ION Audio Tailgater iPA77 PA Speaker

Does The ION Audio Tailgater iPA77 Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker Aid Its Target Audience?

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Small, portable amps like the ION Audio Tailgater iPA77 Portable Bluetooth PA Speaker are appealing to those that want to take the music and party outside. Clearly the aim here is to target the tailgating crowd.

This means an easy-to-use model that is perfect for listening to the game, as well as some tunes to hype everyone up. Does this system deliver?

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The Pros and Cons of this ION Tailgater iPA77 PA System:

Pros:

• a portable approach with a rechargeable battery
•  three different output options to please the crowd
• a one tap Bluetooth connection for mobile devices
• a USB charging point for those mobile devices
• decent volume for small gatherings

Cons:

• some issues with the battery, reception and range
• not the most high quality speaker system around

 

The main selling point with this ION Audio Portable Bluetooth PA System is that “tailgater” tag, as this is a great tool for parties.

The first thing that stands out with this devices it that it offers a number of different ways to enjoy music and other outputs. The first is the connection with phones and tablets.

The amp has Bluetooth connection for quick access to personal playlists and music services.

This is aided by the one tap connection and the potential range of 100ft between device and amp. Then there is the AM/FM radio, with its display.

This is great for local music, but also for listening in to the game while tailgating at the stadium. Finally, there is the 1/8″ auxiliary input and microphone for live music and announcements at parties.

The other reason that this is such a good model for tailgating and parties is that it is compact and portable. The small sizes means that it isn’t too difficult to handle and pack into the car. There is also added portability with the addition of the USB charge point for tablets and smartphones.

This means that those using a tablet for music streaming services have no reason to worry about losing their playlist. There is also the added bonus here that the rechargeable battery has up to 5 hours of continuous use, which should see out most games.

The only drawback with the portability side of this device is that there are no transport wheels, which can catch some people off guard a little.

The problem here is that this ION Audio Tailgater iPA77 Portable Bluetooth PA Sound System is more about the media and location than the quality. 

The biggest problem here is with the sound quality and range on the speaker. There are 50 watts of power over this 2 way speaker. Yet there are no comments that go into detail about the clarity and depth of sound, or the impact of the dynamic microphone.

The only thing they really mention about this ION Tailgater PA is the high volume across a good distance. This means that is it used in gym classes as well as small parties with no issue.

However, the quality and volume dip when using the Bluetooth connection compared to the radio or microphone.

There is also some loss of signal depending on the range between the unit and mobile device – so perhaps it is not always 100ft after all.

Then there are some complaints about the reception and the battery life. Some talk about poor reception of local radio stations, but that could be as much to do with the area and the station as the device itself.

As for the battery, there are some rare comments about it not holding its charge after a year or so. This is a problem with such a portable model.

How do these negative reviews affect a final verdict on this ION Tailgater iPA77?

There are some issues here for those that want the most powerful, portable PA system. There is a clear sense of purpose here, and it really does fit that Tailgater theme in the name. This is a great tool for broadcasting some music, scores and announcements across a small gathering of people.

It will struggle with the signal in larger groups and doesn’t have much else to offer to enhance the sound. There is a lot to play with that will impress the right audience, and the USB dock helps. Therefore, this ION PA system is still recommendable to the right crowd.

Find more reviews about the ION Audio Tailgater iPA77 PA Speaker on Amazon here.