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SoundFreaq SFQ-02 Sound Step, hands-on

Upstart speaker manufacturer SoundFreaq unveils its second Bluetooth speaker dock solution for iPhone, iPod, and iPad, the SFQ-02 Sound Step.

Donald Bell Senior Editor / How To
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
Donald Bell
 
Photo of the SoundFreaq SFQ-02 Sound Step speaker dock.
The SoundFreaq SFQ-02 Sound Step speaker dock. Donald Bell/CNET

LAS VEGAS--One of my happy surprises of 2010 was a Bluetooth speaker dock called Sound Platform from an upstart company called SoundFreaq. Stylish yet unique, with a premium sound, generous extras, and a down-to-earth price, the Sound Platform came out of nowhere to deliver a product few others can match.

So this year, in spite of being torn in a dozen different directions to cover tablets at CES, I made time to visit SoundFreaq to see what it's cooking.

For the company's sophomore product, SoundFreaq is going smaller, more portable, and more affordable. The SFQ-02 Sound Step is a 2.1 speaker dock, due out this summer for $149. It doesn't have the tiny, retro knobs of the original, but core features such as A2DP Bluetooth streaming, iPod/iPhone/iPad support, FM radio, remote control, and UQ3 audio enhancement are all still here.

The Sound Step boasts some advantages over its predecessor, as well. For one, it includes a built-in lithium ion battery, offering up around 6 hours of cord-free music. There's a video output, making it a suitable little sound bar to keep near your TV. And finally, the dock connection has been raised up, making it possible to dock an iPad (even one that's wrapped in a case).

To see the SFQ-02 Sound Step in all its minimal glory, head over to our photo gallery.

SoundFreaq SFQ-02 Sound Step (photos)

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