The Amico, meaning “friend” in Italian, is a portable music system based around the Como Solo with with some added extras, including a real teak wood veneer for weather resistance, a nearly ½” marine-grade plywood substrate for additional moisture protection and a slip-resistant bottom silicone pad. The 2200mAh rechargeable LI-ion battery will give you up to 8 hours of play time whilst the included 100-240V external power supply is ready to keep the party going if you do run out of juice. The anodised aluminium knobs extend an additional 4mm for easier use, the rear bass port doubles as a carry handle making it easy to move from the garage, campsite, beach or boat, wherever you want.
The Amico can be connected to your device via WiFi, but also features: FM tuner, DAB/DAB+ (in Europe), wireless Bluetooth streaming with Qualcomm’s aptX for audio, and the USB and auxiliary input. The Free Como Control App lets you use your phone or tablet to change volume, source, presets, adjust the equalisation, tune stations, and control the multi-room functions if you have other Como units. The 2.8” colour display can be set to either an analog or digital clock that will automatically update via WiFi, it will also reproduce Spotify album art and station logos from Internet radio and DAB stations (EU model only). There is also a remote included with all the major functions, the multi-room capability means you can place Amico and other Como Audio music systems throughout your home and control them all with the app, with up to five units per zone (the number of zones depends on user's WiFi network).
This brings me nicely onto to the Amica, which can be used alongside the Amico to turn it into a stereo system, it doesn’t require mains power however you will need to use the 15 audio cable to power it, making it slightly more cumbersome when it comes to portability. Both on its own or paired with the Amica the sound quality is enjoyable, with deep bass, defined mid tones and light, clear top notes. As for the portability, well yes it is portable however this is far too handsome and perhaps a little delicate to risk getting knocked about in the boot of your car, the interface is friendly and easy to use and with multiple ways to connect it makes a great audio system to have around the house. RRP $399 and $129
4 out of 5
Pros
Good audio experience
Sleek vintage design
Friendly interface
Multiple connection options
Colourful screen
Multi-room options
Cons
Amica cannot connect wirelessly
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