Soundgil Cube 2.1 Review: Compact Speaker Set For Audiophiles

Higher, faster, further. Or: bigger, louder, more conspicuous. Also in the acoustics industry, new devices are becoming more and more exciting and seemingly better. They grow in height and in width. They are presented elaborately, offer ever more detailed sound, become ever louder. The bass must be extremely strong, the treble extremely high. And the case must reflect all that – loud, not to be overlooked, somehow innovative. The latter is of course difficult to achieve if everyone is striving in the same direction. In order to actually be striking and innovative, most manufacturers try to surpass all existing devices with their new devices and to be different in this way – always a little bigger, always a little stronger.

The Soundgil device tested by us, which bears the name “Cube 2.1”, is strikingly different at first glance in any case. But it stands out in a completely different way. It seems to break with the usual ideas of the acoustic equipment manufacturer industry today. It is strikingly different because it is small, little eccentric, easy to overlook, and thus in no way committed to the idea of rapid, steady progress.

At first glance, it is therefore nothing of what distinguishes today’s music systems. But now the question almost automatically arises as to whether there is a marketing trick behind this rather unusual presentation – or is the device really extraordinary and different?

If we assume the second case, further questions arise: Can Soundgil be successful with this concept? How should the success of a device falling outside the standard be measured?

We tried our best to test and evaluate this device – of course, it’s very subjective. You can find more information about the exciting device – everything is big and strong, small and seemingly weak things suddenly become much more interesting – on the following pages.

Specifications

• Power supply: DC 24V
• Maximum output power:
  • L/R channel 50W + 50W 4Ω
  • Height/bass 50W + 50W 4Ω
• Frequency response: 55 Hz -26 KHz
• Drive units: 4x 3 inch
• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR@1kHz)
  • Analog: 85 dB
  • Digital: 90 dB
• Impedance: 4Ω
• Distortion: 0.03% with 1W/channel
• Dimensions:
  • 2x L/R channel: L 116 x W 116 x H 116 mm
  • Height/bass channel: L 232 x W 116 x H 116 mm
• Gross weight: 5.2 kg

Design, workmanship and scope of delivery

Anyone who has read the introduction, which may have taken a long time, will not be particularly surprised by the fact that the device is small. The overall design of the individual cubes and the subwoofer is determined by the size. The individual components are handy and inconspicuous in the best sense of the word. But it is precisely this inconspicuousness that makes the design so striking. The loudspeakers are made of plain silver and can be placed anywhere due to their small size. And it is precisely with these qualities that they draw attention to themselves – which is perhaps what they want.

The scope of delivery includes the subwoofer module, two satellite cubes, countless feet, an external switching power supply, a remote control, an operating manual, an optical SPDIF/3.5 mm jack cable, an ordinary 3.5 mm jack cable and two sets of speaker cables. The equipment is therefore luxurious and should be sufficient in any case.

Both the satellite cubes and the subwoofer are made of one piece of aluminium each. Despite their comparatively small size, the individual modules are therefore relatively bulky and inflexible – but not with regard to the installation options available. The weight of 1.22 kilograms per satellite and 2.79 kilograms for the subwoofer is high in relation to the size of the individual parts. At this point the measurements are then also mentioned once: The two satellites measure 116 x 116 x 116 millimetres, while the subwoofer module measures 232 x 116 x 116 millimetres.

The individual modules are only open on the floor. Here are four screws that can be opened. There is no possibility to open loudspeakers or subwoofers on the upper side or on the left and right. The already mentioned black feet can be attached to the underside in order to improve the stand of the individual devices.

The manufacturer’s logo is pressed into the material on the top of the individual modules. At first glance it is hardly noticeable, as it is not highlighted in colour. In this respect, too, the conspicuously unobtrusive design is consistently retained. On the rear side there are also connection possibilities, while on the front side the sound is output.

All parts are processed outstanding. The material used is of high quality and was processed perfectly. At this point we would like to point out once again that the individual parts were each produced in a single casting. This also ensures that the speakers and subwoofer are perfectly sealed and completely vibration-free. With regard to the workmanship, the manufacturer must actually be complimented.

Operation

First of all, it should be noted that the loudspeakers can be installed in almost any location. The small size that makes it so special also has practical advantages.

The loudspeakers are controlled via the included remote control, which also allows you to switch between two playback devices. Output devices can be connected via USB, Bluetooth and jack cable. It is very easy to switch between devices connected to the first two variants at the touch of a button on the remote control.

Of course it is also possible to change songs and adjust the volume. In the test, the remote control works correctly. Also the different connection modes and the change between them is possible without problems. The LED in the subwoofer indicates the current status.

If the Soundgil Cube 2.1 is connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth, the sound can also be influenced via a separately available free app. The app is useful – besides the already mentioned possibilities to influence the sound, it also offers a player. However, the installation of the Android app is difficult in the test because it is not available in the store. The application must be downloaded and installed from a Google Drive folder, which will be difficult for a layperson. But that will certainly change when the loudspeakers are finally available on the market. I’m afraid they haven’t yet.

The app is not absolutely necessary. However, it is useful. If you are not able to install the app, you have to do without customization options.

Sound or listening experience

The bass is, as was to be expected, not very engaging. It is present and quite voluminous, but at no time does it push itself to the fore. Friends of especially bass-heavy music shouldn’t have any fun with the Soundgil Cube 2.1, while the average user will be happy about the rather restrained bass at times.

The middles convinced us absolutely in the test. They are really balanced and full of what not every loudspeaker can offer for a long time. Here it becomes clear that the manufacturer wants to focus above all on a balanced sound image, which in our opinion is good for the Cube.

Even at high altitudes, the loudspeakers remain sovereign. Voices and instruments are well reproduced and become very recognizable. The Soundgil device does not afford weaknesses.

All in all, the sound experience is positive all round. Only friends of a very dominant bass will not be happy with the Cube 2.1 from Soundgil. But that’s not the target group of Soundgil either, who deliver an absolutely neutral sound with the Cube 2.1 – just like it was created by the musicians.

Summary of the Soundgil Cube 2.1 Review

We could not – and did not want to – answer the questions raised at the beginning. It remains open what Soundgil wants to achieve. However, after our test it is clear that the Cube 2.1 is really special. Even in the smallest of spaces, it offers a sovereign, balanced sound with mid-range and treble particularly to be emphasized. The design is strikingly unobtrusive and the individual components of the device can be easily accommodated due to their small size.

Those who fear that the small volume resulting from the small size would be accompanied by a weak, thin sound can be reassured – this is not the case.

We are convinced of the tested device and can recommend it. Only the cumbersome installation of the app has a negative impact. However, it should be mentioned here that the device is not yet officially available. It is therefore to be expected that the manufacturer will make the app more accessible at market launch, which is why this point of criticism does not affect our overall assessment.

The Soundgil Cube 2.1 speaker set will probably be priced above 1,000 euros when it is finally released onto the market. This is of course already a price point at which one expects outstanding quality. The Soundgil definitely delivers, because both the workmanship and the sound quality are excellent. However, we left the price-performance ratio out of the evaluation due to the not yet available selling price.