Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Modern vs Retro: FLAC 36 vs Acoustic 3 – The Battle of the Big Compacts


When it comes to big sound in compact KBEATBOX units, you’re really talking about the FLAC 36.

This is the one I personally have at home — compact, stylish, and finished in sleek black leather with an 8" woofer and a massive 200 watts RMS power under the hood.

What I love most is how clean it keeps the setup.

Unlike traditional karaoke systems that need a separate mixing amplifier, speakers, and a wireless mic receiver (all taking up precious space), the FLAC 36 is an all-in-one powerhouse. It sits neatly beside our Smart TV, connected to everything — phones for music streaming, the TV for movies, concerts, and karaoke, and even the DVD player.

Everything’s catered for, and honestly, it rarely goes past half volume — it easily fills our open kitchen and family area with room to spare.

Feature-wise, the FLAC 36 has it all: BluetoothAUX input (for DVD players), and Optical input (for Smart TVs). It’s also the only model in the KBEATBOX range that features HDMI ARC, perfect for newer TVs that don’t have optical out.

And here’s a bonus — both the FLAC 36 and Acoustic 3 can expand from two wireless microphones to four singers with the optional Sonken Ezy Mic 4.2 wireless system, perfect for when the party gets wild and everyone wants a turn.

The sound? Big, clean, and full of detail.

That 8" woofer and 4 tweeters deliver clarity that leaves most soundbars in the dust. My wife loves it for streaming her playlists, and when we watched KISS in Vegas, it absolutely rocked the house — literally.


Enter the Acoustic 3 – Retro Reimagined

Then along came the Acoustic 3 from KBEATBOX — the retro charmer with curved 1950s-style corners that make it look like an antique radio. But don’t be fooled by the vintage look.

This is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

I hesitated before bringing this model into Australia because, on paper, its specs look similar to the FLAC 36.

But the factory insisted there was a difference. And wow — they were seriously downplaying it.

This thing doesn’t just sound good — it dominates.

The 10" woofer and 220 watts RMS power in a beautifully leather-wrapped timber cabinet make it an absolute beast. The soundstage is bigger, the bass is deeper, and the presence fills the room in a way that’s almost physical. You feel it.

However, it’s worth noting — this one’s not really for moving around.

At nearly 18kg and measuring 51cm (W) × 27cm (D) × 34cm (H), it’s not exactly grab-and-go. There are no carry handles, so think of it less as a portable speaker and more as a statement piece of furniture. Once you put it in place, it stays there.

Both the FLAC 36 and Acoustic 3 feature TWS (True Wireless Stereo) — meaning you can link two identical units together for double the power:

That’s 400 watts RMS with dual FLAC 36s, or a mind-blowing 440 watts RMS with dual Acoustic 3s, in full stereo.

Even better, the microphones operate in MWS (Microphone Wireless Stereo) mode — so your vocals play through both systems seamlessly.

Despite both being paired via Bluetooth, you can still connect your Smart TV, phone, tablet, or laptop directly to the host unit for audio streaming, and it works perfectly even when using optical or AUX inputs.

KBEATBOX also stepped up the microphone game with the Acoustic 3 — it’s one of only three models to feature new-generation professional wireless microphones, offering improved vocal clarity and range with the new enhancer mic cartridge technology installed. They even come in their own sleek storage case.


Final Thoughts – Modern vs Retro

The FLAC 36 is your modern marvel — compact, sleek, versatile, and perfect for those who want simplicity, style, and serious power in one neat package.

The Acoustic 3 is the retro heavyweight — bold, beautiful, and built for audiophiles who crave room-filling sound with timeless style.

Both deliver that unmistakable KBEATBOX sound, but they speak to different personalities.

So whether you’re drawn to the modern black leather edge of the FLAC 36 or the classic timber warmth of the Acoustic 3, one thing’s for sure — you’re stepping into a world of sound that’s anything but compact.


Full Side-by-Side Spec Comparison

FeatureFLAC 36Acoustic 3
Woofer & Tweeters1× 8″ Woofer, 2× 4″ Tweeters, 2× Neo Tweeters (Treble)1× 10″ Woofer, 2× 4″ Tweeters, 2× Neo Tweeters (Treble)
Premium Amplifier200 W RMS (800 W PMPO)220 W RMS (900 W PMPO)
Cabinet / FinishBlack or Dark Purple Leather-Wrapped Heavy Duty Timber CaseBlack Leather-Wrapped Timber Cabinet, Retro Styling
Wireless Microphones Included2× KA-02 UHF Wireless Microphones (Gold Aluminum Body)2× M1L1 UHF Wireless Microphones (Grey Aluminum Body) with new voice enhancer mic cartridge technology and storage case
Mic FrequenciesMIC 1 (CH-A): 676–684 MHz, MIC 2 (CH-B): 685–693 MHzMIC 1 (CH-A): 676–684 MHz, MIC 2 (CH-B): 685–693 MHz
TWS / MWSYes – Pair two units for True Wireless Stereo, including mic audio (one pair of microphones only)Yes – Pair two units for True Wireless Stereo, including mic audio (one pair of microphones only)
ControlsMusic / Microphone / Bass / Treble / Echo (Delay/Reverb) Volume ControlsMusic / Microphone / Bass / Treble / Echo (Delay/Reverb) Volume Controls
DSP Music EnhancerACNOS Mixer AppACNOS Mixer App
Bass BoostOn / OffOn / Off
OTG Live Stream & RecordVia USB (A to C cable) with Phone, Windows® or Apple® PCVia USB (A to C cable) with Phone, Windows® or Apple® PC
Bluetooth & MP3 PlaybackBluetooth 5.0, USB/MP3 playbackBluetooth 5.0, USB/MP3 playback
Audio InputsOptical Audio Input (Smart TV), AUX Line In & Out (2× 3.5 mm), Mic Input (6.35 mm), Guitar Input (3.5 mm)Optical Audio Input (Smart TV), AUX Line In & Out (2× 3.5 mm), Mic Input (6.35 mm), Guitar Input (3.5 mm)
Battery10 Hour Li-ion Rechargeable Battery, 12.8V-12000 mAh (153.6 Wh)10 Hour LiFePO4 (LFP) Battery, 12.8V-12000 mAh — stable discharge, long life, minimal self-discharge, maintains sound quality even when weak
Weight & Dimensions13 kg; 50 cm (W) × 28 cm (D) × 27 cm (H)17.5 kg; 51 cm (W) × 27 cm (D) × 34 cm (H)
Bonus AppVietnamese Songs Karaoke App (iPhone/iPad/Android)Vietnamese Songs Karaoke App (iPhone/iPad/Android)
Made bySoncamedia in VietnamSoncamedia in Vietnam


Key Takeaways

  1. Power & Woofer Size – Acoustic 3 offers higher RMS and a larger 10″ woofer for deeper bass.

  2. Styling – FLAC 36 is sleek & modern; Acoustic 3 is retro & furniture-like.

  3. Battery Tech – Acoustic 3 uses LFP batteries for longer life, stable output, and minimal self-discharge.

  4. Portability – FLAC 36 is lighter and easier to move; Acoustic 3 is more stationary.

  5. HDMI ARC – FLAC 36 supports HDMI ARC for newer TVs; Acoustic 3 relies on Optical/AUX.

  6. Professional Micrphones - Acoustic 3 offers the lastest professional-grade UHF wireless microphones (with storage case) with new voice enhancer mic cartridge technology.

Explore them today at www.khe.com.au

 

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