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Monday, April 15, 2024

Anker Soundcore Space Q45: Unboxing and Review


Being part of the AECO Technologies Garmin ambassador also allows me access to some of their other products. AECO Technologies has an Audio Visual business known as Stereotype which carries brands such as Bang & Olufsen, Shokz, Anker, JBL, AudioTechnica, Jabra and Audio Pro. As part of my 2023 entitlement as one of the Pacer for Everymove Sports Club, I am able to get any items other than Garmin devices - and this time, i decided to go for the Anker Soundcore Space Q45.

Active Noise Cancelling Headset

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 are wireless, over-ear headphones with active noise canceling (ANC). They have up to 50 hours of playtime in ANC mode and up to 65 hours in standard mode. My Bose QC35 is aging and it is time to have a standby headset in case I need one for travel soon. Those that has ANC headset will know how important it is for long haul travelling.

Unboxing Video

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 is made out of plastic, featuring pleather or plastic leather made to look like leather ear cups. They are comfortable but they are not as breathable as my Bose QC35. However if you were to use this in mainly airconditioned space (travel, plane, office), they are alright. The headset is very adjustable just like my Bose QC35 and the cup can lay flat similarly and fold for storage into the semi-hard case provided. 

Premium Feel

Despite the plastic construction, the headset lend a very premium feel. The surface may likely be scratched easily but having used this for almost 2 months seems to tell me it will hold up pretty well on normal usage. By normal usage I would meant not baby-ing it but use it as it is intended to, and not abused.

The plastic holder at the bottom can be removed

Premium feel

The pleather or plastic leather ear cup

The headband is metal-reinforced and could easily be adjusted to fit my big head. The cushioning on the band is soft but I doubt if it will last long with my short/spiky hair giving a lot of friction on it in the long run. My Bose QC35 headband has been replaced with paracord which i used to wrap it up after attempt to change it did not materialised as it involve desoldering the electronics and cutting the pleather band on the QC35.

Ear cup from the side

Metal band

Adjustable

lay flat cup

Control Buttons

The Soundcore Space Q45 has control buttons on both left and right ear cups. They are neatly divided and feature easy to locate and touch buttons. Tactile so you can feel the press/feedback. On the right ear cup is the media and volume control button. Play, pause and volume up and down is situated on the right side. You can skip or return to previous songs by pressing and holding the volume button up or down for 2-seconds.

Easy buttons
Also on the right side is the cable jack and the unit comes with the cable for you to link to the 3.5mm output. However, it lacks the plane jack, which is a shame. I may have to repurpose my Bose QC35 jack or get a new one.

And with USB-A to USB-C charging cable
The left side holds the Power button, which also pair your unit via Bluetooth. There is the ANC button that toggles the ANC (On/Off/Passthrough). The charging (USB-C) port is on the left side.

First time Listening

Without tinkering with the sound and using it fresh out connected via Bluetooth to my iPhone 12, over Spotify, the sound is acceptable. It perform as it should if you, like me is not able to discern or has a reference audio/songs to constantly test/compare it with. I personally find the quality highly acceptable even at zero-boost with ANC being my main price point consideration.

The Adaptive Noise Cancelling

This is the reason I got this headset. The ANC is good. With 3-different modes it allows for good customization depending where you are at so you still have situational awareness.

Convincing

Based on the usage, I would rate the Space Q45 ANC to be on par or likely better than the Bose QC35. Bearing in mind the Bose unit has been serving me for more than 6 years. I may not be comparing apple to apple when it comes to "age" of the Noise Cancellation capability but it is nice to know these feature are available at lesser cost than before. The Bose QC35 was RM1.5K when I bought it and the Anker Space Q45 is less than half the price (RM699).

Toggling between the ANC is also easy with 2 taps and I am in transparency mode. No complains here.

ANC button

The Soundcore App

The App is easy to use and it was the first thing I downloaded after the unboxing video to link it up and also to check for firmware update. There is a firmware update and after listening to it for a while I use the Equaliser and set the HearID which is a personalised EQ based on your hearing sensitivity and how you like your music.

Download your app here or simply just scan or search in the respective App Store

Google Playstore Apple iOS

In the app you are able to do more stuff like setting the level of transparency mode you want and also programing how the ANC button behave to your preference. Unfortunately unlike the higher end Sony XM5, you can't put a hand over the headset to activate transparency. However, compared to my Bose QC35, this is a step change vs having to remove the headset from my ears to listen to someone talking to me.

Microphone and usage for telecon/phone calls

The Q45 comes with two microphone arrays, which works great for phone calls and also telecon as it was good enough to cancel any background noise and focuses on your spoken voice.

Microphone

More microphones on same right side as above
Microphone on left side near the Power button

Bluetooth and supported codec

Apart from the 3.5mm wired connection, the Q45 is designed mostly to work via Bluetooth connection. It has high latency, meaning it is not all too suitable for gaming as it would meant a sync-lapse of sound. That aside, it has Bluetooth 5.3 and allows for multiple connection (2 devices at one time) so you can link it up to your PC for work and your phone for calls as an example. I had all possible Bluetooth devices linked up; so my Garmin, Laptop, Mac and phone has the Q45 linked up. It will connect to whichever is nearest to me, and at times, I would need to disconnect one devices so it will link to the device I prefer (usually my Garmin as I don't need to bring my phone to stream the music).

50H Playtime on ANC

Hi-Res Audio
As for Codec, it us defaulted to AAC, and you it can handle SBC and LDAC. So yes, High-Res Audio is possible provided your source can stream that - and if you are on Spotify, this is pretty meaningless as Spotify does not stream in High-Res. It's just nice to know you have that options should you move to other providers.

Where to get

Get them from Stereotype store at IOI City Mall, which is an AECO Technologies company.

STEREOTYPE - IOI CITY MALL

L2-35, Second Floor,
IOI CIty Mall, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City,
62502 Putrajaya

10:00am - 10:10pm (Daily)

Or you can also try to find them online. Bear in mind to get it from official distributor and reseller for warranty and peace of mind. All products from Stereotype carries the official warranty and support/service.

I bought this unit using my entitlement and I top up slightly to make up the differences. A great value for me being EveryMove Sports Club pacer and ambassador!



The Review TL:DR

  • Double-layer diaphragm drivers: Good quality/acceptable sound with strong bass
  • LDAC: High Resolution audio if you have LDAC source.
  • Two mics and an AI algorithm: great for calls and telecon, amplify voice and not background noise.
  • Pleather ear cup padding: For comfort during long periods of use
  • Adjustable ear cups: Can fold flat for storage
  • Easy-to-understand controls: Divided between the left and right ear cups
  • Sweat resistance: Ideal for use while doing sports if you must/have to
  • Nice App which lend a lot of other features such as EQ, personal preferences and even level of ANC
  • Amazing battery life. 50hours on ANC, 65 without. 5mins fast charge gives you 4 hours of music and ANC.
  • Love the semi-hard carrying case but it lacks a sleeve to put cables
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Fast charging
  • Multipoint connectivity
  • Bluetooth 5.3
  • Good ANC
  • Aluminum hinges
  • Great ear pads
  • Great battery life
Cons
  • Average sound quality if you are into audiophile settings
  • Build quality if you are not into plastic-ky feel
  • Relatively expensive when compared to what Baseus offers on similar level (such as the D02); but bear in mind that Anker is a premium brand.
  • Does not come with a travel adapter to plug into plane inflight entertainment.
More Photos
Feature on the box






















Thursday, April 04, 2024

Skratch Labs Sports Fuelling - Tasting and Testing Review

Before I start the review, I would like to share that Sports paragon is currently having a Ramadan Sales for the Skratch Lab products up to 50%. GO grab them while stock last!


About Skratch Labs

Skratch Labs is a sports nutrition company that makes products to help athletes perform better. The company was founded in 2011 by Dr. Allen Lim, a sports scientist who wanted to create a better sports drink. Lim's goal was to make drinks that taste good, use real ingredients, and address problems for active people. Skratch Labs products are non-GMO, gluten free, kosher, and contain the ratio of electrolytes lost when sweating. They also contain less sugar and only use fruit for flavor. 
Skratch Labs started as the first "secret drink mix" created by Dr. Lim for his Tour de France athletes. The company has since expanded to create a variety of sports nutrition products, including energy bars, chews, and rice cakes
Because their products has no preservatives, the shelf life of these products are much shorter than the typical sports nutrition. 

Less sugar, uses fruits for flavouring, no preservatives, gluten free and vegan plant based? Sounds like many athletes with GI issues' dream come true.

The Products and Review

Testing and tasting the Skratch Labs products that is distributed in Malaysia by @sportsparagon.official .

1. Crispy Rice Cake RM13
3 flavours - Strawberry, Chocolate and Salted Maple. Binded by (mash)mallow. 180kcal. Energy for 45-60mins, before or during workout.
Tested: Strawberry. Crispy but soft. Melts in mouth. Decent bite factor (not mushy), not sweet. Satisfied eat as requires biting.









2. Energy Chews RM13
4 flavours - Raspberry, Orange, Sour Cherry (with 50mg Caffeine) and Lemon Green Tea. 80kcal. Energy for 30mins. 11 soft chew per pack.
Tested: Orange and Sour Cherry. Gummy-candy like texture. Melt in mouth. Sour Sugar coating on mine melted due to heat. Need to store in fridge. Not sweet but with (distinctive)fruit flavour.







3. Energy Bar Sport Fuel RM14
4 flavours - Raspberry Lemon, PB Choc, PB Strawberry and Cherry Pistachios. 280kcal. Eat when hungry. 4-5grams Protien. Low sugar vs leading brands (by 100%).Great snack. Good option for first meal pre-race.Tested: PB Choc and Cherry Pistachios. Not sticky or messy. Great texture. Nutty bites. Melts in mouth. Feel satisfied and satiated. Like PB Choc better than Cherry Pistachio (lighter taste).





You can get the Skratch Labs at all Sports Paragon and Brooks Running stores in Malaysia. Great alternative to other energy fuels for race or training. Easy to bring/store.

Recovery and Hydration needs too!
All products are vegan, kosher, non-GMO, plant based and gluten-free.