High-volume distortion is not a concern in the available reviews. One reviewer says distortion is almost nonexistent even when the soundbar plays very loudly.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Loudness / maximum volume
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
Only one review directly judged high-volume distortion, praising the Smart DSP amplifier architecture for low distortion at high volumes.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Voice clarity
Cons: Spotify Connect reliability, Chromecast compatibility
High-volume distortion control earns strong praise, with reviewers repeatedly saying the speaker stays clean or distortion-free when pushed loud.
Pros: Voice clarity, Bluetooth range
Cons: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Inter-speaker connectivity
Most reviewers report clean performance at high levels, though one notes cabinet strain/rattle from the redesigned subwoofer when pushed very hard.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Cons: Google, Cabinet construction / bracing
High-volume behavior was praised for staying controlled, with reviewers reporting little distortion even when the speaker was pushed.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Handle or strap quality
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, AirPlay compatibility
Reviewers generally find distortion well controlled at high levels, though this does not eliminate compression or tonal imbalance.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Multi-speaker pairing reliability
Cons: Energy efficiency, Amplifier power requirements
Most reviewers found the Ri71 clean at normal-to-loud levels, but several noted honkiness, edge, harshness, or limits when pushed very hard.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Bluetooth connection stability
Cons: optical, Smart features
Distortion performance was mixed: some reviewers heard no distortion at high volume, while others reported fuzz, volume instability, or distortion at maximum outdoor levels.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Setup simplicity
Cons: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Audio format support
High-volume distortion is split: some reviewers heard little or no distortion, while others found harshness, crackly highs, or bass buckling at louder settings.
Pros: Google, Dust resistance rating
Cons: Backwards compatibility, Stereo imaging accuracy
High-volume behavior is mixed: several reviewers heard little or no distortion, while others found the system strained, sharp, or less pleasant when pushed hard.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Weight convenience
Cons: Smart features, Rear speaker cable length
High-volume behavior is mostly controlled, but reviewers noted edge cases: boosted bass can distort and one review heard echo at full volume.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Bluetooth connection stability
Cons: Wired input, Power bank function
High-volume distortion impressions were split: one reviewer warned of grain under stress, while another found no strain in loud sweeps.
Pros: Value for money, Home theater integration
Cons: Audio format support, Loudness / maximum volume
High-volume performance is mixed: several reviewers heard loud, clear output, while others reported harsh mids, cranky highs, muddy bass, or minor distortion at high volumes.
Pros: Latency with TV (lip sync), Setup simplicity
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Speakerphone quality
High-volume and water playback had limits: reviewers noted splashy bass in water and crispy clarity around higher volume levels.
Pros: Price / value for money, On-device controls
Cons: Power bank function, Wired input
High-volume behavior is mixed: WIRED heard almost no distortion at full volume, while TechRadar, Tom's Guide, and PCMag noted quality loss, distortion, or bass strain when pushed.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Drop resistance durability
Cons: Multipoint connectivity, Smart features
High-volume behavior is mixed to weak: one reviewer heard less distortion than before, but others reported compression, shrill treble, or muddy overdriven sound when pushed.
Pros: Everyday usability, Bluetooth range
Cons: LED lighting effects, Lighting effects
High-volume quality drew criticism, with reviewers noting distortion or harsher highs when the speaker was pushed hard.
Pros: Dynamic headroom, Drop resistance durability
Cons: Privacy and data, Wired input