Acoustic Research Portable Bluetooth Wireless Outdoor Speaker (AWSBT1)

I've purchased several Bluetooth speakers and headphones in the past couple of years. This, by far, has been the best audio purchase I've made. This speaker if fantastic to take to the pool, take out on the boat, or put on the back porch. The sound quality is excellent and there is no distortion, even when the volume is at 11. It is powered by the included AC adapter or on 6 AA batteries. The Bluetooth range is about 20 to 25 feet. It pairs easily. We used it at a party and iPhones, Androids and Windows phones were all able to connect within a couple of seconds without issue. The volume controls on the top of the speaker make it easy to change the volume without using the volume of the Bluetooth source. There is also a power button and a separate button to put the speaker into pairing mode. The speaker can also use any audio source that has a 3.5mm jack. If you do not want to use the Bluetooth connectivity, there is a 0pop off cover on the back that contains a padded area to keep your phone or iPod and the cable used to connect them to the speaker. Don't let the fact that this is discontinued by the manufacturer stop you from making this purchase. It is an incredible buy and about 70% the original sales price. You won't find a better sounding Bluetooth speaker at twice the cost.

Using the dedicated "Pair" button, the AWSBT1 quickly paired to a couple of different devices of mine, and I found the sound to be nicely detailed and even. With its handle and hard plastic casing, it's perfect for the beach, camping, or a picnic, although I would prefer if it were half its size. It also has a compartment in the back which can hold the device it's connected (paired or wired) to. It doesn't produce as full a sound as the best $100-$200 speakers, but it's currently only $15 here on Amazon! In fact, it would probably be difficult to beat at twice that price. Speaking of which, if you don't require a portable/outdoor speaker, the smaller (yet heavier) ARS60, currently at $33, produces sound that's not only detailed and even, but more full and robust than the AWSBT1.

Good sound and even better price. Unit was a little larger than I anticipated, but good for outdoor use. Improvements would be rechargeable battery and slightly larger storage compartment for A/C adapter or connected phone/iPod. Can't really complain with sound quality and price both being right. Bought a few extras for gifts.

I really enjoyed this speaker until the day it just stopped working. I do however, wish it didn't have to be plugged in.

Very poor Bluetooth reception even at very close distance causing Frequent interruptions. Sound quality ok ( if Bluetooth is working!)

For the price, you cannot beat this radio. It is loud enough to use outside and the sound it better than average. No, its not a Bose speaker but it will do a good job for you and its only about $30 as of this writing. I hang it in my garage and use it when outside, etc. The range is decent and the sound quality good. Works on 6 AA batteries or you can keep it plugged in. I like the handle on it also as you can hang it up and its about the size of a two-liter bottle. I have to give it 5 stars as you cannot beat the price anywhere for a Bluetooth speaker. A lot of these speakers are $99 or higher. Get this one before its too late! Good luck.

This was a good product, I didn't notice when I purchased it, though that it was red and that the skins were not included. Other offers included 2 skins for the same price.

Great sound as expected from Acoustic Research! Battery operation is not practical since the speaker uses AA batteries and does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. No problem. Since this is noted in the product description, I had planned on what AC outlets to use prior to ordering the speaker. Sound and performance are better than I expected. I am thrilled with this speaker, especially for the price!