Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) w/ clock

The Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) w/ clock has Fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. With the EQ settings in the Alexa app set for the most even tonal balance the bass is uneven; in general it has decent impact, is a bit subdued, and doesn't go deep, but depending on the program material the mid-bass can be a bit prominent and boomy. At volume levels above 50% there is a noticeable compression on tracks with moderate bass, and severe compression and occasional distortion on tracks that have strong bass. Midrange is fairly even but is somewhat grainy and a bit hazy. Treble is fairly extended and can be subdued, smeared and sizzly based on content; there is also noticeable compression with some content. Does a so-so job of recovering room ambience and sounds somewhat congested. The speaker is monophonic. There was no significant difference between Wifi and Bluetooth sound quality. When playing back program material that only covers the vocal frequency range (digital assistant responses and general dialogue) provides a decent volume in a medium sized room. When playing program material with more extended bass and/or treble content (music) best suited for near field listening at low volume levels due to the bass and treble compression that occurs at louder volumes. As a stereo pair they can be placed to provide stereo separation. Compared to the Echo Dot 4th gen the sound is similar but this model's bass is a bit less subdued, its midrange is a bit less grainy, congested and hazy, its treble is a bit less subdued, and its maximum volume is lower. Even with these differences the overall sound score remains the same.

Versatility is Very Good. It's a monophonic speaker, with multi-room support with other Amazon speakers. Supports stereo pairing with another Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) w/ clock. Wireless: WiFi supports dual-band and it has Bluetooth. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated touch control to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs and outputs. OS Support: iOS, Android, Fire OS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port and integral Smart Home Hub. Display: Has a built-in informative display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In, iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Supports voice identity - a feature which allows the account holder with their voice print to access personal information.

Overall ease of use of the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) w/ clock is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a device or device connection, easy and intuitive - need instructions (may be included in app), may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, account setups. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- control buttons with non-persistent numerical and graphical position markings of volume level is easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: Unlabeled multi-function button (not involving volume buttons - Touch surface/Gesture area), well placed, clear indication when it is engaged but it is not persistent. Microphone mute: Dedicated control but the marking is not the most obvious, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: Requires app to be installed, app installation is straight forward. Once app is installed switching between wireless sources is fairly intuitive within the app. Can't select Bluetooth but Bluetooth can be connected by verbal command to previously paired device - ready to play. App remote: Volume control symbol, then persistent volume slider, lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Shown for currently playing streamed WiFi music. Mute: (Remote) Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged and mutes the line input. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.