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Turn Your Old Speakers Into a Portable Boombox: The Wild Bluetooth Amp That Took Kickstarter by Storm

Turn Your Old Speakers Into a Portable Boombox: The Wild Bluetooth Amp That Took Kickstarter by Storm

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
4 minute read

Turn Your Old Speakers Into a Portable Boombox: The Wild Bluetooth Amp That Took Kickstarter by Storm

Give your vintage speakers a new life with the SoundUp portable Bluetooth amplifier—battery-powered, powerful, and perfect for music lovers on the go.

A Smart Twist on Portable Audio Power

Imagine hitting the beach not with one flashy Bluetooth speaker, but lugging around a couple of hefty old-school passive speakers, an acoustic cable, and a battery amp. Sounds like a hassle, right? Well, that’s exactly the quirky idea behind the SoundUp portable Bluetooth amplifier—one of the most intriguing audio gadgets to blow up Kickstarter lately.

This nifty little device is designed for a very specific crowd: folks who cherish the warm, rich sound of classic passive stereo speakers but want to add modern Bluetooth streaming and battery-powered convenience. No wall socket? No problem.

SoundUp transforms vintage speakers into a portable powerhouse.

SoundUp transforms vintage speakers into a portable powerhouse.

What’s the Big Deal With SoundUp?

Now, Bluetooth streaming to passive speakers isn’t new territory. Brands like Bluesound, Elipson, and WiiM have crafted compact Bluetooth and Wi-Fi amplifiers that breathe streaming life into older speakers. But what sets SoundUp apart? It’s the first to offer battery power at this price point—lightweight (just 1 kg) and super portable.

To put it in perspective: while the sophisticated Bluesound Powernode Edge carries a hefty $749 price tag, SoundUp launched on Kickstarter for an early-bird price of just $159. That’s a serious bargain for 100 watts of Class D mono amplification and Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity.

Key Features That Make SoundUp a Standout

Let’s dive into the details that make this amplifier tick:

  • Bluetooth 5.1 Streaming plus a wired AUX input for versatile connections.
  • 100-Watt Class D Mono Amplifier that pumps out peak power up to 100 W at 3 ohms, scaling slightly lower but still mighty for 4-8 ohm speakers.
  • Battery Life Up to 40 Hours on a single charge—though powering larger floor-standing speakers will naturally drain the juice faster.
  • Lightweight Design at just 1 kg, making it easier to pair and transport with vintage speakers.
  • Stereo Pairing Capability by linking two SoundUp units together.

With these specs, SoundUp lets you tap into the sonic richness of old passive speakers, often built with quality wood cabinets, well-tuned acoustics, and drivers that budget Bluetooth speakers simply can’t match.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Convenience

Here’s the charm: those old speakers you might find gathering dust or sold for a song on secondhand marketplaces often have a sound quality that today’s mass-produced, plastic Bluetooth speakers rarely achieve.

Sure, many vintage speakers are bulky and not the easiest to haul around, especially those with genuine wood finishes and intricate acoustic tuning. But couple one of those beauties with the lightweight SoundUp, and you get a portable boombox with character—a rare combo in today’s audio world.

While I personally adore the quirkiness of this amplifier, I’m on the fence about ordering one myself. Still, it’s easy to see why the Kickstarter campaign smashed its funding goals many times over. The demand from audiophiles and retro audio fans alike is very real.

The Verdict: Is SoundUp for You?

If you’re someone who treasures vintage audio gear and gets a thrill from pairing old-school speakers with modern tech, SoundUp might just be your new best friend. It’s a clever, affordable way to breathe fresh life into speakers that deserve to be heard again—but with the convenience of Bluetooth and battery power.

Whether you’re planning a beach day, a park picnic, or just want to roam your home with your favorite tunes without hunting for a power outlet, SoundUp offers a refreshingly different take on portable music.

“SoundUp lets you use old speakers, ones that were high-end in their day, made from real wood with quality drivers and tuning that cheap modern Bluetooth speakers just can’t match.” – Audio Enthusiast

FAQ

  • What kind of speakers work best with SoundUp?
    Passive speakers with impedance between 3 to 8 ohms are ideal. It especially shines with vintage speakers built with quality materials and tuning.
  • How long does the battery last?
    Up to 40 hours on a single charge, though powering large floor-standing speakers might reduce this time.
  • Can I link two SoundUp amps for stereo sound?
    Yes! Pairing two units gives you stereo output, offering a richer, more immersive audio experience.
  • Is it compatible with Apple AirPlay?
    No, SoundUp focuses on Bluetooth 5.1 streaming and wired AUX input, without Apple AirPlay support.
  • Is it heavy to carry around?
    At just 1 kilogram, it’s quite portable and much lighter compared to carrying traditional amps.

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