Tag: audio

  • Sony MDRXB50AP Earbuds Review

    Sony MDRXB50AP Earbuds Review

    Sony, Bose, JBL, and Yamaha are some of the most well-known brands for audio equipment. Generally, anything with these brands names is top-notch and hard to beat. But comparing between them can get tricky with minute details to consider (which some can hardly tell a difference!).

    Sony’s MDRXB50AP “Extra Bass” Earbud headset is affordable and high-quality.

    After reading this article, I hope to show you everything you need to make a well-educated decision with whether it is worth the money! Earbuds are a necessary commodity when listening to music in public areas, on a walk/run, or when travelling. No wonder you’re considering the extra bass option of these Sony earbuds!

    Overview

    Like I said before, Sony is one of the most well-known companies when it comes to technology, including audio and video.

    Sony MDRXB50AP

    Sony’s MDRXB50 earbuds have earned the badge “Amazon’s Choice” with nearly 4,000 customer reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars. With 450 specific questions answered on Amazon, you can rest assured that any, if not ALL, of your questions, can be answered before you spend only $30.

    • Powerful Sound
    • Comfortable Fit
    • Bass Duct Design
    • Convenient Case and Tangle Free Cable
    • Smartphone Playback Control
    • CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON!

    The 12mm drivers behind the sound are built with neodymium magnets that help deliver a high-energy, deep bass sound that reacts well with most genres of music (including funk – “slap that bass!”).

    These earbuds follow the standard hybrid silicone design to help increase comfort while reducing ambient noise. The design offers a sealed fit for improved acoustic isolation that aides in the clarity. The less you hear around you, the easier it is to listen to the music playing through the earbuds.

    Sony's Earbuds CaseNever worry about tangled cables. Sony’s set has a durable, 1.2m flat cord to help prevent tangles and on top of that, this kit comes with a carry pouch to help store it nice and neat!

    For ease of use, Sony added a multi-function control button that works with most smartphones to enable the user to conveniently control the music! It may vary per smartphone. Also, there’s a microphone as well for phone calls.

    EXTRA BASS. The biggest selling point for these earbuds is the extra bass. When it comes to music through earbuds or small audio devices, the first thing to go is the bass. Without bass, music sounds like an old-timey radio with a lack of warmth. These earbuds are known for their “deep bass” response that gives the music you’re listening to more “life” and depth in the sound. Lower frequencies are required when experiences music the right way!

    View on Amazon!

    Specs

    If you’re a true nut for audio specifics, let me list the most prevalent information. Note that these earbuds can play frequencies as low as 4 Hz, which is lower than most people can hear! The human ear can only hear 20 Hz and up, but lower frequencies are “felt” more than “heard” so it CAN make a difference. Something to consider!

    Sony MDRXB50AP Extra Bass Earbud Headset:

    • microphone & smartphone control button
    • lightweight (less than 3 ounces)
    • 4 sizes of hybrid silicone earbuds included
    • carry pouch
    • Y-type cord for tangle prevention
    • Frequency response: 4 to 24,000 Hz
    • 12mm dome driver units
    • Android and iPhone compatible
    • Plug is 90-degrees and gold-plated for maximum quality sound

    Up Close Earbuds

     

    Pros/Cons

    Now a pros and cons list is not for everyone, but when considering a product, you must consider the positive and negative. As a consumer, it is your responsibility to know everything you can by doing some research before spending the money.

    Here is some of the research done for you after reviewing Amazon’s customer reviews.

    Pros:

    • “Punchy bass”
    • Well-made
    • Flat wires make it easy to keep untangled
    • Sturdy build (does not break after falling)
    • Long-lasting (up to two or more years easily)
    • Lightweight
    • Don’t fall out or stop working due to sweat

    Cons:

    • Strange fit due to the larger driver size (12mm) but they stay
    • Some have said noise travels from the cord (if tapped or bumped)
    • No noise cancelling features (but some say it is good regardless)
    • No volume control on the earphones, just a call button

    Sony's Best Earbuds

    Conclusion

    Sony always produces amazing products in the realm of audio/visual equipment, but with Sony’s MDRXB50AP model, they really outdid themselves.

    Sony Earbud ReviewsOut of 3,702 Amazon customer reviews, 62% of them rate these earbuds 5 out of 5.

    For the price, the sturdiness, and the whole sound quality, you may not be able to find another pair like these. So for only $29.99, Sony’s earbud model MDRXB50AP definitely contends with other earbuds and from the looks of the customer review, they blow the competition out of the water (at the least the competition around the same price).

    CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON AMAZON!

    Definitely consider these pair as the customer reviews speak for themselves.

    A good pair of earphones can make a world of difference – there was a time I used a pair I thought were good, but after spending $20, I found that I could hear things in my music I wasn’t made aware of! I then spent $200 on production quality headphones and I freaked out at everything I could hear in the music! So many things I was never made aware of because of my terrible car speakers (at the time a 1989 Lincoln town car) and my cheap old earphones.

    Fortunately, 10-years later, $30 can go a long way. Technology today is SO much cheaper than it was so spending a mere $30 can illuminate your music listening experience more than you know.

    Don’t consider the earbuds that come with your phone. Invest in your music experience and buy REAL earbuds like these Sony earbuds.

    Thanks for reading this review! I hope you found this useful and you feel more educated about this project.

    If you’re interested in more audio improvements, consider these articles:

    Let me know what you think about these earbuds and be sure to comment below! Don’t forget to signup for MusicalGrowth’s newsletter for more articles.

    Thanks for dropping by!

    Chase

    Dec. 2018

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  • 17 Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers of 2018

    17 Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers of 2018

    Music is a powerful asset when trying to relax in your backyard, at the beach or just on the go. Whether you’re meditating or just kicking back after a long day’s work, music is one of the most powerful ways you can improve your atmosphere.

    17 Best Wireless Outdoor Speakers

    When it comes to wireless outdoor speakers, there are many MANY options. So for those who hate reading, here’s my breakdown of the best speakers, right here, right now.

    RESULTS – Breakdown:

    *If you want more detail in my choices above, continue reading or skip to the conclusion at the bottom!

    Time for more DETAIL.

    For this particular article, I’ll be listing 17 speaker options in order of least expensive to most expensive ($15 to $300). All for the purpose of portability (apart from installing speakers or the like).

    We’ve come along way in weatherproof technology, so sit back, scroll down, and read about the plentiful options you have when looking for the best wireless outdoor speakers.

    I guarantee you there’s a speaker to fit your budget!

    1. $15 Kunodi Portable Mini Speaker

    Kunodi Mini Outdoor Speaker

    This is literally the cheapest speaker option I can recommend without getting embarrassing. A low price generally leads to low-quality, BUT, with Amazon’s Choice badge and a 4.5/5.0 star customer review rating, be assured this is a good quality mini-speaker.

      • 4″ in diameter (9.6 ounces)
      • 600MAH built-in battery
      • IPx45 Water resistant/Dustproof
      • Phone-call capability with built-in mic
      • Included carabiner
      • 4 to 5 hrs of play time (2 to 3 hrs charging time)
      • 3 ways to connect: TF card, Bluetooth, aux line

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    I LOVE the idea of the speaker’s battery showing up on your phone while connected. It makes it so functional when on the go, especially with a sturdy carabiner attachment like it has.

    It does state that you CANNOT immerse in water, so it should advertise it as water-resistant and not waterproof (those sly dogs).

    But regardless of a few compromises, you really can’t beat the price for a battery-powered, portable outdoor speaker.

    2. $17 Lujii Touch Lamp Outdoor Speaker

    Lujii Touch Lamp Outdoor Speaker

    This light is definitely designed for camping or night-light use. The round design allows the light to spread across an area evenly and the white light is actually more natural and warm – said to even protect your eyes!

      • Bluetooth 2.1+EDR
      • About 5″ in diameter
      • Dimmable night light (3 brightness options with 7 color modes)
      • 5 to 10 hrs of functionality (depending on the amount of light/music use)
      • Phone call functionality (built-in mic)
      • Portable hook design

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    It does take a while to recharge (about 4 hrs), but if used as a night light you won’t have to worry about it during the day (as it charges). The touch sensitivity is very useful and convenient for children to use and it seems very bright!

    3. $22 Ozzie Bluetooth Waterproof Speaker

    Ozzie Outdoor Speaker

    Most waterproof speakers have an ugly design, but this circular speaker isn’t an eye-sore! And with the hook, it could definitely be used in the shower as well as outdoor venues.

      • Water resistant (IP 5)
      • 3 ways to connect: Bluetooth 4.1, Aux cable, & Micro SD
      • 5 to 8 hrs operating time (charge less often)
      • Built-in microphone (can be used for phone calls!)
      • Sweet crystal clear sound (bass only goes to 100Hz though)
      • About 5″ in diameter
      • 100% satisfaction guarantee

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    It’s hard to beat the price for 5-hours (maybe 8 hrs) of operating time and the fact its waterproof makes me envision taking phone calls in the shower (which I guess it pretty cool!). But I’m not too fond of 1.5hrs of charging time and the fact the bass doesn’t go down below 100 Hz. Though, with a speaker this size, you wouldn’t really use it for the bass (keep in mind that for meditation music, it does matter).

    The warranty they offer lasts for 18-months as well which is nice. And with the little hook attached to the speaker itself, this nifty little audio player makes for a good budget-friendly option that’s hard to beat.

    4. $30 VAVA Rugged Portable Speaker

    VAVA Rugged Portable SpeakerSo far this is the best option for battery life when it comes to playing music – with an enduring 5200mAh battery, it can last up to 24 hours of use. With the included carabiner, this portable speaker is built to “outlast the adventure” (as they advertise).

      • 8″ in length (1 pound in weight)
      • HUGE battery: 24 hours (2 hrs charging time)
      • Waterproof construction (IP 6 rating)
      • Bluetooth 4.1
      • Includes 3.5mm audio port and micro USB charging cable

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    I’m not completely sold on the sound quality of this speaker system, but with everything else in consideration, it does seem like the best package for the price. Especially considering the battery life which is far above average for the price and size of the speaker.

    The customer reviews are glowing and with all the ruggedness of its design, it is less than a pound in weight. Not bad for such a small device.

    5. $35 Hompie Lantern Speaker Light

    Hompie Lantern Speaker Light

    If you’re looking for the best price with the most utility, look no further.

    This little 3-in-1 outdoor speaker definitely packs a punch and offers more use than any option I’ve listed so far. Below I list the capabilities/specs and after reviewing it, you’ll soon understand why my previous statement might even be an understatement! It’s really amazing.

      • 5″ tall, 3″ in diameter with built-in hook
      • Multi-functional: speaker, lantern, and phone charging station
      • Bluetooth 4.2
      • 4.8W, 16 beaded LED lights with 5 light modes (including SOS signalling): up to 196 lumens
      • HUGE battery: 92 hrs when just playing music, 200 hrs when just using LEDs, 16 hrs for both audio/LEDs
      • 7 hours to charge
      • Direct USB plug-in for charging phones (as small as a phone too!)

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    It’s amazing to think this little device can hold such a powerful lithium battery when it is the same size as a normal phone!

    I am disappointed though that there doesn’t seem to be any mention of waterproofing. But despite that, this mini-speaker really allows for a lot of wiggle room for extended hikes or camping adventures. For the price, it is really hard to beat that battery-life, which to me is the most important aspect of a chargeable device.

    If you like this speaker, check out this other one too!

    Yosoo Outdoor SpeakerClick here to view the Yosoo version with a bigger battery, more durable hook, and square design!

    I can just see myself camping with one of these speakers – hiking all day while listening to music and using it as a flashlight when I’m walking back to the campsite at dusk. Such great usability for this mini-speaker.

    VTIN Outdoor SpeakerIF YOU LIKE the 30-hours of battery life but aren’t fond of the LED light, then check out the Vtin Outdoor Speaker by clicking here! Or click on the photo above. It is water resistant and provides the same huge battery as the Hompie speaker.

    6. $35 Photive Waterproof Portable Speaker

    Photive Hydra Waterproof Outdoor SpeakerIf you care more about the sound quality of the music you’re playing while on the road adventuring, then forget the previous options and go for the Photive Hydra. This beast is rugged (waterproof and shock-proof) while enclosing two high fidelity stereo speakers and a passive subwoofer (the best I’ve seen yet).

      • 7″ wide, 2″ in circumference
      • Superior water resistant rating (IP 66 – higher than most)
      • 8-hrs battery life
      • Bluetooth 4.0
      • 1-year parts guarantee

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    While there’s no light attached, the sound is unparalleled and the durability of this small portable speaker is rated much higher than any previously listed. It is practically waterproof, meaning it will be safe in the shower but not safe submerged (IP 67 is waterproof, but this speaker is IP 66).

    There’s one customer review on Amazon that literally claims this speaker survived an EF4 tornado after their house had been demolished.

    I mean, talk about impressive.

    Photive Waterproof speaker

    So far, this portable speaker is my pick – especially if its only $35! That is a crazy deal.

    I like it so much that I put the second photo up above to help persuade you! I mean, look how cool.

    7. $40 OontZ Ultra 14W Speaker

    OontZ 14W Outdoor Speaker

    The OontZ speaker designed by Cambridge SoundWorks WINS for the longest Bluetooth range of 100-feet and at only $40, it surprisingly beats out its $150 competitor (by 50-feet more!).

      • 6.4″ x 2.8″ x 2.8″ (15 ounces)
      • Bluetooth 4.2 (100-foot range!)
      • Waterproof (IP 6 rating)
      • 4,400mAh battery for 20-hours of playtime
      • 14W stereo sound with rich full bass
      • Multiple OontZ speakers can pair

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    The Bluetooth quality is no joke and can even play in sync with a video playing on a device (kind of unheard-of in the Bluetooth world).

    So if you’re looking for the best connection without sacrificing sound quality or features, no need to look anywhere else – this speaker is the best option.

    8. $44 DIKAOU Outdoor LED Torch Speaker

    Torch Outdoor SpeakerThe atmosphere is a big deciding factor for me, so when a high-quality speaker acts as beautiful decor at the same time, it seems like a no-brainer to me! The slick design of this portable outdoor stereo speaker provides a warm LED light that mimics the intensity and “dance” of an actual flame.

      • 96 LEDs
      • Bluetooth 4.2 connection with 33-foot distance
      • 5W high-power sound with powerful bass
      • Almost 7″ tall with 4″ diameter
      • Rechargeable battery

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    If you’re looking to create a soothing (maybe romantic) atmosphere outside, this speaker might do the trick. With a 4.3 out of 5 stars in Amazon’s customer reviews, it has held up pretty well for only being on the market for almost a year.

    My only complaint would be the lack of weatherproofing, so don’t use it when it is raining! It might be worth the compromise for the price, but I would suggest widening your budget – for just $10 more there are a bit more “safe” outdoor options.

    If budget IS the biggest concern, Mayzo does have a $27 option that is very similar to this one with torchlight LEDs and HD audio, etc. Click here to view the cheaper Mayzo version of Outdoor LED Torch Speaker!

    If budget is LESS of a concern, for $2 more you can get the LEDMEI version of this speaker. It has the same specs with the addition of USB charging and the ability to connect a tripod to the base. Click here to view the LEDMEI version!

    9. $46 AUKEY Outdoor Speakers

    AUKEY Outdoor SpeakersWhen it comes to battery life, this portable speaker boasts 30-hrs of playtime (the best of all the options so far – and I mean it this time!).

      • 8″ x 3″ x 3″
      • Dual 5W speakers (larger than average)
      • 30-hrs playtime
      • Bluetooth 4.2
      • Water resistant & shock/drop resistant
      • Mounting Socket
      • 45-day money back guarantee and 1-year warranty
      • Phone call enabled

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    While it doesn’t come with its own carabiner, it does have a sturdy place to hook from. The sleek design is water resistant (unfortunately not waterproof, so no submerging in water!) and the speakers are actually larger than the previous options (at 5W).

    If budget isn’t a concern for you, you might consider this for your outdoor adventures. Amazon’s Choice badge and it’s 4.5/5.0 rating (with almost 500 customer reviews), it definitely is proven to please the owner. HIGHLY recommended.

    10. $50 Pohopa Waterproof Lantern Speaker

    pohopa Waterproof Lantern Speaker

    Despite your initial speculations, this c. 12″ tall LANTERN-style speaker does actually light up with 36 LEDs while also offering high-quality wireless audio. It also comes with an amazing little remote too!

      • 20 LEDs
      • Waterproof (IPx54)
      • 7.75″ x 7″ x 11.75″
      • Superior bass (10W full-bodied stereo)
      • Wind/noise reduction technology
      • Includes remote & micro USB charging cable
      • Bluetooth 4.1 and aux cable
      • Battery life is about 4-hr functionality (with both speaker and lights on)

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    With the remote control, LED lights, subwoofer, handle and waterproofing, this little lantern speaker is truly the full package. My only issue would be the lack of battery as it can only last for 4 hours with both music playing and the LED light on. If you don’t have parties longer then 4 hours, then you’ll be good to go! I really like this option, but it does take 2.5 hrs to recharge.

    There is a black version of this lantern that is a bit more expensive ($80), but click here if you’ll like to view the black version!

    There is a copper version of this lantern that I have below – but it doesn’t have the same features.

    Fine Audio Outdoor Lantern Speaker

    Unfortunately, it is not necessarily waterproof, but light mist would probably be okay. It does charge with USB and appears to be louder then most expect. Click here to view on Amazon!

    It definitely is not my first choice, but the design is far different than most outdoor speakers. The copper body might go very well with your decorations! But if not, I would venture forward to find a bit more quality and bang for your buck.

    11. $50 Hcman Waterproof Outdoor Speaker

    Hcman waterproof speaker

    If you’re looking for lightweight and waterproof, this speaker offers everything you need from clear sounds to carabiner hook. This sturdy speaker can be submerged under 3-feet of water for up to 30 minutes! Best waterproof rating for such a small and nifty speaker.

      • Fully waterproof (IP 7 rating) & shockproof
      • 20W stereo speakers
      • 3600 mAh battery for 24-hr endless music (6-7hrs recharge time)
      • Bluetooth and phone-call capabilities
      • Light-weight: less than a pound – 14.6 ounces
      • 1-yr warranty

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    The rubberized exterior helps protect the slick design and this speaker is built for adventures around water such as pools, ocean, or showers. And like other speakers, this one connects to your phone via Bluetooth and can display the charge so you’ll never be caught off guard by a low-battery speaker.

    The 20W speakers offer a clear-cut, stereo sound while also staying completely waterproof! Most small, portable speakers have 15W or lower, so 20W is actually really good and hard to find in a speaker less than a pound in weight.

    If budget isn’t a concern, I’d highly recommend checking out the next option for just a few extra dollars ($12 more)!

    12. $62 Poweradd 36W Waterproof Speaker

    Poweradd Waterproof outdoor speaker

    If you want a waterproof speaker without sacrificing sound quality, this is the speaker for you. While the battery only lasts half as long as the previous option, it does pack a punch when it comes to its massive speaker setup.

      • About 9″ x 3.5″ x 2″
      • 36W speakers (two 13W stereo drivers, two 5W subwoofers)
      • 2 color options
      • Bluetooth 4.2
      • Waterproof (IP 7 rating) & sandproof/shockproof
      • Up to 24-hrs playtime (at 20% volume)
      • 1-yr warranty, 30days money back policy

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    With 4 speakers in total, this 36W portable stereo can impressively last 12hrs at 50% volume (which is a lot of power). The previous option is only 20W, so it makes sense the battery only last for half as long (the power in these speakers is almost double!).

    The buttons themselves are large enough to press easily and also have a backlight to help you find them at night.

    I also just love their advertisement photo with the water jumping off the speakers. The subwoofer is much bigger than other options previously listed as well!

    13. $70 Aomais GO Portable Speaker

    Aomais Booming Portable Speaker

    If you’re not opposed to a larger speaker, this is the BEST one on the market. I’ve researched a lot of speakers, but this beautiful stereo system provides the most features at top-notch quality. It beats every speaker previously listed!

      • 4.7 pounds (13.5″ x 7.5″ x 3.8″)
      • Fully waterproof (IP 7 rating – full 33 feet immersion for 30min)
      • Bluetooth 4.2
      • 30W sound (two stereo and two subs)
      • Can pair with another Aomais speaker for double the sound (60W)
      • 8800mAh battery for 30hrs of playtime (at 50% volume – 3 hrs charge time)
      • Charge devices and emergency power supply to prevent fadeouts
      • 1-year warranty

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    From the highest waterproof rating to the biggest sound, from an affordable price to a market-winning battery life, the AOMAIS GO portable speaker can improve any party inside or outside.

    The battery in this system is so large it can play high-quality music for 30hrs!

    If you need emergency phone charging, this AOMAIS speaker allows you to recharge. When the speaker itself is out of battery, it only takes 3hrs to charge! An amazingly short amount of time and beats out smaller speakers in charge time!

    The two subwoofers (frontside and backside) provide the best bass sound yet and for extra potential, buy a second one and pair them to each other for double the impact at 60W of stereo sound! No wonder its an “Amazon’s Choice.”

    AOMAIS GO Travel CaseClick here to view the $21 travel case for the AOMAIS GO!

    Have children or a rowdy dog at your pool party? Don’t worry, this speaker can be fully submerged for 30-minutes in up to 33-feet of water! Unheard of for only $70. I’m floored by the price and the quality of the speaker. It would definitely be worth saving up for this beast of a stereo system because you’d never need another speaker again. And you can feel safe spending the money with their 1-year warranty too!

    I’m amazed by this speaker and has undoubtedly become my number one choice for this price range.

    14. $75 Innovative Weatherproof Speaker

    Innovative Weatherproof Portable Speaker

    From the options, this is not the best overall but it does offer comfortable carrying and a unique mood lighting LED. I list it because it offers some features other speakers don’t, so who knows! You might really want an LED light on your 20W stereo speakers with 20hrs of music. Definitely look into it if these features are important to you!

      • 6″ x 15″ x 6″ inches (6 pounds)
      • Bluetooth connection
      • Waterproof
      • 20W stereo speakers
      • 2200mAh battery for 20hrs of sound with 4 hrs of recharge time
      • Built-in LED light (mood lighting)
      • Adjustable carry handle (set up vertically or horizontally)
      • 90-day warranty (not listed on Amazon)

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    Compared to most products on Amazon, this speaker doesn’t have much action on its Amazon page (such as comments, reviews, descriptions, etc.), but that’s because its only been on the market since Feb. 2, 2018! So you could be the first to leave a helpful comment to influence others to venture forward with this great option!

    Also, you can save $5 by ordering on Amazon (as compared to Bed Bath & Beyond)

    15. $80 Yatra Aquatune Rugged Speaker

    Yatra Aquatune Rugged SpeakerIf you’re planning to use your portable speaker for outdoor adventures close to water (or in the water), this little speaker packs a punch! Its lightweight design allows it to fit wherever a water bottle can! Never be without music with its AWS – “All Weather Sound.”

      • 7.2″ x 3.2″ x 2.7″ inches
      • Two color options
      • Included carabiner and bike mount
      • 12W stereo sound
      • Waterproof (IP 6 rating)
      • Lightweight (less than a pound)
      • 10-hour battery life (2 hours charge time)
      • Hands-free calling capabilities

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    Rain or shine, this speaker will serve you well with 10-hours of playtime and 12W of sound. Not the best, but its a worthwhile compromise for the 0.9 pound of weight!

    Aside from the all-black version, the orange and black color option is also very adventurous looking and received a lot of praise in the Amazon customer reviews.

    16. $130 Altec Heavy Duty Waterproof Speaker

    Altec Heavy Duty Waterproof Speaker

    Rugged, waterproof, and impressively loud, the Altec Lansing “Heavy Duty” portable speaker is a great option, but definitely a bit more pricey. What’s most impressive is the battery life on this one and blows the other speakers out of the water!

      • 5 color options
      • 4.3″ x 8.7″ x 4.7″ inches (2.8 pounds)
      • Bluetooth enabled (50-foot range!)
      • 30-hour battery life
      • Waterproof/weatherproof (IP 67 rating)
      • Extra audio horsepower & can pair with another speaker!
      • Universal mount built-in

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    Although the design looks as if it would be HUGE, it is actually fairly small and weighs less then 3 pounds. The rubber cover keeps the stereo speakers safe from weather and even a teething dog! (One of their photos has a dog chewing on it – its great!)

    Altec Weatherproof Portable Speaker

    This speaker also wins for having the most color options!

    So with the durability and the customization, you can mount this baby on your motorcycle, mountain bike, boat, or other means of adventure and you’ll never have to worry about rain or weak sound. And the 50-foot Bluetooth range is also impressive since most only have a 33-foot range.

    17. $300 Braven Waterproof Power Bank Speaker

    BRAVEN Waterproof Outdoor Portable SpeakerThe biggest, the badest, the Braven BRV-XXL outdoor portable speaker system is definitely the best when it comes to sound output and cool features.

      • 20″ x 8″ x 9.5″ inches (18 pounds)
      • Bluetooth sound with adjustable bass/treble settings
      • 14-hours playtime
      • 4 audio drivers and subwoofer (HUGE SOUND & big bass)
      • Water resistant/weatherproof (IP 5 rating)
      • 15,600mAh battery with charging capabilities (for phones, etc.)
      • Includes carrying strap with bottle opener
      • Built-in Microphone jack

    Click here to view on Amazon!

    For those looking for a speaker system to MC their parties, this loud stereo system has a built-in microphone jack! The HUGE power bank allows for recharging of devices and you never have to worry about weather since its IP 5 rated.

    Although its the heaviest out of all the options, it does include a carrying strap (which is really cool) and an intense amount of sound to make up for the weight. It does break the bank a little, but for the incredible features, it might be worth saving up for this rugged outdoor speaker system (such a cool design).


    Conclusion

    My biggest point I want to make by publishing this article is that OH MY GOSH there are a lot of options out there.

    You can be certain though, that after reviewing 25+ speakers on Amazon, I have found and listed the BEST. Among all these choices, each speaker provides something unique and can serve different situations better than others.

    So to help break down all these options, please review my BEST choices for each feature.

    BREAKDOWN:

    The reason I chose #11 (HCMAN speaker) for the BEST speaker overall is because of a plethora of reasons: it is second best in waterproof rating (can be fully immersed), it has the best battery life for 20W of sound (24hrs of playtime), it has a lightweight, sleek design (less then a pound), and the price doesn’t break the bank ($50).

    *For me personally, the sound quality is something I do not want to compromise on and 20W is more than enough to satisfy my pickiness. And after some bad experiences with cell phones in pools, I don’t want to ever have to worry about water when it comes to my electronics. The Hcman meets all my needs and also stays at $50 – not too cheap, but worth saving up for!

    But of course, my opinion is my opinion. Take a look for yourself and see if you like any of these speakers.

    I hope you found this article useful! I have spent DAYS going over each speaker on Amazon and I literally could not find any other options that contend with these amazing speakers on this list of the 17 best wireless outdoor speakers.

    Which one is your favorite? Have you used one of these yourself and would you recommend it? Drop a comment below, I’d be very interested in your opinion!

    If you want to hear more from me, feel free to sign up for the newsletter!

    Take care and best of luck with all your musical adventures out in the wilderness!

    Chase

    June 2018

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  • Best Guided Meditation – FREE 15min Transformations

    Best Guided Meditation – FREE 15min Transformations

    Meditation is one of the most natural and effective ways to reduce stress. But sometimes we need help from guided meditation to really feel its effects.

    According to numerous studies by the Harvard Medical School, the National Institute of Health, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

    meditation is proven to help depression, anxiety, and stress.

    Truth be told, there have been many times I’ve relied on meditation ever since I was introduced to it by my trumpet teacher in middle school. But I was told about it in chunks once every week – today, we have so many options to learning meditation.

    Best Guided Meditation - 15min

    Free Online YouTube Guides

    The problem is many people attempt meditation without aid or help and don’t have any clue as to the proper way of meditation. Luckily, I’ve found four of the best FREE 5 to 15-minute YouTube videos of the best guided meditation online.

    *For those who don’t want to waste time with “you get what you pay for” type materials, I have also found one of the most credible sources for guided meditation you can find online – I’ll explain at the end of this article! Trust me it’s worth looking into.*

    The Five-Minute Miracle

    • 5.5 minutes in length
      • By: Beyond Purpose
      • 1.9 million views
      • Published on Dec 28, 2011
    • Pros:
      • The quality of the audio is good! No distracting recording issues.
      • The voice and music mix is well-balanced.
      • The music isn’t distracting and there’s bird sounds in the background.
      • The narrator has a calming voice
      • It’s only five-minutes long!
    • Cons:
      • The titles and photos are little low quality and not very creative.
      • The music is almost too simple!

    Forgiveness, Releasing Guilt, and Letting Go

    • ~13-minutes in length
      • By: Positive Magazine
      • 171,000 views
      • Published on July 16, 2013
    • Pros:
      • High quality titles and beautiful photos
      • The music is very interesting but too complex for my taste
        • It’s distractingly melodic and intense at times
      • The pace is good and doesn’t move too fast
    • Cons:
      • Most of the talking isn’t instructional, but metaphorical and meant to encourage imagination (everyone have their own tastes though)

    Deep Relaxation and Bliss

    • ~14-minutes in length
      • By: Live The Life You Love
      • 31,000 views
      • Published January 11, 2016
    • Pros:
      • Beautiful photo
      • Relaxing narration with a smooth voice
      • The creator is truly passionate about meditation (a very interesting background that led to her life goals)
    • Cons:
      • There is only one photo used
      • Video editing make the photo move strangely (don’t watch video as it could be distracting)

    Anxiety, Fear, Overthinking and Urgency

    • Have to watch this one on YouTube (sorry, they disabled it on other sites):
    • ~10-minutes in length
      • By: Positive Magazine
      • 3.5 million views
      • Published May 8, 2013
    • Pros:
      • The instrumental music is atmospheric and not at all distracting
      • Beautiful photos were chosen to make the video
      • Good professional mix between voice and music
    • Cons:
      • The narrator’s voice can be a little distracting at times

    The Issues with YouTube

    YouTube is a great source when it comes to materials for meditation or yoga, but I find every time I try to do it myself, it’s never as refreshing as I hope. Maybe it is because I’ve taken professional classes before and find it hard to compare.

    When you’re in a pinch for time, these free videos can do wonders for you and can release stress in a very short amount of time (even if you only have 5-minutes to spare!). I would highly recommend you try each of these YouTube videos, before considering investing in more materials.

    More Than YouTube
    Look past the “YouTube”

    After you try all the videos above, ask yourself if YouTube videos will hold you over for months to come. For those who need the inspiration of a vocal narrator, listening to the same recording multiple times can lessen the effectiveness. At this point you should consider finding a local meditation circle or group, or possibly even join a quality yoga class that incorporates meditation.

    But if you’re anything like me, being around people causes my brain to over analyze myself and my movements. For me, meditation is a personal experience.

    Why Guided Meditation?

    For that reason, I find meditation by myself is most effective. And listening to guided meditation alone allows me to forget about the world around me, because there are no people around me. For a novice, the narration is absolutely a necessity for best quality effect in a shorter amount of time. Imagine escaping to the top of a mountain and being able to freely experiment with the joys of meditation by allowing yourself to be guided through noise-canceling earphones risk free of any embarrassment! No one has to know your secret of complete relaxation.

    One time in high school, I was overwhelmed with projects and assignments. With the frustrations of the world piling on my shoulders, I grabbed my backpack, filled it with waters, stuffed my pockets with my earbuds, and escaped to the Southern Californian hills behind my community. I stayed there for a few hours until I felt at ease again. If only I had guided meditation to help speed up the process because avoiding those projects didn’t make them go away!

    Thinking Quality vs. Quantity

    If you’re looking for some quality “guided meditation” tracks, I would highly recommend this particular 8-minute meditation program. Wait wait! I’m serious – don’t look back. Because this is actually an amazing program that no one knows about (and I don’t know why!).

    Back in 2010, Time Magazine named it the most American form of meditation yet. As one of Amazon’s best sellers, thousands of people use this program as a stress-relief tool. No matter what level you are (even if you’re a complete beginner), the published writer Victor Davich leads you through a high-quality meditation program.

    At one time this former attorney, Victor Davich, even taught 400 lawyers to successfully meditate at the same time at the Westin Palm Springs Hotel! His “real world” approach allows anyone to connect with his strategies of stress-relief.

    I’m always cautious of online scams and empty promises, but this source is as credible as it gets. Here’s some interesting factoids about the creator of this guided meditation program.

    Victor Davich - 8 Minute Meditation

    Who’s Victor Davich?

    • He was formerly an attorney, producer, and marketing executive for Fortune 500 companies.
    • Started meditation himself during his second year of law school (just to survive!)
    • Endorsed by physicians at the UCLA Medical School and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
    • Endorsed by best-selling author Richard Carlson.
    • 8-Minute Meditation has been featured in TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan, OUTSIDE, SHAPE, Natural Health, and KCBS-TV.
    • Studied with some well-known meditation teachers, including Shinzen Young and Sharon Salzberg.
    • He himself has meditated every day for the past 25+ years!
    • Best quotes of Victor Davich from the CBS Interview in 2010:
      • “If you can watch 8-minutes of your favorite TV show, then you have the patience to change your life through meditation.”
      • “Meditation is an Eastern tool for Western results.”
      • “Quiet your mind. Change your life.”

    There’s a reason hard-working people develop meditation habits (such as Oprah Winfrey, Hugh Jackman, Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, Nicole Kidman, and Steve Jobs according to Robin Strauss from Ranker.com), because without meditation, a fast-paced life would be nearly impossible (if not fatal). The mind needs a break from the grind of “worrying” and “planning.”

    The best way to change your life, is to “quiet your mind.”

    Quiet Your Mind - MusicalGrowth.com

    But, like I always say, don’t take my word for it. Research his website yourself (but don’t be thrown by his website’s lack of aesthetics!).

    Victor Davich’s 8-Minute Meditation

    8-Minute Meditation

    Conclusion

    YouTube is a great source for enough free material to pursue meditation as a hobby. But I would highly recommend investing a bit more in yourself if you want unquestionable results. YouTube has so much content that credibility can sometimes be hard to determine, so I hope I’ve spelled out some of the best options you can find via YouTube.

    If you’re looking for a tried and true strategy in getting the most out of meditation, I invite you to research the 8-minute meditation program I mentioned above.

    Avoiding Burnout Thru Meditation

    Everyone can donate 5 to 10-minutes for your personal and mental well-being. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if you don’t have time to listen to YouTube videos, just sit and breathe deeply for 5-minutes. I know this sounds silly, but trust me. A mere 5-minutes can alter your mood for the rest of the day – the first step is the hardest!

    If you’re curious in Buddhist music, I invite you to read up on it! And you can also read up on my opinion in the importance of music and how it affects the body, mind, and spirit.

    Your Opinion?

    Once you’ve tried it, let me know your opinion! I’m very curious if you’ve heard of meditation or if you currently use it on a daily basis. I would love to read your comments and hear your feedback.

    Let's Chat - MusicalGrowth.com

    Here’s a few things I would love to hear from you about:

    • Do you feel you need guided meditation?
    • Is there a noticeable difference between guided and non-guided meditation?
    • Do you think Victor Davich is using a lawman’s “silver tongue” to convince us of his meditation expertise?
    • What do you use for meditation? Music, YouTube, CD’s, or silence (nothing at all)?

    Excited to hear from you! Let’s compare notes.

    _________________________________________________________

    Thanks for reading,

    Chase

    Jan. 2018

    MusicalGrowth.com

    MusicalGrowth.com