Lexon Speaker: I was seduced by the design
2.4.2024
Translation: machine translated
The Lexon Ray are the most beautiful Bluetooth speakers I have ever owned. Unfortunately, they don't sound as good as they look.
One look - and I was shockingly in love. I don't really like testing Bluetooth speakers. But when the manufacturer offered me this model, I was immediately impressed. The Lexon Ray speakers look extraordinary. The test will have to show whether they convince me in other ways too.
Design and workmanship are first-class
I unpack the Bluetooth speaker - actually the Bluetooth speakers. Because there are two speakers in the box, which can be connected wirelessly, but can also be used completely independently of each other.
Source: Lorenz Keller
But first to the visuals: the speakers are reminiscent of the end of exhaust pipes growing out of the ground. Or the exhaust pipe of a tuned car. They are slightly smaller than I expected. The diameter of the absolutely identical tubes is 4.5 centimetres each, the length around 5.5 centimetres. This makes them just under the size of a mandarin orange.
The ribbed housing and the speaker are made of metal, namely aluminium. At 96 grams, a speaker is therefore quite heavy for its size. The bevelled back is made of soft synthetic material, so you can place the Lexon Ray anywhere without scratching any surfaces.
Source: Lorenz Keller
In the beginning, however, I could hardly put the two speakers out of my hands. They are simply a tactile experience: every edge and surface feels different. I also find the design incredibly fascinating. For me, they are the most beautiful speakers I have ever used.
You can set up the speakers separately, put them together with the magnetic backs to form an L or, of course, attach them to any magnetic surface.
Source: Lorenz Keller
Easy to use, but also simple
On the back you will find the power head - it is the only button. When you switch on both speakers, they automatically connect to each other. You connect your smartphone or other playback device via Bluetooth. There is no app, you control the volume via the playback device.
Listening to music is really quite simple, but you can't set anything in particular. Theoretically, each speaker can be used individually, but then you have to do without stereo sound. The simple concept also has disadvantages: You have to switch on and charge each speaker separately.
The battery life is stated as eight hours. I tested it for around eight hours at just over half volume. This is definitely a good value and just as much as the manufacturer promises. By the way: Thanks to the IPX4 standard, the Lexon Ray are at least splash-proof.
Source: Lorenz Keller
Only sounds really good when they're aimed directly at you
Let's move on to perhaps the most important point for a speaker - and also the biggest point of criticism: the sound quality. I realise that I shouldn't expect too much from a small speaker. Despite all the trickery, the resonating body still plays a major role.
The Lexon Ray have almost no bass. That's not even possible because the housing is so small. The sound reminds me of many smartphone speakers, which seem similarly flat. I can't measure this, but it's my impression when I compare the Lexon Ray with my Google Pixel 8.
However, this only applies when I place the smartphone and speaker on a table and listen at a distance. Then both have the same amount - or rather the same little - spatial sound.
Source: Lorenz Keller
However, I have to turn up the Pixel more each time. Half volume has more impact with the speakers than with the smartphone. This is reflected in the maximum volume I measured: At a distance of around one metre, the smartphone manages 70 decibels, the Lexon Ray 77 decibels.
The speakers are not only louder, they also impress with a fine and crystal-clear stereo sound. And that's if I point them right at me. This works best when I sit at the desk, for example, and place the two speakers to the left and right of the keyboard. The diaphragm is then aimed right at me and I'm suddenly sitting right in the middle of the stereo sound. I have the feeling that I'm surrounded by sound. No smartphone can do that. So I'm not completely in the dark after all.
But as soon as I stand up or roll away in my office chair, the effect is gone again.
In a nutshell
Super design, sound not always so good
The tube design of the Lexon Ray is an eye-catcher, and I had the metal housing in my hands all the time during testing. It looks good and is pleasant to the touch. The speakers look much more luxurious than the price of less than 70 francs would suggest. If you only like the design, it is also available in alarm clock form from the same manufacturer.
You generally shouldn't expect much bass from such small speakers. The Lexon Ray only sound really good if you point them directly at you. Then you'll hear a spatial stereo sound. In many situations, however, the sound quality of the Lexon Ray is not much better than that of good smartphone speakers.
If that's not enough, you'll find larger and less attractive Bluetooth speakers that offer more surround sound for a similarly low price, such as the UE Wonderboom 3. Or you can invest more money and get significantly more sound, for example with the JBL Flip 5.
Pro
- Exceptional design
- Good battery life for the size
- Stereo sound
- Simple operation
- Elegant metal housing
Contra
- Little bass
- Only good sound when aimed directly at the listener
- Often not much better than good smartphone speakers
Header image: Lorenz Keller
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
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