Ion Audio Tailgater Portable PA System for iPod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Tailgater is one heck of an iPod dock/speaker. Yes, it is only mono, but most portable docks are too small to truely get stereo imaging anyway. The construction of this unit is very high quality, comparable to true guitar amps. It has a 2-way speaker design, with a ~6" woofer and ~1.5" dome tweeter. The only real con is that it doesn't have any bass/treble adjustment and the default sound is a wee bit muddy, but this can be adjusted using the the iPod/iPhone's EQ. As for volume, it can get LOUD. Even outdoors I rarely go past 1/3 of full volume. Battery life is rated at 8 hrs at 2/3 volume according to the manual. I haven't been able to fully test it yet, but at 1/3 volume it ran for 3+ hrs and the battery meter still showed 3 out of 4 leds lit! So I don't really doubt the 8 hour claim which is awesome and why I bought this little guy in the first place.
Speaking of iPhones, I can report it works great with my iPhone 3G. You do get the "this device is not made for iPhone" warning and asks to be put in airplane mode, but it plays AND CHARGES my iPhone just fine even without being in airplane mode. I also didn't hear any of the typical phone interference you get with most other docks, which is probably due to the size of the unit which gives the audio components some space from the actual iPhone.
Regarding its portable "PA system" claims, a microphone is also included in the box which allows for regular PA type use and you can sing-along with your iPod karaoke style.
I actually got mine at a local Bed Bath & Beyond store, same price but 20% off with the usual store coupon!
Pros:
+portable iPod/iPhone dock that runs for 8 hours on built-in battery!
+actually loud enough to be useful outdoors
+8 hour battery life!
+good but not great sound quality, it won't be confused for a Bose/JBL/etc. dock.
+8 hour battery life!
+comes with a microphone (icing on the cake)
+works with iPhone 3G
Cons:
-bulky/heavy...the battery life compromise
-no bass/treble adjustment, use iPod EQ to clean up sound output if you need to
-stated 12 hour full recharge time, just need to plan in advance for useage

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ion Audio Tailgater Portable PA System for iPod

TAILGATER lets you easily enjoy your personal soundtrack anywhere. This sound system features single-unit construction with speakers, amplifier, audio inputs and a dock for iPod all in one box. This high-powered, two-way speaker system has a built-in battery with level indicator for up to eight hours of cordless sound. Or you can plug in TAILGATER's power cord and rock out as long as you want. TAILGATER's enhanced bass output creates full, rich sound that's perfect for parties, tailgating, or any other place you need great sound! TAILGATER has an integrated dock for your iPod so you can play your tunes easily, and you can also plug in the included microphone and your guitar, keyboard, CD player, and other audio sources.

Portable Power The Tailgater pumps out 16 Watts of peak power, giving you full, rich audio no matter the setting.
Four Input Options With four input options with independent level controls, the Tailgater is perfect for a variety of applications--give a speech with some background music, play instruments over recorded music, or any other combo you might come up with. Inputs include:
iPod: Integrated Universal Dock for iPod
Microphone: Balanced XLR or 1/4" microphone
Instrument: 1/4-inch jack for guitar, keyboard, other instrument, or second microphone
CD/MP3 Player: RCA line level input for CD player, MP3 player, or other audio device

Link Output Connect a 1/4-inch stereo (TRS) cable to this line-level output to connect another amplification device, such as another Tailgater.
Party All Day Thanks to the Tailgater's built-in rechargeable battery, you'll get about eight hours of amplification on one charge. Level indicators let you know when it's time for a recharge, and if you're near a power outlet you can just plug in and recharge the battery while it's in use.
Take It Anywhere With heavy-duty construction and a convenient carry handle, the Tailgater is ready to go wherever you need it.
Mic Included A professional quality microphone is included, along with a cable--plug right in and go.
What's in the Box Ion Audio Tailgater, Microphone Cable, Microphone, Power Cable

Get 57% OFF

Click here for more information about Ion Audio Tailgater Portable PA System for iPod

Read More...

ION Audio Block Rocker Battery Powered Speaker System for iPod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was looking for a portable speaker to drive my iPod loud enough to be heard in an open hangar.
I read a review of the iPA03 in the 9/15/07 Seattle Times and it looked like this would work. I searched on line and found it listed at Best Buy. I was hoping to try it, and pick it up and go. But it had been listed out of stock for some time with no idea when they could get it.
I tried Amazon and immediately found it in stock and ordered. It arrived within 2 days and also delivered more then I expected.
*It was cheaper then at Best Buy.
*It provides a rich full sound for the iPod. I also tried a portable CD played in the RCA plugs and it sounds great.
*It also charges the iPod when it powered by AC. (it also runs on a self container battery.)
*The karaoke function is and added bonus that's a lot of fun to play with. Just que up the song and back down the volume on the iPod input crank up your volume and you are singing with the stars.
*It's fairly solid, over 40 lbs on wheels with an airport styled wheelies toater pop up handle.
*It also has a plug in to use as a guitar amp.
*The mike could be used as a PA for meetings, playing harmonica with the music or an anywhere speaker system.
On the needs improvement side the white case is almost too nice looking.
I don't know how long I can keep it looking that way in our hangar. I wish it also came in black. It wouldn't show the dirt.
The directions/instructions are worthless.
I saved the review from the Seattle Times 9/15/07 and it was more helpful exploring all the things this unit does.
Overall, I highly recommend this item. It does so many things, and does them well.


Click Here to see more reviews about: ION Audio Block Rocker Battery Powered Speaker System for iPod

Ion Audio's Block Rocker Battery Powered Speaker System for iPod is the perfect portable speaker system for traveling musicians, entertainers and event coordinators. A long-lasting rechargeable battery, sturdy construction and portable design, make certain the Block Rocker can be taken anywhere and everywhere. It features a high-efficiency amplifier with four inputs for connecting microphones, instruments, CD/MP3 players, and a universal dock for iPod. This powerhouse sound system makes every mobile event a success.


Portable Power The Block Rocker pumps 22 Watts of peak power through an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, enabling you to deliver high-quality sound to over 150 feet. The system's enhanced bass response (a frequency response of 70Hz - 50kHz) means full, rich audio no matter the setting.


Four Input OptionsWith four inputs and independent level controls, the Block Rocker is a versatile system. Give a speech with some background music, play instruments over recorded music, or any other combo you might come up with. Inputs include:
iPod: Integrated Universal Dock for iPod, iPod Mini, or iPod Nano
Microphone: Balanced XLR or 1/4" microphone
Instrument: 1/4-inch jack for guitar, keyboard, other instrument, or second microphone
CD/MP3 Player: RCA line level input for CD player, MP3 player, or other audio device



Party All Day Thanks to the Block Rocker's built-in rechargeable battery, you'll get over 12 hours of amplification on one charge. Level indicators let you know when it's time for a recharge.


Take It Anywhere The Block Rocker's heavy-duty aluminum construction means it can handle a bit of banging around. The two-wheel system with retractable handle makes for easy portability, and it's also 1-3/8-inch PA speaker stand mountable, so you can get full sound projection


Mic IncludedA professional quality microphone is included, along with a cable--plug right in and go.


What's in the BoxIon Audio Block Rocker, microphone with cable, power cable.

Get 59% OFF

Click here for more information about ION Audio Block Rocker Battery Powered Speaker System for iPod

Read More...

Pyle-Pro PWMA930I 600-Watt VHF Wireless Portable PA System/Echo with iPod Dock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I own a pwma230. It works quite well except it does not seem to be as loud as 200W. So when the pwma930i was available, I recommended it to my church which bought one from mail order. I also bought one for myself through Amazon. Both units made a fairly loud hissing noise even when the volume was turned way down and there was no input. The units also made humming noise when AC was used. Being an engineer myself, I believe the noise is either due to poor design (some kind of cross-talk), or poor workmanship. I sent an email to Pyle Audio, and there was no answer. I would not recommend this product unless the problem is fixed.
Follow-up, May, 2010
I asked Amazon to replace my unit. Without a surprise the replacement unit exhibited the same hissing noise and AC hum. I returned the church unit to Pyle for repair. The hissing noise was reduced somewhat, but was still fairly loud, kind of barely usable. I decided to hold onto my second unit, to give the factory some time to fix a design problem.
I sent my second unit in for repair when my 1-year warranty was almost up. You know what? I received a PWMA-230 back instead. The service department of Pyle Audio must be half asleep. I will continue to report what is going on. Basically, this is a very low quality company, both in its products and in its service.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pyle-Pro PWMA930I 600-Watt VHF Wireless Portable PA System/Echo with iPod Dock

Docking System Suitable For Nano & Classic Ipod Unit Powered By Internal Rechargeable Battery Pack One VHF Wireless Mic With FCC Certificate 2 Mic, 1 Guitar And 1 Audio ¼'' Input One 6.35mm Male To 3.5mm Stereo Female Adaptor Echo, Bass And Treble Controls RF, Rechargeable, Low Batt And Power LED Indicator Handheld Wireless Mic With 3 Position Power Switch & LED Operation Range: 100ft 8'' Woofer 300W RMS, 600W Peak Power Unit Battery Life: Approx. 5 Hours Mic Battery Life: Approx. 45 Hours Ported Enclosure For Increased Bass Response Telescoping Handle & Caster Wheels Operating Frequency: 169-216mhz 110/220 Voltage Switchable Dimension: 10.6'' X 9.3'' X 14.6'' Weight: 25.4 LBS

Get 57% OFF

Click here for more information about Pyle-Pro PWMA930I 600-Watt VHF Wireless Portable PA System/Echo with iPod Dock

Read More...

Samson StudioDock 3i Powered Studio USB Monitors with iPod Dock Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought these speakers unsure if they would be iPhone compatible - but they are! You do get the "airplane mode" warning we've all come to love from our older devices with the new phone, but once you click "no" there is no interference, sounds is fantastic & it charges the iPhone 3G as well! (Sync is accomplished immediately once I connected the USB cable to the macbook also - setup was a cinch!).
The advantage > a dock is the separation of speakers as opposed to one unit. Bass response is awesome as well, and at only 1/3 the capable volume I am very pleased.
I have been looking for an iPhone dock/speaker system to implement with my macbook as well, and this was perfect for me!
My only complaint is that the power cord is very short (5') and the speaker cable included is 24AWG, but not proprietary so it's not a big deal. The USB cable is about 5' as well, but easily replaceable with a standard style unit. The speakers were smaller than the box implied, about as tall as a DVD case, and as wide as a CD case.
Sound quality is important to me - which is why I liked the USB connection > a headphone connection. Digital sound is higher quality and you won't get any "hiss" or static with these units. I had never heard of Samson products before but I'm sold on them now; get these speakers and you will be too!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samson StudioDock 3i Powered Studio USB Monitors with iPod Dock

StudioDock is a total solution for listening to your music. With its on-board iPod dock and USB interface, StudioDock lets you record, mix, sync and take your music with you. StudioDock will even charge an iPod while it's docked. And because you use USB to send your music digitally, you get extremely high quality audio from one convenient, incredible sounding set of desktop monitors.

Great Monitoring Performance StudioDock 3i offers the same professional monitoring performance found in all Samson studio monitors, thanks to Samson's use of custom-designed components and a critically damped, vented cabinet design. The StudioDock even looks nice--an elegant complement to any desktop, home studio or mixing room.
Integrated iPod Dock Use the universal iPod dock to charge your iPod, and play back your iPod music. And since the StudioDock is USB-enabled, you can sync directly with iTunes when connected to your computer.
Professional Features StudioDock 3i features a 3.25-inch, copolymer woofer with a Santoprene surround for high excursion and internal damping, providing uncolored music reproduction. With its high performance, magnetically shielded woofer, the 3i also employs a precision made 25mm silk dome tweeter with a neodymium motor structure for smooth, extended high frequency response that reduces listener fatigue. The Solid MDF enclosure finishes it off.
In addition, this revolutionary monitor is powered by an internal 30 watt (2 x 15) high performance, low distortion power amplifier with custom equalization. The result is a system that delivers unusually smooth and accurate frequency response with precise stereo imaging.
Choose Your Input The StudioDock 3i features a USB input to stream digital audio from your computer, offering high-resolution sound. In addition, you'll get convenient rear panel RCA inputs, and a front panel 3.5mm stereo input jack to plug in an additional sound source on the fly. (A headphone output jack is also included up front, to mute the speakers and listen with headphones and volume control.)
What's in the Box Pair of StudioDock Speakers, Power Cables, USB Cables, Owner's Manual

Get 36% OFF

Click here for more information about Samson StudioDock 3i Powered Studio USB Monitors with iPod Dock

Read More...