Hint: this is actually a 3rd gen Echo, with typically Amazon odd 2nd gen product name. (Rounded top and bottom edges on 3rd gen vs squared off edges on 2nd gen)
Sound quality of 3rd gen Echo is noticeably better vs the actual 2nd gen Echo.
But alas, we are sworn off spending another dime(edit bad autocorrect) on Alexa devices due to the deteriorated reliability and quality of Alexa over the past year. Call me a cynic, but it is almost as if Amazon is intentionally neglecting “legacy”, no fee Alexa in preparation for paid monthly subscription required, restore Alexa quality, “AI” buzzword Alexa.
BTW, the hub functionality is useless to most Alexa users, so that $55 price is steep, particularly for an unknown condition refurb, even after the “LUCK20” 20% discount to $44. The now sold out $30 “3rd gen Echo” (without hub), particularly with 20% off $24 price was a very nice deal and would have caused us to temporarily suspend our “Echo hold.”