able to move the speaker around freely and position it for better bass impact. As with most speakers, lower frequencies went a little deeper with placement next to a wall or in a corner. While the KAI sounds amazing for such a small speaker, don't expect thumping bass lines.

X-mini models
Some models from Xmi's current range of speakers. From left: X-mini v.1.1, II, Happy, Rave and the new KAI.

Call quality


As the KAI is also touted to be capable of teleconferencing, we used it to make a phone call. From our brief test, we found the other party's voice to be clear and adequately loud. The microphone was also sensitive enough for those on the other end to hear when I was about 0.5m away from the speaker. At around 1m though, my voice started to lose some clarity and the other party missed some words spoken.

Outlook


The X-mini KAI will be available in Asia by December and has a recommended retail price if S$139 (US$110). This seems a little pricey for such a small speaker. However, as portable Bluetooth speakers go, this set is the smallest we've seen to date and does provide a good enough audio experience for all but the most fussy listeners. As a tip, we recommend placing the speaker on a solid wood surface that's near a wall or corner for better bass and sound dispersion.

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