A cheap multi-room speaker
Multi-room audio, where speakers around your house link up electronically so you can control what plays where, has traditionally been the preserve of expensive systems from brands like Sonos and Bose. More recently, though, cheaper options have emerged, such as the Gramofon, which lets you stream music to your existing sound system. Philips’ Izzy BM5 has the speaker built in. You can use it as a standalone wireless speaker, or use up to five units in tandem.
Finished in black, white or sand-coloured cloth (not available yet), the Izzy BM5 is a rounded cuboid reminiscent of Sonos’ Play:1, albeit wider and flatter. It costs about half as much, and the big silver volume knob on top is a nice touch. The twin 2.5in drivers don’t have quite the same power or clarity, but its output can fill a small to medium-sized room, with enough bass. Disappointingly, you can’t configure two units as left and right stereo speakers.
Rather than connecting to your broadband router, the Izzy creates its own Wi-Fi network. This makes it easy to set up. You don’t even need an app; simply press the buttons on top. However, you can only play music from a Bluetooth-equipped device that’s within a few yards of your Izzy master unit.
The BM5 can’t get music directly from the internet, and although you can connect a music source to its 3.5mm input jack, this won’t stream to additional speakers. On the plus side, anything you can play on your laptop, phone or tablet can be streamed around your home – you don’t have to check that a service you’re using, such as Spotify, is compatible with Izzy.
The mains-powered BM5 isn’t a charging dock, nor does it work from batteries for portable use. Its audio quality won’t satisfy hi-fi enthusiasts. But it’s no pricier than most plain wireless speakers, and for multi-room output over Bluetooth it’s simple to use.
VERDICT
It doesn’t have the very best sound or the widest range of features, but for the price this is a good multi-room speaker.
SPECIFICATIONS
2x 2.5in drivers • 5 Watts • 802.11n Wi-Fi • Requires computer, phone or tablet with Bluetooth 2.1 or higher • 118x165x165mm (HxWxD) • 1.12kg • One-year warranty