the C10 MkII wireless speaker from Audio Pro combines Scandi styling with the latest streaming … [+]
Scandinavian sound specialist Audio Pro has been making award-winning speakers since the late 1970s. Audio Pro is based in Sweden and has its roots in the county’s early hi-fi industry. Over the years, the company has designed, developed and manufactured speakers and ships to some 55 countries around the world. Back in the 70s, Audio Pro launched a range of active speakers using advanced technology and with premium sound quality. Today it’s still an innovative audio company and its active speakers are now equipped with wireless, multiroom and smart voice-control features.
In 2012, Audio Pro entered the commercial market with a range of products designed for retail and hospitality environments. It also began to produce wireless speaker systems with sustainable designs with a long and useful life in mind. One of the latest of its sustainable wireless speakers is the C10 Mk II wireless multiroom speaker.
The C10 MkII has two distinctive looks. It can be used with the magnetic and removable speaker grille in place or with it off, displaying a large woofer and twin tweeters that project a convincing soundstage. As well as its cool and Scandi styling, the C10 MkII supports voice controls and can receive music from devices using Apple AirPlay 2 or Google Cast, enabling the C10 MkII to slot into a home’s multi-speaker audio system.
The C10 MkII is understated in its design and can fit in with almost any style of décor.
Taking its design cues from Audio Pro’s signature style, the C10 MkII has an understated Scandinavian feel and is available in a choice of Coal Black, Arctic White or Storm Grey textured finishes. The cool look is topped off with a polished aluminum control panel beautifully inlaid into the C10 MkII’s top.
With its inspiration coming from Audio Pro’s Swedish heritage, the C10 MkII is stylish but sufficiently neutral to fit in with almost any style of décor. With the magnetic and fabric speaker grille removed, the C10 MkII takes on ‘old school’ look with the three jet-black round speakers adding a personality to the device.
Meanwhile, that superbly inlaid metallic control plate features a large round button for controlling volume levels. On the left side of the volume control are six buttons for choosing audio sources and controlling the music. On the right side of the volume control, six preset buttons can be programmed to hold shortcuts for Spotify playlists or Internet radio stations, enabling the user to choose a favorite audio source at the touch of a button.
At the rear of the Audio Pro C10 MkII are a couple of RCA Phone line input for attaching a stereo … [+]
As well as the physical controls, Audio Pro also has a smartphone app available for iOS and Android platforms. The app has some extra controls for adjusting bass and treble levels and can be used to select a wide range of audio sources like TIDAL, Qobuz, Spotify and countless internet radio stations via TuneIn and other sources.
Setting up the C10 MkII to connect with a wireless network couldn’t be easier. The smartphone app takes all the hassle out of the process and in no time the speaker is connected and ready to use over Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. In addition, there’s an option to stream via Bluetooth. Even analog sources have been catered for via a pair of RCA Phono line-in connectors at the back of the speaker. Unusually, there’s also an output for hitching up a subwoofer. I can’t recall ever seeing that before on a small and portable wireless speaker.
Once it’s been set up and connected to the network, it’s easy to stream audio to the C10 MkII either directly from smartphone apps like TIDAL or Spotify. Alternatively, you can use the Audio Pro app as a portal to a wide range of audio sources. The app works well and is stable and intuitive to use.
With its magnetic speaker grille removed, the C10 MkII takes on a retro vide.
The sound from the C10 MkII is big and bold, considering its relatively compact size. A reflex bass port at the rear projects lower frequencies and adds a nice bit of heft to the bass. And that’s without adding a subwoofer. The sound is as good as I’ve heard from any wireless speaker at this price range and size.
Add the cool Scandi looks into the mix and this speaker is a bit of a classic. For those who care about the look of objects around the home, the Audio Pro C10 MkII will score highly. That said, it’s not just a pretty face; I love the sound and think that it would make a perfect wireless speaker for a kitchen or bedroom, especially as it has a dual alarm function built-in. The alarms can be set using the Audio Pro app so that you can wake up to whatever source of music or radio station you want.
Verdict: The Audio Pro C10 MkII is an uber-cool wireless speaker that’s packed with options and with superb looks. I love how it can stream Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth. The addition of a built-in alarm function and the option to connect an analog source and subwoofer makes it an incredibly versatile device and not something you might expect from such a great-looking and compact wireless speaker. The Audio Pro app works well and adds tone controls as well as editable audio sources. If you love great sound and appreciate cool Scandi design, then the Audio Pro C10 MkII might just be the perfect speaker for you.
Pricing & Availability: The Audio Pro C10 MkII is available now and retails for $450 / £360 / €450 in Arctic White, Storm Grey or Coal Black.
More info: audiopro.com
The C10 MkII from Audio Pro offers AIrPlay 2, Google Cast and Bluetooth streaming.