Goal Zero 90402 Portable Speaker
The sound was pretty good without the modification talked about in some of the reviews, but I deciced to get the full potential by doing the mod.
I seperated the inner box from the soft outer shell. It is only glued along the sides. Then in front of the speakers you can see the perforated holes to allow the sound through. I assume they are that way for protection so that from jostling around something doesn't come in and jab your speakers. But if you don't plan on abusing these you can cut them out so it allows sound through unrestricted. I just tucked the cutouts back in the pouch so if I feel I want them more protected I can put them back in.
After doing the cutouts of the foam, I compared the one I modified to the other one I had that I hadn't modified yet. I could tell the sound was more full with the cutouts. Even better if you just leave it outside of the soft shell.
I would suggest if you're getting them for laptop speakers or just want better sound. Get 2 of them and daisy chain them together. Sound improves drastically with 2. Good design other than sound restriction.
I was looking for a good bicycle speaker for those 100k and century rides and decided on this one. I have read about the modification posted on these reviews. When the speaker arrived, I tested for several days to make sure it was working properly. Then, I did the mod by cutting the foam in front of the two speakers (credit goes to the reviewer who first suggested it). There was no harm done to the speaker box itself. The sound was definitely fuller and better. I was also able to turn the box around to allow more of the 3.5mm cable to extend outside when the case is zipped. This is important b/c of the way I have it on my bike. My water bottles are mounted in the back of the saddle in the triathlon configuration. So, I placed the speaker inside the bottle cage that is on the down tube... a perfectly tight fit. My iPod is mounted on the top tube using a short velcro strip and an iPod case. The speaker cable is then extended outside of the case and plugged into the iPod. This set up allowed me to control the volume and song choices with ease. Great sound and exactly for what I was looking.
BalasHapusHands down the best option for camping, hiking and biking. With an impressive sound range and quality output, it will become your favorite speaker in many situations. Easily store your iPod, iPhone or any MP3 player or device inside, with simple hookup, zip-up and you have a solid firm case with drop protective and water protection. Attach to your backpack in the rain, and you are still good to go. Wrap on your handlebars, and get miles of music with about 18-22 hours of use on a single charge. It takes less than a couple hours to recharge. These are speakers, not a player. So you are controlling volume and other functions on your device. This is made to protect your player and allows you to "Rockout" wherever you are. Even at the list price, it's a great buy.
BalasHapusThe sound was pretty good without the modification talked about in some of the reviews, but I deciced to get the full potential by doing the mod.
BalasHapusI seperated the inner box from the soft outer shell. It is only glued along the sides. Then in front of the speakers you can see the perforated holes to allow the sound through. I assume they are that way for protection so that from jostling around something doesn't come in and jab your speakers. But if you don't plan on abusing these you can cut them out so it allows sound through unrestricted. I just tucked the cutouts back in the pouch so if I feel I want them more protected I can put them back in.
After doing the cutouts of the foam, I compared the one I modified to the other one I had that I hadn't modified yet. I could tell the sound was more full with the cutouts. Even better if you just leave it outside of the soft shell.
I would suggest if you're getting them for laptop speakers or just want better sound. Get 2 of them and daisy chain them together. Sound improves drastically with 2. Good design other than sound restriction.
this is the best portable music device I have thanks! Long battery life and nice sound. holds my iPhone perfect
BalasHapusheavy but lasts much longer and sounds much better than AA powered speakers. you get what you pay for.
BalasHapusI am amazed at the loudness and clarity of these tiny speakers! I had an old iHome iPod boom box that was four times the size of the rockout and required 8 C batteries, and this little system sounds louder and cleaner. I like how I can attach the rockout to my belt and store the iPod inside the case. The battery also lasts very long and can be recharged with the Nomad 7 solar panel. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase. I recommend product to anyone requiring big sound in a tiny package.
BalasHapusI would disregard the comment below talking about modifying the speakers. They sound fine with no modifications. I would assume that any mods would void the warranty.
I don't usually write many reviews on Amazon, but when I find something of use/helpful - I feel like I must share...
BalasHapusI have a balcony in the city and sometimes like to enjoy the view with a little music in the background. I used to use a big battery operated boombox [I know - old school] and was looking for an upgrade this summer. I looked online at all possible options [Brookstone included]. Cost as well as functionality played a big part in my decision. I did not want to deal with cords, hubs, or having to have an engineering degree to get a wireless connection. When I first saw Goal Zero's speaker I was not so sure as it was so small and "different looking". I read all the reviews from the various sellers and even went to the company's website before making my decision...
Needless-to-say, I made the right decision. Color me impressed - 1) the sound quality is very good, surprisingly so; 2) it's extremely portable; 3) it's got a good rugged material for all kinds of environments; 4) I just connect to my MP3 player and I am good to go; 5) and also of importance- it's in my budget!
I took it to a rooftop party and everyone was equally amazed at the sound quality. It's so good, I plan on getting one for my Dad for Father's Day so he and my mom can enjoy their back patio.
5 stars for sure.
If you like music you'll love these awesome speakers! The sound quality that comes out of these tiny speakers is really amazing. The charge last 40 hours! I take them everywhere in my purse! I love it and I love that they charge so fast! Seriously great product and I would definitely tell my friends to buy these speakers. Thanks Eric Workman for creating a great product!!!
BalasHapusI bought one of these gems in Early April 2011. I was embarking on a three day Dual Sport Motorcycle trip to Hunter Mountain in the Catskills. I wanted soemthing to listen to around the campfire with my IPOD. I bought this thing with low expectations.
BalasHapusFast forward. During the trip their were no less than four other dudes along with other amplified speakers. Everyone gravitated towards my fire because my sound was the loudest and clearest. Everyone there became a believer. It probably didn't hurt I was allowing the dudes pulls from a fifth of Knob Creek I brought along. But seriously, the sound is great. At full power the charge lasted four to five hours. Maybe even 6. Love having no batteries to stuff into the thing. Plus with a USB cord the thing can be charged with a cigarette outlet off my bike in about two hours. The rest of the yo yos spent time fishing expensive batteries out of their packs about every three hours. It also allows you to put your ipod inside and hang the sucker from a tree which was WAY COOL.
Buy this thing NOW. Do not hesitate. It's an amazing design.