Customer Reviews

iGo BoomTube H2O1 STWBT21

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

I've been looking for several years for a decent set of very portable speakers, and I've finally found them. Correction, I've found a great set of portable speakers. Ok, they're a bit less portable than I hoped, but much more portable than other speakers of far less quality. I work in a noisy environment offshore, but these speakers overcome the noise quite well. Even low volume divx files usually play loud enough for me to hear over all the noise on the rigs I work on. In a normal environment these speakers are VERY loud.

Portability is great. Everything fits nicely into a canvas carrying case that's included. It does take a bit of practice to make all of the wiring fit into the bag, but it's worth the effort.

These speakers do not produce booming base, but the do prouduce the right amount of base for your movies and music to sound very natural and clear. The detail in the speakers and sub woofer is simply amazing for something so small. The built in lithium battery is a great touch too. You only get about 3 hrs of play time, but it's quite handy at times.

I had a Virgin BoomTube without the extra bass speakers and wanted to upgrade to this version. I couldn't find the upgrade, so I just got a new one with what I wanted. This version of the BoomTube is just a bit wider with the speakers attached, but the extra bass speakers make a huge difference in the sound quality. The rechargable battery makes it even better as I was going through tons of AA batteries with my old BoomTube. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a portable speaker system with great sound in a compact tubular form. The case is a little tight when you try to stuff in the AC adapter with the BoomTube.

I just received the Boom Tube and was anxious to use it. The instructions say to charge it until the led lamp stops blinking and is a steady green light...it should take 4 hours.
After 1 hour the led went black. I unpluged and repluged the charge lead and it started blinking again...showing it was in charge mode. After 20 minutes it went black again and would not restart the charge mode.
Today I tried to call tech support to find out what to do. There is NO TECH SUPPORT or HELP of any kind. The company has been bought out and the new company is a one organization which apears large because of all the phone numbers but really only on number has a live person on the other end. He knows nothing! All other numbers are answering machines that say they will get back to you in 24 hours.....if they feel like it.

BEWARE!!!! CUSTOMER ALERT!!! You may get lucky and get one that works but if you've got a question.....you are OUT OF LUCK!

This thing sounds fantastic...considering that I only spent $100. I read some of the reviews complaining about lack of bass, but, c'mon! It's just a little battery-powered set of speakers! What do you expect? Room shaking? For $100, I think the Boomtube is a great buy...and the quality of the sound (with the bass cranked all the way up) is awesome for such an inexpensive system. The highs are crisp and clear, the bass is as tight as can be expected, no muddiness at all. I use it cranked up almost all the way on my jobsites and I think it blows a boombox away...

When I saw that these speakers had 40 watts of power I thought that wasn't that big of a deal. That was until I listened to them. The bass response has to be heard to be believed! I have these connected to my laptop at work and in my office they are too loud to turn up all the way (BTW, the volume goes to 11, how cute). I've also connected them to my iPod and Treo both with equally impressive results. The only thing I noticed was that you have to hold the on/off button for about 3 seconds for them to turn on. I guess this is to prevent them from being accidentally turned on and draining the battery, which lasted over 5 hours on a charge. Very nice!

This unit has a great sound and a cool design but my battery died after a year - it no longer holds ANY charge and you can't replace it. I suggest using the boomtube that takes AA batteries. My unit now only works if it is plugged in - kinda defeats the purpose.

Worth every penny. Has volume and base control. Awesome for on the go since you can charge it or plug in to the wall. Mine came with a portable bag for easy transport. Sound so good I would say it compares to Bose!