iGo BoomTube H2O1 STWBT21

by Think Outside

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 191 x 127 x 394 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BSEWVO
• Item model number: STWBT21
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,677 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

Play music that everyone can hear and enjoy. Weighing just 3.2 lbs, this system features two-inch aluminum speakers, subwoofer-like bass tube and more than 40 watts of total system power. Anodized aluminum housing resists stains and scratches and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 5 hours of play time. Also includes carrying case for extra protection and portability,

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Costly and heavy, but good sound for portable speakers, June 22, 2006

By 

Jeffrey R. Brant (Cartersville, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iGo BoomTube H2O1 STWBT21 (Personal Computers)

This is my first portable speaker system. I bought it at Amazon for $170.27 after reading the mixed reviews both here and at various publications (PC Magazine gave it Editor's Choice but CNet didn't care for the sound output). After hooking it up to my iRiver H340, I was initially disappointed by the bass and mid-range output. A strange quirk about the controls on this speaker: the bass control actually turns BACKWARDS (counterclockwise) to turn it up; the opposite of what you would expect! So before realizing this, I turned the knob all the way clockwise and was very disappointed in the lack of bass. Then I realized my mistake and turned it completely counterclockwise: much better! But it still can't match the sound of my desktop speakers with their large sub-woofer sitting on the floor. The manufacturer could cut costs by eliminating the bass knob anyhow, since you really need to leave it turned all the way up at all times to experience acceptable sound.

I was able to fine-tune the bass-boost and SRS settings on my iRiver to greatly enhance both the mid-range and bass output quality. Once I did that, I was very satisfied with the full sound these speakers can produce. The downside is that I will have to re-adjust my iRiver sound settings every time I go from ear-buds to the BoomTube and back; a small pain.

A few other suggestions to the manufacturers for future improvements: 1) Put a mesh grille over the speaker openings to protect the cones from damage. 2) Put deflectors on the ends of the bass tube to reflect the sound output straight ahead; both ends of the tube have speakers which, of course, are aimed sideways. The speaker system sounds better if you place some hard object at a 45 degree angle at each end of the bass tube. 3) Make the cables retractable into the bass and/or satelite speakers; having to keep up with the separate, loose cables is a pain. 4) Redesign the Nylon carrying case so it has compartments for the AC adapter and cables. 5) Lower the price; $125 seems about right for what you get.

Overall, I'm pleased with my purchase, compared with other systems out there that I've read about.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars But it goes to 11...., March 12, 2008

By 

Tedward "Geek" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: iGo BoomTube H2O1 STWBT21 (Personal Computers)

okay, so you get a lot of hype everywhere. Here's what you need to know:
- Yeah, mighty lithium battery, recharge from the wall. No way to change batteries, once it's dead, it's dead. But you can play and charge at the same time.
- Yes, it will play for 5 hours. However, you can only have it at half volume with the bass slightly below 0 (on a +5/-5 scale) If you crank it to 11 (yes, it's actually labeled that way) you only get about 2 hours out of a charge.
- I have perfect pitch, so I'm not happy with any speaker, even the $6000 pro gear at Techno parties. These speakers lacked warmth, the all-metal construction may be crisp, but it's tinny and missing harmonics that you'd get with wood reverberation. For under $100, the sound is full, rich, and can put speech level sound over a double basketball court area. Position the speakers the right way, and you can go even farther. It totally rocks an average bedroom.
- These are just speakers. No am/fm, no CD, you MUST have something with a headphone-Out line. And it needs it's own battery source.
- Size - it's just slightly bigger around than a can of soda and three times as long.
- Ships with earplugs ("for your neighbors")
- Five ports in back: power in (wall adapter included), Headphones (??? i don't get it, but, okay), Right speaker RCA, Left speaker RCA, and 1/8" line in (standard headphone type plug, double 1/8" plug wire included)
- To use: plug in adapter or make sure it's charged. Plug included RCA cables from main unit to the two endcap/speakers. Unscrew endcap speakers (1/4 turn) and position at whim. plug included 1/8" line into main unit and external music source: ipod, CD player, etc (not included). Press and hold power button for 3 seconds until power light shines. Adjust bass and volume levels to preference.
- Warning: the included 1/8" cable will not work with the iPhone, or any device that does not have a standard headphone jack.
- This will NOT replace a high-end home stereo system, nor will it make many boom-box owners jealous. It will make the kid's room bump, and provide wonderful sound for presentations from a microphone or laptop.
Update: After months of faithful service, I found that I fear I've lost my precious system. So.... I'm getting another.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, March 29, 2006

By 

Sandra H. Diamond - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: iGo BoomTube H2O1 STWBT21 (Personal Computers)

This is the first product review I've ever written. I was compelled to do so after just receiving this amazing piece of equipment. I have been searching for MONTHS for a set of portable speakers that I felt would equal the quality of my iPod. The first set I purchased ($100 JBL On Tour)was a major disappointment. I was looking for a lot of power and these did not measure up. I stumbled upon the Boomtube and just had to try it after seeing that it boasted 40 watts of power. This baby delivers! I couldn't be happier with the quality, sound and versatility. I didn't even realize that it had an internal rechargeable battery which is a huge plus to me. Thanks to Think Outside and Amazon for such a great product!