ALVA Stereo Bluetooth Speaker with 9 Watt Max Power - Android, iPhone, iPad Compatible

I use this device for streaming music from an iPhone and for providing the sound when watching movies on an iPad. I do have a HD radio receiver, and the quality from the streaming device, to this thing, sounds equal to or better than a live HD 'over the air' feed. For the size of this thing, the sound quality is amazing. It has a good balanced sound that leaves you wondering how they got that big of a sound to come out of that small of a device. The Bluetooth speaker is only about a half inch longer than the narrow dimension of the new iPad. The volume control buttons are handy if you just want to stream music from a device in another room. The streaming device will set the maximum volume, then you can adjust the volume on your speaker down from that. Example, set your iPhone to max volume and then lower the volume to the level you need with the local speaker's volume control.The reason for only 4 stars; When I put in my eneloop rechargeable AA batteries, the battery compartment fit was a little tight. The springs in the battery compartment were not strong enough to push all of the batteries up enough to make contact. I solved that problem by slightly stretching out the springs with a pair of needle nose pliers. Standard alkaline batteries worked well without any modification.I am a little new to Bluetooth devices so I cannot comment about the value for price on this thing. I do feel that I got a good value product for the price I paid. I did also purchase a Logitech Bluetooth 'boombox' for a different use. The Logitech is easily twice the size of this speaker system. It costs more and has more base response. It all depends on what you want to use this for. The Logitech is more for 'mid sound volume' patio party music, this device is portable, sounds good, and fits well on a crowded desktop. Your choice there.

I bought this speaker because it was the only one I found that had a mute button for the speakerphone on the unit. I dial in to several work conference calls each week and wanted a better speaker than the one on my phone.As it turns out, you can actually mute the mic on the unit (and others) with the mute button on your phone, so the button on the unit isn't necessary if your phone is near the speaker. I'm always at my desk by my computer with my phone.I was really hoping for a little better quality sound even though this was an inexpensive speaker. I guess you get what you pay for. It wasn't awful, but not up to my expectations so I returned it.

I spent a good deal more than I originally intended to, but after being underwhelmed by the Alpatronix X-tra Strong Mini-Capsule at $35,  Alpatronix X-tra Strong Bluetooth Portable Mini Capsule Speaker/handsfree for iPhone/iPod/iPad/smartphone (Bluetooth and headphone jack) , and disillusioned with the, [possibly defective], Monster iClarityHD at $56 - [and the last I checked it was goin' for $80 - $100],  Monster ClarityHD Precision Micro Portable Bluetooth Speaker (MBL CLY SPKR BT) , I was still searching for a unit with a good - if not great microphone.I knew going for another low-priced solution would probably be fruitless, [nope - not gonna spend $200 on a Jambox - heard one from the other end and the Mic seemed no better than others I've listened to], but seeing that I really needed a Speakerphone for some lengthy medical interviews I had coming up, I thought I'd give it one last try.An exhaustive search was made, [Jensen, Jawbone, Logitech, Memorex, iHome, Aluratek, Satechi, Spracht, Creative, Altec Lansing, and more], - and even though this particular Brand was short on Customer reviews it did have other intriguing options, so I finally took the plunge at almost double the price I had budgeted.Here's the results.The one I got is exactly like the pictures in every way save one. Seems my Brand Name is ALVA rather than AZECA - on the unit and the box. [Another trademark thing I reckon.]No matter. I liked it right away.The buttons are large and manageable and the overall style is appealing. [Like everything electronic today there is the annoying, always-flashing, bright blue light that needs to be toned down with some colored tape.]What may seem like a drawback to some is the fact that it's not rechargeable but rather uses 6 AA batteries. This was a big selling point to me after reading some horror reviews about many electronics that upon losing their internal charge become worthless with no option for replacing the battery. You can always find Double A's around.Another feature was the option of using it with the AC cord attached for an unlimited time. Most of the time when I need the speakerphone I'm at my desk, so that works out great. This is also the only device I tested - or frankly even read about that has a MUTE function for phone calls with a double tap on the top button. Very handy.With some adjustments on my phone's EQ I was able to get the bluetooth music sounding very nice - even better than the iClarityHD - and at 9 watts it will go louder than I need, so I keep it lower than MAX for the sake of both the speakers and my ears. Pairing was simple and easy.I will say that the microphone did seem to be clearer and have more range than any I had tested before - though again not the top-notch quality I had hoped for. {SEE FINAL UPDATE} Until then this looks like a pretty darn good product for $86.The Azeca is larger than most, [about 9"x3"x2"], certainly not pocket size - but portable enough for my needs. About the AA battery life if run continuously ? I'll have to get back to you at some later date.Seems like a well designed and solidly built device. I think I'll keep it !U P D A T E: This turns out to be most of what I was looking for. It's clear to see that when this product was devised the "Phone" aspect of it was given as much attention as the "Speaker" part. Four of the Six control buttons have multiple functions that when used correctly are telephone commands, [the other two - Volume up & down - work as volume controls for both phone and music]. I mentioned MUTE, but there's also REDIAL, ANSWER/END/REJECT, and several Three-Way calling options, [all spelled out in a manual that is surprisingly lucid].I nixed the idea of colored tape over the flashing light. It is in a small trough right next to the slot for the microphone, and seeing as how the Mic in these things tends to be the weakest link it's probably best not to have anything interfere. [Found a nice little polished rock in my drawer that sits in front of the light when not in use so it doesn't distract me.]I'm going to upgrade to 4½ Stars for now - but if the Mic gets better as it's broken in I might have to come back and change the Headline Rating to 5. {IT DID AND I DO} Let's hope.F I N A L U P D A T EI have used this for several hours with no drop off, good sound quality, and my callers have been telling me that the sound on their end is really very clear. { My tests with friends show the best vocal quality at 1-2 feet away from the Mic.} When plugged in I have had a 3+ hour conversation with few problems - and the Mic gets better with each use. I'm happy. 5 STARS !

When I oeder this product the brand name on amazon pic show "azeca", when i opened the box today the brand is ALVA. Well, i dont care too much on the name as long as it does the job. The pairing is easy but the real prob started after that. I played some music fr pandora, the sound is beautiful for few minutes then the static noise popping out. I thought its pandoras prob so i switch to online video. Again the sound was perfect then the noise start coming out. I turned off the video and read the manual for trbshoot, but the noise still coming out every few minute even when theres nothing being played on my ipad. Total waste of time on this piece of junk.

It's definitely worth the price. The sound quality is good. I was expecting the mic to be a little better, but it still outperforms similar items that cost a bit more.

It does what it advertises -- plays decent music over Bluetooth. Not incredibly great sound, but you get what you pay for, and I'm satisfied that it was a good purchase for the price....

This blue tooth speaker is a great hastle-free way to listen to music. My sister gave me one of these knowing that I travel alot and keep all my music on my IPad and have complained about the poor quality of the built-in Ipad speakers and lack of cable connections. This speaker has been perfect for my needs. It's super-easy to sync with my Ipad and can run on AA Batteries or be plugged into an outlet. I love it.