X-mini X-Max II
Big brothers to the X-Mini travel speakers, the X-Max IIs stick to the same basic recipe of two expandable concertina capsule speakers that can be joined together at their bases magnetically for ease of carriage. When split apart, the capsules are connected by a cable that terminates in two mini USB connectors, while another cable that ends in both 3.5mm audio and USB connectors is used to connect to your MP3 player and PC for playing and charging, respectively.
Stylistically, things have taken a step forward with open speaker drivers and faux chrome now the order of the day. Power comes from a rechargeable battery in each capsule that's good for around 12 hours of use. Buy two or more sets of speakers and you can join them together into a "buddy" chain.
The drivers in the new capsule speakers are rated at 2.5W apiece making them a touch louder than their predecessors while the larger drivers and enclosures generate a more focused and better structured if still rather raw sound.
Reg Rating 80%
Price £35
More Info AdvancedMP3Players
JBL On Tour
You'd expect a portable unit from a well-known speaker maker like JBL to deliver the goods, and the On Tour doesn't disappoint. Though only rated at 2 x 3W, the On Tour delivers a clean and punchy sound that's as impressive now as it was when JBL launched it. Its also produces a surprising amount fo bass for something with only two 1in speakers.
The On Tour scores well in the portability stakes too thanks to a clever sliding-out-of-itself design that sees in transform from something the shape of a hip flask to something the shape of two hip flasks welded together. With it weighing only 350g and measuring up at 175 x 88 x 35mm, finding space for the On Tour is unlikely to ever be an issue.
The On Tour's stylish, sleek and well made plastic and chrome body is a joy to behold and the touch-sensitive volume controls also impress. It's powered by four AAA batteries, and you should get around 24 hours of playback between trips to the 7-11, though JBL also bundles a mains adapter if you find yourself closer to the beaten path.
Reg Rating 90%
Price £50
More Info JBL
COMMENTS
Re: Speakers on each side of a cube, huh?
Yes, there are speakers on each side. But there aren't speakers on the top, bottom, front and back. As you can see from the pic.
So no, there isn't a speaker on each *face* of the cube.
Gonna need a big travel case
You clowns have done it again!
If I've got my ten essential sets of travel speakers, I'll hardly have room for my laptop.
Surely you can see that the ten essential travel accessories, one of which is speakers, one of which is an external HDD etc makes more sense?
Hang on, so they're *all* essential?
Sheesh, I'm gonna have no room in my suitcase for clothes.
real value
I have got two of these and a home made splitter - very good and the NXT speakers have a lot more bass than most similar speakers but don't eat batteries.
http://www.svp.co.uk/technology/consumables/tdk-12-disc-outloud-blue-carry-case-with-built-in-speaker-tdk031_12-disc-case-with-speaker.html
Have had them for >5 years and they are still going strong.
Saitek A200?
expandable subwoofer. 3 AAA batteries. piccie/review here http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1872261,00.asp
I got one years ago in HK and never saw it marketed over here, which is a shame as I quite like it for the functionality as well as the form! Gets used every night in the kids room for the discman to lull them to sleep.
