Sound quality: RIVA's S had good overall sound quality. Bass impact is mediocre, is subdued and doesn't go deep. Midrange is somewhat even but is also somewhat hazy and grainy. Treble is subdued and a bit smeared, and upper treble is muted. Does a mediocre job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested and lacking in detail. No significant difference between Bluetooth and wired sound quality. S Mode: produces a doubled treble effect. Provides a decent volume level in a small-sized room, but best suited for near-field listening. When two units are used as a stereo pair, it can get louder but bass is even more subdued, midrange is hazier and treble is more subdued but since two separate speakers are used, the sound stage can be made wider depending on placement and room ambience becomes echoey, overwhelming the natural room ambience of the original recording. As a stereo pair, it provides a decent volume level in a small- to medium-sized room and remains good overall.
Ease of use: We found the Riva S ease of use to be very good overall. Connecting Bluetooth is very easy since the unit is always in pairing mode when not paired. The unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. Console controls are generally obvious where volume controls are medium contrast, marked +, -; and the volume controls work with BT and with the Aux inputs. However, the volume controls have two unlabeled multi-function capabilities. The Mute control is clear. The app remote control has a prominent and excellent volume control dial; overall it's a decent app.
