COX, a gaming equipment brand hailing from Abco, recently launched a two-channel Bluetooth speaker that delivers hi-fi sound. While it may come as a surprise that a gaming equipment brand is venturing into audio fidelity, COX has already made a name for itself with its exceptional audio quality in Bluetooth headphones and earphones. Though not as well-known, they have consistently introduced sound bars that cater to the demands of increasingly sophisticated consumers. Their latest offering, the CDS30, is part of COX MAST’s premium line, poised to satisfy the discerning tastes of music enthusiasts.
The audio market is a significant industry, with sales reaching millions of won for a single device. There are various market needs and products available to meet these demands. COX MAST may not have the same level of recognition or advanced technology as some competitors in the audio market, but they are targeting the segment with the highest demand and sales. Their products offer a blend of affordability and impressive sound quality. The CDS30, specifically designed for consumers on a budget, delivers exceptional sound along with Bluetooth functionality. While this claim is based on Abco’s explanation, a separate analysis would be required to determine its accuracy.
In terms of design, the CDS30 is well-suited for its price point. It has a casual aesthetic that deviates from traditional bookshelf speakers, yet still exudes a clean and sophisticated look. Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly into any environment, whether paired with a turntable in a serene cafe or used as a PC speaker alongside a monitor. The placement of the power button, volume control button, and input button on top of the main body further enhances its usability, eliminating reliance on the included remote control—a common inconvenience with similar products. The remote control’s input sensitivity and signal range are adequate, although vertical targeting may require some adjustment. The CDS30 supports AUX, Bluetooth, and optical inputs, with the latter capable of accepting 24bit/192Khz input, although specific details are yet to be provided.
While entry-level speakers often exclude specific output ratings, this is not the case with the CDS30. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the speaker boasts a combined output of 40W, with each channel delivering 20W. The drivers on the two speakers have individual ratings, with the 3-inch driver labeled as 4 ohm 15W and the 1.5-inch tweeter marked as 4 ohm 5W. The amplifier responsible for driving these components can handle a maximum output of 40W per channel into 4 ohms. While the actual output may vary based on input voltage, the CDS30’s 18V adapter sets the limit at 30W. Nevertheless, the 20W output per channel is more than sufficient, ensuring optimal amplifier performance. The amplifier operates using class D technology. The CDS30 has been meticulously designed to provide deep, solid bass by incorporating ample space within the chamber and employing sound-absorbing materials to control internal resonance and masking. Although the housing is not made of wood, steps have been taken to seal the joints with the cover for optimal sound quality. The BassXport feature, which Abco proudly emphasizes, is not simply a placeholder, but rather an enhancement that enriches the bass.
So, what does the COX CDS30 sound like? Resonance is a characteristic feature of its sound. There is a slight mixing of reverberation, resulting in a glossy audio experience. The voices possess texture, and all sounds are accompanied by a subtle echo, akin to attending a live performance. The bass is solid and neatly articulated, possibly due to the BasXport design and the chamber’s ample room. The punchy bass offers a satisfying feel, not overbearing in the slightest. However, those seeking a deeper, more voluminous bass may find it slightly lacking in weight. Overall, the sound balance is excellent, with no particular frequency bands overpowering or being pushed into the background. The treble, though a bit sharp, may not suit everyone’s listening preferences. It is a sound that aficionados of high-resolution, intricate textures would appreciate, particularly when paired with classical music that benefits from pronounced reverberation. While the treble clarity might be slightly off-putting for some, the sound remains versatile and enjoyable.
The COX CDS30 offers three inputs—AUX, Bluetooth, and optical—providing flexibility for different devices and settings. While wireless Bluetooth audio offers convenience, it falls short in terms of sound quality due to its limited SBC codec support. For optimal sound quality, the optical input is recommended, especially since devices with optical output are becoming less common. This input format supports not only 16bit/48KHz but also 24bit/192KHz, making it the superior choice.
Ultimately, the COX CDS30 excels in delivering solid sound. Regardless of its functions, convenience, or design, its audio performance is what truly matters. In that regard, the CDS30 fulfills its role superbly. The hi-fi sound exhibits an excellent balance, while the resonant qualities create a three-dimensional audio experience. To fully appreciate its sound, a quiet cafe setting is ideal, where the CDS30 can truly shine. It particularly excels at reproducing music with textured vocals or concert recordings emphasizing string resonance—genres that evoke a higher level of satisfaction compared to others.
COX, a gaming equipment brand from Abco, has released a two-channel Bluetooth speaker that follows hi-fi sound.
Audio fidelity from a brand of gaming equipment … It is somewhat unlikely news, but COX has been recognized for its good sound in Bluetooth headphones and earphones.
Although not as well known, the sound bar has been introduced consistently, and Abco explained that this product is ready to satisfy the taste of consumers who are becoming more sophisticated based on their efforts and experiences.
The CDS30, released as COX MAST’s premium line, is that product.
■ Bluetooth speaker following hi-fi
The size and market needs of the audio market cannot be said to be small compared to any other device. The sales scale is large enough to exceed millions of won or tens of thousands of won for a single device, and there are various market needs and products that satisfy them.
MAST COX is not a lineup with high recognition or high technology to stand out so much in the big audio market. Looking at the entire audio market, it is not an exaggeration to say that it is at the entry level, but it targets the market with the most demand and actual sales. Such a product that is cheap but has good sound quality.
The CDS30 introduced today is also a product designed just for that purpose.
As a low-end speaker for less than 100,000 won, it is a product with good sound as well as Bluetooth functionality. Of course, this claim is an explanation from Abco, so whether it is actually true requires a separate explanation.
I think the design, not the sound, is appropriate given the price point. It has a casual feel unlike traditional bookshelf speakers, but the design itself is neat, so it won’t feel awkward no matter where you place it.
As mentioned in the DB product presentation, it looks good when combined with a turntable in a quiet cafe or used as a PC speaker placed next to a monitor.
In terms of functionality, I like the fact that the power button, volume control button, and input button are placed on top of the main body, so you can use it without any problems even if you lose the attached remote control. Many of these products are mainly operated by remote control, so it is often difficult to operate in case of loss.
The input sensitivity and signal range of the remote control is decent. It’s good enough to be recognized when you press the button on the side of the speaker. However, the vertical range is not as wide as the left and right, so some aiming is required.
Input supports AUX, Bluetooth, and optical. AUX supports 3.5 pi stereo cable, and Bluetooth only supports SBC on 5.0. As for the optical, detailed specifications have not been listed, but it has been confirmed that a 24bit / 192Khz input is also possible.
■ 40W output, is it true?
The output of entry-level speakers is often not rated. There are cases where the highest value among the peak output or specifications of a speaker or amplifier unit is specified as the product specification.
Some may wonder if the CDS30’s 40W output spec is rated, but upon checking, it turned out it wasn’t 40W per channel. The output per channel is 20W, and I think it can be marked as 40W combined.
Regarding the rated output, it was confirmed that among the two drivers installed on the two speakers, the 3-inch is marked as 4 ohm 15W, and the 1.5-inch tweeter is marked as 4 ohm 5W.
The amplifier handling this also has a maximum output of 40W per channel into 4 ohms.
Of course, the actual output varies depending on the input voltage, and the CDS30 is an 18V adapter, so 30W is the limit in terms of specifications, but 20W per channel is enough anyway, so there is no problem with the amplifier output. The driving method of the amplifier is class D.
FYI, inside the CDS30, enough space has been ensured to create deep and solid bass, and sound absorbing material is also included to control internal resonance and masking. The housing itself is not wooden, and it is not very good for sound or vibration, but it was done carefully enough to seal the joint with the cover.
BassXport, which Abco boasts, is also designed to enhance the bass itself, not a dummy like the picture.
■ What does the COX CDS30 sound like?
There is resonance in the sound of the COX CDS30.
The reverberation is slightly mixed, and the sound flows with a gloss. The voices also express some texture, and all the sounds are slightly echoed, giving the impression of listening to a live performance.
The bass sounds quite solid and tidy, perhaps thanks to the BasXport design and plenty of room in the chamber. The punchy feel is good enough to be called stone bass, not invasive bass at all. Instead, it can feel a bit light if you prefer a deep feel with lots of volume rather than deep and resonant bass.
The overall balance is also good. The balance is maintained very well without the feeling that some bands are exposed or pushed.
However, the sharpness of the treble is a little on the side, so it is a little far from the sound I listen to comfortably. It’s a sound that people who want to enjoy a high-resolution rustling texture will like, and the reverberation is quite present, so it goes well with classical music.
It’s a generally usable sound if treble clarity doesn’t bother you.
■ 3 inputs, what is the best sound quality?
The advantage of the COX CDS30 is that it supports Bluetooth audio optimized for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets as well as AUX and optical.
In addition to traditional wired input, wireless audio is also possible, so it can be used for different purposes and places, but unfortunately, the sound quality was not as good as wired.
Since the codec that determines the sound quality of Bluetooth audio only supports SBC, its use is only recommended for convenience rather than quality.
Optical input is recommended for best sound quality. Devices that support optical output are decreasing these days, but this method has no choice but to be recommended because it does not degrade the sound quality. The input format supports not only 16bit / 48KHz but also 24bit / 192KHz, so I have no choice but to recommend optical.
■ Speakers suitable for small cafes
The speakers are solid after all. No matter how good the function, convenience or design is, it’s meaningless if the sound isn’t good.
In that sense, the COX CDS30 is a product that has done its job well enough. The basic hi-fi sound is balanced, and the resonant sound gives a more three-dimensional sound. Simply put, the basic sound is good, and the resonant sound is the attractive point of the COX CDS30.
This type of sound can be different depending on taste, but I would like to recommend a quiet cafe to distinguish the preferred use environment.
Indeed, the sound of the CDS30 best expressed music where you can feel the texture of voices or concert songs where you can hear the resonance of strings, and satisfaction was higher when listening to this type of music than other genres.
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