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"Anywhere Music With Portable JBL Speakers"
By Mendelson Tiu | Published:26/05/2008
Portable speakers have an advantage over large speaker systems as they can easily be brought to the backyard, the park, or even the beach. The JBL On Tour XT comes with four speakers and claims to combine many proprietary technologies to provide users with the ‘highest quality sound.’ But the question is, can it really? The SmartHouse Team finds out. The On Tour XT is small and can fit in any bag easily. The speaker system resembles a teleconferencing box, with all the speakers placed on top of the circular base. The power switch, USB port, power port, and 3.5mm audio jack are located along the sides of the unit, with the volume control buttons situated on top. The piano black finish gives the On Tour XT flair, although this kind of finish attracts fingerprints. Users can connect any music device as JBL has included two audio cables (3.5mm to 3.5mm and 3.5mm to 2.5mm) in the box. The package also includes a power supply, remote control, and carrying case for safe transport. Turning the unit over reveals a battery compartment for four AA batteries. This is used for powering the speaker system without the need for any power outlets. It could have been better though if JBL just included an internal rechargeable battery pack to save users money. |
 
By Steve |
If you're looking for portable...
Pros: Impressive sound, small, takes batteries, charges via USB
Cons: limited bass, could be louder
I get a bit tired or reading reviews that criticize their toaster for not writing symphonies. Really. I can understand wanting it, but you just can't seriously hold it against this device that it does not have huge bass. It's the size of a puffy pancake... way smaller and lighter than a couple of gem cubes from Bose. Not to say that it couldn't be made to have slightly better bass output (which is why I gave it a 4.5), but you can still listen to progressive house (techno) enjoyably. Anyone who's been trucking about with mini-speakers knows that this is a marvel.
This product hits a certain niche that nobody else does. It's a highly portable speaker system that puts out rather incredble sound no matter where you are. I travel places where I may be without electricity for a week or two, and the option to have batteries was a must. But even if I am at a place where there is electricity around, it's a pain to find a plug and extend the cords... now you just need a few sets of AA rechargables and you're set for days. Simplicity is good.
The big difference between the XT and the older On Tour is that the new one has multidirectionality. When you're using a speaker system that is so small, it makes a difference. Now you can pop this thing in the middle of a table and everyone gets the same sound. I don't find, though, that the sound is much better than the previous version. It is better, but only marginally...
Personally, I don't like the aesthetic of the iPod dock... all of the engineering in the On Tour went into sound fidelity, and not the need to have some dock sticking out unnecessarily in the middle of it.
Overall, this is a smart ultraportable speaker system that puts out more sound than you'd expect, but about as much as you'd hope. It won't poach your eggs, or rattle the windows, but it'll make you happy that you bought it. |
By Frederik |
Good but missing USB audio ability
Pros: God size, good sound, very practical
Cons: No audio through USB
This is a brilliant addition when you are on the go, and what a bit of sound.
True the bass is not the best, but portability is what makes this divice.
Only real drawback is lack of audio connectaliby through USB all HTC owner will be very dissapointed as I was. It would have been such a little inconvienance.
Still a very good product. |
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Find the JBL On Tour XT on DigitalHome.com.au
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