Soundmatters foxL DASH A Wireless Bluetooth Soundbar

I purchased the original foxL 4 years ago and the Dash A looked to be even more portable due to the thinner profile along with micro usb instead of mini usb on the original. The Dash A is less expensive than the Dash 7 and (according to soundmatter's website) has almost the same specs minus the round power port and subwoofer out (the Dash A is also a bit thinner). The original foxL (and the Dash 7 I believe) can play louder when using the AC adapter but I almost never use it or the subwoofer out; nice to have but negates their portability.Unlike its siblings, the Dash A is meant to be used laying flat instead of on its side or angled. The back is fully rubberized so it doesn't slide around like the original when playing bass heavy songs. The lay flat design and rubber also seems to help amplify the sound through whatever surface the speaker is on.Bluetooth pairing (tested with several devices) is easy and works well but I rarely use the phone handsfree feature though reviews say its much improved over the original. Unfortunately, the Dash A doesn't support the apt-x codec to maximize bluetooth sound quality with capable devices. Like the original, there's still a 3.5mm line-in jack if you don't mind using the included cable to get the most out the Dash A.Soundwise, the Dash A sounds incredible for its size. At first listen I only thought it sounded good after doing side by side listening with the original foxL. The original can play louder even on battery power but its also twice as thick. However, the Dash A is loud enough to hear throughout a good size room and, at equal volume, is actually clearer than the original. I was able to hear more separation, instruments sounded better, and vocals/treble in general were much improved. So much so that I prefer to listen to it over the original and the Dash A still puts out a lot more bass than you'd expect for such a small speaker.Since the first foxL was released, the portable bluetooth speaker market has been flooded with tons of models from companies including well known audio brands. The sound continues to improve despite the speakers increasing in size. I began to get the impression that Soundmatters decided to go in a different direction like making an even smaller speaker while still improving the overall sound. Other, larger speakers are louder but less portable and don't put out the clarity of sound that the Dash A does.I would have given it 5 stars if it had apt-x but the price, pocketable size, and overachieving sound quality make the Dash A a great value. I also with Soundmatters would include (or at least offer) a protective case for it like the Dash 7's.

I was looking for a low profile speaker that I could use when watching a video on my iPad2 & the soundbar was the only speaker I found. It advertises that it's for the Kindle but can be used with any Bluetooth device - whether it eliminates the humming/buzzing noise is not known. Sound is above average due mainly to the bass that it can somehow output for such a low profile speaker. I have the Logitech UE Mini Boom which is my fav BT speaker for under $100 ($89 at BB) because of the sound, automatically powers off and the volume control is tied into the volume control on my iPad or iPod so you don't have 2 separate volume controls. The soundbar does not have this volume control feature so I could have the volume maxed out on the speaker but have the volume set to zero on my iPad & not hear anything and vice versa.Pros:1) Small low profile which is perfect when placed at the base in front of my iPad2 when propped up to watch videos.2) Bass is impressive for a low profile device. It will actually move if the volume is turned up high enough.Cons:1) Volume control independent & not tied into the volume control of my iPad2 or iPod.2) No audio indication when the volume is maxed or minimized. Since the volume on the UE Mini Boom is tied in with the volume controls on my iPad2 or iPod, you can graphically see the volume level.3) Blue LED flashes when powered on. The UE Mini's LED is on when you power it on but turns off after.4) It does not power itself off. The UE Mini powers off after about 15 minutes if there is no audio signal which is great if you listen to music when you go to sleep; you will still have a good charge in the morning.5) There is distinct buzzing/humming noise but isn't really noticeable when sound is playing but if there is a silent gap you porbably will notice.6) Volume buttons could be larger.7) There are times when my iPad2 can't pair with it. I have select "forget this device" and re-pair with the speaker which is annoying.8) The speaker cover is not metal, it's some kind of mesh which is too flexible in my opinion.

I bought this speaker because I own a Jabra jambox about two years ago. Foxl invented the tech behind the jambox.The Dash A is far superior to the jambox mini, imho of course. This speaker is all that I wanted for example; the grill is nylon, so it doesn't dent and let everyone know I'm a klutz. The indicator light is not a blue search light but a really dim pretty blue spot. One push power makes this an easy use device instead of having to be a slave to waiting for sounds and talking like I am a 3 year old. I just press power and press play and their is music. This speaker is also very thin and solid. It could be used for self defense successfully! The best feature is the quality of sound. Almost perfect, the highs, mids and lows are well defined and even. Some of the reviews are a little hard on this speaker but I just think it needs to be adjusted for the source being used instead of trying to make it something it's not, a small cutting edge wireless speaker. By the way this does use function over flash design ideas. Even the flat black look so that it does not steal your attention from the music. It's a very good speaker and I am pleased.

I put it in my back pocket while listening to my Audible books and doing house work. There is a slight buzz sound in the background which is why I gave it 5 stars, but the sound quality over the buzz is good. I can leave my Kindle in the living room and go about 25 ft away before it starts to skip and I have to get the Kindle and bring it closer to where I am. I recommend this but I do not use it for music or anything else except my Audible books. I like using it while I make dinner and can leave my Kindle in the living room and not worry about getting food on it. The speaker faces out while in my pocket and is loud enough. I cannot vaccum with it. Vacuum is too loud.