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Best portable speakers for psytrance
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Slavyan
Started Topics :
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Posts :
41
Posted : Feb 15, 2014 17:16:49
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Hi all!
Want to share some experience and maybe ask some advices if someone know.. The subject is Portable Speaker Systems which are best for listening psytrance music. Topic dedicated not to headphones and home audio systems. Only portable format please, for traveling highly into the mountains, deeply into the forests and simply on the road. I think such devices can be useful sometimes because nature can be the greatest set'n'settin for any listening experience!
Basic requirements:
- backpack friendly size and weight. Better if it will be classical brick-like form.. dock stations and different exotic forms are not for traveling but for home listening.
- 8 hours of playtime from the battery at least. AA rechargeable batteries possible too.
- AUX input (i will use only it. Bluetooth is not so good in terms of battery use and sound quality.
- 6watt + power. No need really high volumes.. but sound quality and balance needed.
I've been choosing from quality models. There are tonns of very cheap made in china speakers with not good sound.. lets avoid them.
Psytrance is a special type of music. I think speaker system (especially such portable) must be 2.0 channel without a subwoofer. Sub makes bass muddy and localized and it effects on balance clarity. I didnt saw any subwoofer system that plays psytrance ok.
Don't need too much bass. Bass must be "tight", not muddy and overpowered. Sub bass must be good also. Detailed high and mids also important. (As for me im listening mostly deep mental darksy, often on high speed bpms and lots of frequences).
If someone have such systems, can share some experience or needs an advice - welcome to discussion.
In my next post i will tell something about my experiences with it. |
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Slavyan
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
41
Posted : Feb 15, 2014 17:17
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Now few words about my experience i already had with such type speakers:
My last try was Grain Audio PWS http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/grain-audio-pws-01-packable-wireless-system/
I saw many good reviews on it and decided to buy. Now im returning it back.
Pity that i ordered it before there was a review of it on this site.
When i tested it with my music ive got too overpowered muddy bass over other frequences.. Psytrance electronic music was unlistenable on this speaker. I was unsure that "passive bass radiator" will create subwoofer-like effect.. but what ive got was really terrible. After it i affraid to order something without pre-listening and affraifd of all this passive bass radiators.
Also tested:
Philips Fidelio P9WHT
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philips-Fidelio-P9WHT-Bluetooth-Active/dp/B00AERGF08
Was tested in the shop.
The good. The sound is "big", very loud, balance is ok.
The bad. Phillips makes their own sound signature which can be described as "soft" on all frequences. This is heared in many phillips speakers and is bad coz its not the "real" sound. Dont want to listen to such sound signature everytime in every track. The charge is impossible via USB so i have i risk of getting low battery without opportunitty to charge via travel usb charger.
Philips Shoqbox SB7220
http://www.whathifi.com/review/shoqbox-sb7220
Again same thing with "Phillips" mild sound. Little stereo panorama. Muddy sound.
Creative Airwave HD
http://www.whathifi.com/review/creative-airwave-hd
"tiny" plastic sound. Not enough detailed and crisp. Sound changing when i just slight move my head left or right.
Sony SRS-BTX300
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2422058,00.asp
Simply bad.. dirty sound.. splashing muddy bass. Heavy, glossy, uncomfortable for wearing.
Most of all i like some JBL speakers.. their sound was the best for me.. Its real, detailed and balanced.
but form wasn't. They all like boomboxes for home listening, not travel.
JBL Charge got subwoofer at left and its too small for me.
JBL flim is tiny also.
So, for now i only have alot of compromises which unables me to choose anything.
I really like CES 2014 announced Braven BRV-X speaker which design is simple awesome for my needs. http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/braven-brv-x-bluetooth-wireless-speaker/
But i afraid this Passive bass radiator will make same thing i've got with Grain Audio PWS speaker.. and wall charger option without usb charge makes me confused.. But if it 12 hours.. its ok.. just hope it will REALLY survive this 12 hours on middle volume via AUX.. even no bluetooth. |
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Slavyan
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
41
Posted : Feb 15, 2014 17:18
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Suloo
IsraTrance Full Member
Started Topics :
87
Posts :
2822
Posted : Feb 16, 2014 08:00
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nionn
Started Topics :
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Posts :
17
Posted : Feb 16, 2014 12:40
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Slavyan
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
41
Posted : Feb 16, 2014 15:27
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My eye now is on devices that have more backpack friendly format to take the speakers with me when go to the long distances.
Roland device is looking fine but too large anyway.
Logitech looks like it is for home listening.. and problem with power supply that you described is also important.
I have some devices i putted my eye on .. i have no opportunity to test them, but i've got some nice reviews on them.
IK Multimedia Iloud
review: http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/ik-multimedia-iloud-portable-personal-studio-monitor/
+: portable size. Many reports it have great audiophile sound, bass is accurate and tight.
-: this long tall brick form looks not really good as for me. No usb charge option or AA batteries.
Bose Soundlink II
review: http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-speakers/bose-soundlink-bluetooth-mobile/4505-11313_7-35536570.html
+: many reports about nice sound, design is nice.
-: needs wall AC adaptor to charge, no AA batteries or usb charge possible. Soundlink II now replacing with new model now, Soundlink III which has not such a good design for portable using, also needs wall adapter to charge.
UE BOOM
review: http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-speakers/logitech-ue-boom-blue/4505-11313_7-35765418.html
+: long battery life and usb charge option. Good sound, tight bass and crisp highs and mids. Portable, waterproof
-: too small stereo panorama, round form is not so classical so maybe not good for some listeners. Too small speaker size.
Noone of that devices i mentioned is not fully satisfied me. But i not tested them myself, just read reviews.
I think i will give a try to Audio Technica AT-SPB50
Hope its full range 70mm drivers will give some nice sound (its just a portable speaker so there will be no high end). Anyway, the first video with it looks nice, and there also some nice reviews on japanese.
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Slavyan
Started Topics :
1
Posts :
41
Posted : Feb 25, 2014 19:07
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So, today took the Audio Technica AT-SPB 50 . EMS from Japan came in my province for five days , setting an absolute record of delivery.
Positive impression , hurray! One of these days , maybe I will do a mini video review .
Summary:
The speaker is quite large, about as 2 liter bottle , only a square , with carrying handles and legs with 15 degree angle. Build quality is solid, appearance and tactile feeling are excellent . Powered by batteries as well as by 9V DC , the sound is same , no lacking of the power when using batteries.
Sound signature is rather monitor . No embellishment pattern or highlighting something in the sound. Having Headphones from Audio Technica - ATH M50, I can say that sound signature is same for both devices.
Balanced and detailed sound , all frequencies are existing, there is no predominance of anything. Stereo panorama can be heard clearly. Total volume is average, but it is enough , especially for the stated 3.6 watt * 2 . Despite the rather large size of the speaker there no strong bass vibe, even on tracks with strong bass from vibration, but the bass is tight and pleasant .
In the Audio Technica bass does not create a lot of pressure and air vibe , but it still is nice and i like it. Maybe some people will not like this , but for me it is just what I was looking for , especially considering the portable format of the speaker .
Highs do not cut the ear , but they are all in place, and have a good level of detalisation .
Speaker plays greta at small and at high volume . Play best being close and a short distance . Not very critical to the location of the listener directly in front on the center, moving to the side or back not strongly affect the sound.
The overall picture is
Broadband 70mm drivers plays nice with different musical styles , pop rock, heavy metal and electronics, downtempo.. all played perfectly, even complex tracks were fine .
Those who need high volume and the filling of the whole room with the sound , strong bass that will be felt around by the waves , as well as decorated or soft sound - i can't recommend. Look for products of Bose Soundlink III, IK Multimedia Iloud, Phillips Fidelio P9 and others.
I'm very pleased with the product i've got , especially after a few hours warming up: bass gets some depth and recoil slightly increased. I will test further.
For psytrance and chill out electronic music listeners i can highly recommend this one!
I tried enough of such type speakers already and this is gonna be the best one for me!
Ofcourse you've got to read all procs and cons that i described in this post! Boom! =) |
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