The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII connected speaker is a 2-way stereo model equipped with three drivers and 80-watt amplification. It builds on the success of the Audio Pro Addon BT C10, from which it takes the clean and refined Scandinavian design and combines it with the features of the Audio Pro Drumfire (read our Audio Pro Drumfire review), with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatibility, as well as Bluetooth and WiFi with access to streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, TuneIn, Qobuz and many more. A CD player, turntable with RIAA preamplifier or UHD TV can be connected thanks to the RCA input. Sold for €399, is this latest generation multi-room speaker the best solution for enjoying music throughout your home?
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: packaging & accessories
The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII connected speaker comes in an elegant box that leaves no doubt as to the brand’s origins. It is decorated with beautiful Scandinavian landscapes, as well as the logos of the main technologies supported by the speaker. The C10 MKII is properly secured inside the box and placed in a synthetic fabric cover. The box also includes a power cable and a quick start guide. However, there is no remote control. Consequently, it can only be controlled using the physical controls on the top panel or the Audio Pro mobile app.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: presentation
Design
Like all of the Scandinavian brand’s speakers, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII has a particularly refined and elegant design. Its charmingly nostalgic chassis is reminiscent of vintage amplifiers. It benefits from an impeccable finish, with smooth sides that are all perfectly assembled. At 32cm long, 16cm high and weighing 18kg, this speaker is one of the biggest in the company’s catalog, a far cry from ultra-compact models like the Audio Pro Addon BT C3.
The upper panel of the speaker features an elegant aluminum plate on which the control interface is placed. The metal buttons are pleasant to use. The latter allow you to quickly select the source (WiFi, Bluetooth or mini-jack), start playback, adjust the volume and select one of six customizable shortcuts.
The front panel of the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII is covered by an acoustic fabric grille. A design that is usually found on speakers from British brands such as Roberts, Cambridge and KEF. However, the grille is fitted with a magnetic fastening system that allows it to be easily removed to reveal the drivers. A very rare feature on connected speakers! The use of a magnetic system reinforces the refinement of this small Scandinavian speaker by removing any notches or screws from the front panel. The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker therefore looks just as good with or without its cover.
Acoustic design
Behind its magnetic grille, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker features the same acoustic design as Monitor Audio speakers, with two 0.7” dome tweeters surrounding a midbass driver. This 5” driver is placed in a bass-reflex enclosure with a port on the rear panel. Thanks to this design, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII connected speaker is able to produce stereo sound across a wide bandwidth that effortlessly stretches from 45Hz to 22kHz.
To ensure an optimal power supply, each of the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII’s drivers features its own amplification module calibrated to its requirements. There are two 20-watt amplifiers for the tweeters and a 40-watt module for the midbass driver. This small speaker therefore has a total output power of 80 watts, which is perfect for delivering music efficiently in large spaces. In addition, these three modules operate in class D, allowing you to benefit from a high output to enjoy the most rhythmic tracks.
Streaming et Bluetooth
Primarily designed for listening to digital music, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII is equipped with a WiFi controller so it can be easily connected to the local network and to the Internet. It is then possible to play music shared over the local network via DLNA from a computer or NAS. The internal DAC supports MP3, AAC, FLAC and Apple Lossless files. It is also possible to access a wide range of web radios and online music services like Spotify, Deezer, Tidal and Qobuz via the Audio Pro mobile app.
The latest generation Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker is also compatible with the AirPlay 2 and Chromecast protocols to facilitate streaming from any app on a smartphone, tablet or computer. AirPlay 2 ensures compatibility with all Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac), while built-in Chromecast is ideal for Android devices. Lastly, a Bluetooth 4.2 controller is also included so that you can stream music from a device that isn’t connected to the local network. However, only the SBC codec is supported, resulting in quite significant compression during Bluetooth playback.
Multi-room
Compatibility with the AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Audio Pro protocols also means that the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker can be used in a multi-room system. It can therefore be associated with speakers and equipment that are compatible with one of these technologies. As a result, you can stream the same music throughout your home or a different track in each room, wherever there is a speaker, soundbar or amplifier compatible with AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast or the proprietary protocol Audio Pro.
The various multi-room groups are easily controlled in the Audio Pro app when your system is composed of other speakers from the Scandinavian manufacturer, in the Apple Home app for AirPlay 2 systems, or via Google Home for Chromecast multi-room setups.
Connectors
Lastly, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII multi-room speaker also allows the connection of a wired source thanks to the auxiliary input in RCA format present on its rear panel. It is therefore possible to connect a CD player, a television, a pre-amplified turntable or any other source that isn’t Bluetooth or WiFi compatible. A subwoofer output is also included to connect a subwoofer for a more powerful low frequency reproduction.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: configuration
The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker is incredibly easy to set up. Once the Audio Pro app is launched, the speaker is automatically detected and instantly connects to the local WiFi network. It couldn’t be simpler or more intuitive, which is ideal for a beginner looking for their first connected speaker.
The Audio Pro Controller application is also used to configure the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII. You can rename the speaker, adjust the bass and treble levels, set a standby timer or an alarm. You can also personalize the speaker’s control interface with the functions you want. Music streaming is then done via the Audio Pro app or directly from the app of the music service using AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth or Spotify Connect. If you have assigned a streaming service to one of the numbered buttons, you can also start playback directly from the speaker. Very convenient!
Although it is very functional and intuitive, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII’s control app is rather austere with a dated interface, a far cry from the solutions offered by Sonos, the leader in this domain. The design could benefit from being modernized to match the refined silhouette of the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker. Thankfully, this is not a problem and does not affect the speaker’s control. However, an update would be welcome to optimize the interface.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: listening impressions
The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII speaker was very energetic and managed to add substance and power to the music we listened to, despite its somewhat compact format. The lows were punchy, tight and added texture to the sound. The depth wasn’t abyssal, but it’s difficult to ask for more from a speaker that already provides such a good performance. Fans of ultra-powerful and deep bass might find it interesting to add an external subwoofer, especially if the speaker is used with a TV.
The two tweeters and the midbass driver provided pretty convincing stereo sound. Naturally, the spatialization was less extensive than with a true stereo installation in which the two speakers are placed on either side of the room. That said, the soundstage seemed much wider than with a mono speaker, with an interesting openness that allowed the various chords and accompaniments to always be distinct.
The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII had an undeniable sense of rhythm and managed to reproduce every frequency range with excellent timing. The great dynamics brought the music to life and emphasized the vivacity of this small Scandinavian speaker which managed to effortlessly create a festive and pleasant atmosphere. The sound was transparent, enhancing the vocals and details. However, the highs lacked a little softness on complex tracks but didn’t become tiring, especially with pop music, electro and rap.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: compared to…
Klipsch The Three II: sold for the same price, the Klipsch The Three II speaker has a similar format, but whose resolutely vintage design will appeal more to lovers of retro equipment. Soundwise, the Klipsch speaker is a little more transparent and dynamic, but the Audio Pro C10 MKII’s sound is generally more spacious and more effectively layered. In terms of features, the Klipsch The Three II is quite limited, with just a Bluetooth connection, a line/phono input and a USB-B port. Consequently, it isn’t able to natively provide multi-room connectivity or support streaming services.
Denon Home 250: sold for €499, the Denon Home 250 stands out with its more modern design and five drivers. It has the advantage of being compatible with Heos technology, which ensures DLNA playback up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD 5.6 MHz. The speaker can be controlled using the Heos app which has a more modern and refined interface than the Audio Pro app. Musically, the Denon Home 250 is a bit more showy, with a more robust character in the bass and upper midrange. The sound distribution is also more extensive.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: who is it for?
The Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII is mainly designed for users looking for a connected speaker whose size and refined design allow it to be placed in any interior, in the kitchen or living room. For rooms where space is limited, the Audio Pro Addon BT C5 will be more discreet, but will offer more restrained lows. In addition, the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII is an ideal investment as a first connected speaker thanks to its ease of setup and use. Everything is intuitive, quick and accessible, even for a beginner, the biggest advantage of this little Scandinavian model. Finally, the sound will meet your expectations thanks to an impressive power reserve, beautiful dynamics and an energy that will bring rhythm and passion to all your music.
Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII: conclusion
With the second generation Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII, the Swedish manufacturer has brilliantly updated its most iconic connected speaker by making it more functional thanks to AirPlay 2 and Chromecast compatibility. This small Scandi speaker is just as easy to use, both via its control interface and its mobile app. The refined design remains unchanged, just like its sound signature, which effectively rhythms music. Many advantages that allow the Audio Pro Addon C10 MKII to be considered one of the best connected speakers under €400.
We liked:
- The lively and tight lows
- The impressive power
- The refined design
- The ease of use
We would have liked:
- Softer highs
- A more sophisticated mobile app
