We’ve got plenty to be thankful for in 2024, and being alive during the rise of the robust, portable Bluetooth speaker is certainly one of ’em. And just when we thought technological developments in this hi-fi subgenre had slowed down, the Lodge Solar-Power Speaker 4 Series 2 arrives to prove us wrong.
Perfect for levelling up your back garden or courtyard, the Lodge Solar-Power Speaker 4 Series 2 isn’t just weatherproof — it’s been carefully designed to deliver incredible sound too. You’re getting a solid 50-watt amplifier, 3⁄4” tuned dome tweeter for high frequencies, as well as a quick 24-bit/96 KHz sampling rate.
As good as the audio performance is, the real leap forward is its bulletproof build quality. Capable of withstanding temperatures between freezing and sweltering (0 — 46 degrees Celsius), it’s IP66-rated for water and dust resistance (protected against powerful water jets), and even offers a waterproof USB-C charging port.
If you live in sunny Sydney or Brisbane, however, there’s a chance you might never need to use that charging port as this speaker also comes with 180 square inches of shatter + chip-proof solar panels along the top surface. This means during the day, it essentially has infinite playing time; while after dusk (or on an overcast day), the 10,000mAh lithium-ion battery delivers around 15 hours of playing time.
Another ideal feature for those of you with a bigger backyard is the stereo mode connectivity, allowing multiple speakers (max: 30) to connect for a properly immersive listening experience.
When you consider the Lodge Solar-Power Speaker 4 Series 2 stands at a comparable price point to the waterproof JBL Boombox 3, US$399 (AU$597) isn’t too outrageous at all. So if you’re in the market for a new speaker or two, this could be the summer-ready kit you’ve been hunting for.
