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Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

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Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $300?

Having a portable speaker and headphones at-and-around my home office desk has been a blessing all these years. Yet, for over a decade there’s been something missing, and that’s a pair of bookshelf speakers. I’m not talking about a sub-$100 pair from the likes of Logitech or Cambridge Sound Works. I mean a good or great pair of bookshelf speakers; something to be proud of and to impress house guests with. This is where Edifier comes in with 16 pairs to choose from.  So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at one of these in this Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers review.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Pros:
• High-quality audio
• Multiple inputs and controls
• Multiple cables included
• A futuristic remote control
• Two-year warranty

Cons:
• Bass is limited to 55 Hz
• $300 price may be an issue to some

Read:   JBL Unveils New Wireless Headphones and Speakers at CES 2019

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Design and Features

As you can all see, the Edifier S880DB speakers are one attractively designed pair of speakers. And they’re feature rich too.

Now think about this for a moment. When was the last time you saw a pair of white-and-tan bookshelf speakers?

For the past month or so, I’ve been testing the S880DB to much delight. How could I not when there are so many different audio sources that I could connect to.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

Per the Edifier website, “The S880DB has a range of inputs including RCA, AUX, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth. The USB, optical and coaxial inputs have a sample signal rate of up to 192 kHz. Adjust volume, bass, and treble controls with knobs located on the back of the speaker with a built-in amplifier.” I couldn’t have written that better myself.

Using the RC600B remote control, going wireless is a piece of cake. On the remote, there are the standard Play/Pause, Forward Track, Previous Track, and Volume Increase and Decrease buttons in addition to Power and Source. This latter button takes us to the aforementioned audio sources: RCA, AUX, USB, optical, coaxial, and Bluetooth.

Then there are the four equalization modes: Monitor, Classic, Vocal, and Dynamic. Each method subtlety alters the audio to your preferred preference. See the User Manual for more information.

Note: Don’t strike the Source or Mode buttons too quickly in succession as they won’t change as quickly as you would like. Wait a second or two before hitting the next one.

On the reverse side of the active speaker are all the numerous inputs and controls. See the images above. All except for the optical input method were tried. You can even adjust the Treble, Bass, and Volume using the dials on the rear of the active speaker.

Want to listen to gaming audio from your desktop computer? You can do that.

How about listening to some jazz from your turntable? You can do that too.

Then there’s listening to Amazon Music from your mobile phone or Kindle. You can do both via Bluetooth. Pairing to both was easy.

All of the above sources were tried, and they worked just fine.

Read:   Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 Headset Review: Oh What Sound!

Specifications

• List pricing of $299.99
• 3.75″ (94 mm) mid-range speaker
• 0.75″ (19 mm) tweeter
• Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
• Bluetooth Version: 4.1
• Power Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 1.5A

• Operating Temp: 0 – 35°C
• R/L Mid Range: 32 + 32 Watts
• R/L Treble: 12 + 12 Watts
• XMOS digital processor
• Built-in amplifier
• Noise Level: ≤ 25 dBA

What’s In The Box?

• Pair of S880DB Speakers
• RC600B Remote Control
• Power Adapter and Cable
• User Manual

• RCA Audio Cable
• RCA to RCA Audio Cable
• Fiber Optic Input Cable
• Speaker Connecting Cable
• USB Connecting Cable

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Amazon Music Playlist

• Halsey – hopeless fountain kingdom
• Halsey – Badlands
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• Zedd – Clarity

• Mumford & Sons – Babel
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream
• Rush – Clockwork Angels
• Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

Audio Performance

As I almost always state, the most critical factor regarding headphones and speakers is sound quality. The Edifier S880DB powered bookshelf speakers were tested across a wide range of music including these from the artists and playlists listed above.

The first thing I noticed was how clear and strong the mid-range and upper-frequency sounds were with the Edifier S880DB. Whether it be vocals, acoustic guitar, or some other instrument, they sounded terrific across the albums tested. There’s a dedicated 0.75″ tweeter and 3.75″ mid-range per speaker to target these ranges.

Conversely, bass audio was in the fair – good range as there’s no dedicated bass driver. But, I suppose that’s what a subwoofer is for. The speakers couldn’t produce below 55 Hz which is the lower half of the bass range, and that’s a shame. I missed out on that great bass audio in the 20 – 55 Hz range. If I were listening to music from the likes of The Prodigy or Massive Attack, I’d feel slightly let down as everything short of the deepest bass sounds are present.

Edifier S880DB Bookshelf Speakers Review

I would have been remiss if I didn’t listen to either of Halsey’s albums listed above. The first time I heard Halsey through Edifier speakers took place at a Las Vegas listening party a few months back. I’m pretty sure everyone in the suite was impressed by the quality audio.

Read:   1MORE Dual Driver BT ANC Headphones Review
The first thing I noticed was how clear and strong the mid-range and upper-frequency sounds were with the Edifier S880DB. Click To Tweet

Conclusion

Whether it be from a sight or sound perspective, the Edifier S880DB powered bookshelf speakers are impressive. The size and shape of the speakers were an excellent fit for my desktop arrangement. Mid-range and high-frequency audio terrific. However, the bass languished a bit as the S880DB is unable to produce audio below 55 Hz. I just wish the bass sounds had been deeper and more pronounced.

When compared to its competition, the S880DB definitely stands out. The same can be said with respect to the other 15 bookshelf speaker models offered by Edifier. With its lighter color design, none look quite like this one.

At a list price of a hair under $300, the S880DB offers much to the buyer. Even an audiophile would be impressed. My only complaint with these speakers is now that they’re no longer here, they’re missed, and my desk appears empty without them. I suppose it’s time I start saving for a pair.

• Design – 4.75
• Features – 4.75

• Sound – 4.25
• Value – 4.25

What do you think of this Edifier S880DB bookshelf speakers review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Edifier’s social media pages to see their latest announcements. To learn more about warranties, click this Warranty Terms link for information. These headphones come with a two-year limited warranty. To learn about returns, click this Returns Policy link for more information.

FTC Disclosure: Edifier provided Beantown with one (1) set of Edifier S880DB bookshelf speakers as a loaner for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2019.

Read:   Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-DSR7BT Review

Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones Review

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If you’ve been reading this website over the past six months, you would have seen the audio brand Libratone mentioned a few times. For those who still aren’t aware of the brand, they’re growing niche player in the music audio space. Not too long ago, they introduced two pairs of headphones onto the market, their first entries beyond the portable speaker sector. These products were called the Q Adapt in-ear and Q Adapt on-ear headphones. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got our hands on the latter, their on-ear headphones. So how does this product stack up? Let’s take a closer look in this Libratone Q Adapt on-ear review.

Wireless Headphones: Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Review

Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Review

Pros:
• Creative, modern design
• Solid construction, flexible, yet sturdy
• Feature reach with impressive sound
• Very comfortable fit
• Great battery life ≥ 20 hours

Cons:
• Bass may not be strong enough for some folks
• Only two color patterns available
• $249 price tag may be too expensive for some

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

Q Adapt Design and Features

Upon first glance, you may have said to yourself that the Q Adapt on-ear headphones have a simple, basic design. What you don’t realize, and I say this from an engineering design perspective, is that often the simplest and most basic looking designs are the most complicated to pull off. Achieving the right look and feel are no easy feat, yet Libratone did just that with their Q Adapt on-ear headphones.

Because this is a review website, we’ve had the pleasure of trying dozens of headphones. We know what works and what doesn’t when it comes to each of them. With the Q Adapt on-ear, the fit and comfort level are spot on.

Until recently, I used to wear over-ear headphones when working at the home office, mostly to shut off the outside world and focus on the task at hand. When I tell you these ear cups feel like butter, I mean they feel like butter. They’re so soft with just the right amount of padding that you can wear them for hours straight. It’s what I do.

The first time I tried the Q Adapt headphones was at CES2017. I recall having said to the Libratone representative that they’re so soft that they felt “like butter.” I was, of course, referring to the Mike Myers SNL skit ‘Coffee Talk with Linda Richman.’ For you young folks out there, Google it.

The ear cup design looks like one-half of a miniaturized whoopie pie. With that said, don’t be the one fool in the country to bite into it. Right and left sides are nearly indistinguishable, and that’s okay. Even though they’re lightly marked, I often wear the headphones backward with zero negative impact.

As you see in the images above and below, one side has the power button, while the other has the CityMix™ button, microphone, audio and charging cable inputs, and the volume adjustment which you actually can’t see. Adjusting the volume is a matter of circling a finger around the outer right cup. It’s that easy. You don’t need to press anything. The right cup also contains Play and Pause features as well as the Libratone logo which can be lit or not from their app.

The outer material of the headband is the same woven fabric material found on the One Click speaker. As I stated months ago, it’s not only eye-catching, but it’s also durable. Adjusting the headband is simple. If you’ve tried B&O headphones, then you already know how easy it is. Adjustment is silent, and everything holds in place via friction.

Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Review

Read:   Here are the AKG Headphones set for release in 2017

One final feature to mention is the ability to play the same music across two Q Adapt on-ear headphones. This can be achieved through the app using the Plus 1 feature via these instructions. I tried to play two different Libratone products (One Click and Adapt on-ear) simultaneously with Plus 1, but could not achieve the desired result. No matter, there’s a way to get around this and link two products via the SoundSpace settings.

In the SoundSpace settings, it’s very easy to link and unlink two products. Furthermore, you can listen to your music in one of three modes: Dual, Stereo-1, and Stereo-2, and in one of nine music fields. (These are listed further down in the App portion of this review.) Dual mode plays music simultaneously across both products while Stereo-1 and -2 can send left and right channels to either of the two products. Suffice to say; the music sounds odd when you hear only one channel of audio in the headphones. When volume control is adjusted on one product, it affects the other. Pretty neat.

And I didn’t even mention the hush mode, wear detection, or the ability to access Siri or internet radio.

The speaker is available in two colors: Stormy Black and Cloudy White. I believe a third color, let’s say brown, would be a welcome addition.

Fully charging the battery takes approximately 3 hours and is handled via a supplied cable.

The headphones have a height of 7.5″, an ear cup diameter of 2.4″ and weighs in at 7 ounces.

What’s In The Box?

  • Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones
  • Protective Transport Pouch
  • 3.5mm Audio Cable
  • USB 2.0 Charging Cable
  • Quick Guide

Adjustable Noise Cancellation / CityMix™

What the heck is CityMix™?

CityMix™ is the trademarked name for Libratone’s adjustable noise cancellation system. Per the table below, you can see what levels or outside noise pass to your ears. Does it work as well as they advertise? The answer is “Oh heck yeah.”

As I stated earlier, I’ll wear these headphones at the home office just for their noise-cancelling properties, with or without music. At Beantown, we’ve got a quite a few ANC headphones to choose from such as the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2, but the ANC headphone of choice here is the Q Adapt on-ear.

CityMix™:
• CityMix™ Level 1
• CityMix™ Level 2
• CityMix™ Level 3
• CityMix™ Level 4

Adjustable Noise Cancellation:
• Pass through sound, 80% outside noise
• Passive ANC, 60% outside noise
• Medium ANC, 30% outside noise
• Complete ANC, <10% outside noise

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

Audio Performance & Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Born This Way
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• Lorde – Pure Heroine
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• Shinedown – Amaryllis

• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Second To Mars – This is War
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade
• Mumford and Sons – Babel
• Imagine Dragons – Night Visions

I say this time and time again when reviewing speakers and headphones; the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. Using the playlist above, the Q Adapt on-ear headphones were tested across a broad range of music. Songs within each album were sampled against comparable $200 headphones selected from the samples collection, and results were noted.

The Q Adapt produced excellent vocals, which were vivid and clear. The vocal reproduction of the 3 L’s (Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Lorde) was impressive.

The headphones took a balanced approach to sound quality with reasonably good bass reproduction. One notable exception was with Imagine Dragons album Night Visions. Finding a pair of $200-250 headphones that can accurately reproduce the marching band bass drum in the song Radioactive has been impossible to date.

I tested the Libratone Q Adapt on-ear against more than ten albums. Playback of rock and alt-rock albums from 30 Seconds to Mars, Mumford and Sons, and My Chemical Romance was terrific. Listening to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way was a delight. The engineering that goes into her albums yielded huge sound without any distortions.

The negative takeaway I had with the Libratone One Click speaker, that was with the missing finger snapping sounds on Emeli Sandé’s song Wonder, has been rectified with the Q Adapt on-ear. They’re there.

Read:   JAM Audio Xterior Max Speaker Review

Libratone App

We’re not going to cover the app in detail here as it’s been covered in depth in an earlier Libratone review, notably the One Click speaker. You’re encouraged to check out that review and the discussion on the app by clicking on the first inline post in this review. BTW, that speaker is most excellent.

SoundSpace Settings:
• Neutral
• Easy Listening
• Soft & Comfortable
• Rock the House
• Jazz Club
• Movie Mode
• Live Concert
• Classical
• Speech

Libratone Q Adapt On-Ear Review

Read:   Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Final Thoughts

First, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention something about the packaging on Libratone’s product. The packaging is a designer’s dream; it’s top notch, something you would see from brands who charge multiples more for their products.

When it comes to the protective transport pouch, my advice would be to keep the padding exactly where it is. Don’t toss it out. While the pouch would prevent the headphones from getting scratched or torn when you carry it around in let’s say a shoulder bag, it’s the padding that would protect the Q Adapt from getting inadvertently crushed.

Definitively speaking, these headphones are a contender in the $200-250 ANC on-ear/over-ear headphone category. They produce great sound while being super comfortable.

Usually, these headphones are priced at $249.99. Now that they’re a bit less at $219.99, they’re worth an even longer look. The Libratone Q Adapt on-ear headphones are available for purchase on Amazon or the Libratone website.

What do you think of this Libratone Q Adapt on-ear review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Libratone on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Libratone home page to see their newest products. To learn more about warranties, click this link for Libratone US Warranty information. They also have a free 30-day return policy.

Feel free to follow Beantown on Twitter, Beantown on Facebook, and Beantown on Instagram.

FTC Disclosure: Libratone provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Libratone Q Adapt on-ear headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Triby Review: Alexa Smart Speaker

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

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Moshi Vortex Air–Solid, Premium, and Bluetooth

Let me tell you a brief story. Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending my very first Toy Fair NY at the Jacob Javits Center. As great an experience as this was, my trip didn’t end there. I still had a multi-hour Megabus ride back to Boston to endure. Lucky for me, I remembered to bring along Moshi’s new Vortex Air Bluetooth in-ear headphones to demo on the return leg. This 4½-hour stretch of time did not go to waste. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Vortex Air headphones review.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Pros:
• Modern look and midweight design
• Highly comfortable fit
• Terrific sound reproduction
• Well priced ~ $120

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• No carry pouch included

Read:   Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

For once, I was able to ignore the bumps, the braking, the acceleration and deceleration of the bus’s journey and focus on the music.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review – Solid Design

The design of the Vortex Air headphones is one which is mid-weight (0.98 ounce) and easy to operate.

Upon examining these headphones, you’ll notice the solid construction of the Vortex Air. Even though the headphones are made of RigidBody™ steel alloy construction, they weigh in at just under 1 ounce. While this may or may not be lighter than what you’re currently using for wireless in-ear headphones, still, you’ll barely feel them in your ears. You’ll only notice the music. I know this to be true as I’ve typed much of this review while wearing the headphones listening to The Black Keys.

As of today, the Vortex Air headphones are available in one color: Dark Steel. Should additional colors be introduced down the road, this post will be updated.

(If more than one color were available, your mobile device would recognize the color of the headphones. This is how pairing operates with the Mythro Air. Your mobile device would list all colors and recognize them as individual devices.)

The 5 Things You Need To Know for Operating the Vortex Air

  1. To power on the Vortex Air, press and hold the (single) button until the blue light appears. It will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  2. To power off the Vortex Air, press and hold the (single) button until the red light appears. Again, it will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  3. To pair the Vortex Air to your mobile device, hold the (single) button until the blinking blue light appears. It will take about 5 seconds for it to appear. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the earphones.
  4. On the volume controls, volume up and down is controlled by pressing the upper and lower silver tabs. The center tab controls answering calls, playing or pausing the track, and forwarding and reversing the track. To forward and reverse the track, be prepared to press 2x or 3x quickly or the desired result won’t be achieved.
  5. Play time lasts for 8 hours at 50% volume with a 100 hour standby time. Charging the headphones takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll notice a pulsing red light while charging.

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of headphones when there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be simpler.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones Review

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Specifications

• Sound Pressure Level: 100 ± 3db @ 1kHz
• Driver Diameter: High-Definition HR8 (8mm) w/Neodymium Magnet
• Noise Isolation: Up to 23db
• Impedance: 18 Ω
• Range: 30 feet
• In-Line Control: 3-Button Controls w/Mic
• Codec: AAC, SBC, Modified SBC

• Headphone Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Sensitivity: -39db
• Battery: 100mAh Lithium-Polymer
• Play Time: 8 Hours @ 50% Volume
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 28 Grams (0.98 Ounce)
• Profile: HSP 1.2, HFP 1.6, A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5

Package
• Bluetooth 4.1 Headphones
• 3 Pair Silicone Ear Tips (S, M, L)
• 1 Pair Memory Foam Ear Tips

Contents
• Magnetic Clip
• 19″ Micro USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Audio Performance

Amazon 
• Lady Gaga – Born This Way
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die
• My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade

Music Playlist
• Muse – Absolution
• Zedd – Clarity
• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars

Read:   Gaming: Plantronics RIG 400HX Headset Review

Per Michael Leonhard, President of Moshi, “Mythro Air and Vortex Air are designed to deliver the ideal Bluetooth audio experience for the everyday commuter and traveler. Compact and light, our new Bluetooth audio lines are built with sound quality, ergonomics and battery life in mind to provide a pristine audio experience.”

As we often state when reviewing headphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. I tested the Vortex Air with a broad range of music per the list above. In my review of Moshi’s Mythro Air, I made comparisons against the Monster iSport SuperSlim Bluetooth wireless in-ear sport headphones and the Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth wireless earphones. Since the Mythro Air outperformed both competitors, there was no point to review against them again. Rather, I reviewed the Vortex Air against the Mythro Air.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones ReviewIn the Moshi Avanti and Mythro Air reviews, I noted that “the sound across the 15Hz – 20kHz spectrum was rather good.” With the Vortex Air, the gaps (particularly with the bass) I noticed with the Mythro Air have been closed.

Having reviewed the Mythro Air, I already knew rock music would perform well. I was not disappointed. The playback of both Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars was incredible and performed per my expectations. So I needed to kick it up a notch.

Remember the Megabus ride I wrote about in the opening paragraph? This drive was the perfect opportunity to test the Vortex Air with My Chemical Romance and The Prodigy. Say what you want about these two groups, they are talented artists and have millions of fans worldwide. And having seen both groups live in concert, those memories are ingrained in me.

If I were in a less public space, I would have totally rocked out and started my own mosh pit. There aren’t many wireless in-ear headphones that can transport me back to a concert to relive it between my ears. While the driver would have objected, I so wanted to get up and mosh with the other passengers on tracks like The Prodigy’s Thunder and Take Me To The Hospital. The same can be said with tracks from The Black Parade.

The vocals of Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga were sharp and vivid, just like with the Mythro Air. Throughout all the listed albums, keyboards and lower frequency bass and percussion sounds were pronounced and defined. The Vortex Air headphones blew me away.

There aren't many wireless in-ear headphones that can transport me back to a concert to relive it between my ears. Click To Tweet

I nearly forgot to mention that switching back and forth between music and incoming calls worked like a charm.

Read:   Here are the Audio-Technica Headphones set for release in 2017

Moshi Apps

Burn-In Tool App

Moshi takes the earphones/headphones market with a high level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app which assists with the burn in of their products. The app called Burn-in Tool is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. We’ve sampled dozens of earphones and have never seen any of these established brands offer such a tool. The closest app that comes to mind is Captune by Sennheiser, but it’s quite different than Moshi’s Burn-in Tool.

I used Android-based Motorola Moto X Pure and Google Pixel mobile phones and had no issue with the app. The one thing I will say about Burn-in Tool is the sound pattern is quite annoying and not meant for your ears. If you plan to use Burn-in Tool, I highly recommend you place your mobile phone and earphones in some other room, close the door, and let them do their thing for at least four hours. If you need your phone at some point, you can always pause the sound pattern and complete the task later.

Read:   Moto Z Droid Review - A Verizon Exclusive

Bluetooth Audio App

Currently available only on Apple’s iTunes, Moshi offers its Bluetooth Audio app. This app provides customized support for Moshi’s Vortex Air headphones. According to Moshi, this app allows for the following:

  • Use their proprietary DJ4two™ functionality that lets your friend listen to the same music you’re listening to so you can enjoy your commuting and traveling together.
  • Lets you adjust and save your preferred equalizer settings for a truly customized listening experience.
  • It provides battery level status, so you know how much power is left in your Bluetooth headset.
  • Lets you set the alarm when the battery life is low, lets you change your headset’s device name, enables auto power-off, and shows a list of accessories that are currently paired.

Conclusion

In my testing, the Vortex Air earphones from Moshi performed phenomenally. The production of strong, clear vocals, guitar, and bass was a breeze for the Vortex Air.

It’s easy to say that the Vortex Air are now my go-to Bluetooth headphones. I can only imagine how much better they would sound if I had accessed an equalizer. Finally, I had a pair of Bluetooth in-ear headphones that could play my music library the way I expected it to sound.

Moshi Vortex Air Headphones ReviewWhile these aren’t dedicated sport headphones, I still needed to test them during a cardio workout. The result was they performed quite well, holding in place when used with the memory foam ear tips. On the same workout, the silicone ear tips are likely to fall out from the constant movement, even with the use of the magnetic clip.

There was no issue when used during weight training or cycling. And the sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent.

Just like the Mythro Air, these headphones are quite comfortable even after many hours of continuous listening. As mentioned above, you won’t notice they’re in your ears after a short while. You can thank a minimalist design approach for this. At $120, the Vortex Air headphones are well-priced in the marketplace while outperforming much of its categories competition.

Have you tried Moshi’s Vortex Air headphones? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

• Follow Moshi on Twitter
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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Vortex Air headphones come with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Mythro Air Dark Steel Bluetooth headphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review

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Lightweight, Modern, and Bluetooth–Moshi Mythro Air

Selecting a pair of headphones or earphones has never been easy. With dozens of brands out there and even more models introduced year after year, the buyer’s journey has become most difficult as of late. Hopefully, we at Beantown can ease your journey by putting forth quality reviews from respected brands. So without further adieu, let’s take a closer look in this Moshi Mythro Air earphones review.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

Pros:
• Modern look and lightweight design
• Highly comfortable fit
• Very good sound reproduction
• Affordably priced ~ $70

Cons:
• No wall outlet plug included
• No carry pouch included

Read:   Moshi Avanti Headphones Review

Moshi Mythro Air Earphones Review – Modern Design

The design of the Mythro Air earphones is one which is lightweight, compact, and easy to operate.

If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hold the Mythro Air, you’ll immediately notice how light the earphones are. They weigh in at a minuscule 0.59 ounce. This light weight is due in part to its aluminum housing. Not only is this lighter than what you’re currently using, but soon after wearing them, you won’t even feel them in your ears. You’ll only notice the music.

These earphones come in three attractive colors: Jet Silver, Gunmetal Gray, and Burgundy Red. We had the pleasure of receiving a Burgundy Red sample for this review. When you pair the Mythro Air to your mobile device, the latter recognizes the color of the earphones. Let’s say you have two pairs of Mythro Air earphones; one is Burgundy Red, the other is Jet Silver. Your mobile device will list both colors and recognize them as individual devices.

The 5 Things You Need To Know for Operating the Mythro Air

  1. To power on the Mythro Air, press and hold the (single) button until the blue light appears. It will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  2. To power off the Mythro Air, press and hold the (single) button until the red light appears. Again, it will only take a few seconds for it to appear.
  3. To pair the Mythro Air to your mobile device, hold the (single) button until the blinking blue light appears. It will take about 5 seconds for it to appear. Then head to the Bluetooth Settings on your mobile device and pair the earphones.
  4. On the volume controls, volume up and down is controlled by pressing the upper and lower silver tabs. The center tab controls answering calls, playing or pausing the track, and forwarding and reversing the track.
  5. Play time lasts for 8 hours at 50% volume with a 100 hour standby time. Charging the earphones takes approximately 2 hours. You’ll notice a pulsing red light while charging.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

You’ve got to appreciate a pair of earphones (or headphones) when there’s little that you need to know for proper operation. It couldn’t be simpler.

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Specifications

• Sound Pressure Level: 100 ± 3db @ 1kHz
• Driver Diameter: 8mm w/neodymium magnet
• Noise Isolation: Up to 23db
• Impedance: 18 Ω
• In-Line Control: 3-button controls w/mic
• Range: 30 feet

• Earphone Frequency Response: 15Hz – 20kHz
• Microphone Sensitivity: -39db
• Battery: 100mAh lithium-polymer
• Play Time: 8 Hours
• Charging Time: 2 Hours
• Weight: 17 grams (0.59 ounce)

Package Contents:
• Bluetooth 4.1 Earphones
• 3 Pair Silicone Ear tips (S, M, L)

• Magnetic Clip
• 19″ Micro USB Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide

Audio Performance

Amazon Music Playlist:
• Lady Gaga – Born This Way
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• Emeli Sandé – Our Version of Events

• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train
• 30 Seconds To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars
• Muse – Absolution

Per Michael Leonhard, President of Moshi, “Mythro Air and Vortex Air are designed to deliver the ideal Bluetooth audio experience for the everyday commuter and traveler. Compact and light, our new Bluetooth audio lines are built with sound quality, ergonomics and battery life in mind to provide a pristine audio experience.”

As we often state when reviewing earphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. I tested the Mythro Air with a broad range of music per the list above. I also tested it against a two other Bluetooth earphones selected from my collection. It should be noted these earphones are not rated for high-resolution audio.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

Like the Moshi Avanti headphones, the sound across the 15Hz – 20kHz spectrum was rather good. The earphones were more impressive when I factored the $70 retail price into consideration.

Before I began testing the earphones against the playlist, I would never have guessed that the rock music would perform best. The playback of both Muse and 30 Seconds To Mars was incredible and far outperformed my expectations. The guitar work and vocals kept me fully engaged. I now know what my go-to Bluetooth earphones are when listening to these artists. I can only imagine how much better they would sound if I had accessed an equalizer.

The vocals of all the female artists were sharp and vivid. It’s fair to say the vocals of Lana Del Rey and Lady Gaga were more vivid than anticipated. Bass guitar and lower frequency percussion reproduction, i.e. bass drum, while quite evident, was not as pronounced or defined as I would have liked. The bass sounds appeared to have been stretched out and lessened a bit across the low-frequency range. String work throughout a song like LDR’s Blue Velvet was spot on. Instrument sounds such as trumpet and John Coltrane’s saxophone were good but needed more punch.

Competition

The Mythro Air outperformed the twice more expensive Monster iSport SuperSlim Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Sport Headphones by a wide margin in terms of sound quality and battery life. Comfort level was about even. Against the $50 more expensive Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth Wireless Earphones, the story is a bit different. Decibullz are custom molded earphones, so the fit should be perfect for all users. With regard to sound, I performed a head-to-head / song-by-song comparison with Ellie Goulding’s Halcyon. While the music sounded good with Decibullz, when compared to the Mythro Air, the former appeared muted. It’s as if there was a physical impediment placed on the music by the sound engineers.

Overall, the pros far outweighed the cons in the audio quality portion of my tests. The Mythro Air outperformed more expensive Bluetooth earphones from Monster and Decibullz.

Read:   Preview: JAM Voice Portable Speaker featuring Amazon Alexa

Moshi Apps

Burn-In Tool App

Moshi takes the earphones/headphones market with a high level of seriousness, so much so that they offer an app which assists with the burn in of their products. The app simply called Burn-in Tool is available via Apple’s iTunes and Google Play Store. We’ve sampled dozens of earphones and have never seen any of these established brands offer such a tool. The closest app that comes to mind is Captune by Sennheiser, but it’s quite different than Moshi’s Burn-in Tool.

I used an Android-based Motorola Moto X Pure mobile phone and had no issue with the app. The one thing I will say about Burn-in Tool is the sound pattern is quite annoying and not meant for your ears. If you plan to use Burn-in Tool, I highly recommend you place your mobile phone and earphones in some other room, close the door, and let them do their thing for at least four hours. If you need your phone at some point, you can always pause the sound pattern and complete the task later.

Bluetooth Audio App

Currently available only on Apple’s iTunes, Moshi offers its Bluetooth Audio app. This app provides customized support for Moshi’s Mythro Air and Vortex Air earphones. According to Moshi, this app allows for the following:

  • Use their proprietary DJ4two™ functionality that lets your friend listen to the same music you’re listening to so you can enjoy your commuting and traveling together.
  • Lets you adjust and save your preferred equalizer settings for a truly customized listening experience.
  • It provides battery level status so know how much power is left in your Bluetooth headset.
  • Lets you set the alarm when the battery life is low, lets you change your headset’s device name, enables auto power-off, and shows a list of accessories that are currently paired.
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Conclusion

In my testing, the Mythro Air earphones from Moshi performed admirably. The production of strong, clear vocals was a breeze for the Mythro Air, while bass fell a bit short of expectations. Other sounds held their own.

Moshi Mythro Air earphones review

These aren’t sport earphones, so I don’t recommend them while jogging. Even with the handy magnetic clip, the ear tips are likely to fall out your ears from the constant movement. From first-hand experience, there’s no issue when used during weight training. And sound isolation from your surroundings is excellent.

The earphones are quite comfortable even after a few hours of continuous listening. As mentioned above, you won’t notice they’re in your ears after a short while. You can thank a minimalist design approach for this. At $70, the Mythro Air earphones are well-priced in the marketplace.

Have you tried Moshi’s Mythro Air earphones? Do you agree or disagree with our analysis? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Moshi’s Press Page to see their latest announcements. The Mythro Air earphones come with a one-year limited end-user warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Moshi provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Mythro Air Burgundy Red earphones sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2017.

Read:   Libratone One Click Speaker Review

Libratone One Click Speaker Review

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Review: Libratone One Click Bluetooth Portable Speaker

Unless you’re a close follower of all things ‘Sound,’ you’ve probably never heard of Libratone before, and that’s a shame. As a company, Libratone is barely seven years old. But based on what they manufacture, they’re growing up quick, and about to enter adulthood. It’s been one heck of a busy year for this brand, introducing half of their current product line in the past six months. With the end of year approaching, they kept their right foot on the pedal and launched new products like the Q ADAPT in-ear and on-ear headphones. This brings us to the One Click Bluetooth portable speaker. So how does this product stack up? Let’s take a closer look in this Libratone One Click speaker review.

Libratone One Click speaker review

Pros:
• Beautiful, creative design
• Solid construction
• Powerful sound with exceptional bass
• Four attractive color options
• Great battery life ≥ 11 hours

Cons:
• Bass may be too strong for some folks
• While it’s splash proof, it’s not waterproof
• $200 price tag, may be too expensive for some

Read:   JAM Audio Xterior Max Speaker Review

One Click Design and Features

If you couldn’t already discern, the Libratone One Click is one engaging speaker. First off the design.

It’s hard to decide what makes the Libratone One Click Bluetooth speaker stand out the most.

  • Is it the attractive color choices and fabric scheme?
  • Is it the solid construction and the rubberized metal bumper?
  • Or is the multi-functional touch interface with the birdie on it?

Even I can’t narrow it down to one.

As I just stated, the One Click is surrounded by a most durable rubberized metal bumper. While I don’t recommend testing its sturdiness for yourself, just know that it can handle a fall from your desk. It’s also splash proof with an IPX4 rating. Now be careful with this speaker around say a swimming pool. If you drop it in water, it’ll sink like a brick. It does not float.

Like most bumpers, it’s adjustable/removable. You can attach the enclosed short strap or U-shaped lock through the bumper. Both options are shown in photos below. So if you want to connect your One Click to a backpack or just hold it like a purse, you can easily do so.

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The fabric on the front/back surfaces of the One Click is not only eye-catching, but it’s also durable. The speaker is available in four colors: Cloudy Grey, Graphite Grey, Cerise Red, Caribbean Green. How cool would it have been if Libratone called the last color Caribbean Queen in honor of singer Billy Ocean? Just a thought.

I suspect that in a majority of people’s opinions, the touch interface is the coolest design feature. Through this interface, you can adjust volume, start and stop operation, as well as take and end calls. Adjusting the volume is a matter of circling a finger around the interface whereupon you see the backlit indication.

On the rear of the speaker is the on/off button and splash protected area for the mini-HDMI and Aux ports. Charging the battery is handled via the aforementioned mini-HDMI jack. Should you want to listen to music or a podcast via a cabled connection, that’s what the Aux port is for.

I inquired about the TDH and wattage of the speaker, but the answer is more complex than I imagined. The word according to the Libratone’s Tech Department was “we do not provide THD and wattage specifications as these typically only express performance of single elements of the product, rather than the end result.” I can live with that response.

One thing I’d like to be able to do with the speaker is comfortably set it on its long edge. Although it’s possible, the speaker is not exactly stable.

The speaker has overall dimensions of 2.8″ x 6.6″ x 10.8″, and weighs in at 3.3 lbs.

What’s In The Box?

  • One Click Speaker
  • One Short Strap
  • One U-Shaped Lock
  • USB Charging Cable
  • Quick Guide
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Audio Performance & Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• Emeli Sandé – Our Version of Events
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Second To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

As we often state here at Beantown, when reviewing speakers and headphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. Using the playlist above, the OneClick was tested across a broad range of music. Songs within each album were sampled against comparable $200 speakers selected from my collection. The results were noted, and quite kind to the reviewed speaker.

Last week in a review of the HK One, I described that speaker in the following way, “It’s a sad moment when the only positive thing you can write about a product, in this case, a speaker, is its ability to deliver strong vocals.” I’m so glad I can’t make that statement two weeks in a row. You see, the One Click produced excellent vocals, which were warm and inviting. The One Click didn’t stop there. The speaker took a balanced approach with sound quality. For a speaker of its size, bass reproduction was excellent. In fact, it was too good thanks to its 3″ woofer. In my opinion, the bass sounds could have been dialed down a notch along with the vocals being dialed up one. I’m not complaining; it’s just personal preference.

Like the HK One, I tested the Libratone One Click against ten albums. When I say I haven’t heard better playback of John Coltrane, Rush, and 30 Seconds to Mars from a $200 portable speaker, it’s not an understatement. Say what you want about actor/musician Jared Leto and his band 30 Seconds to Mars, but the Libratone One Click just played that album perfectly. It’s like the speaker was engineered for their sound. And I can’t wait until I listen to John Coltrane’s The Ultimate Blue Train again.

When the One Click was compared song-to-song against the HK One, the former delivered superior sound quality across all the sampled artists. Lana Del Rey’s vocal reproduction on Paradise was impressive. The same was said of the other female artists: Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding, and Emeli Sandé.

The one negative takeaway from this Libratone speaker was that on Emeli Sandé’s song Wonder, I could barely hear the finger snapping which I know is in the song. If I weren’t familiar with the song, I wouldn’t have noticed that particular sound was missing.

Libratone One Click speaker review

I stood in different spots in my 300 ft² entertainment room, as well as adjacent rooms, and the sound quality did not disappoint. Then I placed the one Click around the room. What I heard out of the 1″ tweeter, 3″ woofer, and dual passive drivers was terrific. Thanks to the upfiring tweeter, you get what Libratone refers to as 360° FullRoom™ sound. I highly suggest placing the portable speaker (in a more central location) on a coffee book table should you have one.

The One Click’s sound quality was matched with excellent battery life. While I’m not certain of its lithium-ion battery size, although I suspect it’s around 5000 mAh, its life approached 12 hours. As a consumer, this is what you want from a $200 portable speaker. One night while testing, I had the speaker volume near its maximum for four straight hours and there was no drop off in sound output. What more can I say?

Read:   Harman Kardon One Speaker Review

Libratone App

While the speaker has received a 5 out 5 rating in Amazon reviews, the same cannot be said for the app. Reviews posted on the Google Play Store give it a rating of 2.9. Feel free to read them to get a better understanding. I too have had issues using the app, in particular two dropped calls in one night over Bluetooth, but none since that date. I can’t explain why it happened, it just did.

Since that time, I’ve had zero problems with updating the password, connecting via bluetooth, visiting internet stations such as BBC 6 Radio, or adjusting SoundSpaces. You can view the battery charge remaining and adjust volume via the app. Sadly, I couldn’t attempt pairing two Libratone speakers as I only have one available.

SoundSpace Settings:
• Neutral
• Easy Listening
• Soft & Comfortable
• Rock the House
• Jazz Club
• Movie Mode
• Live Concert
• Classical
• Speech

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Upon downloading and installing the app, it will be able to perform the following:

• Retrieve running apps
• Approximate location (network-based)
• Reroute outgoing calls
• Read phone status and identity
• Access USB storage filesystem
• Read the contents of your USB storage
• Modify or delete the contents of your USB storage
• View Wi-Fi connections
• Allow Wi-Fi Multicast reception
• Connect and disconnect from Wi-Fi

• Allow Bluetooth pairing by Application
• View network connections
• Pair with Bluetooth devices
• Access Bluetooth settings
• Change network connectivity
• Full network access
• Run at startup
• Prevent device from sleeping
• Modify system settings

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Final Thoughts

Our results surpassed our expectations on the One Click portable speaker. It was a clear winner in features and performance over compared speakers such as the HK One. As I’ve stated, the Libratone One Click is not only a wonderful speaker with a range of attractive color options; it’s a true performer.

It takes up only a small footprint on a flat surface while delivering solid sound quality and battery life all at a reasonable price point.

With CES2017 approaching, here’s hoping we see some new products available in 2017.

Normally, the Libratone One Click speaker can be purchased directly from the Libratone website for $199.99. Fortunately for you, it’s $50 less right now through January 30th. At $149.99, this speaker is worth taking a long look at.

What do you think of this Libratone One Click speaker review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow Libratone on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: Libratone provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Libratone One Click Bluetooth speaker sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC or Libratone © 2016.

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Harman Kardon One Speaker Review

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Harman Kardon One Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Harman Kardon is one the best-known brands in American consumer technology. Whether it’s for the home or auto, it’s an earned level of respect after decades of business. I first heard of Harman Kardon as a child when my father purchased one of their renowned solid state stereo receivers. Now that we’re a more mobile society, they have a footprint in the headphones and mobile speaker space. Whether it’s audio/video receivers, speakers, or headphones, they battle in a competitive landscape. So how does the HK One Bluetooth portable speaker stack up? Let’s take a closer look in this Harman Kardon One speaker review.

Harmon Kardon One speaker review

Pros:
• Handsome aluminum grill design
• Solid construction
• Power rating of 2 x 6W
• HTC Connect technology
• Comes with carrying case

Cons:
• Lack of color options
• Not water resistant
• Small 2000mAh lithium-ion battery
• Poor battery life ≤ 5 hours
• $200 price tag

Read:   JAM Audio Xterior Max Speaker Review

HK One Design and Features

The HK One is a fine looking speaker. First off the design.

A dark, gray aluminum grill covers the HK One on top, front, and rear. A “harman/kardon” logo is placed dead center on the front. The grill pattern is covered end-to-end with a zigzagging grid to disperse sound. Not only does this addition enhance the speaker’s grip, but it also causes the aesthetic to be more dynamic and robust. The speaker’s underside is solid aluminum. Edges are beveled revealing a bright aluminum finish. Directly underneath the grill is a lighter gray material.

Be careful with the speaker. As it’s shaped like a brick, it too will sink like a brick if you drop it in water. It does not float

A black, rubbery material adorns the sides. On the left side, there are five buttons: Power, Decrease Volume, Increase Volume, Bluetooth, and Speakerphone. On the right, there are Aux and mini-HDMI jacks along with the LED indication for the battery. Play time is approximately five hours on a full charge, around two hours at maximum volume. Charging time was slightly more than two hours. Charging the battery is handled via the aforementioned mini-HDMI jack. Should you want to listen to music or a podcast via a cabled connection, that’s what the Aux port is for. The one issue to be mindful of is that fingerprints shine on the rubber material.

The speaker has overall dimensions of 68.2 x 68.7 x 180 mm (2.68″ x 2.71″ x 6.09″) While not a perfect rectangle; it’s only 0.5 mm off. Not enough for the human eye to notice the difference. The HK One weighs in at 2.06 lbs.

Bluetooth Specifications

  • Bluetooth® core version: 3.0
  • Support: A2DP V1.3, AVRCP V1.5, HFP V1.6, HSP V1.2
  • Bluetooth® transmitter power: 0–4dBm
  • Bluetooth® transmitter frequency range: 2.402–2.480GHz
  • Bluetooth® transmitter modulation: GFSK, π/4-DQPSK, 8DPSK

What’s In The Box?

  • HK One Speaker
  • USB Charging Cable
  • USB Adapter
  • Manual
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Audio Performance & Playlist

• Lady Gaga – Joanne
• Lana Del Rey – Born To Die, Paradise
• Emeli Sandé – Our Version of Events
• Ellie Goulding – Halcyon

• The Black Keys – El Camino
• 30 Second To Mars – 30 Seconds To Mars
• John Coltrane – The Ultimate Blue Train
• Rush – Clockwork Angels

As we often state here at Beantown, when reviewing speakers and headphones, the most important performance factor is the quality of sound. Using the playlist above, the HK One was tested across a broad range of music. Songs within each album were sampled against comparable $200 speakers selected from my collection. The results were most surprising, and not kind to the reviewed speaker.

It’s a sad moment when the only positive thing you can write about a product, in this case, a speaker, is its ability to deliver strong vocals. Upon reviewing the HK One against ten albums, I can definitively say that this speaker directs much of its sound to vocals, a bit too much to be exact. I’m not sure why it’s designed this way or even how the engineers at Harman Kardon would release a speaker without more of a balanced sound profile. The downside to that statement is that while strong, the vocals don’t come across the way I wish to hear them. While I liked Lana Del Rey’s vocal reproduction on Paradise, I wasn’t all that impressed. The same is said for Lady Gaga and Ellie Goulding.

When the HK One was compared song-to-song against the Libratone One Click, the latter delivered superior sound quality across all the sampled artists. The HK One underperformed against other $200 speakers. Bass drum and guitar sounds were almost non-existent with the HK One. Other drum sounds were flat. At this point, I thought there might be something wrong with my HK One. So I turned to the internet, comparing my findings against that of others. Upon reading over 30 reviews, the consensus was that the HK One was deficient in producing bass sounds. A $200 speaker that has 12W of total power shouldn’t be weak in this area.

Harmon Kardon One speaker review

At the maximum volume setting, the music sounds messy. For example, the jam sessions on Clockwork Angels were not pleasant to listen to. I can’t make such a statement with the Libratone One Click. I stood in different spots in my 300 ft² entertainment room, as well as adjacent rooms, and the sound quality did not improve. What I heard across the 100 Hz – 20 kHz spectrum was not ideal.

Adding insult to injury was the HK One’s poor battery life. Not to be repetitive, but a $200 speaker shouldn’t have a small 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery. It should have a battery with twice the capacity. The HK One has an overall battery life of close to 5 hours. At the maximum volume setting, it only yields a paltry 2 hours of life.

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Final Thoughts

In our testing, we had high hopes for the HK One. On the one hand, the HK One is a handsome speaker with an appealing design. It takes up a small footprint on a desk. On the other hand, the sound quality and battery life are disappointing for a speaker at its price point.

Harman Kardon has a handful of other speakers on the market like the Go+Play and the Onyx. And with CES2017 around the corner, we should see some new products available in early 2017. Maybe they’ll have the right speaker at the right price point for you.

Usually, the Harman Kardon One speaker can be purchased directly from the HK website for $199.99. Fortunately for you, it’s sold out, but it’s available at Best Buy often for less than half list.

What do you think of this Harman Kardon One speaker review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow Harman Kardon on Twitter and Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook.

FTC Disclosure: Harman Kardon did not provide Beantown LLC with a speaker sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Beantown LLC © 2016.

Read:   Triby Review: Alexa Smart Speaker

Preview: JAM Voice Portable Speaker featuring Amazon Alexa

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JAM Enters the Amazon Alexa Foray with the JAM Voice Portable Speaker

It wasn’t that long ago when Amazon introduced Alexa, their voice assistant platform, to the world. Now with over 3 million Alexa-enabled products in use in the U.S. alone, and growing by the day, you knew it wouldn’t be long before other brands jumped on the Alexa A.I. bandwagon. About a month ago, the folks at JAM Audio announced their first Alexa-based smart product, the JAM Voice portable speaker.

According to John Mikkola, Director of Product Development, “Since the inception of JAM Audio, our mission has been to provide consumers with high-quality products that utilize the latest technologies at significantly lower prices. Our latest offering, JAM Voice™, provides everyone a chance to enjoy the convenience of a virtual assistant, making daily life tasks easier.”

The Jam Voice portable speaker with Amazon Alexa has the following features:

On-Product Features:
• Microphone Button
• Play/Pause Button
• Volume Down/Previous Track Button
• Volume Up/Next Track Button

• On/Off Button
• Reset Button
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Mode Selector
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Light
• Battery Light

After downloading and logging into the JAM WiFi and Amazon Alexa apps to your mobile phone or tablet, you’ll be able to ask Alexa a question, play music from Amazon library, and stream music from Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Pandora. The JAM WiFi app also allows you to play music on multiple JAM Voice speakers. The JAM Voice™ even can act as an intercom to other connected speakers, create alarms and timers, and control certain smart home products.

Read:   JAM Audio Xterior Max Speaker Review

Specifications

• Model Number: HX-P590
• Product Dimensions: 3″ x 3″ x 3″ or 0.37 Feet³
• Color Options: Black and White/Gray
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Ready

• Operating Time: 4 Hours
• Charging Time: 3 Hours
• Weight: 0.61 lbs
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited

Package Contents: speaker, USB charging cable, and documentation.

Read:   Triby Review: Alexa Smart Speaker

Summary

The JAM Voice™ Wi-Fi/Bluetooth speaker can be purchased directly from the JAM Audio website for $79.99, or from Amazon (see below.) Check Amazon often as we saw the white/gray speaker priced for $20 less.

Now through December 11, everything on the JAM Audio website is 30% off with coupon code CYBER.

What are your initial thoughts on the JAM Voice portable speaker with Amazon Alexa? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Feel free to follow JAM Wireless Audio on Twitter and Facebook as well as this very blog on Twitter and Facebook.

This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Jam Wireless Audio © 2016.

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Review: Antec’s SugarCube Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

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Introducing The SugarCube From Antec Mobile Products

A First Glance At The Powerful Mini Bluetooth Speaker

Antec is a big player in the PC Hardware space. Their mobile products branch, A.M.P., has made a name for itself throughout 2015 by introducing quality accessories for your mobile devices. One of this year’s additions to their catalog is the SugarCube, a portable Bluetooth mini speaker that can be taken with you anywhere. In addition to being powered with a 40mm driver, the SugarCube happens to look great with its compact design. But, does it deserve all the attention?

A Closer Look At The SugarCube

For the last week, I carried the mini speaker everywhere around Boston. I slipped it into my jacket and backpack and kept it nearby for any occasion. The portability of the SugarCube is definitely one of it’s best features. At 3.2 ounces, the added weight isn’t noticeable. And with a dimensional volume of 2 x 2 x 2-Inches, it can fit nearly anywhere. With that said, it does need a break to recharge after 6-8 hours of use, with a charging time of between 3-4 hours.

Upon unboxing, the SugarCube is immediately ready for use. All you have to do is 1) flip on the power switch located at the bottom of the mini speaker, and 2) connect your device to the mini speaker via Bluetooth sync or by using the included 3.5mm auxiliary cable. The case also comes with a micro USB cord for recharging the mini speaker when the juice runs out.

The SugarCube is compatible with all major operating systems: Windows 10, Apple iOS, and Android, as well as any laptop, tablet, phone, and mp3 player with Bluetooth capability. And if the music gets interrupted by a call, the mini speaker comes with a built-in microphone so that you don’t have to switch over to your phone to talk.

The smooth compact design is complemented by its rubberized outer layer and rounded edges. The mini speaker is small enough to fit on any desk or shelf. It comes in a variety of colors to fit gracefully into any environment.

Image Credit: Antec Mobile Products

If you do put the SugarCube down for a bit, the Bluetooth has a range of 10 meters (about 30 feet). In my little apartment, this was perfect. I could leave it in one room, take my iPhone 5s with me to another, and never hear any bumps in the sound, even from across the apartment.

That brings me to the real issue.

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The Sound Quality

To test out the sound quality of the SugarCube, I used a playlist put together by Jam Audio. If you want to see the songs I used, check them out here.

The first thing I noticed with the SugarCube was how loud it could get. The output power is just 3 Watts. Unfortunately, the second thing I noticed was the distortion at high volumes. When it comes to bass, the speaker is great in regards to its size, but it’s important to remember that this is a small device, so it won’t be able to produce the kind of bass that will envelop you. After having turned the volume up, the mini speaker struggled with its range although sound had filled the room. With one of the songs on the playlist, Brass Monkey by the Beasty Boys, the SugarCube had difficulty with some of the deeper bass sounds. I noticed this with other songs that were punctuated with low-frequency bass as well. Even when I turned the volume down, it didn’t make a huge difference–the distortion still lingered.

In most situations, keeping the SugarCube just below the maximum volume solves the problem. It is a little disappointing that the mini speaker can’t fully perform at the highest volume.

In my review, the SugarCube was best used in an environment where you want music to be playing, but not having to fill the whole room. Studying, reading, cooking, relaxing, hanging out with friends any calm activities that beg for ambiance, but not filled with noise are ideal uses for this product. It’s better than built-in speakers in terms of sound quality, but it won’t surpass them in volume.

[Tweet “Antec is offering 30% off on all their products until January 10th. Just use the Code: NEWYEAR30”]

The Verdict

Overall, I’m pleased with the SugarCube. The physical design looks great, the portability is fabulous, and the sound isn’t too bad. But, if you’re looking for something with a rich, powerful sound, this mini Bluetooth speaker may not be for you.

At a retail price of $45, it’s a good buy! And at that price, it’s on par with other quality portable Bluetooth mini speakers. With an Amazon.com price of around $25, it’s an even better buy.

If you act now, Antec is offering 30% off on all their products until January 10th. Just use the Code: NEWYEAR30. That’s a pretty sweet deal! You don’t have to follow them on social media to get that discount. If you want to keep up with the latest from Antec or AMP, feel free to follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Do you think the portability of the AMP SugarCube mini speaker makes it a worthwhile buy? Do you already own one and if so, what do you think of it? Did I get it this mini Bluetooth speaker review right? Feel free to tell me what you think in the comments section. Or better yet, reach out on social media.

FTC Disclosure: Antec Inc. provided Beantown with one SugarCube mini speaker sample for review purposes. We’re not paid ambassadors. Our opinions are purely our own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Antec Inc. and/or Beantown LLC.

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The SuperSlim Monster iSport Wireless Headphones Review

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What more could you ask for in a sports headphone?

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

I’ve had a couple pairs of Monster® headphones before. When I saw their current line of Bluetooth headphones, I looked forward to getting my hands on a pair of iSport SuperSlim headphones to review. At a list price of$150, these new Monster iSport wireless headphones have a lot to live up to.

With the market booming with this new kind of wearable, you want to make an educated decision about which pair is the best one for you. So I tried a pair and here’s what I thought.

Read:   Review: Adidas Sport Supernova In-Ear Headphones by Monster

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

 The Monster SuperSlim Design

Often times the biggest problem that I have with headphones derive from the design. And it’s for this reason that when I got my hands on the Monster iSport wireless headphones, I was super excited. I’m a big fan of the Monster sound and had thought the Sports Clip design had been comfortable when I used them before.

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

The packaging for this product is impressive. It opens out nicely to show off a fit guide and the headphones. I eagerly pulled them out and got to playing around. The pair I sampled came in lime green. If you prefer something more subtle, they have black as an option. As a personal preference, I suggest the headphones in black. When it comes to these headphones, the more subtle you can get, the better.

The first time I took these out and wore them was one street down from my apartment to meet some friends. I wore them with pride. Then my friends spotted them. I hadn’t paid much attention to the size of the headphones themselves until that moment. From this second perspective, I noticed that they’re quite big.

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

Graphics Credit: Monster Inc.

Additionally, the Sports Clips themselves can be bulky. This adds to the effect since there’s nothing wrapping around your ears to hold them in place. So you pop them in and they just sort of dangle out of your ear, blinking.

Yes, blinking.

When powered on, they flash blue on a circle on the outside of the headphones. This was another comment I heard people make about them while I wore them. “They’re just so big, and they’re blinking.”

I felt a little puffed up as I walked around the gym wearing huge sports headphones that flashed as if needing to be noticed.

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

Graphics Credit: Monster Inc.

This doesn’t even cover the not-so-slim rubber wire that connects the two headphones. With most wireless headphones, I could wrap them comfortably around my neck, but that didn’t work with this pair. The rubber tugs and catches on skin and clothing. The Sports Clips weren’t strong enough to hold them in place. I constantly found myself adjusting and fixing them.

Even without the constant tugging, I had some trouble getting the right fit on these iSport SuperSlim headphones. They come loaded with 3 different ear bud sizes as well as 3 different sweat-resistant, washable Sports Clip sizes. Yet, I still couldn’t get just the right snug fit in my ears.

From a design perspective, I would say these Monster iSport wireless headphones might not be worth the financial investment. That is unless you get the opportunity to try them on and see how they fit in your ears.

Read:   Beyerdynamic T51i Headphones Review

The Monster Sound

Monster iSport Wireless Headphones

The Pure Monster Sound® will always hold a soft spot for me. No matter how comfortable the fit, the first time I use any of their products, I just sigh with relief when the music starts playing.

There’s nothing like walking down a busy street and just listening. The sound is smooth, soft, and powerful.

The bass play through the headphones is rich. Feeling surrounded by the noise isolation is easy when the sound is this good. The details in the music are really brought out by the Pure Monster Sound®. Songs have a new angle, new edges.

Coupled with the right playlist, these headphones can get you pumped up for anything.

It’s definitely something you need to experience.

[Tweet “The details in the music are really brought out by the Pure Monster Sound®.”]
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Functionality and Final Thoughts

The sound is incredible, but this feels somewhat disappointing as these Monster iSport wireless headphones don’t come together as a whole.

The Bluetooth itself is great. Five hours of playback is great. Not having to keep your phone plugged in the whole time when you’re at the gym is freeing, and yes, great. I expected some system that felt more effortless than some of the less expensive Bluetooth headphones on the market.

Monster iSport Wireless HeadphonesThe monotone voice: “power on” can be found in any system, and is not that impressive. The pairing is simple enough if you keep your eye on the manual. Overall, for the price you’re paying, the product could be better.

I constantly felt like the headphones were in contradiction. Pure sound, but lackluster in most everything else. I struggled to feel good about using them in public while at the same time wishing for the Pure Monster Sound®.

I’m a huge fan of Monster®, but these were a bit of a disappointment. When it comes to Bluetooth headphones, I’ve seen other brands do better with design and functionality. While the Bluetooth itself is a great experience, I wouldn’t recommend spending your $150 for these Monster iSport wireless headphones. The list price is a little steep for the product. Fortunately, there’s Amazon.com, where this product goes for less than $90. Now that’s more to my (and probably your) liking.

I rate these headphones 3 out of 5 stars.

So what’s your opinion? Do you agree or disagree with anything in this review? Have you tried the Monster iSport SuperSlim wireless headphones? What did you like and/or dislike about them? Let us know in the comments below or over on the Beantown Review Twitter or Facebook pages.

And don’t hesitate to head over to the Monster Products website. Feel free to check out their 2016 product lineup as seen at the recent CES. They’ve introduced some great products in 2016.

FTC Disclosure: Monster Inc. provided Beantown LLC with one (1) sample pair of SuperSlim Monster iSport wireless headphones for review purposes. This writer’s opinions are 100% his own.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Monster Inc. and/or Beantown LLC.

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Review: The Qube from Matrix Audio

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Updated: Filed in the better late than never category comes the Qube, the universal pocket speaker from Matrix Audio. Over the past few months (you heard me correctly–I said months, not weeks or even days) I’ve been testing this speaker against an array of portable mini speakers.  When I received the Qube, I had wondered how it would compare in the sound department.  Suffice to say I was not disappointed. It has become my go-to solo speaker whether in or away from my home office. Over this period of time, I’ve been impressed with not only the sound but its consistency to reproduce that sound months later. No lemons here.

The first thing one notices is how stunning the speaker looks.  It’s a well-manufactured beautifully-crafted piece of equipment.  It’s sharp looking in its black aluminum finish (available in five other colors: silver, red, blue, pink and purple, see photos) but it’s also sturdy and has some weight to it, 78 grams to be specific. Now, not only is the speaker sturdy, but the packaging is as well.  To this day, this packaging, even after a few months, is where I store the Qube when not in use.  If you choose to discard it, don’t forget the packaging is 100% recyclable which is important to so many of us.

The speaker is aptly named as a universal pocket speaker. It’s 38mm in each axis thus the name Qube.  One can easily and comfortably carry it around in their pocket; I’m not just saying that. It fits well whether in ones pants or shorts front pocket.  If you’re afraid it may get scratched, use the ultra-suede carrying pouch and transport it in your purse or satchel.  It takes up so little volume that you actually may forget that it’s there.  The design is straight forward. On the back side, there’s an On/Off button as well as a micro USB connection.  Simply hold down the power button for a few seconds and a blue LED activates, and then you’re good-to-go.  To shut it down, use the same method until the blue light deactivates.  There’s no volume slider, but then again, what’s the point of having one. Whatever device you connect the Qube to i.e. laptop, smartphone, etc. has volume control so no need for redundancy.

So you ask…how does its 3 watts of audio sound?  Pretty good in fact.  For sound testing, I use the same 4-5 artists for consistency while constantly plugging and unplugging various speakers for comparisons sake.  These artists are 30 Seconds to Mars, John Coltrane, Lana Del Ray, Muse, and now Zedd.  Testing the latter first, the Qube was strong and clean in vocals and higher frequency mid-ranges while a bit short in the bass area, which didn’t surprise me base don its design. In testing similar sized speakers, the opposite is true: more boom in the bass and weaker in the vocals. Now we all have different tastes but I’m willing to sacrifice some bass for tighter vocals.  And if you need a second opinion, watch what happens with those collapsible portable speakers at mid-to-high volume while listening to say Lana Del Ray’s title track Born to Die.  The speaker hops around like one of those novelty Mexican jumping beans. I can’t tell how often those other speakers jumped off my desk and shelves.  Thanks to the heft and low center of gravity, there’s no stage diving for the Qube. That last thing I want is a kamikaze speaker.  Call me crazy but I would like to use it again.  (In case you’re wondering LDR sounded amazing.) Of all the music genres sampled, I’d say Jazz sounded best with Coltrane’s sax on Lazy Bird sounding dynamite, closely followed by the sounds of Muse and LDR.

If you’re looking to purchase the Qube but don’t see it in your favorite online or retail store, you need not look any further than the manufacturer’s website: www.matrixaudio.com.  It retails for the price of $39.99.  If the Qube isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, Matrix Audio has recently introduced the Qube 2, a universal Bluetooth portable speaker which retails for $79.99.  Also available from MA is the NRG which lists for $29.99 and the ONE for $69.99.

For those of you who will be attending CES2015, feel free to visit their booth. The Bayan Audio booth is located at the LVCC North Hall, Booth 6627.

All photos are courtesy of Matrix Audio