Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go Portable BT Stereo Speakers
$399.00
What We Dig
- Beautiful Design
- Great Build Quality
- Rich, Open Sound
What To Think About
- Only Has The SBC BT Codec
- Sound Has A Little Coloration When Pushed Very Hard
- No Carrying Case In Box (Will Be Avail Separately)
Find out if the Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go is worth it with this comprehensive and unbiased review. Discover how this BT speaker works and how it sounds!
A good-sounding stereo system that you can take just about anywhere? That’s what British audio company Mitchell Acoustics promises with their $399 Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go system, a nice-looking set of Portable Bluetooth stereo speakers that incorporates true wireless stereo technology similar to the wireless earbuds we use every day.
Mitchell Acoustics is led by British audio specialist and professional producer/musician Paul Mitchell, who has undertaken design work for a number of UK audio companies over the past 15 years. I found out about the company when they reached out regarding a review.
They’re just starting to market their products in the U.S., and along with the uStream Go, the company also has two bookshelf-type models with the same wireless stereo tech, uStream One and Two. In addition, they have a Bluetooth turntable called TT2. They’re all products I would love to try at some point.
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Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go Review: Specs/Features
This time, I was asked to look at their smallest offering, UStream Go. This transportable, rechargeable audio wireless music system is equipped with two mini aluminum alloy speakers, which use the current True Wireless Bluetooth technology to pair with one another easily. That means you can get real stereo L/R sound without running a wire between the speakers.
Recharging is done via USB-C, and after powering on the speakers, they automatically join together in just a few moments, ready to be connected to a Bluetooth playback source like your smartphone. The speakers are designed with a magnesium alloy diaphragm for speed and stiffness, along with a mini subwoofer built into the bottom of each one. There’s also a 15w Class D Amp in each speaker.
The internal lithium-ion batteries hold 8000Ma of power per side, allowing over 30 hours of continuous playback. Auto shut-off also helps to save battery life.
The aluminum speaker enclosures look and feel luxurious and have a good bit of heft, providing lower distortion. A tap on the side with my finger provided the tiniest “tink” sound, which spoke to the enclosure’s inertness.
Each speaker weighs a little over two pounds, which means that although they can fit in the palm of your hand, you will feel the weight when you put them in your bag. But, on the other hand, I could still see myself putting them in my duffle or roller luggage without weighing me down too much.
On each speaker’s back is an array of buttons and connectors, including a power button, up/down volume controls, a play/pause button, a USB-C charging port, and a 3.5mm aux input. No USB input for connecting to a laptop, but you can always run audio out of a small USB DAC if you don’t trust your computer’s output.
In the box, you get the two speakers and a USB-A to USB-C “Y” cable, so you can charge both speakers simultaneously. The speakers come in sleeves made of a lightweight plastic “fabric,” but I wish there were a thicker bag or case that could protect the speakers from damage or scratches at the very least. (Ed. Note-We just found out from the manufacturer that they have some carrying cases coming out in mid-April. We saw some pics, and they look like good options, no pricing yet)
On the other hand, It should be noted that the setup is straightforward. First, you must connect the speakers to a USB-C power source, let them charge, and then switch them on. In a few seconds, they will automatically pair, ready to accept a Bluetooth source.
The Bluetooth version used is 5.0, which means the signal is pretty stable, but unfortunately, the only BT audio codec available is SBC, with its limited bandwidth. I wish they at least offered AAC or aptX for near CD-Quality sound. I think that’s a missed opportunity for added fidelity during playback.
Listening To The Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go
After connecting the speakers to my new Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra via Bluetooth, I set them up on my desktop, played many TIDAL tunes, and was surprised at how “hi-fi” these little suckers sounded.
Playing some songs from Patricia Barber’s “Clique” album, I was first taken aback by the focus of the soundstage, especially in the center. It was deeper than wide, but the two little boxes made me feel like I was sitting in front of a full-sized component hi-fi system, especially when I turned the lights off.
True, the highs were a little rolled off, and I didn’t quite get the clarity of a pair of proper British monitors, but I sure got the feeling I get from British monitors. That would be the appreciation of a warm, engaging midrange and immersive depth. I liked what these speakers did with the vocals.
Additionally, the bass was better than I expected from such a small pair of speakers. It was able to fill out the music in a satisfying way, and it was relatively controlled. I was thrilled with the weight the tiny subs provided on the speakers’ bottom.
Next, I chose more lively music to see how far that bass control could go. On Beyonce’s “Cuff It,” the bass was a little looser and not quite up to the level I usually get from the Kanto TUKs that live on my desk, but it was still quality. Beyonce sounded sweet too. The dynamics and stereo image from the uStream Go speakers beat anything I’ve heard from one of those colorful Bose or JBL speakers.
When pushed hard, the bass tends to color the frequencies and make the speakers sound a little boxy, but for the most part, these speakers sounded pretty damn musical. These speakers can definitely satisfy an audiophile fix if you’re stuck in a little hotel room.
The Wrap Up
When I first looked at the uStream Go box, I was highly skeptical that the two little speakers pictured on the front could provide a satisfying stereo sound. Well, not only do they live up to that promise, they also live up to the company’s pledge of simple setup and use.
While they don’t match the sound of some of the larger wireless bookshelf speakers, they have an immersive soundstage and a fuller, more nuanced sound than you would ever expect. So if you want to get bonafide stereo sound on the go without a bunch of wires, you should check out the Mitchell Acoustics uStream Go system.
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I’m an audio writer who started as a young audio salesman/consumer electronics professional back in the late 90s. That’s where I discovered the magic of 2-Channel sound. My hunger for great sound has led me on a delightful music quest that continues today.
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