Category Archives: Personal Audio

Beats Pill XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review

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Beats Pill XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker is indeed a bigger and quite heavier compared to its predecessor. With that in mind, it still has the same audio quality and great portable design as most of Dr. Dre’s array of products. The upgrade in size also comes with the louder sound experience. Shaped like a pill, it has an ingeniously placed handle that makes it very easy for users to carry around, pack away, and bring it anywhere even with the bigger size. This product is about a hundred dollars more expensive than the previous model, so let’s find out with this Beats Pill XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker Review if the size upgrade is indeed worth it.

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This speaker has indeed the rational features to keep up with its expensive price.  It offers a stonger bass than most speakers of the same size size. In general, on the music mainstream, the Beats Pill XL provides a powerful, clean response with respect to tracks that has a deep sub-bass.

What are the best features of this speaker?

Even with it’s bigger size, Beats Pill XL is still as good in taking your music everywhere. Its weight is just right to carry around and has a built-in handle additional portability. This speaker makes you free you to roam around the area, which denotes you’ll always have a considerably great quality sound whether you are near or far.  The pairing feature is particularly sophisticated. There are quite a number of Bluetooth speakers that have the same feature, but almost all offers only a limited left/right stereo pairing. Most stereos pair one speaker on the left, the other does right. The Pill XL’s twin play function lets two of the units play the same tune, efficiently chaining them wirelessly, so you can put one in one room and the other in an neighboring room, given that they’re still within Bluetooth’s 15- to 30-foot range. And all you had to do to get them together is to tap them: once for dual play, twice for stereo left/right pairing.

Beats approximates the Pill XL‘s battery life to be around 15 hours, but then again these estimates vary and depends mainly upon how raucously you play your music. This speaker includes a red 3.5mm audio cable for the Aux in/out. One version of this speaker has no USB cable for charging your mobile devices with its built-in battery but the other version (Beats Pill XL version 2.0) you can now charge your phone or external music device with extra juice.

PROS

  • Outstanding sound quality
  • Powerful audio performance
  • Intense solid bass response
  • Conveniently portable
  • Has a built-in speaker phone
  • Aux inputs and outputs allow versatile playback
  • Able to charge external devices
  • Extensive battery life
  • Automatically shuts off after ten minutes of no signal detection to save power
  • Simple controls with quick and easy set-up
  • Five-segment LED battery gauge to indicate battery life
  • Can be paired with another Pill XL for left/right stereo, or dual play for multi-room use
  • Dimensions 4 in/100 cm diameter, 13.3 in/33.8 cm long
    Weight 3.3 lbs./1.5 kg

CONS

  • When played too loud, has a few barely audible (quite negligible actually) traces of distortion
  • This speaker is best known to have a bass-heavy affair which is clearly not suitable for those just enjoy the pure tones of their music.

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The Beats Pill XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker  is definitely the thing you need if your eyes are set on a portable Bluetooth speaker with profound bass presence. The price can hurt the budget but ultimately, this speaker offers something most of the competition does not which is having big bass in a portable form.

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Beats Pill XL Portable Bluetooth Speaker (Black)

Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Review

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A brand known for its elegance and durability, Bose lets go of the cord and set your music free with its first ever wire-less Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones. Using proprietary Bose technology, these headphones has retained quality sound that is powerful and clear. Also, users easily change between music and calls with intuitive controls, and use it for longer hours with a long-lasting rechargeable battery. And to top all of that, a notable highlight of this new release is that these headphones are 40% lighter compared to other headphones of its class and more importantly has a for a comfortable fit. This Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones Review tells you more about this product.

Click here to check product pricing and color options (Black / White).

The Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones provide an easier fit for every user to experience a more relaxing way of listening to favorite music and to unplug and unwind.

 What are the best features of this Wire-less Headphone and is it worth to buy?

Bose SoundLink headphone is the company’s first for using Bluetooth technology on its on-ear headphones line of products. It features controls on the ear cups, where it lets you you take calls, skip tracks and adjust the volume as your phone remains in your pocket. This headphone also allows you to connect two devices so you can do two thing at the same time. For example, you can play a game in your tablet but still able to pause it if you get calls on your phone.  Phone calls are heard clearly with the SoundLink on-ear headphones and its microphones deliver sharp sound output even if the background is noisy or windy. It has dual microphones that decrease background noise to ensure voice is heard better on the other line. Bose technologies automatically regulate your headphones’ volume as the noise around you changes.

The impressive design of Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones also makes it quite the head turner. It has an adjustable headband that rests gently on your head, and the ear cups can turn for a personalized fit. Soft cushions of these ear cups cradle your ears, and to top it off, the materials used are lightweight and durable that are surely built to last. The ear cups can be folded up and stored in the compact carrying case. There’s also an extra cable, so you can plug in and listen if in case the battery runs out.

PROS

  • Bose sound technology is best at providing quality audio output and performance on all their devices (includes this one of course)
  • Bose TriPort technology works with Active EQ to deliver music as dynamic as Bose’s best wired headphones
  • Comfortable and lightweight (soft cushions cradle your ears)
  • Wireless range up to 30 ft. (9.1 m)
  • User-friendly Bluetooth controls
  • Offers 15 hours of play time
  • Voice prompts for setup and everyday use
  • Earcups can be neatly folded and kept into the included carrying case
  • Clear and crisp sound output
  • Noise cancelling works perfectly
  • An extra cable is included so you can plug in and listen if the battery runs out
  • Can connect with more than one device

CONS

  • The sound received on the other end of the call seemed to have poor reception (hard to understand at times). This would probably be due to the fact that the microphone of this device is not directly near the mouth of the speaker.
  • Device connects only with Bluetooth, thus limits its connection to Bluetooth devices only (no WIFI)

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Bose SoundLink On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones – Black

Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player Review

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For those who want to keep listening to their favorite music even when swimming, one can do so really nicely and easily with the waterproof Sony Walkman W274S. This Walkman is built with superior technology being compact and lightweight which allows you to be bring your music everywhere you go, even when in wet and sweaty conditions. With Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player, leaving your music behind is never an option. Its technologically advanced swimming earbuds are engineered to sustain water resistance so you can continue to enjoy your music while swimming. Know more about this device through this Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read other user reviews.

This walkman is best to use during your workout, also for your running and swimming. It’s conveniently wire-free, and it’s a single-piece music player that you can put on with absolute freedom.

What are the best features of this MP3 Player?

The Sony NWZ W274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player weighs around 29 grams. Being very lightweight as it is, it makes it very suitable for sports enthusiasts as well as those who have an active lifestyle. Whether you are out on the gym, enjoying a nice swim or playing outdoors, it allows you to do whatever without the distraction thanks to its wire-free and hands-free design. Not only that, you are also guaranteed of great sound quality with its exlusive Sony Clear Audio Technologies like Clear Stereo and Clear Bass which produce deeper, richer audio output.

The impressive waterproof design (IPX8 standards, submersible up to 2 meters) of this MP3 device keeps moisture out at the same time as listening to its lifelike sound with deep bass. A fully charge battery can last for up to 8 hours. You can also have it powered up on a 3-minute quick charge that will last for up to 60 minutes of play back. Transferring of your audio files is also very easy through a drag and drop ease with iTunes for Mac or Windows. It’s indeed very easy to use and convenient.

PROS

  • Lightweight and with a snug fitting and a modern and stylish design (also available in 3 colors)
  • One-piece device – wire-free and hands-free
  • ZAPPIN search feature, allowing you to easily navigate through your playlist (plays back main melodies)
  • Integrated 13.5 mm EX headphone drivers deliver great sound quality with deep bass
  • Easy to create a playlist (drag and drop)
  • Shuffle mode allows you to mix up songs in the playlist
  • Automatic Volume Limiter System
  • Simple music search with the multi-function playback buttons
  • 8 hours battery life for full charge and 60 minutes play back for a 3-minute quick charge
  • Waterproof (IPX8 standards, submersible up to 2 meters)
  • Multi-format playback also lets you play MP3, WMA, AAC or L-PCM music files
  • Comes in different earbud sizes as well as for swimming earbuds (S/M/L/LL)

CONS

  • Audio output slightly changes when using the swimming earbuds and sometimes the sound also becomes muffled when swimming (make sure to use the right size of the earbuds  – the one that fits tightly with no gap left between the ears and the headphones)
  • Be careful not to use it on salt water as this may corrode the device

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Sony NWZW274S 8 GB Digital Media MP3 Player (Black)

AudioFlood Waterproof iPod Shuffle Review

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AudioFlood took a rather exceptional track for their product by essentially making the iPod Shuffle itself waterproof instead of making a waterproof case.  Yes, you have read it correctly. With this device, there is no special case or visual covering over the device.  Truth of the matter is, there is no visual difference of it to a standard iPod Shuffle except for the fact that it is fully waterproof for a depth of up to 200 ft.  Read more about this device through this AudioFlood Waterproof iPod Shuffle Review.

Click here to check product pricing and to read more user reviews.

To make clear, the company AudioFlood is not in any way affiliated with Apple. This company is an independent company and they specialize in waterproof solutions of devices. All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

What are the best features of this Waterproof iPod Shuffle?

The latest generation iPod Shuffles manufactured by Apple is expertly waterproofed by AudioFlood. This device that comes with a built in clip can be easily attach the iPod to your goggle strap (when swimming) or to your shirt collar, or even to work out clothes without having the worries of the device getting wet with your own sweat while working out. With regular playtime, it lasts for about 15 hours of battery life and has ample storage for approximately 500 songs (for a 2GB capacity). The device’s  VoiceOver button is also tell able you song title as well as the playlist name or even its battery status.

The AudioFlood Waterproof iPod Shuffle is the only device with a true short cord waterproof headphones that you can find in the market. With this feature, the user does not have to worry of excess dangling cord that annoyingly tangles or sometimes even dragged in the water. Its large speakers deliver a better sound quality and also includes six soft rubber ear piece options to makes sure to find a perfect fit. The Headphones has an extension cable if in any case that you would want to use them as standard length headphones.

PROS

  • Great and durable quality
  • Unique waterproofing process made it one of the highest rated waterproof MP3 players in the market
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Impervious to chlorine and salt water
  • Short cord headphones make it convenient to use while swimming
  • Long battery life (15 hours)
  • Genuine 5th generation (newest) Apple iPod shuffle
  • Built in clip allows the device to be easily attached anywhere
  • Can store approximately 500 songs on a 2GB storage
  • Six ear piece options available to find perfect fit
  • Extension cable available for other uses aside from swimming

CONS

  • Ear bud holders are a bit bulky but minimally burdensome

The AudioFlood Waterproof iPod Shuffle is an easy choice for a waterproof MP3 player. What makes it ahead from other waterproof players in the market is its unique waterproofing processes, where they have completely encapsulated the electronic components in sealant. The inside of the shuffles are entirely filled with sealant resulting in no voids or empty air spaces so there is no way for water to access the electrical components.

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AudioFlood Waterproof iPod Shuffle Pink 5th Gen Waterproof Headphones Included

AudioQuest – Dragonfly V1.2 USB DAC Review

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AudioQuest has recently released its latest version of Dragonfly Version 1.0. With this new version AudioQuest is proud to have announced that this new version has a refined the circuitry between the DAC chip and the analogue output stage so as to create a more direct signal path and lead to an even greater transparency. Likewise, this device also has a well improved power supply. Know more about this audio device through this AudioQuest – Dragonfly V1.2 USB DAC Review.

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To those that are  not familiar of this device, DragonFly is an easy-to-use device that can bring far greater quality of audio output by bypassing the poor quality sound card built in your computer. It is a sleek, flash drive sized Digital-Audio Converter (DAC) that connects to a USB jack on a Windows PC or Mac, which then turns your computer into an excellent source of music.

What are the best features of this Digital Audio Converter?

DragonFly was originally created so that everyone can easily delight on the best sound possible from their computer audio files. It’s incredibly easy to use and with such a small price to pay, you get a great-sounding digital audio converter that will easily drive any pair of headphones at home or even your speakers at the office. You can even take the same outstanding quality audio out on the road with you! Without a doubt, this device makes incredible sound when you connect it to a pair of powered speakers.

As mentioned earlier, this new version has a more direct signal path that yields a big difference in transparency and immediacy. The power supply has also been worked out and now made even more efficient and powerful, getting a has superior “grip” and even greater quality dynamic contrast. It is small and incredibly portable, easily installed and pain-free. Listening to better audio is never been this much easy and affordable. DragonFly v1.2 is your easy solution to put in your system and upgrading your sound system is an experience  that will never disappoint you.

PROS

  • Produces smoother, more relaxed, and more full bodied sound
  • Small and portable
  • 64-position analog volume control
  • Asynchronous Class 1 USB data transfer using the Streamlength protocol
  • Plays all music files up to 24-bit/96kHz maximum resolution
  • Mixed Frequency Master Clocks prevent jitter from entering the DAC circuitry
  • Direct-coupled circuitry from the ESS Sabre DAC chip through the analog volume control and output analog driver section
  • Transforms your computer into a highly musical digital source
  • Great sound quality
  • Easy to install and use

CONS

  • Since this device works with USB connection, attaching a headphone wire might be a little delicate as constant movement may cause the USB plug to get sloppier (getting a USB extension cord can solve this little problem)

With the improvements noted on this new version, DragonFly v1.2 to creates music with a natural solidity and clarity that is vividly exceptional to the sound you would hear from your computer on its own.

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AUDIOQUEST – DRAGONFLY V1.2 USB DAC