Reviews for Portable Sound Lab Handheld Speaker Case for iPod (Black)

Portable Sound Lab Handheld Speaker Case for iPod (Black) by Portable Sound Lab

Portable Sound Lab Handheld Speaker Case for iPod (Black) List Price: $39.99
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Category: Network Media Player
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Digital camera reviews of Portable Sound Lab Handheld Speaker Case for iPod (Black)

Digital camera Review: Exceeds all expectations
Summary: 5 Stars

It's not often that something exceeds my expectations. Well, the iMaingo certainly has. In the past two years, I have purchased several so called portable speaker systems from the folding speaker system from CTA to the Logitech mm32. All of the other systems purchased were either not so portable and/or poor sound quality. They all lacked clarity at higher sound levels and the low bass sounds. After purchasing the iMaingo, the other systems ended up in their rightful place, the trash.

The iMaingo immediately delivered sound that was both full and clear. The iMaingo has eliminated the need for an FM transmitter or tape playback device in my car. Now, I just use the ipod with the iMaingo in the car, and the batteries last over 30 hours. I find that whenever I have friends over, the iMaingo is the sound system I use. It really does generate the sound to fill a room or backyard picnic.

The biggest problem with the iMaingo is that I have to keep an eye on it, as everyone that gets a chance to hear it wants to steal it. I guess my holiday shopping will be easy this year.

Digital camera Review: Excellent Sound Quality, Small Size, and Overall High Value
Summary: 5 Stars

I just purchased a pair of these iMainGo iPod speakers after reading positive reviews on Amazon and elsewhere on the web. I'm a finicky consumer as well as musician with a critical ear for sound quality. Given the positive reviews, I had high expectations going in -- and I must say that my expectations were exceeded in most areas.

1) The sound quality is very impressive for such a small set of speakers. The bass is full, the mids and highs clear and punchy, even at relatively high volumes. Each speaker is powered by a 2.5 Watt digital amplifier (according to the specs) -- which provides incredible volume considering its size. What's more, I didn't hear any clipping distortion that you typically find in many underpowered devices. Honestly, I don't know how they achieve the rich sound quality in this little set -- but I give credit to the engineering/acoustics team that obviously tackled this challenge with impressive results.

2) The one area that I found a little cumbersome was the use of little foam pads to line the case for different iPods. We have an older iPod shuffle -- and getting the foam pads to stay in place while inserting and strapping the iPod took a little effort. It would be helpful if the foam pads were adhesive-backed so they'd stay put while inserting the iPod. Furthermore, the on/off switch of some iPods may become unaccessible, which requires removal of the iPod from its padded carrier. I think the iPod cradle design could use some revamping to be a little easier to install and setup for different versions of iPod.

Despite this, the sound quality is superb and offsets my objections around the iPod cradle itself. There's also a clear plastic cover that protects the iPod, which I haven't tested yet with the iPod Touch to see if the touch screen will still work. It did work with the tactile interface of my older-generation shuffle, however.

3) The overall build quality seems pretty sturdy. Even the male stereo plug (that goes into the earbud/headphone jack of the iPod) is gold-plated, which is a nice touch for a $40 device. The gold plating helps to eliminate corrosion of the plug to ensure noise-free connections.

4) As others have noted and the instructions confirm, the iMainGo can be used with most devices (MP3, MP4, Cell Phones, etc.) that have a standard analog miniature stereo jack. The iMainGo simply re-amplifies the analog headphone output. The unit requires (4) AAA batteries, which are supplied with the unit.

5) Finally, for iPods equipped with the alarm feature, a mode switch on the iMainGo can be set to Alarm mode. This will activate the iMainGo to conserve power. I haven't tested this feature, but I assume it works as advertised.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a pocket-sized portable stereo speaker set for your iPod or MP3 player, this device will not disappoint even the most discerning audiophiles.

As an aside, this is also a great device to stick in the corner of a crib or place on a nightstand to add an emersive "surround sound" of Mozart or your favorite tunes for your newborns. Keep it out of reach so they don't open it and possibly start to dismount parts -- but keep it close enough to enjoy the music with its rich spectral response.


Digital camera Review: Excellent product
Summary: 5 Stars

This amplifier is great. The only inconvenient thing is the connection to the iPod.

Digital camera Review: Excellent sound!
Summary: 5 Stars

I purchased one of these for myself about 6 months ago and was impressed with the sound quality. My son, who is rather picky liked it too, so I got one for his birthday. He loves it! Batteries last a long time too, especially if you remember to turn it off between uses :-)

Digital camera Review: Excellent speaker-Tremendous sound
Summary: 5 Stars

Excellent speaker for the iPod. The sound is tremendous. How can so much sound come from this little box? And there's no distortion. My iPod fits nicely in there and I can access the controls from outside the box. I do wish there was a way to lock and unlock the iPod from outside the box as that is the only inconvenience if you are like me and like to leave the iPod in locked position when not in use. Liked it so much I bought a 2nd one for my son.
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