Soundmatters foxLv2 Purist Pocket-sized Portable Audiophile Speaker System, Black, Non-Bluetooth

I care about audio quality and I do not expect much from a bluetooth speaker. I bought a few small speakers intending to use the aux-in (bluetooth audio quality sucks!) for listening to music while I do yard work, or if I have people over for a BBQ. I bought a Soundmatters FOXL, JBL Charge, and a TDK a33, intending to return all but the one I liked the most. The Soundmatters didn't get loud enough for my small yard, and it distorted too easily. For all the hype and the price I was truly disappointed. I think the soundmatters maybe okay for close listening, but not what I wanted it for! The JBL charge was not bad, but it started to sound tin-like at higher volumes and did not have quite the volume or the 'thump' that the TDK a33 has. The TDK simply sounded better. It got louder and did not distort even at full volume. The Charge distorted at higher volumes.I also demoed a Jawbone, UE Boom, and Beets pill. I ruled out the Beats Pill within a few seconds of demoing it, it just sounded terrible! The Jawbone sounded okay, and it got PLENTY LOUD but it didn't sound that great to me. It had little midrage, the bass had no depth, and the treble was tin-like and abrasive. The UE Boom's sound quality was fairly good (all considering), similar to the JBL Charge, but it was not great, and started to distort at higher volumes just a little too. I would say the UE Boom had a clearer more neutral sound then the Charge, but not by a whole lot.The decision was easy. The TDK a33 is the clear choice for me. It got loud enough, and stayed sounding clean. That being said, it only has a 6 hour battery life (I plan on using it plugged in most of the time) which is the shortest of all the speakers, and it is defiantly the biggest and heaviest out of the ones I tried. That being said, I would have no problem throwing it in my backpack and taking it to a park. In the audio world, size tends to matter!

Loe this speaker! A great price, and a superb sound for a bluetooth speaker. I listened to so many others, and this one is by far the overall best! Very small, portable, and easy to use. I would recommend this speaker. The new Dash 7 is supposed to be flatter, but this one is so compact that I am not wishing for anything less, especially for the difference in price. I received several accessories that I didnt realize were included, a nice bonus! Now I can take "Fox"(as I affectionately named it) to other countries when I travel, since a variety of electrical charging receptacles were included, as well as a pouch, a strap, a piece of insulting material to sit the speaker on to prevent "walking". The back has a kickstand to angle it, as well as rubber feet. The desiner has thought of everything for this speaker! But most of all, the sound is excellent in comparison to what else is available. I purchased "sight unheard/unseen" and was not disappointed. The Fellow at Soundmatters was very helpful when I called for his opinion on this speaker, so I am guessing that customer support is going to be just as awesome on this the product. However, it is so solid, I cant imagine any problem issues popping up. Pairing to bluetooth devices was extremely effortless. Battery lasts longer than any other speaker I have tried. Follow the directions for initial charging to optimize it's life, charging for at least 4 hrs the first time. And also pay attention to the recommendations for "breaking in " the speaker, in the included detailed instructions. Speaking of instructions.. they were in english, well written, and concise. The entire packaging of this speaker was superbly done. Way worth the money spent. For details on sound performance, CNET has a great article on this speaker, showing more specifics on how it compared to other speakers in its category.

Pros: sound quality, size, battery power, durabilityCons: oh so slight fuze-out at high volumeI bought this little unit to take on the road with me for my travels as a replacement for my Bose 2.0 speakers (which I really enjoy). The thing I like the most is the size. I can use this speaker system anywhere, thanks to the battery power, which will last for quite a while. Can't say exactly how long because I've never ran it long enough to run it down. My Bose have a little more power at high volume but for the size you won't find a better sounding unit anywhere. I take a lot of pride in doing research and getting the best. This little guy is the best for it's size. At high volume it will bounce right off the table but it comes with a neat little rubber pad to set it on which helps to eliminate this. The bass is almost too high. Turn it up and you'll see. The sound quality is absolutely amazing at low to mid-high levels which is more than enough to rock to in your hotel room. Top it out and it will fuze out slightly but not enough to take away from givng it 5 stars. When I say slighty I mean SLIGHTLY. I'm jamin out to it right now and it is awesome. I really can't say enough about how cool this thing is. The battery power, the size and portability, button function, everything is right where it should be. Only wish I would have bought the blue tooth model. Oh, one more thing, this thing is TOUGH too, dropped it several times already and not even a dent!!! If you love sound, maybe have a Bose unit and think this won't compare, have no doubts. You will be impressed - from packaging to quality of design to quality of sound - this little thing is the best you'll find for it's size. You won't regret the purchase!!!!!