Everybody loves wireless headphones, with true wireless Bluetooth connectivity ensuring the highest quality and perfectly synchronised sound, so why not have the same setup for some beefier speakers for your home? That’s where the uStream One speakers from Mitchell Acoustics come in.
uStream One Speakers: What Are They?
The uStream One wireless speaker system has been designed by British audio specialist and professional musician Paul Mitchell
, one half of the respected Mitchell & Johnson audio manufacturer. Setting up a new venture during a pandemic is a bold move, but it’s given Mitchell a chance to combine the ease and convenience of a smart speaker with the sound quality of a hi-fi system, and with some success.
“The way people listen to, and access music, has changed dramatically in recent years,” explained designer Paul Mitchell. “On average, consumers spend nearly 18 hours per week listening to music, the majority through on-demand streaming via a variety of devices, many of these being of single-speaker form with poor-quality mono sound. We were determined to create a stylish speaker system for modern living.”
Mitchell has done that by building a set of bookshelf speakers with a total power output of 100 watts. Magnesium alloy diaphragms on both bass and treble drivers provide a wide range of responses, offering a sound signature that should replicate the artists’ intentions well.
| Rated output | 100W | Bass driver | 106mm |
| Individual output | 35W woofer, 15W tweeter | Treble driver | 38mm |
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.5% at 1W 1KHz | Diaphragm | Magnesium alloy |
| Frequency response range | 20Hz-20KHz | Weight | 3.3kg each |
| Colours | Black or white | Dimensions | 150mm x 237mm x 230 mm |
uStream One Speakers: What Are They Like?
The initial setup couldn’t be more straightforward; plug each speaker into the mains, turn them on and connect via Bluetooth. There are no wires between the two units, so you can set them as far apart as you like (within reason!) and enjoy perfectly separated stereo sound.
If you’re used to streaming music from your phone, nothing changes other than connecting to the uStream speakers rather than your headphones. You can still stream what you like, and use voice control via Amazon Alexia, Apple’s Siri or Google Home as you usually would. And, while we’re talking about streaming, you can take full advantage of the speaker’s range using Amazon Music, as it can stream directly to your speakers at a lossless 24-bit/48KHz rate.
The real test is in listening and trying to quantify the quality of the sound. You first notice the pleasingly deep bass notes that rumble along nicely, adding an essential foundation for your music. Mid notes are clear, adding colour to the soundscape, while the top notes are crisp – something I’m pretty sensitive to.
The bass drop in Blake Shelton’s God’s Country resonated around the room wonderfully, while Kimberly Perry’s vocals on If I Die Young had a warmth and depth that left me wanting to be back in Nashville. Listening via Bluetooth from a phone, even when using Amazon Music, led to some sound clipping, but plugging into one of the physical connection points (there’s optical, RCA, 3.5m jack and USB connection available) and playing uncompressed music cleared that issue.
uStream One Speakers: Verdict
Bookshelf speakers are plentiful, but these uStream One units are among the best we’ve ever used, whether wired or wireless. The wireless capability is the big selling point, but these stand out for their audio quality even when measured against more traditional units.
If the benefits of wireless connectivity aren’t essential, similarly capable speakers are available at a lower cost. If you need — or want — the benefits of wireless, from placing the speakers in convenient locations to reducing cable clutter, these are absolutely top-notch.
What: Mitchell Acoustics uStream One True Wireless Bluetooth Speakers
Where: Amazon.co.uk
How much: £500
He is the founder of Huff Media, publisher of Professional Pickup, Professional Van, Average Janes, Average Joes, and CALIBRE. His work focuses primarily on light commercial vehicles, pickups, and real-world vehicle use, with much of his time spent on manufacturer launches, industry events, and long-term vehicle testing.