Is The ION Tailgater Bluetooth Portable Speaker System The Ideal Option For Tailgating Or Is It A Bit Too Specialised?
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The ION Tailgater Bluetooth Portable Speaker System with Auxiliary USB Charger is a simple speaker with some neat little features that is designed to make wireless music streaming much easier.
It has a rechargeable battery so it can be used with ease in gardens and car parks, Bluetooth connectivity for simple streaming from tablets and phones and inputs for a microphone and other equipment to add to the functionality.
The name suggests a clear purpose here of simple sound amplification for music from portable devices at tailgating parties: does it provide this and what else can it do?
What benefits have buyers mentioned in their reviews for this ION Bluetooth PA System?
As this is a speaker with a very specific selling point, it is probably best to focus on this idea of connectivity and the quality of the wireless elements for a tailgating situation first.
There are many users that mention how well the device works with their iPhones and iPads, with most talking about the way that the sounds translates though the speaker and the great connection via the design of the cradle on the top, although some point out that it is not compatible with all Apple devices because it uses a 30-pin apple connector.
It is also worth noting at this point that while many will focus on the Apple product connectivity, it is not limited to this brand as other users have also had success with their Nexus 7 and Galaxy models.
When it comes to the quality of the wireless Bluetooth, this ION Tailgater Bluetooth Portable Speaker System with Auxiliary USB Charger is advertised as having a range up to 50 feet and most buyers feel that this connection is pretty reliable; however, there are other details to the product that reviewers pick out when discussing its worth for a party.
Many like the way that this all-in-one cabinet is pretty easy to operate and set up, that it doesn’t heat up too much when in use – which is a concern when those expensive tablets are docked on top – and that the rechargeable battery seems to be of good quality.
The promise here is of 50 hours of use when it is detached from the cord and there appears to be no contention of this in online testimonials.
The ION Tailgater portable PA sound system seems to be well equipped for a party in its connectivity and operation but does it have any drawbacks to its performance?
The negative comments mostly revolve around the limitations on the sound quality and the radio feature. The system has a built in digital radio with AM and FM, because tailgating parties need to have access to commentary of the game, but it doesn’t remember the user’s’ favourite stations and there are reports of the antenna breaking.
This construction issue suggests that the whole unit could be a little sturdier and this is emphasised by comments that that microphone is a bit too fragile. Furthermore, some feel this included microphone could do with a better EQ as it is a little too base-driven for some peoples’ liking.
There are also some questions over the volume levels and overall sound quality; however, it is important to remember that this is more of a personal preference than a product issue and some users say that distortion issues can be easily fixed through the sound controls of the tablet.
Summary: is this ION Tailgater Speaker System still recommendable for tailgating with these potential flaws?
This is a speaker designed with a very specific purpose in mind and it has to be said that it fulfils that role well enough that this function alone could earn it a great rating. The problem, however, is that buyers are expecting this product have other elements to its design and to go a little further than it currently does.
And it is these failings, the potential construction issues, minor faults in the EQ and volume and the basic function of the radio that lower its ratings.
These flaws could be an issue at larger events and may effect the portability with time but the ION PA system is still a highly recommendable option for smaller gatherings because of the ease of connecting all these devices, the quality of the wireless sound and the general simplicity that it brings.
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