Audio Pro has a near-flawless reputation. Historically, its home hi-fi solutions deliver classy designs and quality audio, with the Addon range bundling in multiroom listening features. In 2017, the Audio Pro C10 launched to high acclaim, and late-2021 marked a refresh for the design. Having reviewed the Audio Pro Addon T3+, resident tech-head William Lobley was keen to put the C10 MKII through its paces. Read on to see what he found out.
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| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Inputs: | Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2, Google Home Cast, Audio Pro multiroom, RCA |
| Wrist size: | 140-120mm |
| Outputs: | RCA Sub |
| Supports: | Apple Lossless, MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC |
| Drivers: | x2 0.75-inch tweeters, x1 5.25-inch woofer |
| Amp: | Class D Digital, 80w |
| Dimension: | 166mm x 320mm x 180mm |
| Weight: | 3.9kg |
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clean, powerful audio | • No smart assistant |
| • Stunning design | • No wired internet connection |
| • Multiroom support |
Verdict: Audio Pro has made a selection of welcome updates with the C10 MKII. Smaller changes add to create a more aesthetically clean design, while the larger endeavours see valuable multiroom technologies being brought into the fold. These new inputs are welcome additions, as it now means there are even more ways to enjoy the peerless audio quality. Who needs Alexa when something sounds this good?
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Build
• Thoughtful minimal design
• Small improvements over original C10
Audio Pro C10 MKII has a clean design, balancing nicely between cold minimalism and beauty. This is especially true for the white version of the speaker, which I tested. Square-edged and angled slightly upwards on two rubber feet, the C10 MKII sits on a sideboard, casting an image of itself as something quietly confident in its power.
On its front, there are three drivers; one central 5.25-inch long-throw bass woofer, with two 0.75-inch textile dome tweeters on its left and right. There’s the option of protecting these elements from dust and damage with a removable front grille.
The grille on the white version is a light grey with a silver Audio Pro emblem. It’s not quite as cool as the open front; but, considering the added protection, it’s an acceptable trade-off. A nice touch here is that the grille connects via hidden magnets rather than push-sockets, meaning that the minimalist look of the C10 MKII isn’t undermined. A minor detail, but one which speaks to wider care for small touches.
The top of the C10 MKII is home to the user controls - a machine-metal plate that is neatly centred and slightly recessed into the panelling. The panel features a host of buttons (more on these later), with the central round volume control mimicking the position of the woofer.
Those familiar with the original C10 will notice that the leather carry handle isn't present. While for some the leather handle is an Audio Pro calling card, it's superfluous on the not-at-all-portable C10. It's a case of addition by subtraction, as it keeps the sleek design of the C10 MKII truly minimal.
On the rear of the C10 MKII, you’ll find speaker inputs and power connection, and bass exhaust. Here those familiar with the original C10 will note that the backplate has been extended, the inputs streamlined, and the exhaust enlarged.
Though the larger plate is a minor change to an unseen portion of the speaker, I do prefer it. It flows nicely and fits into the minimal and balanced aesthetic that Audio Pro has strived towards. Again, a nice touch that speaks of a holistic and detail-orientated approach to speaker design. I'll talk more about what the changes to the inputs and exhaust means below in Usability and Performance.
Usability
• Comprehensive multiroom suite
• Lossless streaming
• No smart assistant
Just as with the original Audio Pro C10 from 2017, the C10 MKII allows its two tweeters and woofer have 80w of amplification, which is plenty for household listening and parties. The weight and size of the speakers are almost identical. So, how are things different from the original C10?
Let’s start with what’s missing. As mentioned in Build, the rear of the C10 MKII has lost a few connections on its backplate. No longer does the C10 MKII support a wired internet connection, nor does it have a USB output for charging (the one you see now is for service only). It’s also lost the Wi-Fi-or-input toggle switch, which is no bad thing as the function now sits more comfortably on the top plate. The rear plate is still home to RCA input and an external subwoofer output.
The wireless connections available on the Audio Pro C10 MKII cement it as a well-equipped multiroom option. In addition to Bluetooth 4.2, the speaker is compatible with three multiroom Wi-Fi suites: Audio Pro, AirPlay 2 and Google Home.
In my testing, I was able to test the Bluetooth 4.2, AirPlay 2 and Audio Pro app. The Bluetooth connection was quick to establish and reliable, as was the AirPlay 2 - which has the bonus of supporting lossless audio. The Audio Pro app was more fiddly and took around 30 minutes to get up and running. The RCA inputs are a welcome feature, as I was also able to enjoy the C10 MKII sound when listening to some LPs on my record deck.
Operating the C10 MKII from the control panel is very easy and comprehensive; in addition to music and volume controls, there are six buttons for Wi-Fi presets, which is an improvement over the four of the original C10. These preset allow you to build custom controls for your favourite radio stations or playlists. A welcome feature, but I still opted for smartphone control most of the time.
As a huge fan of wired internet connections and the stability they bring, I can’t help but be a little disappointed by the absence of ethernet. However, I also understand that this isn’t a particularly well-defend hill for your average user, and the addition of new wireless technologies more than makes up for it.
Additionally, opting for Bluetooth 4.2 over Bluetooth 5.0 seems like an odd omission, especially given its efficiency and increased bandwidth. Though the lossless audio and Wi-Fi capabilities are onboard, 5.0 would have felt like a good fit for a premium option such as this.
One of the most notable omissions from the Audio Pro C10 MKII is a smart assistant. So, if you are looking for an all-in-one multiroom solution, this might not fit the bill, though this isn’t something I missed. Audio Pro has spent its efforts ensuring that there’s no technology on board that isn’t adding to the streamlined audio and user experience - plus there are ways around it, such as the use of Siri when using AirPlay 2. Everything is kept simple, and it works well.
Performance
• Crystal clear audio quality
• Awesome volume
The small nitpicks about Bluetooth 4.2 and absent wired internet connection fall by the wayside whenever the audio pushes its way out of the Audio Pro C10 MKII. This speaker is an absolute treat to behold.
The bass performance is powerful and taught, with a weight and thickness that delivers only good vibrations, without ever starting into buzz, distortion or needlessly muddy. Its tight kick punches hard and proves versatile across all genres.
Taking a listen to Bonobo’s “Rosewood” demonstrates its ability to balance rhythmic bounce with low-mid swirling keys and ambience. More impressive still is the performance on King Tubby’s dub version of “Take Five”; on many speakers, the thump and rumble muted bass can be lost, but here it’s felt in full force, without ever affecting the clarity of the other elements. Demonstrating its power for delicacy, the walking double bass opening on Miles Davis’ “So What” is sublime, offering up both loose groove, heft and nuance.
Of course, bass means nothing without balance in its accompanying mid and high frequencies. And, of course, Audio Pro has nailed it. The mids and highs sit at a natural distance from the bass and each other, leaving the audio feeling very open and free, with plenty of space to explore and show you what’s really going on in a track.
A good example of this was heard on “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads. A relatively sparse tune with well-defined bass, vocals and twanging guitar, the C10 MKII provides it with life and energy to spare. Trebled guitars cut through without high-note distortion, and vocals are crystal.
Helping the incredible sound deliver you only greatness is the volume. At 80w, the C10 MKII is not lightweight; the volume range is huge. What’s more is that, as you increase volume, there's no decrease in audio quality. The detail and substance of the sonic performance are never lost.
Price
The Audio Pro C10 MKII retails for £359, and though it's often sold with minor reductions and offers, you’ll be lucky to find it for under £320. If you’re looking to build a multiroom system, that’s a lot of money. But as a speaker and audio experience, it’s an absolute steal.
The Sonos One is one of the biggest multiroom speaker options available and retails for around £180 per unit. So, you can get a two-room set-up (with smart features) for the price of a C10 MKII. Amazon Echo speakers are also multiroom and very affordable. These are carrying tonnes of extra tech. But neither the Echo nor Sonos options will get you a sound anywhere near as good as the C10 MKII.
As part of the Addon range, the C10 MKII would operate well as the central speaker for a main living/listening area, with more affordable options, like the Audio Pro C3 or Audio Pro C5 providing auxiliary hubs - they price quite close to the Sonos One.
An interesting dilemma for some will be that the original C10 is readily available from third-party retailers at the time of writing. This means that a similar, albeit less refined, experience is available for around £250.
Verdict
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The Audio Pro C10 MKII is a remarkable speaker. As a multiroom option, it's a potentially expensive choice for many, though it would serve well as the central hub for a wider Audio Pro Addon setup of smaller units, which would bring down the overall cost.
If you can go for one, it’s money well spent. Aesthetically, its premium and minimalistic design suit homes with contemporary tastes. Alternatively, it sits as a striking, stylish counterpoint to more traditional decor. Installation is quick and simple, so long as you steer clear of the Audio Pro app, and its preset features make its ongoing operation a pleasure.
The audio performance is the highlight, without a doubt. Its precision and volume ensure that your music is heard and treated with the utmost respect, letting you in on the real energy of original recordings; this is true whether you’re into the latest grime and electronica, or golden oldies and classic masterworks. The only risk you have in picking one up is that you’re so sonically spoilt, it might just ruin all other sound systems for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Clean, powerful audio | • No smart assistant |
| • Stunning design | • No wired internet connection |
| • Multiroom support |
How we tested it:
I took delivery of the Audio Pro C10 MKII at the end of November 2021. I’ve been using it regularly as my go-to speaker right up to writing this review in mid-January 2022. I’ve listened to it while I work, for recreation and when friends have been over. I’ve connected my Apple iPhone 12 mini, Apple Macbook Air and record player at varying points and listened to a whole range of genres and podcasts.
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