Rocketfish Rocketboost RF-RBUSB RF-RBREC Wireless Audio Review
Rocketfish Rocketboost RF-RBUSB and RF-RBREC
Summary
- Product Name: Rocketboost RF-RBUSB and RF-RBREC
- Manufacturer: Rocketfish
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: March 26, 2012 04:45
- MSRP: $ 64.99 ($99.99 RF-RBREC)
- Specifications
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RF-RBUSB
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2.4Ghz operating channel
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150’ range, line of sight
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Adjustable antennas
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3.5mm input and output
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IR remote
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USB connector
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Dimensions: 8-9/10" W x 1-3/4" H x 3-1/2" D
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Weight: 1.1 lbs.
RF-RBREC
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42x2 W (RMS) into 4 Ohms
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Signal-to-Noise Radio: 94dB (96dB in HD mode)
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5-way binding posts
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Bass Boost option
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IR remote
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Dimensions: 8-9/10" W x 2-9/10" H x 7.4/5" D
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Weight: 2.5 lbs.
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Pros
- Low price point for wireless audio
- Ability to integrate with other Rocketboost products
- Very capable amplifier for the price
Cons
- Limited wireless range
- Poorly designed software and iOS app
- No line-in function on amplifier
Introduction
Almost everyone can appreciate having a whole-home audio system, but not everyone has a home that is wired for audio or the ability to wire it. The number of truly wireless multiroom systems is rather limited (SONOS and Aperion’s Zona are the only reliable products that come to mind). Now there is one more contender, and at about 1/5 the price of SONOS to boot! Best Buy has thrown their retail power behind a system called "Rocketboost". Rocketboost is a wireless platform that allows for uncompressed audio (48kHz, 16bit/24bit) distribution around the home. So far, Insignia (Best Buy's house brand), Rocketfish, and Onkyo are supporting Rocketboost technology. They currently offer it in a pair of headphones, an outdoor speaker, soundbar, subwoofer, powered bookshelf speakers, a TV… you get the idea. It is a pretty laudable goal to attempt to unify the audio throughout someone’s home, but many wireless systems have major flaws. Range, sound quality, operability, expansion potential, etc., and these things can make or break a wireless format.