Matrix Audio Qube Speaker, Most Pocketable Yet

Portable speakers are getting smaller, more portable each day. Matrix Audio's Qube is one of those ultra-portable and pocketable speakers said to offer impressive room-filling sound and passive vibrating bass. Despite looking like it is made from aluminum, the description notes that the Qube has an aluminum coating. We're not so sure what that exactly means, but suffice to say it's made out of plastic with a metallic finish. The Qube isn't a wireless Bluetooth speaker nor does it offer stereo sound, however, it does make up for that with its 8 hour battery life and $50 price tag. The Qube features a 3.5mm audio input, it weighs 78 grams and it comes in three colors starting today.

NuForce Cube Portable Speaker Serves Up Headphone Amp With USB DAC

NuForce has released its Cube, an all-in-one audiophile worthy portable speaker with a powerful built-in headphone amp and USB DAC. NuForce's 2-inch tall, aluminum enclosed cubic speaker isn't wireless, but offers wired connections for superior sound quality and versatile configurations. The Cube works as a standalone portable speaker with its built-in rechargeable 8-hour battery and can be connected using a 3.5mm stereo cable, connect to a computer via USB and act as a headphone amplifier capable of driving power hungry headphones with clean, high quality audio.

NuForce's Cube may look like a puny speaker, but with a precisely optimized  amplifier chip and tuned speaker driver, NuForce claims it'll blow away low quality portable speakers. The Cube speaker includes a carrying pouch, USB and 3.5mm cables and is available now in silver, red, black and blue for $119.