That device, the speaker in this case, is missing the pull-down (Rd) resistors on CC1 and CC2 to say that it's happy to get 5v@500ma when connected using a USB-C to USB-C cable. Those resistors aren't needed for signaling when using a USB-C to USB-A cable, which is why that works.

https://community.silabs.com/s/article/what-s-the-role-of-cc...

So they saved a fraction of a cent per unit on two resistors?

* * *

No, it’s the peripheral device. There were initial confusions among bootleg/hacky manufacturers such as:

- whether CC pins are to be handled by the cable or by the device,

- whether added pins are for insertion detection or for protocol use by the host,

- which pins are to be pulled down or left NC for charging,

- whether USB-C is meant to be a “mobile” connector, or a replacement for the USB-A connector, or how soon the replacement is to occur.

As the result, there were some devices that has a USB-C input but only works with an A to C cable.

I’ve got a pair of cheap Bluetooth headphones that do that too — they only work with a usb a to c cable, not with a proper usb c power supply and cable.

I have a retro games portable that behaves the same way.