You’re a fan of portable audio, but are tired of earbuds falling out of your ears. You’ve heard good things about bone conduction headphones that transmit sound through your cheekbones, but wonder if the audio quality is any good. Well, wonder no more! The Polk Audio Buckle bone conduction Bluetooth headphones deliver surprisingly full and rich audio through an innovative design that lets you hear your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on Polk Audio’s unique take on bone conduction tech. You’ll learn all about the Buckle’s features, audio performance, comfort and fit, battery life, and overall value. We’ll help you decide if these futuristic-looking headphones are the right pick to free your ears while still enjoying your favorite playlists and podcasts on the go. Let’s buckle up and dive in!
Introducing the Polk Audio Buckle
The Polk Audio Buckle is a portable Bluetooth speaker that combines premium sound quality with a rugged, waterproof design. This little powerhouse pumps out rich, full-range audio and deep bass that defies its compact size.
Superior sound
The Buckle features two high-performance drivers and a built-in subwoofer that deliver 360° surround sound. Polk Audio’s proprietary technologies like Stereo Dimensional Array and patented subwoofer venting produce crisp highs, detailed midrange, and thunderous low end. The speaker has a wide frequency response, so music sounds open and natural.
Built tough
Don’t let the Buckle’s sleek looks fool you. This speaker is built to handle whatever life throws at it. A durable, shock-resistant casing and IPX7 waterproof rating mean the Buckle can withstand drops, spills, dust, and full submersion in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes.
Easy connectivity
Connecting to the Buckle is a breeze. Simply turn on the speaker, open the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet or computer and select “Polk Audio Buckle” to pair. The Buckle remembers the last 8 devices connected so you can quickly reconnect whenever you’re in range. An auxiliary input also lets you connect non-Bluetooth devices using an audio cable.
Overall, the Polk Audio Buckle packs a sonic punch in a rugged, go-anywhere design. Whether at home, work or play, this mighty mini speaker pumps out your favorite tunes whenever and wherever you want.
Key Features of the Polk Audio Buckle
The Polk Audio Buckle portable Bluetooth speaker packs a ton of features into its compact size.
To start, it has full Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity so you can stream audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device like your phone, tablet or laptop from up to 30 feet away. The pairing process is a breeze and the connection is strong and stable.
The Buckle is fully waterproof and rugged, with an IP67 rating meaning it can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. No need to worry about rain, spills or splashes damaging this little guy. It’s also shockproof in case you drop it.
You’ll get up to 8 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge of the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The Buckle also has a built-in microphone so you can use it as a speakerphone for hands-free calling.
On the top of the speaker are oversized physical buttons for power, play/pause, volume up/down, and answering calls. The buttons are easy to find without looking. On the side of the speaker is a 3.5mm aux-in jack so you can directly connect any device with a headphone jack.
With two full-range drivers and two passive radiators, the Buckle delivers stunning 360-degree sound with deep bass, clear mids and crisp highs for its tiny size. You can also pair two Buckle speakers together for an even bigger stereo sound.
At under $50, the feature-packed Polk Audio Buckle is an incredible value for a portable Bluetooth speaker that can handle all of life’s adventures without missing a beat. All in all, this little speaker packs a big punch!
Pairing the Polk Audio Buckle With Your Devices
Connecting your Polk Audio Buckle to your devices is quick and easy. The Bluetooth connectivity means you can pair it with just about any smartphone, tablet, or laptop and start streaming your favorite tunes.
To pair the Polk Audio Buckle for the first time:
- Make sure the speaker is fully charged. The Bluetooth button on top of the speaker will flash blue when it’s in pairing mode.
- Enable the Bluetooth on your device. On most phones and tablets, you can find this in the Settings menu. Look for an option like “Bluetooth” or “Wireless and Networks”.
- Select the option to scan for new Bluetooth devices. Your device will search for the Polk Audio Buckle.
- Once it finds the speaker, select “Polk Audio Buckle” to pair. If prompted for a passcode, enter “0000”.
- The Bluetooth button on the speaker will stop flashing and become solid blue, indicating it has successfully paired. You’re now ready to start playing music!
The Polk Audio Buckle will remember the pairing and automatically reconnect when the speaker and your device are both powered on and within range of each other. However, you may need to manually select the Polk Audio Buckle as the audio output device on your device to begin playback.
The Polk Audio Buckle can also pair with multiple devices at a time. To switch the audio source from one device to another, just start playing media on the other paired device. The speaker will automatically switch to the new audio source. With a wireless range of up to 30 feet, you have the freedom to move around with your tunes anywhere in the home.
The pairing process may differ slightly depending on your specific device. Refer to the owner’s manual for your device for any additional details on connecting Bluetooth devices. If you run into any issues pairing the Polk Audio Buckle, try powering everything off, then back on and repeating the steps. Still having trouble? Contact Polk Audio’s helpful customer support for guidance.
Using the Polk Audio Buckle for Fitness
The Polk Audio Buckle headphones are ideal for accompanying you during workouts. Their adjustable and secure fit means they’ll stay in place no matter how intense your exercise routine gets. Here are a few tips for using the Buckle during fitness:
- Find your perfect fit. Adjust the headband and ear cups to sit firmly but comfortably on your head before starting your workout. The ear cups should fully enclose your ears without any gaps, and the headband should feel snug but not too tight. This will ensure the best sound and most stable fit.
- Choose a sport-friendly model. If you engage in high-impact exercise like running or kickboxing, opt for a Buckle model specifically designed for sports. These are sweat-resistant and provide extra stability so your headphones stay in place. For weight training or yoga, the standard models also work great.
- Connect to your device. Pair your Buckle headphones to your smartphone, tablet or MP3 player before exercising to stream your favorite workout playlist, podcast or audiobook. The Bluetooth connectivity provides a reliable wireless connection up to 30 feet away from your device.
- Adjust the volume. With the built-in controls on the ear cups, you can easily turn the volume up or down, play or pause your audio, skip tracks and answer calls on the go. Find a volume level that lets you stay aware of your surroundings for safety but also keeps you pumped during your workout.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks. Even though the Buckle is designed for exercise, be sure to take water breaks to avoid overheating and stay properly hydrated during long or intense workouts. Also, give your ears an occasional break from the headphones to prevent discomfort. Following these tips will make your Buckle the perfect fitness companion for any workout.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With the Polk Audio Buckle
So your new Polk Audio Buckle is acting up in some way and you’re not sure what to do. Don’t worry, there are a few common issues that are easily fixed. Here are some troubleshooting tips to try:
No power
If your Polk Audio Buckle isn’t turning on at all, first check that the power cable is fully plugged in at both ends – to the speaker and the wall outlet. Also check if the outlet itself is working by plugging in another device. If still no power, the issue could be with the cable or the speaker power supply. Contact Polk Audio support for a replacement.
Bluetooth pairing problems
Can’t get your phone, tablet or other device to pair with the Buckle’s Bluetooth? Try putting the speaker into pairing mode by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing blue. Then on your device, search for available Bluetooth devices and select “Polk Audio Buckle” from the list. If that doesn’t work, you may need to reset the speaker to factory default settings. Check the user guide for the specific steps to reset your model.
Distorted or muffled sound
If your Buckle is producing distorted, muffled or uneven sound, there are a few possible fixes. Make sure the volume on your device and the speaker volume are not turned up too high, which can cause distortion. Check that the speaker grill is clear of any debris which can muffle the sound. Also try moving the speaker away from close walls or corners which may be amplifying the bass and affecting sound quality.
Connectivity issues
Problems with the wireless connectivity between your device and the Buckle speaker are often caused by interference from other electronics like microwaves, cordless phones or Wi-Fi routers. Try moving the speaker at least 3 to 6 feet away from other wireless devices to improve connectivity. You may also need to reset your Wi-Fi router. As a last resort, you can do a hard reset of the speaker to refresh the wireless connection. Refer to your product user guide for specific reset steps.
If issues persist, don’t hesitate to contact Polk Audio’s customer support for further help troubleshooting or potential warranty claims. They’re available to help get your Buckle speaker back to pumping out the beats!
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks – everything you need to know about the Polk Audio Buckle. This nifty little device packs a punch with great sound quality for its tiny size. The wireless charging case is a slick extra, letting you take your tunes on the go without worrying about battery life. While the Buckle earbuds may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, they deliver solid performance at a budget-friendly price. If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your audio game, the Buckle is definitely worth a look. With bold bass and crisp highs wrapped up in an innovative package, Polk’s latest earbuds could be music to your ears. Give them a listen next time you’re cruising the Bluetooth earbud aisle – your ears will thank you.
