If you’re in the market for a portable Bluetooth speaker that prioritizes natural-sounding analog audio, then look no further than the Orange Box. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of other plastic Bluetooth speakers, it stands out with its unique bohemian design and bright orange exterior. Orange Amps, a company known for its guitar amps since the 1960s, has seamlessly merged the hardware elements and iconography of its amps and speakers into this portable battery-powered version.
The Orange Box features an orange Tolex (vinyl) exterior, logo badge, speaker mesh, wood framing, knobs, toggle switches, and indicator lights—perfectly matching the brand’s existing products. The on/off toggle switch delivers a satisfying mechanical “thunk,” while the domed orange power light adds a touch of retro aesthetics. The top panel features manual volume and EQ dials, allowing you to customize the bass and treble levels. However, the position dots on the dials are located near the bottom, making them slightly difficult to read unless viewed from above.
In terms of connectivity, the Orange Box offers Bluetooth control with a blue light that flashes when it’s in pairing mode. This control also functions as a pause/play button. An orange overload indicator light warns against playing music too loudly, especially with heavy bass. The speaker also includes a 3.5mm minijack on the top and a DC charging port on the back. The 2,600mAh battery can be charged for up to 15 hours of playback or used while plugged in.
One potential downside of the Orange Box is its lack of IP rating or waterproofing, making it less suitable for outdoor use. However, Orange Amps is known for its build quality, so users can trust in its durability. For added protection, users can consider purchasing the $60 Gigbag carrying case, which should keep the speaker dry and clean when not in use. While the Orange Box weighs over 6.5 pounds, it can still fit easily into a backpack for convenient travel.
Where the Orange Box truly shines is in its sound quality. It offers a warm and bright output, thanks to both digital Class D and A/B analog amps. The front-facing 4-inch sub and dual 2-inch high frequency drivers deliver crisp and punchy sound. With a frequency range of 35Hz to 20kHz and AptX support, the Orange Box is well-suited for a wide range of music genres. It particularly excels in reproducing live instrumentation and analog-based music. While it may struggle with some modern digital music, personalized testing can help determine compatibility.
Despite its compact size, the 50-watt Orange Box offers enough volume for personal use or small outdoor gatherings. The speaker produces decent bass, which reverberates through the case, especially when positioned close to the listener. However, in large windy areas, it may not project sound as effectively when you’re 15-20 feet away. The Orange Box didn’t exhibit any distortion when pushed to the maximum volume, but users should be cautious of the overload light, which indicates possible distortion and potential damage to the drivers. In case of any issues, the speaker can be repaired through authorized service centers until 2030.
While the Orange Box lacks some features common to other Bluetooth speakers, such as multipoint pairing and sleep mode, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a simple and effective speaker. Its analog amps and aptX support offer audio enthusiasts a superior listening experience. The Bluetooth 5.0 range is impressive, and the absence of processing delay when using the 3.5mm input jack makes it suitable for DJ monitoring. The ability to repair the speaker through authorized service centers and replacement parts until 2030 further enhances its eco-conscious appeal.
In conclusion, the Orange Box may not be classified as an audiophile speaker, but it appeals to analog enthusiasts and fans of Orange Amps. Its retro design, warm audio output, and the option for repairs make it a worthy investment. Priced at $299, it offers a more durable and long-lasting alternative to disposable products in the market. The Orange Box, alongside the $60 Gigbag carrying case and the non-portable sibling, the Orange Box-L ($345), are all available for purchase on the Orange Amps website.
