Connections and connectivity
The back of the passive left box only has a terminal strip for connecting the speaker connection cable. Of course, it doesn't bother the functionality, Wavemaster should sensitize the supplier to the point that you can (and must) screw something like this. The eye always eats with it and doesn't want to have to sour.
The mounting plate for the boards serves simultaneously as a back plate with all required connections. In addition to the physical power switch and mains connection, there are two outputs. First the for the left, passive speaker and one for an optional subwoofer. This is new and now takes our wishes into account throughout the product lines.
The analog inputs consist of a 3.5mm jack, as well as the RCA input, both of which can be switched separately (as well as used individually) and also have different input sensitivities (RCA 500mV, jack 250 mV). In addition, there is an optical input as well as the integrated Bluetooth module.
Connecting via Bluetooth worked easily and immediately with a wide variety of devices and operating systems; the recognition of already paired devices also worked without grumbling. Sometimes it is simply better to rely on tried-and-tested and above all mass compatible technology than on the very latest standards and gimmicks, which almost always cause more problems than joy.
This applies above all to the painful unifying of e.g. Smartphone volume and remote control on the boxes, where many devices can no longer offer quiet settings, but immediately loosen as if there was no tomorrow. Not so the Wavemaster Cube Neo, where the volume on the smartphone and the boxes can still be adjusted separately and independently. This is a big plus that must be emphasized.
Tear Down and built-in technology
The rear plate carries the power supply board on the one hand and the amplifier board with the Bluetooth module plugged in on the other hand. In order to meet the requirements of ErP Lot6 for low standby operation, the power supply has a relay that separates the amplifier part from the power supply in standby mode. Only the infrared control is further fed.
According to the data sheet, the integrated Class-D power amplifier produces 2x 25 watts of RMS, whereby I use simple measurements of the sine power to just under 20 watts (< 1% Klirr) komme, ohne dass man nennenswerte Verzerrungen hören und messen konnte. If one is a little less sensitive to the distortions, it is at least approx. 22 to 24 watts (>=10% Klirr). The system is therefore not a party system, but with this power for rooms up to approx. 20 m2 still sufficiently motorized. You can (and must) live with that.
What bothers a bit is the slight background noise at both analog inputs, which is a bit of a pity. However, you have to be close to the boxes in order to be able to perceive it. But there it is and to discuss it away would be dishonest.
The Bluetooth module relies on an AB1510 from Airoha. In total, you should come with the additional board at an additional cost of approx. 10 USD, which is not even much for this good Bluetooth 4.1 module, if you keep in mind that you do not take the mischief with the smartphone coupling of the volume control. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart!
The built-in crossovers are nicely matched and also fit nicely with the easy bathtub tuning of the system. But there's more to it. Overall, the placement of the Wavemaster Cube Neo is fine and completely consistent at the called price. This, too, is not always self-evident in this day and age.
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