{"id":42796,"date":"2026-04-08T20:37:47","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:37:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=42796"},"modified":"2026-04-08T20:37:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:37:47","slug":"handsome-speaker-amp-hybrids-with-excellent-clarity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=42796","title":{"rendered":"Handsome speaker\/amp hybrids with excellent clarity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A new company needs to make a strong first impression. For Fender Audio, a new outfit owned by the legendary Fender Musical Instruments Corporation but operated by Riffsound, that introduction comes in the form of two speakers and a set of headphones. The Elie 6 ($300) and Elie 12 ($400) are portable Bluetooth speakers with sophisticated designs and unique features, offering similar functionality in two different sizes. These devices are essentially speaker\/amplifier hybrids, since they both have \u00bc-inch\/XLR combo inputs among their connections. Despite the unique mix of connectivity, the speakers still need to sound good and work well to compete with the many excellent portable options available today.<\/p>\n
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Fender Audio\/Engadget<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Elie 12 is a large, powerful portable speaker with plenty of inputs, but weight and battery life could be deal breakers for some.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/default:svg>Pros<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Excellent audio clarity<\/li>\n
Four inputs<\/li>\n
Refined design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/default:svg>Cons<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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IP rated but there\u2019s exposed wood<\/li>\n
Big and heavy<\/li>\n
No app for customization<\/li>\n
Battery life lags behind top competition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Fender Audio<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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The Elie 6 punches above its size in audio clarity and connectivity, but it\u2019s heavy for such a small speaker and some competitors offer better battery life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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<\/default:svg>Pros<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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Excellent audio clarity<\/li>\n
Four inputs<\/li>\n
Refined design<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
<\/default:svg>Cons<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
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IP rated but there\u2019s exposed wood<\/li>\n
Limited playback controls<\/li>\n
No app for customization<\/li>\n
Battery life lags behind top competition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The good: Design, inputs and overall clarity<\/h2>\n
The first time I saw the Elie 6 and Elie 12 in person, my eyes were immediately drawn to the design. These certainly don\u2019t look like your typical Bluetooth speakers. That\u2019s due in large part to the refined, almost retro look that\u2019s consistent across both models. The Elie duo are products you won\u2019t mind showing off, while many portable speakers are too flashy or brightly colored to be kept in a prominent place.<\/p>\n
All of the onboard controls are clearly labeled physical buttons or dials, so you\u2019re not left wondering how anything works. Around back, both the Elie 6 and Elie 12 have combo \u00bc-inch\/XLR inputs (with 48V phantom power) as well as buttons for two wireless inputs and a 3.5mm line out. That combo jack means both speakers can double as amps, and the dual wireless connections allow you to sync microphones for karaoke sessions or hosting trivia night. This expanded functionality speaks to Fender\u2019s history as a guitar icon, but it also gives the Elie speakers an upper hand over much of the competition at these sizes. Typically if you want these types of inputs, you\u2019ll need to consider a much larger party box-style speaker to get them.<\/p>\n
Before I move on from the controls and inputs, I need to mention the dedicated three-way mode switch for single, stereo and multi-speaker uses. This is so much easier than what\u2019s on most portable speakers, which usually entails some weird dance with Bluetooth pairing or an app to sync multiple units together. Enlisting a physical switch so you know exactly where things stand is a much better and faster experience.<\/p>\n\n
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