WORDS Girish Mallya
The Honeywell Aviator Hi-Fi Speaker, launched in India with a blend of luxury and high-performance audio, marks its significant entry into the audiophile market. Priced at C39,999, this speaker isn’t just about delivering music; it’s about crafting an audio experience. From the moment it’s unboxed, the Aviator’s design speaks of elegance, available in stylish Grey and Dark Grey, which not only promises but delivers an aesthetic that could fit seamlessly into any modern living space or audiophile’s den. The core of the Aviator’s appeal lies in its audio performance. It boasts a True-Lossless 1MBPS+ Audio Codec, a feature that audiophiles would appreciate for its promise of pristine sound quality. This isn’t just about playing music; it’s about recreating the live concert experience within your home. The 240 watts of power output ensures that every note, from the deepest bass to the highest treble, gets its due respect, filling the room with dynamic, high-fidelity sound that doesn’t just play music but lets you feel it.
The integration of a 5-channel amplifier with 3 independent sound cavities further enhances this experience, providing a rich, layered audio profile that’s surprisingly rare in its price range. Connectivity is also good with Bluetooth V5.3 offering a 30-meter range, it ensures that your music is never interrupted, whether you’re lounging on your sofa or workdesk. But what truly sets it apart is its Lossless Dongle Connectivity. This feature allows users to connect via Type-C and Lightning connectors, ensuring that your high-resolution audio playback remains uncompromised, whether you’re streaming from your smartphone or connecting directly to other devices. This versatility in connectivity options underscores Honeywell’s commitment to flexibility. However, while the Aviator excels in many areas, the speaker’s physical size and weight might also be a point of contention for those with limited space, as its design, although elegant, it might not suit all room configurations and it’s not really portable. Another aspect that could be improved upon is the integration of smart features. In an age where smart speakers are becoming the norm, the Aviator, despite its high-fidelity audio, lacks some of the conveniences like voice control or integration with smart home systems, which could have been a game-changer in this price segment. Lastly, while the price of B39,999 positions it as a premium product, it might still feel like a steep investment for those not deeply entrenched in the audiophile culture and also ensuring sampling of the product adequately to drive purchase. For the casual listener or someone looking for a more all-rounded entertainment solution (like smart capabilities or perhaps a built-in screen), there might be a sense of paying a premium strictly for audio quality that might be overwhelming.
Pricing and Availability
- 39,999
- honeywellconnection.com