04-12-2004, 06:00 PM
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Thoughts Media Review Team
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 749
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Thinking 'Out Loud' - TDK's Imaspeaker Reviewed
Product Category: Audio Accessories
Manufacturer: TDK
Where to Buy: Amazon.com (affiliate link) Note: I couldn�t find it on Amazon.ca
Price: $29.99 USD
System Requirements: Audio source (CD Player, MP3 player, Pocket PC, etc.) with 3.5mm stereo output jack; 20W maximum output
Specifications (Stereo version): Dimensions: 166 x 310 x 55mm; Weight: 540g; Power Requirement: 3 AA batteries (not included); Maximum Power Output: 3W + 3W (A list of full specs for both versions is included in the article)
Pros:- Sound is not concert hall quality, but very reasonable;
- Frequency Response is flat and even across the spectrum;
- Lightweight and definitely portable;
- Good battery life.
Cons:- Design isn�t as compact as it could be;
- Audio cord is quite short;
- Construction is OK, but won�t survive rugged use;
- Can�t separate the left and right speakers.
Summary:
Tired of �Headphone Hair�? Want to share your inimitable music library with your cubicle mates? Then TDK�s Imaspeaker (a.k.a. OutLoud in Europe) may be just the ticket. Using the latest ultra-thin, NXT flat panel technology, TDK has created an set of quality stereo (or mono) speakers for your Pocket PC which doubles as a CD case! While the sound quality won�t match that of a high quality set of headphones, it�s certainly better than the cheap ear-buds or the speakers in most Pocket PCs and laptops! And for those road warriors with a traveling roadshow, having it double as a CD case means you won�t be having to add a lot of additional bulk to your suitcase.
Read on for the full review!
Looking for an Alternative to Headphones�
I love being able to use my Pocket PC for lots of different things (even simultaneously!) � from editing documents to keeping track of a hectic schedule and a huge To Do list. Music always helps me relax and focus on the task at hand, but I found that headphones tended to isolate me too much from by cube-mates and visitors, and after a couple of hours, they became uncomfortable. About a year or so ago, Jason and I received a note from a PPCT member mentioning TDK�s Imaspeaker and suggesting it for a review. It looked like a perfect solution for me, so Jason and I tried to get a sample. Unfortunately, TDK refused to provide one, and we couldn�t find any other suppliers in North America. I even tried to buy one locally, but none of the stores knew anything about it. I heard a lot of �Great idea, though� from the sales staff I asked. So there it languished for about six months.
In the last couple of months, I started noticing more buzz about the speakers, especially under the �Out Loud� brand name which is used in Europe. Then, I happened to be in a local sound/electronics store and saw one sitting alone on the shelf. I quickly snatched it up while the salesperson was telling me that ��these things are just flying out of the store!�
Packaging
The packaging that came with the unit is pretty sparse � basically a thin cardboard sleeve around the Imaspeaker unit. A single page, folded instruction manual is included in the pocket on the inside of the unit.
Figure 1: The package as it comes off the shelf.
Imaspeaker is available in Red, Black and Blue and either single (mono) or double (stereo) speaker configurations. All I�d seen previously in the ads on TDK�s site was the mono version (as pictured at the top of the article), so I thought the overall size of the unit was pretty much the same as most other CD carriers � slightly bigger than the CD itself. I was hoping that in the stereo version, they would put the speakers on either side of a hinged case, so the overall size would be the same as the mono version. Unfortunately, the TDK designers didn�t agree. The stereo speakers are both mounted on the same side of the case with the battery compartment, leaving the other side of the case completely blank. This creates a case which is very �side heavy� and an overall unit which is much bigger than it needs to be. There is padding provided on both sides though, so I�m pretty sure the contents would survive normal bumps and bruises. I wouldn�t go dropping this off the side of a building or leaving it out in the rain, though.
On the inside, Imaspeaker provides the compartment for the batteries on one side, and a mesh pouch for a CD/MP3 Player (or your Pocket PC?) on the other side.
Figure 2: Inside TDK�s Imaspeaker.
On the centre hinge, plastic pockets are provided for your CDs � 24 in two sets of six double-sided pockets for the stereo model, and 12 in one set of the same pockets for the mono version. The pockets look like they are replaceable (or expandable) since the centre hinge/clasp can be opened, but I have no idea where you would find pockets such as these. I took a quick look around Staples and Office Depot but didn�t see anything similar.
At the top and bottom of the case, just inside the zipper closure, TDK has provided Velcro strips on either side. These are used to keep the case open at an angle when it�s sitting on a flat surface.
Figure 3: Another view inside - note the velcro strips on the side.
Power
The stereo version requires three AA-size batteries, while the mono version only requires two. I haven�t done an extensive run-down test, but I�m finding the battery life to be exceptionally good. I�ve used the unit for about two weeks now, about 10 to 15 hours a week, and everything seems to be just fine. Unfortunately, this also adds to the overall weight of the unit, but I didn�t find it to be unbearable.
Sound
Generally, the quality of sound from Imaspeaker is pretty good. You can certainly get a better, more even response from a good set of headphones, but we went to speakers for a reason, didn�t we?:-) The frequency response is good and I didn�t notice any particular peaks or valleys. I couldn't find a response graph, but I suspect the specified range is the usual +/- 3db. It�s interesting to note from the specifications that the stereo version has better bass response and weaker treble capability. This fits with what I heard, in that while the bass was pretty solid, higher notes sounded a bit weak and mushy.
You certainly won�t get concert hall quality from these speakers, but it is much, better than that available from the laptop or your Pocket PC speakers. Unfortunately, on the stereo model, the left and right speakers are mounted directly beside each other on one side of the case. Thus, there is no way to get any separation of the left and right channels. This also contributes to a bit of mushiness, especially in the mid-range and higher frequencies. You will also lose some of the ambient sound from concert hall and live performances.
Figure 5: TDK�s Imaspeaker in normal use.
Volume
The volume of sound produced by Imaspeaker is reasonable, but be careful not to overdrive the speakers� amplifier from the source, as they will distort badly. I didn�t push it, but too much input from the source may actually damage the amplifier in Imaspeaker or the speakers. (The specs say no more than 10 watts peak per channel.) At three watts, the volume is sufficient for a large boardroom of people, but it�s not going to make much of a dent in a booth on a busy convention floor. And it certainly wouldn�t work as a Public Address System, but that isn�t really the point, is it? The volume level is set by the controls on the source system (laptop, Pocket PC, MP3 player, etc.). There is no volume control in the Imaspeaker unit.
Specifications
The figure below, courtesy of the TDK Web site, provides the complete specifications for both the stereo and mono models of Imaspeaker.
Figure 4: Imaspeaker specifications (courtesy TDK).
The plug provided with Imaspeaker is the standard 1/8th inch (3.5mm) plug which should allow it to connect to almost any sound device available. Unfortunately, the cord is very short, but I guess the idea is to keep the source in the mesh pocket within Imaspeaker.
I suspect the weight specs provided are for the unit without batteries installed.
Conclusions
I think this is a neat concept. It provides a very portable package for personal listening when you don�t want to use headphones, or for presentations on-the-go. Maybe we can get separable speakers and a smaller overall design for the next version. 
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04-12-2004, 07:00 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,911
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My friend has the mono version. Not bad at all. I would seriously consider buying one if I saw one in a store.
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04-12-2004, 08:19 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 468
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For $30, that's not bad at all.
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04-13-2004, 03:05 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 254
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While I like the idea behind the design, I'll stick with my Creative TravelSound speakers. They have really excellent sound, but are a little more expensive and don't have a storage space for anything besides the speakers.
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04-13-2004, 09:12 AM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 188
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Re
I don't know why you've posted a review about portable speakers for a CD player (are you sure you've got the right forum). Yes I have been noticing those CD case/speakers coming out, great idea but I think I'll hold as I'm thinking of buying an ipod in the future.
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04-13-2004, 02:20 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 332
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These are similar, at least in description, to the Sonic Impact flat panel speakers. The SI speakers don't sound too bad for DVD's, but for music they are really not very good. It's not the lack of volume, but the missing bass.
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04-13-2004, 02:45 PM
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5000+ Posts? I Should OWN This Site!
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 5,133
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Re: Re
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Trimac20
I don't know why you've posted a review about portable speakers for a CD player (are you sure you've got the right forum). Yes I have been noticing those CD case/speakers coming out, great idea but I think I'll hold as I'm thinking of buying an ipod in the future.
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I assume you can use them with a PPC/laptop/iPod. So yes, right forum. 
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