Portable speaker suggestions?

Scott Merryfield · 05-27-2003, 01:14 PM

I am looking for a very compact portable speaker solution to pair with my Toshiba SD-P2000 portable DVD player. My requirements are:

As small as possible to allow for storage in DVD carry case
Magnetically shielded (can LCD screens be affected by magnets?)
Ability to use as both passive and powered speakers would be a plus
Sound quality should be decent, but does not have to be incredible. I'm looking for an improvement over the built-in speakers.

So far, I have found two Sony models, SRS-T55 ($50) and SRS-T77 ($90), along with a Wharfedale LoudMan Flat-Panel model ($40) and a Koss SA10 ($16).

The Sony SRS-T55 looks exactly like what I'm looking for, according to the specs sheet. It measures 2" x 3 3/8" x 4" when closed, can be used active or passive, is shielded and has a frequency response of 100Hz - 20KHz.

Does anyone have any experience with this Sony speaker system, or any other portable speaker systems that may meet my needs? Auditioning such devices can be difficult (Best Buy has the products on their website, but not in the store, for example).

Here are links to the products I've listed:
Sony SRS-t55

Sony SRS-T77

Wharfedale LoudMan

I cannot create a link to Koss's poor excuse for a website.

Randall Duncan · 05-27-2003, 01:31 PM

I own a Wharfedale LoudMan and I like it very much. It's not
your average portable speaker system. But take note that it
seems to be more of a music device. I think you can still find
them on sale at Amazon.com for abour $32.

Randall Duncan · 05-27-2003, 03:46 PM

Oh, BTW, Liquid Crystal Displays are not affected by magnets.

Scott Merryfield · 05-27-2003, 04:51 PM

Quote:

It's not your average portable speaker system. But take note that it seems to be more of a music device.

Randall,

I'm not quite sure what you mean by the above statement. Could you elaborate?

Randall Duncan · 05-27-2003, 05:40 PM

I really don't know how to elaborate about something as strange
as the Wharfedale LoudMan... But I'll try...

It has a very wide but unique sound that is hard to explain,
it does go pretty loud with low distortion, and for such a
small device, it seems that it just might suite you... BUT,
it does have its drawbacks, like how easy it is to completely
screw up... I messed with mine a little and made it rattle.
Another drawback would be that it is meant for the anemic output
of portable audio devices and when you connect it to devices
that put out a lot of power, you can damage it. It's not passive-
abled, so don't expect that from it.

The only comparison with it would be the Sony SRS-T77 that you
mentioned above (and yes, I have heard one).

If you decide to get a LoudMan, you'll probably like it.

**HTF Ads**

Scott Merryfield · 05-28-2003, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the info, Randall. I decided to give the Sony SRS-T55's a try, mostly due to their compact size. The Wharfedale is about the size of a double CD case (according to the product description), which will be a tight fit in my portable DVD case with the other accessories. I ordered them from J&R for less than $43 shipped (price match), so if it sounds like crap I can always return the product and try the Wharfedale.

Randall Duncan · 05-28-2003, 03:23 PM

Yes the LoudMan is almost exactly the same size as a double
CD case... I would also like to note that it's made out of
much more durable plastic than a double CD case.

Scott Merryfield · 06-02-2003, 06:43 PM

Just to follow-up, the Sony SRS-T55 speakers arrived today from J&R. For the price, they sound decent -- certainly an improvement over the speakers built into my portable Toshiba SD-P2000 DVD player. Also, they fold up into a nice, small package that fits easily into my portable carry case. Overall, the product accomplishes exactly what I was searching for.