LG’s new XBOOM XL7 speaker could be your party’s next, great centerpiece
>
With spring approaching in a few weeks, LG saw fit to add two new models to its XBOOM speaker line, the XL5 and XL7, just in time for your next big party.
Starting with the more robust device, the XL7 has two 2.5-inch tweeters and an 8-inch woofer that the company says sounds great indoors and out. Enhancing the output is the Dynamic Bass Optimizer feature that boosts the bass coming out of the woofer without annoying distortion ruining the output. Unique to the XL7 are the different light effects that are spread out.
On the front you have an LED panel that comes with an animation mode for displaying cute pixelated characters dancing, rainbow patterns, custom text or a Visual EQ effect bouncing on the screen. Surrounding the woofer is Multi Color Ring Lighting which produces “light shows with various rotating, flashing effects” that are in sync with the music. You can also choose your own patterns or animations in the XBOOM app thanks to the Customizable Lighting feature.
Reduced speaker
As for the XBOOM XL5, it’s basically a scaled-down version of its bigger sibling. For starters, it has the same two tweeters, but comes with a 6.5-inch woofer instead. The speaker is also lighter at 12 kg (about 26 pounds) versus the XL7’s 14.7 kg (about 32 pounds). Battery lasts 12 hours on a single charge, while the XL7 lasts 20 hours. In addition, the XL5 lacks the front-facing LED panel, so sadly the pixelated cactus is missing. However, it still has the Multi Color Ring Lighting around the woofer, so the model can still serve as the centerpiece at your next party.
Other than that, they have exactly the same features. Both support Bluetooth 5.1 and can connect up to 10 other speakers via Wireless Party Link. The models have a water resistance rating of IPX4 which means they can survive splashing water (just don’t throw them in a pool). They even come with a microphone and pre-installed Karaoke Star for karaoke nights.
LG states that it is currently launching the new XBOOM speakers; however, at the time of writing, no listings for the XL5 or XL7 are available on the company’s website. The price tags are also a mystery. For comparison: the XBOOM 360 wireless speaker, the last of the series TechRadar reviewed, retails for less than $400. We’ve contacted LG for more information. This story will be updated if we hear anything.