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Need portable speakers for travel

I've got great headphones (AKG 550) that I travel with, but there are times that I just want to have music in my hotel room without wearing cans. I'm looking for a small inexpensive battery powered speaker or sound bar (<$50), perhaps Bluetooth, that works well with my iPhone or iPad. Does anyone have any direct experience or recommendations? Thanks, Peter
peter_s
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,011 posts
 
Over the past few months, I have been on a quest to find a small, great sounding portable bluetooth speaker.

I have tried probably a dozen or so different models ranging in price from around $30-$200. I made sure that all of them had a return period, so that I could try them out.

I ended up keeping the Dell AD211. I paid $49.95 for it. This thing ROCKS! It is really incredible the amount and quality of sound that this little bugger kicks out.

It doesn't use replaceable batteries, but has a li-ion rechargeable that I have gotten around 12-15 hours on a full charge. It charges off of any USB port or charger. I use the same charger my tablet uses.

I can't say enough about how much I LOVE this thing. Highly recommended!!!
peter_s OP
1,348 posts
 
Thanks mofimadness. Did you try the TDK A33 (my current top contender)? Folks say it bests the Ultimate Ears (UE) Boom. I can get the TDK on Amazon for $110. Also, have you compared the Bluetooth sound to the direct 3.5mm cable sound quality? Any impressions? The Dell sure is a good deal. Do you know anything about the Bluetooth 4.0? Is that considered to be higher quality Bluetooth?

Thanks a lot for your suggestion. I saw you write about it before, then forgot. Glad you piped up about it!

Best, Peter
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
5,011 posts
 
Peter...I did not try the TDK. I did try the regular UE Boom, (not the MiniBoom that another Audiogoner really likes). I found it to be too bass heavy for me and too expensive. In that price range, I really liked the JBL Charge, but again it was a little more than I wanted to pay.

I have only used the Dell with Bluetooth connectivity and not direct in. That kinda defeats the purpose of Bluetooth :-)

I know nothing about Bluetooth 4.0? I'll need to do a little research. Thanks for the heads up.
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