DGA Livespeakr Portable Speaker System: iPhone/iPod Accessory Review
August 6, 2009 by Bill
iPhone/iPod Accessory Review: DGA Livespeakr Portable Speaker System
Reviewed by: Bill Henderson
http://www.livespeakr.com/
Price: $99.99
One of the fun things about reviewing iPhone related products is being surprised. Sure, there are the delights and disappointments of various products, but the real fun comes when you are caught off guard. And the Digital Group Audio Livespeakr portable speaker system has done just that.
While not cheap, the Livespeakr (can’t these guys spell?) sounds way better than it would seem to at first glance. In fact, I think if you saw this on a store shelf among other portable speaker set-ups, you probably wouldn’t even notice it. It’s really small and kinda looks like it wouldn’t sound all that great, considering its size.
But, turn it on and all doubts vanish. This thing rocks! I’m not sure how they manage it, but the bass this thing puts out compares to much larger speakers. There is no tininess or AM-radio-type sound. No sir, there is presence in the music. If you’ve heard the Bose portable system, you know how much bass that little system can produce. Well, these aren’t Bose speakers, but I have to tell you that if Bose made a truly portable system like this, it wouldn’t sound any better.
Set up is fairly straightforward. You place the iPhone (original, 3G or 3GS) into the cradle and rotate 90º. This gives you a portrait view if thats what you want. Now here’s the fun part: Rotate another 90º and the speakers expand out from the unit. So in landscape mode, the iPhone doesn’t block any sound. Pull out the built-in stand from the rear and you have a portable video viewing setup! I wish the stand would lean back a bit more because in portrait mode, it seems a little top-heavy. Landscape mode is much more stable.
You can also make and receive calls while connected to the Livespeakr. You just use the speakerphone setting, only now, the other person’s voice will sound much clearer coming over these speakers as opposed to the iPhone’s. I need to mention here that the speakers are shielded – important when using an iPhone.
For even better portability, the Livespeakr has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that should give you 15-20 hours of use between charges. It takes 5-7 hours to fully charge the battery and if it’s plugged into the wall or your computer via USB, it will play and charge at the same time. However, there is no battery indicator – bummer. Also the unit will not charge your device. However, you can still connect to the Apple USB charger if you wish while still using the Livespeakr.
Accessories include a USB cord and wall plug. Also included is an embroidered velvet tote bag for carrying the unit. Nice touch. It comes in black or white to either match or contrast with your iPhone. The packaging is on par with Apple’s own products.
The Livespeakr is one of those products that fills a niche very well. When you have to have true portability, this will give it to you in a fun form factor. And like I said, the sound is surprisingly rich and will fill a small room despite its small stature.
I like surprises.
Score:
9/10
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