Sudio got me to to an unboxing and review of the Vasa BLÅ sometime back.
Now, it looks like they've got a new model, called the 'Tre', that's supposed to be an upgrade of the Vasa BLÅ
Design / Packaging
The same simple and minimalistic is here. With the Sudio Tre though, they've opted to put in a proper product display for a much better unboxing experience.
Again, they've opted to put the battery and amplifier away from the earbuds, which means that you get smaller, more beautiful earbuds. This also means that there's an extra compartment hanging on the wire. It's light, so it's not an issue when you're exercising with it, and visually, with the control unit on the other side, it actually adds a 'balance' to the whole aesthetic.
The most obvious change over the Vasa BLÅ would be the wing-tipped earbuds and the rounder, much better designed pods for the control unit and the battery/amplifier compartment.
The wing tips keeps the Tre secured to you ears. The rounded edges of the the pods complements the flat wire nicely, and though the buttons still feel plasticky, the new metallic coat on the buttons adds to the premium look. The printed name also looks like it has been sized and aligned properly.
Build Quality
The build quality seems to have improved a little, especially around the pods housing the electronics.
The 1 thing that has gone a little backwards in my opinion is the cover for the micro-usb port.
In the Vasa BLÅ, the cover is designed to plug entirely into the port itself for a better seal. In the Sudio Tre however, in what I assume to be a bid to prevent oversized covers not plugging in, they've only made the 'lip' of the cover attach. This means that the seal is not as good as the BLÅ. It's a small detail though, and still good enough to be sweat proof.
Sound Quality
First off, the Sudio Tre is designed for active users. With that in mind, they've opted for an 'open' design, so that you maintain awareness of the environment around you. Great for safety. Not so for sound isolation.
This lack of sound isolation also emphasizes another problem with the Sudio Tre's sound - the lack of bass. I'd give the Vasa BLÅ a rating of 5.5/10 for its low frequencies. For the Sudio Tre? 4/10.
Like the Vasa Bla, the Sudio Tre focuses on the mids and the highs. I'm glad to say that there's an improvement in this area as the mid and high frequencies are much smoother in the Tre then in the Vasa BLÅ. Also back is the large sound stage and beautiful sound separation.
Again, the Sudio Tre is most definitely not for the discerning sound buffs and beat droppers. So, while the Sudio Tre has little depth and fullness, it still produces a fun, lively sound that may have you tapping your feet.
Features
Sudio Tre features aptX over bluetooth to improve sound quality. However, due to the open design, practically speaking, any nuanced improvement it's supposed to give would be lost.
Apart from that, the features are fairly standard. There's bluetooth, a microphone, volume control, 9 hour battery life, and it's sweat resistant.
Value
It really depends on what you're looking for.
If fashion and design's what's important, there is absolutely no other better looking pear of wireless bluetooth earphones on the market. The clips and the fantastic thick, hand-stitched leather case are great pluses the complement the earphones nicely.
If you're after sound however, then it gets tricky. If you're after well-rounded sound with good representation from the low to the high end, the Sudio Tre is something you best avoid. Only consider this if your focus are on the mids and highs.
At S$139, the Sudio Tre pits itself against big boys like Plantronics, Sony, Sennheiser and Audio Technica. It's a little more expensive too, since the competition prices itself at the S$120 zone for products of this range. Reading this however, means you do get a 15% discount coupon (it's ' theaaronloy '), which brings it down to $118.15. The beautiful gift packaging is now free, and the free 3-5 day delivery means this is a pretty good deal if the Tre's what you're looking for.
Standard 1 year limited warranty applies.
Conclusion
Another mixed bag. And, whether the Sudio Tre is for you also depends on what you're using it for.
If you're not using it for an.. active lifestyle, and if you don't only want a relatthen it might not be for you, unless you prefer a sound signature that's essentially missing the lower notes.
If you're an active lifestyler however, then it makes a little more sense. The wing-tipped earbuds keep the Sudio Tre very secure in your ear, and the open design means that you'll be very aware of your surroundings, especially when you're near traffic.
Sudio's Vasa Tre Discount Coupon Code
Guess what? As a thank you for supporting this blog, here's a 15% discount coupon from Sudio for the Tre wireless bluetooth earphones!
Just key in ' theaaronloy ' when you check out and you'll get a 15% discount!
Final Price? S$118.15, with free delivery to Singapore.
Don't say I bojio ah.. so looking to get one? Then visit sudiosweden.com
(International orders available. 15% coupon applies to international orders.)
Vasa BLÅ review units provided by Sudio. No Sudio affiliate links/coupons. Full disclaimer here.
