Acoustic Research Portable Bluetooth Wireless Outdoor Speaker (AWSBT1)

I've purchased several Bluetooth speakers and headphones in the past couple of years. This, by far, has been the best audio purchase I've made. This speaker if fantastic to take to the pool, take out on the boat, or put on the back porch. The sound quality is excellent and there is no distortion, even when the volume is at 11. It is powered by the included AC adapter or on 6 AA batteries. The Bluetooth range is about 20 to 25 feet. It pairs easily. We used it at a party and iPhones, Androids and Windows phones were all able to connect within a couple of seconds without issue. The volume controls on the top of the speaker make it easy to change the volume without using the volume of the Bluetooth source. There is also a power button and a separate button to put the speaker into pairing mode. The speaker can also use any audio source that has a 3.5mm jack. If you do not want to use the Bluetooth connectivity, there is a 0pop off cover on the back that contains a padded area to keep your phone or iPod and the cable used to connect them to the speaker. Don't let the fact that this is discontinued by the manufacturer stop you from making this purchase. It is an incredible buy and about 70% the original sales price. You won't find a better sounding Bluetooth speaker at twice the cost.

The sound is not that great...it's loud but there is no equalizer. If you use your iPhone it's a little better. This is a portable, wireless speaker, but it does require batteries. I wish I would have spent a little more and got something else.

Using the dedicated "Pair" button, the AWSBT1 quickly paired to a couple of different devices of mine, and I found the sound to be nicely detailed and even. With its handle and hard plastic casing, it's perfect for the beach, camping, or a picnic, although I would prefer if it were half its size. It also has a compartment in the back which can hold the device it's connected (paired or wired) to. It doesn't produce as full a sound as the best $100-$200 speakers, but it's currently only $15 here on Amazon! In fact, it would probably be difficult to beat at twice that price. Speaking of which, if you don't require a portable/outdoor speaker, the smaller (yet heavier) ARS60, currently at $33, produces sound that's not only detailed and even, but more full and robust than the AWSBT1.

Very poor Bluetooth reception even at very close distance causing Frequent interruptions. Sound quality ok ( if Bluetooth is working!)

Good sound and even better price. Unit was a little larger than I anticipated, but good for outdoor use. Improvements would be rechargeable battery and slightly larger storage compartment for A/C adapter or connected phone/iPod. Can't really complain with sound quality and price both being right. Bought a few extras for gifts.

Cheap, OK sound quality. Worth the 20 bucks.

I've purchased three of these (for family, friends, & self). For $15, I think you'd be hard-pressed to find something better. For the lake or the beach, the sound is great. I've even plugged a (pre-amped) bass guitar into it and had surprisingly good results. Just have an extra half-dozen AA batteries on hand, and you're good to got

I had done a lot of research about these type speakers over the winter. I'm still not sure why I decided on this particular model, but I am glad I did. This speaker sounds great and is very convenient and user friendly! The only 2 things I wish were different on this unit is the lack of an internal rechargeable battery and the cable to connect to your device is a little bit short. However, I use my own rechargeable AA batteries and the Blue Tooth function paired easily with my iPad. Problem solved.