Sound QualityThe 808 Audio XL-V has fair overall sound quality. Bass has so-so impact, is somewhat subdued and mid and lower bass is lacking. Midrange is somewhat rough sounding, congested, nasal and a bit hazy. Treble is somewhat smeared, subdued and upper treble is muted. Doesn't do a good job of recovering room ambience and is somewhat constricted. There is no significant difference between WiFi, Bluetooth and wired sound quality. Provides a decent volume level in a small to medium sized room.
Versatility
Versatility is good. It's a stereo speaker, with multi-room support and lacks stereo pairing support with another 808 Audio XL-V. Wireless: WiFi supports 2.4Ghz only 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: Has an analog audio inputs. Audio Tailoring: Lacks any user tone controls. OS Support: Android and iOS. Other connections and features: Lacks a USB device port. Streaming by voice command: Supports voice command of few common streaming services such as Amazon Music, 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 808 Audio XL-V is very good. Wireless setup: Requires the download of the 808 app and follow the app instructions, press a button on the unit when prompted, then log in to Amazon account for the Alexa assistant. Bluetooth: Requires the press of a multifunction, low contrast labeled button which also is used to start WiFi setup, the same button is Bluetooth connect and disconnect. There is a clear indication of pairing mode and when pairing is complete. However, unlike Amazon Echos, when in Bluetooth mode the Alexa assistant is unavailable. Console controls: Volume controls are prominent +/- that are also unlabeled skip, which lack graphical indicators of volume level. Audio mute: Lacks console mute or play/pause control. Microphone mute: Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged. Source selections: WiFi has priority via the app, it lacks a Line in selection. Line in connection deactivates Alexa assistant. App remote: Volume control has graphical position marking but lacks specific index markings. Mute: Well marked, well placed, clear indication when it is engaged, doesn't mute line-in. Voice transport controls: Natural language control of transport (Play/Pause/Skip/Mute), volume controls and source selection was easy and intuitive.
