Speakers Reviews
Bang & Olufsen Beolit 15 Speaker Review
by Jamaica Scott - June 9th, 2016
Review
Tired of having to choose between bulky speakers with unsightly wires and excellent sound quality? The Bang & Olufsen Beolit 15 eliminate the need for that decision. This Bluetooth speaker provides extraordinary sound to listeners without requiring wires to connect them to the music generating device. Additionally, these particular speakers are attractive with a classy aluminum grill and a stylish rubber handle. Furthermore, these Bluetooth speakers can be used anywhere and fill a large area with remarkable sound.
As Far as Bluetooth speakers go, the Beolit 15 is near the top of the line. The major thing that separates the great speakers from the lesser speakers is sound clarity. Lower quality speakers suffer from sound distortion. The Beolit 15 can maintain its clarity at any volume. While we have already established that the speaker is aesthetically pleasing, there are subtle features that add to the versatility of the product. In the back of the speaker, there is a cable storage compartment. Therefore, you don’t have to carry a separate item to store your necessary cables if you are traveling with your speaker. Additionally, the top of the speaker is rubberized and recessed. Most smartphones will fit comfortably atop the speaker without being in danger of falling off.
There are only but a few complaints. While the tactile controls are great, we feel it is missing a few buttons. Many other speakers have previous and next track buttons as well as a button that can play or pause music. This speaker has no such buttons. It would appear as though the Beolit 15 was designed to be used with a mobile device. Therefore, the lack of a microphone is rather strange. Should the phone ring, answering it could be a hassle. Without these features, the user must heavily rely on the input device to control the sound selection and output.
Overall, the Beolit 15 is awesome. The only serious concern is that the battery life is shorter at high volumes. The complaints we discussed earlier have relatively easy workarounds. The lovely aesthetics and innovative design far outweigh the few negatives.
Highlights
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Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support
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240W peak power
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Genuine leather handle
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Rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 24 hours of playtime
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True320 audio playback - sound fills the entire room
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Frequency response of 37Hz to 20KHz
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Free Beoplay app
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Stereo pairing
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Comes in several colors (Natural, Polar Blue, Shaded Rosa, Natural Champagne and Black) Only 5 lbs.
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Battery saving feature - powers down if Bluetooth has been inactive for 15 minutes
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2-year warranty (when buying directly from manufacturer)
Pros
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Extraordinary audio performance
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Rich Bass
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Portable
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Easy to set up
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Durable
Cons
9.6
Score
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No speakerphone
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Battery life is inversely proportional to sound volume (The louder the sound - the shorter the battery life)
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Requires AC to charge - cannot be charged with a portable phone charger
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No Pause/Play buttons
Devialet Silver Phantom WiFi Speaker Review
by Audrey Liang - April 25, 2016
Review
When looking at a Devialet Silver Phantom WiFi Speaker for the first time, you may think it is either futuristic or quirky; either way, you have to admit that it is one of a kind. More importantly, according to Harry Olson, a pioneer acoustical engineer the spherical shape is optimum for audio delivery. And this is true for the Phantom. The French startup Devialet described its Phantom as “the revolutionary wireless speaker that changes forever the world of sound.”
As a high-end mono speaker, the Phantom has an admirable sound performance. The best part is the bass. As its twin side woofers vibrate providing ultra-dense sound, no matter where the Phantom is placed, you will feel the bass through the floor. The mids are clear and loud. The highs are crisp and clean. From sub bass at 16Hz to ultra sharp sound at 25kHz, the Phantom maintains its premium performance with no background noise, no saturation and no distortion. The only complaint may be the small amount of subtlety in quieter moments during playing.
Even though most wireless speakers in the market currently use the same technology, the Silver Phantom is the one that goes further with 88--yes that is eighty-eight, exclusive tech innovations inside. It has a 3000-Watts power, which surmount many other speakers. With one Phantom, you can enjoy a great solo music with high quality; with two, you will have a stereo experience. With more than one Phantom at home, you will need to buy the Dialog, which is an intelligent audio router for wireless stereo, which allow you to pair up to 24 Phantoms.
Installing the Devialet Silver Phantom WiFi Speaker Phantom takes only minutes. After unpacking your Phantoms, you need to download Devialet’s Spark app on your smartphone (iOS or Android). Then you are ready to go. You can play your own music list on Spotify, Pandora, iTunes or Tidal by clicking your phone. With some complaints about lacking some significant functions such as Airplay and Comcast audio, the Spark app needs more improvements to satisfy audiophiles. In conclusion, the Phantom is a high-energy wireless speaker for audiophiles or if you simply want to enjoy the best WiFi sound.
Highlights
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Emits ultra-dense sound with physical impact
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No background noise, no saturation, no distortion, all that up to 3000 Watts and 105 Decibels of power.
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Analog Digital Hybrid ADH®
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Heart Bass Implosion HBI®. that enables sounds from 16Hz to 25kHz
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Active Cospherical Engine Loudspeaker (ACE®)
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Automatic system updating without personal intervention
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SAM® (Speaker Active Matching)
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Quad-core processor 1 GHz
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Asynchronous audio output for Expert product line
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Sand-blasted stainless steel side
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Dual-band Wi-Fi (a/b/g/n 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
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Two year warranty
Pros
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Great sound quality with zero distortion
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Wireless through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
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Beautiful design
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Easy to setup
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45-day risk-free trail
9.3
Score
Cons
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Need two for best sound, single unit lacks soundstage
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AirPlay & Chrome cast not supported
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No support for network-attached storage
Klipsch Premiere RP-280F Home Theater Review
by Malcolm Black - December 14, 2016
Review
Immerse yourself in the beautiful and quality sound of the Reference Premiere Klipsch RP-280F Home Theater System. For the musically inspired and for those who consider theater quality as standard, the RP-280F will present you with an exceptional sound that will impress your friends and transcend the average home entertainment experience.
The RP-280F Home Theater System includes floor standing speakers, two bookshelf speakers, multiple center channel options, and two surround sound speakers. Klipsch has vastly improved the sound, depth, clarity and design of the previous Reference II series theater system. The Reference II speaker horns use ABS plastic with a 60×90 horn; the RP-280F has a new and improved 90x90-degree Tractrix® horn enclosure encased in a silicone finish. Klipsch asserts that the horn improvement will minimize resonance, emphasizing a smoother, cleaner and more detailed sound.
Further differentiating itself from the Reference II speakers, the RP-280F uses Tractrix® geometry for all ports, reducing port noise and increasing efficiency in air transfer to the cabinet. The new woofers use standard Cerametallic™ material in addition to a redesigned titanium voice coil. By pairing the previous Linear Travel Suspended (LTS) tweeters with a redesigned phase plug, Klipsch increased the high-frequency extension of the theater system—reducing distortion and providing clearer and a more refined sound.
The RP-280F has flexible magnetic grilles that give you more variety for displaying your well-crafter speakers. A wood grain cabinet with polymer veneer offers a more contemporary look. With an option for ebony or cherry wood polymer finishes, the RP-280F not only fills your home with magnificent sound but offers a modern style that will blend into the aesthetic of your home.
Offering full, clear and quality sound, paired with excellent design, the Klipsch RP-280F Home Theater System is perfect for those who want the highest in-class experience. Whether you are listening to music or watching a movie with your family, the dynamic and full sound of this home theater system will surpass your expectations.
Highlights
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The clean, seamless lines of these speakers allow them to be incorporated into any decor
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Included: (2) RP-280F, (1) RP-450C, (2) RP-250S, (1) R-115SW
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Linear Travel Suspension Titanium Tweeters
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Dolby Atmos Ready
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Spun Copper Cerametallic Cone Woofers
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90x90 Hybrid Tractrix Horns
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New Tractrix Ports
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MDF Cabinet with Brushed Polymer Veneer Baffle Finishes
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Removable Grilles
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Dual Binding Post Speaker Terminals
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Medium Density Fiberboard Base
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5-year warranty
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Made in the USA
Pros
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High-quality sound—full, authoritative and clear
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Affordable for this level of performance and build quality
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Tractrix® ports
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Dual binding post speaker terminals
9.7
Score
Cons
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Speakers take up a lot of floor space - designed for large home entertainment
Avy Smart Speaker Review
By Rachael Kalinyak - August 31, 2015
Review
The Avy smart wireless speaker is the first of its kind, offering high-quality audio with integrated touchscreen Android tablet, Internet radio, and the true Google experience.
Rather than settling for the harsh, metallic tones that comes with streaming on handheld devices, the Avy Smart Speaker offers a full audio experience. Equipped with 2x5W stereo speakers, perfected amplifiers, and a sophisticated sound chamber, the Avy Smart Speaker guarantees to bring bliss to users with affection for the splendor of sound. To add to its splendor, the Avy Smart Speaker’s compact, sleek, and lightweight design coupled with the rechargeable battery that has a life of 7 hours is ideal for travel as well as entertainment.
By integrating a 7-inch touch screen, the Avy Smart Speaker has separated itself from competitors. Not only is the user getting high quality, reliable audio on a sturdy, compact, and surprising lightweight frame, but the speaker is also capable of streaming favorite movies and television shows from apps such as Netflix or YouTube in crisp, vivid images. With the built-in microphone and front-facing camera, users are capable of interacting with others via apps like Skype, an easy and convenient way for loved ones to stay in touch while away.
The micro SD card slot allows for expandable storage, allowing the user to add more of their favorite media to the convenient device. The speaker also comes with the convenience of a remote, allowing for a change in song from across the room and the simple convenience of having the option of physical keys. Finally, the Avy Smart Speaker has the capabilities of allowing your favorite shows to be cast onto a bigger screen, through an HDMI cable or wireless connection, for more entertainment or bigger audiences.
Highlights
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High-quality sound from powerful speakers
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Perfected powerful amplifiers
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“Google” Smart
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A speaker you can watch
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Wireless
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Conveniently Portable
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Integrated microphone and front-facing camera
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Extendable Storage
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Compact and lightweight
Pros
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Crisp and vivid screen display
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Lightweight and sturdy frame
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Reliable 10-watt wireless speakers
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Supports full HD over HDMI
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Expandable storage with microSD
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Convenient control keys & remote control
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Up to 7 hours of battery life
Score
9.5
Cons
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Camera does not focus easily
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Limitations in storage space
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Occasional media lock-ups from SD card
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Heavy bass is weak
Highlights
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Bose best-performing Bluetooth speaker
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Wireless connection to your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth device
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Up to 14 hours of music from rechargeable lithium-ion battery
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Colored accessory covers provide further protection from scratches
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Aux input enables audio connections from other sources, increasing versatility of system
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USB port allows for software update to ensure ongoing Bluetooth device compatibility
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Compact power adapter folds flat to fit easily in a bag, ideal for extended trips
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Optional 12V car charger for charging your speaker while on the road
Pros
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Elegant design
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Great sound for all types of music
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WiFi distance
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Small with powerful sound
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Battery lasts 9-10 hours at mid range volume setting
8.9
Score
Cons
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Older model Bluetooth phones may have problems reconnecting automatically
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No remote
Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III
Review
by David Priede - January 2015
Meet the speaker that brings your music and friends together with a style that’s all your own. The SoundLink® Bluetooth speaker III is Bose best-performing mobile Bluetooth speaker. It plays louder and longer than its popular predecessor, with advanced Bose® technologies that reproduce the fullness, clarity and depth of your music.
A colorful assortment of optional covers lets your personalize your speaker.
This compact speaker pairs easily with your smartphone, iPad® or other Bluetooth device. It has a range of about 30 feet, so you can enjoy the sound you want without wires. Simply press and hold the Bluetooth button on the speaker's top panel, and then choose the SoundLink® Mobile speaker III from your device. The speaker remembers the most recent six devices you've used, so reconnecting is even simpler.
It’s no secret: your music is the foundation for a good time. And this speaker delivers. Four drivers and two passive radiators provide full-spectrum audio and clarity at any listening level.
Plus, you’ll hear incomparable bass performance not found in other mobile speakers. And improvements in digital signal processing let you share your music louder than the previous version of our Bluetooth speaker.
Sure, the sound draws a crowd. But this speaker also has a sleek look you’ll appreciate. Curved edges and a thin profile make a bold statement, especially when you add a touch of color with an optional cover.
The speaker easily slips right into a bag or backpack. The silicone button panel protects it from dirt and dust, while a wraparound metal grille adds to its durability and resists fingerprints.
Highlights
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The original bigger room, bigger sound wireless speaker with full-bodied sound at any volume
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Connects directly to your home's Wi-Fi network, no wired connection needed
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Wirelessly streams your music library and favorite online music services like Pandora
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Control your music with the free Sonos Controller app on your phone, tablet, or computer
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Start with any Sonos speaker and fill your home with music over time by adding Sonos speakers to other rooms
Pros
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Easy to set up
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Wireless
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Streems all music available in the your devices or the Internet
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Superior sound
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Expandable
9.5
Score
Cons
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Weak bass for certain music
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No remote
Sonos Play:5 - The ultimate all-in-one listening experience
Review
by Mark Peterson - March 2015
Meet the the ultimate all-in-one listening experience with the deepest, richest HiFi sound. Sonos is a smart system of HiFi wireless speakers and audio components. It unites your digital music collection in one app that you control from any device.
Play what you want with perfect sync in every room - no skips, delays or drops. The PLAY:5 uses 5 state-of-the-art digital amplifiers individually coupled with 5 speakers to deliver superior sound to any room. A subwoofer produces powerful bass while two mid-range drivers and two tweeters fill out the sound.
Set up the wireless Sonos with the push of a button. Their unique technology brings your entire home audio system together on a dedicated wireless network. PLAY:5 doesn't need a BRIDGE or BOOST to connect to your home WiFi. If you've got great WiFi at home, simply buy any Sonos speaker and set it up on your home WiFi network using the free Sonos app. If your home WiFi network just isn't reliable enough, get the Sonos BRIDGE or BOOST to make sure the music never stops.
The Sonos Controller App lets you browse and play your music from any device. Use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to stream different songs in each room, group rooms together, or hear the same beat everywhere.
Listen to all the music you love, no matter where it lives – think iTunes, podcasts, radio stations, Spotify, Pandora, etc. With streaming music services, use your smartphone, tablet, or computer to control apps from the cloud.
Highlights
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Waterproof
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360 Degree Sound
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Deep Base
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IPX7-Rated Waterproof
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100FT Wireless Range
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20-Hour Battery Life
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Customizable five-band equalizer
Pros
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Bulky and its shape make it difficult to carry
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No remote
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Smart durable design
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100 feet wireless reach
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Great base for its size
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Waterproof
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Expandable
Cons
9.1
Score
UE Megaboom: A Portable Wireless Speaker on Steroids
Review
by Mary Rogers - July 2015
Whether you're dancing in the rain, barreling down a mountain or just causing mischief with friends, the durability and portability of UE MEGABOOM make it as spontaneous and crazy as you let it be.
The UE MEGABOOM is waterproof so when you knock it into the pool, you might kill the party, but you won't kill your UE MEGABOOM. Bring it in the shower. Take it to the beach. Discover your new favorite waterfall. Go get wet and crazy.
At Ultimate Ears they love to try and break the things they build. And then to build them again – better. It's why their wireless speakers continue to set the bar with amazing sound, extreme durability and life-resistance and so much more.
Control the party from up to 100 feet away. Or connect to two devices at once so you and a friend can take turns sharing music and playing DJ. Or, take a break from the music with crystal clear speakerphone calls.
UE MEGABOOM has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gives you up to 20 hours of non-stop music. Use our specially-designed, ultra-fast micro USB charger and return to full power in as little as two and a half hours. Press the + and – buttons together at any time to see how much juice is left.
At Ultimate Ears they are extremely passionate about great sound and great design. All of their speakers are designed–from the ground up–to push the limits of what a portable wireless speaker can be and can do.
The UE MEGABOOM wakes you up with your favorite songs, spotify playlists, Pandora stations and more.
Use the fully customizable five-band equalizer to custom-tune the sound so it's just right for you. Need a little more bass? Done. More high and mids? No problem. You set it how you like it.
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