Sound quality: Ion-Audio's Acadia had Good overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. Bass has decent impact, but doesn't go deep, and is a bit subdued and somewhat boomy. Midrange is hazy, somewhat grainy, a bit nasal and plasticky, and lacking in body. Treble is somewhat smeared, sizzly, and glassy; the mid treble is a bit prominent while the upper treble is cut off. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience, and sounds congested. Provides a decent volume level in a medium sized room. No significant difference between Bluetooth and Aux sound quality.
Ease of use: We found the Ion-Audio Acadia ease of use to be very good overall. Unit is always in pairing mode when not already paired, shows a pairing mode indicator. Indicates when pairing mode has occurred and never times out. The volume controls are low contrast +/- controls that lack index markings for volume levels, but have an audible indication when max volume is reached. Source selection is a combination of low contrast labeled button controls for Bluetooth (multi-function: also used for Bluetooth pairing after a 1st source is paired) and FM, and cumbersome plug and unplug for the aux input connection which is on the back of the unit. Buttons are used to switch between Bluetooth and FM, plugging in Aux takes priority over Bluetooth or FM, but using the Bluetooth or FM buttons will switch back to those respective sources; switching back to Aux requires unplugging and plugging in again.
