Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

The Vifa Oslo Bluetooth speaker packs high-end audio into a minimalist design

vifa oslo bluetooth speaker pebble grey
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Unless you’re very into audio gear, the name Vifa might not ring a bell to you, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t encountered the company’s products before. For some time now, Vifa has provided drivers to manufacturers of high-end audio equipment. That’s all well and good, but if you’d rather see what a product designed from the ground up by the company looks like, meet the Vifa Oslo Bluetooth speaker.

While a lot of Bluetooth speakers loudly exclaim exactly what they are to anyone giving them even a cursory glance, Vifa has taken a much more subdued approach to the Oslo. The understated minimalist design sees nearly the entire speaker covered in fabric — available in multiple colors including Anthracite Grey, Pebble Grey, Sand Yellow, Ocean Blue, Ice Blue, and Pine Green — with a handle on top for easy portability. A small panel on the back houses the power button, auxiliary jack, and AC adapter connector.

Recommended Videos

Inside, a pair of 50-mm full-range drivers with aluminum cones and neodymium magnets are complemented by dual 65-mm woofers, which are mounted opposite each other, back to back. A pair of passive radiators provide extra low end. A DSP crossover keeps the drivers working together in sync, keeping distortion low.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

For connectivity, the Oslo uses Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX, though it keeps things fairly simple, with no NFC or speakerphone functionality — this speaker is built solely for music. The included rechargeable lithium battery offers a claimed eight hours of playback time. Charging can only be done via the included AC adapter, so you won’t be able to charge this speaker via Micro USB.

The Vifa Oslo has been available in Europe for a while now, but those of us based in the U.S. can now find the speaker for sale via retailers like fancy, selling for $550. For more information on the Vifa Oslo, see the company’s website.

Amazon

Fancy

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Marshall’s Emberton III and Willen II speakers get microphones and Auracast
Marshall Emberton III in cream.

Marshall has updated its two most portable Bluetooth speakers with bigger batteries and Auracast functionality, which makes it easier to share audio between multiple speakers. The Marshall Emberton III ($170) and Willen II ($120) are available for in two colors (black and cream) on August 19 and will be offered globally at multiple retailers starting August 26.

The Emberton III keeps the same weight and shape as its predecessor, but brings slightly more powerful sound and increased battery life. The Emberton III has a claimed 32-plus hours of playtime, up slightly from the Emberton II's 30 hours. As before, the speaker is effectively water and dustproof with an IP67 rating. It also floats, making it a good poolside companion.

Read more
Cambridge Audio Evo One is a 14-driver wireless music speaker that doubles as a soundbar
Cambridge Audio Evo One.

Cambridge Audio's new Evo One wireless streaming music speaker is a 14-driver beast that has more in common with most high-end soundbars. It's available starting August 9 for $1,500.

The Evo One is eye-catching in the best possible way, with a wood veneer top and a 6.8-inch color screen, which makes it a larger sibling to the Evo 150 streaming integrated amplifier. It may be challenging to find the right spot for it, however. At 26.6 inches wide and 11.4 inches deep, it's going to require a fair amount of space. And at 32 pounds, with its own built-in plinth-style stand, you won't be wall-mounting it. It comes with its own dedicated remote.

Read more
Audio-Technica’s affordable powered bookshelf speakers are made for vinyl
Audio-Technica AT-SP3X powered bookshelf speakers.

Audio-Technica (A-T) has just launched a new set of powered bookshelf speakers that pair perfectly with the company's new affordable, entry-level turntables. The AT-SP3X feature wired and wireless connections, and are priced at $199. You can buy them starting July 31 on Amazon or directly from Audio-Technica.

Editor's note: an earlier version of this article claimed that the AT-SP3X contain a preamp. This has been corrected.

Read more