Ion Audio Solar Sounds

Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers / Portable

An Ion-Audio Solar Sounds wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

Overall Score

The Overall Score for this model is derived from our expert lab test results.

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Current Range of Tested Wireless & Bluetooth Speakers

What goes into the Overall Score?

Sound quality

/ 5

Ease of use

/ 5

Versatility

/ 5

Color

/ 5

Detailed Test Results

Sound quality: Ion-Audio's Solar Sounds had Fair overall sound quality - this model has sonic shortcomings that leave a lot to be desired when listening to music but don't rule it out for dialog. With the Ion Sound XP app eq set to Normal bass has good impact but is boomy, somewhat prominent and doesn't go deep. Midrange is a touch nasal, grainy, hazy, and congested. Treble is subdued and smeared. Does a so so job of recovering room ambience, sounds congested. The speaker is monophonic. The various Ion Sound XP app eq setting had a noticeable effect on the sound. A single Solar Sounds speaker provides a decent volume level without degradation in sound quality in an open outdoor space at listening distances up to around 10 ft. (according to the manufacturer, up to 100 speakers can be synced for sound reinforcement).

Ease of use: We found the Ion-Audio Solar Sounds 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. Console lacks volume control. Source selection: Not applicable, unit only accepts Bluetooth input.

About

An Ion-Audio Solar Sounds wireless Bluetooth portable speaker system.

Features & Specs

Features

IP rating

Claimed battery life (hrs.)

Not Stated

Adjustable tone settings

Yes

Wireless stereo pairing

Speaker phone w/built-in mic

Optional multi-room sharing

Remote

Yes

Power source

Battery/AC

Updatable software/firmware

data not available

Warranty (mos.): parts/labor

3/3

Other features

Manufacturer claims IPX5 water resistance. Has solar panel on top of speaker enclosure so it can be charged wirelessly. Can be Bluetooth wirelessly linked to up to 100 optional Solar Sounds models for sound reinforcement. Speaker is compatible with the ION Sound XP app. Apple app version 2.42, Android app version 2.0.0, speaker firmware version 2.7.

Included accessories

Power cable, Quick start.

WiFi content sharing technology

Wake timer

Sleep timer

Specs

Wireless type

Bluetooth

Audio format

Mono

Height (in.)

Width (in.)

Depth (in.)

Weight (lbs.)

Dimensions HxWxD (in.)

10.8 x 9 x 9

Connections

Stereo analog audio input

Optical digital audio input

Headphone jack

Active subwoofer pre-amp out

Other connections

None.

iPod Docking

Price & Shop

Ion Audio Solar Sounds

CR Expert Take

Overall Score

What goes into the Overall Score?

Detailed Test Results

About

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