Sound QualityThe iHome AVS16 has good overall sound quality. Bass has so so impact, is subdued and deep bass is lacking. Midrange is fairly even but somewhat hazy and a bit grainy. Treble is somewhat smeared, also a bit sizzly and upper treble is muted. Does a so so job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat congested. Provides an adequate volume level for a small to medium sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is good. It's a stereo speaker, which lacks multi-room support and lacks stereo pairing support with another iHome AVS16. Wireless: WiFi supports only 2.4Ghz band and this unit has Bluetooth but lacks speakerphone functionality. Communications: Lacks support for calling, texting and messaging. Digital Assistant Muting: Has a dedicated button to disable the digital assistant by muting its microphones. Audio Connections: Lacks analog audio inputs or output. Audio Tailoring: Has user Bass and Treble tone controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Has a USB device port. Display: Has a non-touchscreen information display. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of many common streaming services such as Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Tune-In and iHeart Radio. Voice ID: Lacks support to setup voice identity using this speaker, although it can use a voice print stored in a user's Amazon account trained from an Amazon speaker. This feature allows the account holder to access personal information with their "voice print".
Ease of Use
Overall ease of use of the iHome AVS16 is very good. Wireless setup: Setup requires an app downloaded to a mobile device, it's easy and but a bit unintuitive, where the default name of the device was not accepted - need instructions included in app, may or may not involve inputting WiFi network password, and account setups. Bluetooth: Pairing requires a press of a well marked button on unit and then the selection of unit from Bluetooth selection list on source device; unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent and well labeled with a non persistent numerical display of volume level which is easily repeatable via verbal commands and easy to actuate. Audio mute: Well marked, well placed, but no indication on unit when muting is engaged. Microphone mute: Well marked, well placed, with clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: App can switch between wireless sources but can't switch to Bluetooth source which requires pressing the Bluetooth button on console. App remote: The volume control is prominent as a volume slider which lacks index markings so not easily repeatable, but easy to actuate. Mute: Well marked, but not prominent. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
