Andover Audio’s FreePlay: A Home Audio Experience with Portability in Mind

When you think of portable speakers, they might conjure images of rugged, outdoor-ready devices. Andover Audio sought a different path with their first portable Bluetooth speaker, the FreePlay. The intention was clear: infuse durability with a refined aesthetic that resonates with indoor elegance.

Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering and Product Management at Andover Audio, describes their approach: “We didn’t overcook the design with multiple folds or unnecessary elements typical to rugged audio products.” Situated in Boston, the company crafted a nine-pound speaker with a sleek silhouette, a fold-down handle, and earth-toned finishes like Ivory, Olive, and Slate. This design ensures that FreePlay transitions effortlessly from a bookshelf to a backyard setting.

The front of FreePlay is curved and adorned with radial grilles, revealing the arrangement of its four front-facing drivers—a nod to the compact home audio systems of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Hazelwood emphasizes that the design inspiration was drawn from Dieter Rams’ Ten Principles for Good Design, focusing on minimalism and functionality.

A Commitment to Stereo Sound

A standout feature of FreePlay is its commitment to preserving stereo sound, a decision that influenced its entire design. Using two 25mm dome tweeters, two 5.25-inch woofers, and a 160mm rear-mounted passive radiator, FreePlay maintains the depth of stereo channels. While the drivers are too close to offer the expansive separation of traditional setups, they manage to convey depth, essential for a rich listening experience.

The speaker doesn’t default to heavy bass and volume. Instead, Andover applied strict standards for frequency balance and dynamic linearity, with a Loud Mode available for situations requiring stronger audio projection. Ensuring that FreePlay could withstand outdoor conditions without compromising sound quality came with challenges, particularly in achieving its IP67 dust and water resistance rating. This balance required careful material selection and construction techniques over approximately two years of development.

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Drawing from Experience

Andover leveraged experience from designing speakers for a major motorcycle manufacturer, incorporating testing for environmental exposure. The FreePlay is capable of, boasts Bluetooth support, offers USB-C and Qi-compatible wireless charging, and includes a 3.5mm auxiliary input. Physical controls handle essential functions without the need for an app, and Party Mode can synchronize up to 100 units.

The speaker’s subtle colors echo Andover’s aim for durability and longevity, appealing to natural and interior aesthetics without flashy distractions. Hazelwood aptly describes this as “putting a handle on your Hi-Fi,” reflecting Andover’s ambition to bring home-audio quality to portable devices.

The FreePlay is available for $429 from Andover Audio and Amazon, designed to merge the high-fidelity experiences of home audio with the flexibility of portability.

Source: design-milk.com

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