With the Speedlink Gravity RGB 2.1 subwoofer system, the manufacturer known for its affordable peripherals launches a new edition of the Gravity Carbon system, which provided a massive bass over four years ago. Our Speedlink Gravity RGB review will tell you how well the new edition does.
Technical data
| Total power | 120 watts |
| Frequency range | 40 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Driver units | 3 inch |
| Subwoofer | 6.5 inch |
| Dimensions Subwoofer (W x H x D) | 261 x 259 x 263mm |
| Satellite dimensions (W x H x D) | 108 x 182 x 119mm |
| Total weight | 4.5 kg |
| Connection options | RCA (stereo), 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth |
| Special features | Customizable RGB lighting (5 modes) |
| Price | € 167.73 * |
Speedlink Gravity RGB review: the scope of delivery
The Speedlink Gravity RGB 2.1 sound system comes in a bulky, predominantly black cardboard box that weighs in at a decent five kilograms. Inside, the securely packed subwoofer takes up the largest part of the box.
Next to it, Speedlink places the two satellite speakers, as well as a remote control with a 1.5 meter cable. A short manual and a sticker with the manufacturer’s logo round off the budget sound system’s scope of delivery.
Design and workmanship
A look at the product description of the Speedlink Gravity RGB on the manufacturer’s homepage already suggests what is confirmed after unpacking the 2.1 sound system: The new edition almost resembles its predecessor, the Gravity Carbon, like two peas in a pod. With the exception that Speedlink does not go for a carbon look this time.
The subwoofer and satellite speakers come in a matte black color scheme, which looks quite classy with a textured surface. The massive subwoofer measures 261 × 259 × 263 mm (width x height x depth) and weighs just under four kilograms.
The red sound membrane shines through at the front, which takes up almost the entire front behind a grille. The manufacturer’s logo is once again in the center, while the front is framed by a semi-transparent ring. This is responsible for the RGB lighting when switched on.
On the right side of the subwoofer, Speedlink positions the controls of the system, which we already know from the Carbon model in the same form. At the top left are three buttons that (from top to bottom) activate Bluetooth mode or pairing, turn on an Eco mode to save power, or control the LED lighting.
Controls and satellites
To the right are two knobs to adjust the general volume and turn the bass up or down. Below that are the two RCA connectors, which can be used to connect the system directly to an audio source or to connect the included remote control. The same expands the 2.1 system with two 3.5 mm jack ports for connecting headphones or an AUX source.
Two USB ports round out the ports. The two satellite speakers are connected to these. However, it is not possible to connect the Speedlink Gravity RGB directly to a PC or other devices via the USB-A ports – a pity. The final touches are the on/off switch, as well as the permanently connected power cable with a length of 1.5 meters.
The two satellites measure 108 × 182 × 119mm (W × H × D) and take their design cues from the subwoofer. However, they do not have any controls or detachable cables. Only the permanently installed USB-A cable at the respective back enables a connection.
Workmanship of the Speedlink Gravity RGB
We were not completely convinced by the build quality in the Speedlink Gravity RGB test. Subwoofer and speakers feel quite valuable and have a pleasant feel thanks to the textured surface, but some minor scratches and blemishes are already visible after unpacking.
In addition, at least in our review sample, the Bluetooth connection indicator’s stauts LED was installed imprecisely and is slightly below the hole provided for it, which means that the LED is only half visible.
It is also noticeable that the subwoofer’s grille yields comparatively easily and the inline remote control has a bit too much play. Compared to the price, the workmanship is okay, although other manufacturers offer better quality.
Operation and initial setup of the Speedlink Gravity RGB
Operation and initial setup of the 2.1 system, on the other hand, are child’s play. Simply connect the satellites to the subwoofer, plug the power cable into the socket, switch on and you’re ready to go. There are no additional installation steps or complicated setup.
The Speedlink Gravity RGB is also directly ready for use via AUX cable. The Bluetooth setup is also quickly done. Simply press and hold the BT button for five seconds to put the sound system into pairing mode. The Gravity RGB is then recognized by smartphones and the like within a few seconds and can be connected at the touch of a button, so that nothing stands in the way of wireless audio enjoyment.
If you want to change the input source again, just press the BT button once, and the 2.1 system switches between wired and Bluetooth mode. Nice: The system also has an “auto-standby function”, thanks to which the system automatically turns off after one hour if no sound is played. However, this function can also be deactivated by pressing the Eco button.
RGB illumination
As the name suggests, the Speedlink Gravity RGB comes with RGB lighting. A total of five different modes are available (color gradient, multi-color static, color breathing, single-color static and “On the beat”), which can be switched between by pressing the LED button.
This works quite well in practice and is quite respectable. However, the handling is somewhat unfortunate, especially in the case of both static light modes. Here, the color can only be changed and set if the LED button is pressed again beforehand in the gradient or color breathing modes.
A companion app to switch between colors or adjust the lighting is unfortunately not offered on Speedlink’s part. Also, the “In Time” color mode is a nice idea in theory and actually changes the coloring during playback, but not really in time with the tracks being played as the name suggests. A bit of a downer.
Audio Quality
Sound-wise, the Speedlink Gravity RGB 2.1 system paints a good picture and, considering the price, is particularly convincing with a rich bass. So you should be careful with turning up the bass control. If you turn the woofer to the limit, the German rapper Das Bo should not ask for more bass in his classic song “Türlich, Türlich” anyway.
Technically speaking, the subwoofer has a peak power of 120W, which provides a lot of pressure and puts action sequences in games or movies in the right light. Fortunately, the bass reproduction is very precise and dynamic. However, the subwoofers and speakers tend to boom a bit at full volume and maximum bass.
Otherwise, the 2.1 sound system covers a frequency band of 40 Hz-20,000 Hz, which is a bit less than most gaming headsets – not to mention high-quality headphones. Mids and highs are okay, but it quickly becomes obvious that the Gravity are primarily designed for listening pleasure. The bass is clearly in the foreground, while the mids are also reproduced quite precisely.
Only the instrumentation in the treble noticeably recedes into the background, which, however, only sours certain music genres like classical or melodic metal arrangements. However, the Gravity RGB system cannot reach the brilliance and details of much more expensive systems at any time. As an all-rounder for music, gaming and movies or series, the system does a good job, though.
Summary of the Speedlink Gravity RGB
With the 2.1 sound system Speedlink Gravity RGB, the manufacturer has put together a well-rounded overall package. The design is chic, the operation intuitive and the setup easy as pie. The speaker system also cuts a good figure in terms of sound. At least, if you don’t expect an audiophile sound, which is unrealistic in this price segment.
As a stationary system in connection with a PC, console or smartphone and tablet, there is hardly anything to complain about, although headphones are of course much better suited for pure music enjoyment. The chic RGB lighting also provides a disco feeling, but it has some minor flaws in terms of operation.
Perhaps the biggest point of criticism, however, is the price. The Speedlink Gravity RGB system is not really expensive at around 120 Euros, but its technically identical predecessor, the Speedlink Gravity Carbon RGB, is still available and can be purchased for 90 Euros.
Speedlink Gravity RGB
Workmanship
Sound quality
Features
Value for money
85/100
Chic and good-sounding 2.1 sound system with successful RGB lighting, Bluetooth and rich bass. However, the build quality is not up to par, while the price is a bit too high.
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