JBL Spark: A unique Bluetooth speaker

Designed to be mounted like a hanging lamp, the megaphone-shaped Spark is one funky-looking wireless speaker.

David Carnoy Executive Editor / Reviews

Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Nook e-books and audiobooks.

Expertise Mobile accessories and portable audio, including headphones, earbuds and speakers Credentials

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David Carnoy

Sept. 5, 2013 4:12 a.m. PT

The Spark is available for order now and retails for $129.95. It also comes in red and yellow. JBL

Bluetooth speakers come in all shapes and sizes, but the $129.95 JBL Spark is unique. The Spark is designed to be mounted like a hanging lamp and have music wirelessly streamed to it from your smartphone or tablet. While it could be mistaken for a very modern shower head, JBL describes it as having a "megaphone" shape.

Inside that translucent cone you'll find two 40mm drivers that will fill a small room with sound. The Spark comes with a stainless-steel hanging hook, fabric cord with inline control, and power adapter.

Yes, you heard right, power adapter. Unlike many of today's Bluetooth speakers, this one doesn't have a built-in rechargeable battery; it actually has to be plugged into the wall. However, it doesn't have to be hung on one. You can lay it down on a desk or table -- or any flat surface.

The Spark is set to ship this month. I'll have a full sound assessment once we get our hands on a review sample.