OXS S2 Thunder Lite review: Big sound
The OXS S2 Thunder Lite is a mini marvel. Its audio is crisp, its form factor is manageable, and the surround sound functionality feels impressive every time you turn it on. If you're looking for a low-profile soundbar, this is ideal.
The OXS S2 Thunder Lite is a mini marvel. Its audio is crisp, its form factor is manageable, and the surround sound functionality feels impressive every time you turn it on.
If you're looking for a low-profile soundbar, this is ideal.
Images via GGRecon
If you're anything like me, you switch between headphones more often than between desktop speakers. I've had my faithful Logitech speakers under my monitor for years, and I've not felt compelled to switch things up.
That may have changed with the OXS S2 "Thunder Lite" soundbar, which offers really impressive volume and depth in a relatively small package. It won't fit every desk setup, but if it works for you, then you're in for a treat.
GGRecon Verdict
The OXS S2 Thunder Lite is a mini marvel. Its audio is crisp, its form factor is manageable, and the surround sound functionality feels impressive every time you turn it on.
If you're looking for a low-profile soundbar, this is ideal.
Bring the Thunder
The Thunder Lite is fairly short for a soundbar, but it is chunky. It doesn't require a subwoofer, though, so everything you need is contained in a single 17.7" x 4.8" footprint with a "bass pipe" inside the chassis.
On the top, you'll find a series of control buttons, but there's an included remote, too, while the back has connection options for Aux, HDMI, USB-C, and Optical options.
Bluetooth is an option, too, which might make the Thunder Lite an ideal party companion in a pinch.
Crank it
In fact, the Thunder Lite gets loud. Like, really loud. I work in an office attached to my house, and during setup, I accidentally played music so loud my partner had to come and check on me.
For such a small soundbar, it really is impressive how much more powerful it is than many desktop speakers. I'm sure my Logitech speakers almost quaked a little.
So it's loud, but is it good? Thankfully, yes. Whether it's music or in-game audio, I was a little worried so much audio coming out from such a small space would lead to a muddied sound.
While dropping straight into 'flatter' sounds like nineties hardcore felt like a wall of noise and explosions responded similarly when playing Modern Warfare 3, the secret weapon here is the Virtual Surround Sound option.
Triggered with a press of a button, it adds immediate depth and nuance to whatever is playing. If I'm playing something like VALORANT, I'm still more likely to reach for my Astro headset as things feel much closer and personal that way, but for both music and gaming, it's night and day.
The shape of sound
It's really a little like magic how the Thunder Lite can add so much depth from a central spot on the desk, but that won't be for everyone.
If your monitor sits low, the Thunder Lite's 2.9-inch height may not have enough clearance. My monitor's unwieldy stand means I'm likely to keep my current option for now, with the flexibility of moving multiple smaller speakers, but the Thunder Lite has found a home on my partner's desk, where there's much more space.
It's "horses for courses", of course, but it's worth mentioning that if your setup can't fit a soundbar, you may want to opt for speakers instead.
The Verdict
The OXS S2 Thunder Lite is a mini marvel. Its audio is crisp, its form factor is manageable, and the surround sound functionality feels impressive every time you turn it on.
If you're looking for a low-profile soundbar, this is ideal.
4.5/5
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