When it comes to portable Bluetooth speakers, there's a fascinating divide between premium audio-focused devices and versatile all-rounders. Today, we're comparing the recently released Morel BIGGIE ($299) with the established Sony XE300 ($99), two speakers that perfectly illustrate this divide.
Bluetooth speakers have come a long way from their early tinny, battery-hungry beginnings. Modern speakers now offer impressive sound quality, long battery life, and features like water resistance and multi-speaker pairing. The technology has matured to the point where manufacturers can focus on different priorities - some chase pure audio quality while others aim for versatility and durability.
The Morel BIGGIE launched in mid-2023, bringing home audio expertise to the portable market. It's equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and features advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) that continuously adjusts the sound based on volume level. The Sony XE300, released in 2022, represents a more mainstream approach but includes innovative features like its Line-Shape Diffuser technology for better sound dispersion.
The BIGGIE takes a high-end approach with a two-way system - meaning it has separate drivers for high and low frequencies. Its 1-inch soft dome tweeter handles the high frequencies (think cymbals and vocal clarity), while a 4-inch woofer manages the mid and low frequencies (like vocals and bass). This separation typically results in clearer, more detailed sound compared to single-driver systems.
The XE300 uses Sony's X-Balanced Speaker Unit, a single full-range driver with an unusual non-circular shape designed to maximize the cone area while reducing distortion. While this approach can't match the precision of a two-way system, it's more space-efficient and still delivers impressive sound for its size.
With 60 watts of total power (45W for the woofer, 15W for the tweeter), the BIGGIE can reach 95dB at one meter - about as loud as a motorcycle at close range. The XE300's power rating isn't publicized, but testing suggests it's somewhat quieter, especially indoors.
In practice, the BIGGIE excels at near-field listening, where its superior detail and separation are most noticeable. It's particularly good with acoustic music, vocal performances, and complex arrangements where its two-way system can shine. However, the XE300's Line-Shape Diffuser technology gives it an advantage outdoors, spreading sound more evenly across a wider area.
The BIGGIE's premium approach shows in its weight - at 5.7 pounds, it's significantly heavier than the XE300's 2.9 pounds. Its boxy design (7" x 7" x 4.5") is distinctive but less packable than the XE300's cylindrical shape. Both include carrying handles, though the BIGGIE's is removable.
Here's where the XE300 clearly pulls ahead with its IP67 rating, meaning it's fully dustproof and can handle submersion in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. The BIGGIE offers no specific water resistance rating, making it better suited for indoor use or covered outdoor spaces.
Both speakers offer impressive battery life, with the XE300 claiming 24 hours and the BIGGIE promising 20 hours at moderate volumes. Both feature fast charging, though they approach it differently:
The BIGGIE's newer Bluetooth 5.3 chip provides better range (up to 165 feet) and potentially better battery efficiency compared to the XE300's Bluetooth 5.2. Both support multiple device pairing, though the BIGGIE's implementation is more sophisticated.
Both speakers support stereo pairing with a second unit of the same model. The XE300 goes further with Party Connect, allowing synchronization with up to 100 compatible Sony speakers - though this feature is mainly useful for large events.
The XE300 supports high-quality LDAC codec (Sony's proprietary format for higher-quality Bluetooth audio), while the BIGGIE focuses on wide compatibility with standard codecs. For most users, this difference won't be noticeable, especially given the BIGGIE's superior speaker hardware.
At $299, the BIGGIE costs three times as much as the $99 XE300. This price difference reflects their different approaches:
The BIGGIE invests in:
The XE300 prioritizes:
Choose the Morel BIGGIE if:
Choose the Sony XE300 if:
The BIGGIE is essentially a premium bookshelf speaker made portable, while the XE300 is a versatile all-rounder built for real-world use. Your choice should depend on how you'll primarily use the speaker and whether the BIGGIE's superior sound quality justifies its higher price for your needs.
Both speakers represent significant improvements over previous generations of portable speakers, but they take different paths to audio excellence. The BIGGIE pushes the boundaries of what's possible in portable audio quality, while the XE300 delivers a more practical balance of features and performance at a more accessible price point.
| Morel BIGGIE ($299) | Sony XE300 ($99) |
|---|---|
| Sound System - Determines overall audio quality and detail | |
| Two-way system: 1" tweeter + 4" woofer | Single full-range driver with X-Balanced design |
| Power Output - Impacts maximum volume and dynamic range | |
| 60W total (45W woofer + 15W tweeter) | Not specified, estimated 20-30W |
| Maximum Volume - Important for outdoor use and larger spaces | |
| 95dB @ 1m | Approximately 90dB @ 1m |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 with 165ft range | 5.2 with 98ft range |
| Battery Life - Critical for portable use | |
| 20 hours, 4 hours from 20min charge | 24 hours, 70min from 10min charge |
| Size & Weight - Impacts portability | |
| 7" x 7" x 4.5", 5.7 lbs | 4.1" x 9.4" x 4.7", 2.9 lbs |
| Water Resistance - Essential for outdoor use | |
| No official rating | IP67 (fully waterproof) |
| Audio Codecs - Affects streaming quality | |
| Standard SBC/AAC | SBC/AAC/LDAC (hi-res capable) |
| Special Features - Adds versatility | |
| True Wireless Stereo, Auracast-ready | Party Connect (100 speakers), Multi-point connection |
| Construction - Impacts durability and sound quality | |
| MDF cabinet with premium materials | Rubberized exterior with fabric grille |
| Frequency Response - Determines bass depth and overall range | |
| 40-20,000 Hz | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Fast Charging - Convenience for quick top-ups | |
| 20min charge = 4 hours playback | 10min charge = 70min playback |
| Primary Use Case - Where each speaker performs best | |
| Indoor/covered spaces, critical listening | Versatile indoor/outdoor use, parties |
The Morel BIGGIE ($299) offers superior sound quality with its two-way speaker system, while the Sony XE300 ($99) provides better value and durability. The BIGGIE is better for audio quality, while the XE300 is better for outdoor use and versatility.
The Morel BIGGIE has notably better sound quality with its dedicated tweeter and woofer system, producing clearer highs and more detailed audio. The Sony XE300 still sounds good but can't match the BIGGIE's audio precision.
The Sony XE300 is better for outdoor use with its IP67 water resistance and Line-Shape Diffuser technology for better sound dispersion. The Morel BIGGIE lacks water resistance and is more suited for indoor use.
The Sony XE300 leads slightly with 24 hours of battery life compared to the BIGGIE's 20 hours. Both offer fast charging capabilities, making them practical for portable use.
The Sony XE300 is significantly more portable at 2.9 pounds versus the BIGGIE's 5.7 pounds. The XE300's cylindrical design is also easier to pack and carry.
Both the Morel BIGGIE and Sony XE300 support True Wireless Stereo pairing with a second unit. The XE300 also offers Party Connect for linking up to 100 compatible Sony speakers.
The Morel BIGGIE offers superior Bluetooth range up to 165 feet with its newer Bluetooth 5.3, while the XE300 reaches about 98 feet with Bluetooth 5.2.
The Sony XE300 is better suited for parties with its water resistance, Party Connect feature, and broader sound dispersion. The BIGGIE offers better sound quality but is less practical for party environments.
The Morel BIGGIE reaches 95dB at 1 meter, while the Sony XE300 reaches approximately 90dB. Both are loud enough for most situations, but the BIGGIE has more power.
The Morel BIGGIE produces more controlled and accurate bass with its dedicated 4-inch woofer. The XE300 offers good bass response but can't match the BIGGIE's precision.
The Sony XE300 is more durable with its IP67 water and dust resistance rating, making it virtually weatherproof. The Morel BIGGIE is well-built but lacks specific weather protection ratings.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: theabsolutesound.com - ecoustics.com - crutchfield.com - techradar.com - crutchfield.com - tpdhifi.com - audioxpress.com - nlp.stanford.edu - eisa.eu - muzix.eu - bestbuy.com - sony.co.uk - soundguys.com - bestbuy.com - cgmagonline.com - sony.com - sony.com - bestbuy.com - sony.com - electronics.sony.com - helpguide.sony.net
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