X�MINI KAI X2

The Kai X2s are part of X-mini’s newest line of speakers, and feature a sleek new modern look that’s quite a departure from the old design. Unlike the rest of the speakers in this shootout, the Kai X2 isn’t built with a strap or hook of any sort, nor do they boast waterproong.

Instead, these have a matt space grey nish with no visible controls. Those are found in the rubberized base below, which means you’ll need your phone to do the heavy lifting once you’ve placed the speaker down. Clearly, these are meant to be used in the home, perhaps paired with your laptop for casual listening.

After running through a few of our test tracks, it became quickly evident that the mids are the best part of the speaker’s range. It doesn’t have the crisp highs of the Beoplay P2, nor the rumbly lows of the SRSXB10, but it does provide energy and excitement to almost every track it takes on.

Songs that heavily feature vocals seem to work best with this speaker, but whether it was the rocking vibes of Jon Bon Jovi’s Keep the Faith, or the frenetic string work of Vivaldi’s Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269, “La primavera” (Spring), the Kai X2 handled it all with equal vigor during our general testing.

As you can imagine, this translated to our formal test tracks too, with an even performance throughout. The intro of Elements of Life was nicely handled with just enough bass and energy, but the speaker’s delivery left you wishing it was just a bit darker with a slightly wider soundstage.

It also did well with Adele’s Melt My Heat to Stone, delivering a nice warm rendition that placed good balance on both vocals and backing instruments.

Works well with all genres of music. Playback bu�ons are difficult to get to.

HWM | AUGUST 2017

The microSD is hidden away near the base.

All the controls are at the bottom of the speaker.