StreetParty Size Zero Portable Speakers

Reviewed by Michele Patterson

Disruptive Technology Channels Disruptive Limited 4 Blenheim Rd High Wycombe HP12 3RS UNITED KINGDOM Tel: 01494 436221 Fax: 01494 453856 info@gear4.com http://www.gear4.com/product_detail.php?products_id=368 Released: July 2007 $102 USD, £49.99 GBP,  €67,89 Euro Requirements:  iPod nano or iPod video.

Comes With: Speaker system, AC Adapter, User manual, Remote control and carrying case.   Strengths: Lightweight, nice carry case, battery or AC power, compact & good sound quality.   Weaknesses: Volume control buttons very small, blue light is very bright (difficult to sleep by unless you still want a night light, didn’t charge my iPod 60G video in fact drained it whether on AC or batteries & the hook up for iPod player is a little flimsy and feels like it could come off.   Other Reviews: PocketLint, MacNN, CNet

Introduction

The overall package is impressive; Weight is just under 300grams, Dimensions: 8.7 inches long, 4.9 inches high and 0.7 inches deep (22cm x 12.5cm x16mm). The ability to run on either batteries or power adapter (not included) and is toted to charge your iPod while on the adapter. Gear4 also made sure to include a decent carry case made of neoprene (the same material as a wet suit). The case doesn’t close; it just fits over the speakers like a sleeve and doesn’t provide much padding.

 

The unit fits all versions of iPod and nano, and does include a remote control (that I never got to work). The fronts of the speakers are sleek and stylish with a full black metal mesh and bright blue/red indicator light. 

 

US Gotchas

 

I was ready to hook these up the moment I received the package and I was feeling pretty confident about the product. Right off the bat I was disappointed. There wasn’t an AC adapter for US plugs, only European ones. Immediately I contacted my rep and was told that I should have gotten one and would be sent right out. I still haven’t seen one. In fact I haven’t read one review that hasn’t mentioned the lack of the US AC adapter. It’s a little disheartening to know how easy it is to get one and still not be provided one. But I pushed on and found a few toys, robbed the batteries and fired them on up. 

 

Sounding Off

 

At first the sound was flat, no base no real, “ahhhh” so I tried different music, something with more base and fuller mids. I like to feel my music, not because I want it loud, but because I want it precise and clear. I have be using my Atrio™ headphones for so long now that I know how my music is supposed to sound and if the output has no real depth then it’s not the music, it is either the EQ or the speakers. 

 

So my first logical step is change options in the settings on my iPod. Naturally I go to the EQ first and turn on the base boost then make sure Sound Check is off and try again. Now I have base, but I also have that annoying vibration that comes from speakers that aren’t made for deeper base and higher treble.

 

It was a sad moment when I realized that I couldn’t fix the depth of the music with any of my settings. I had to just accept that the StreetParty Size 0 isn’t created for superior sound, but rather compact, lightweight, easy to travel with, portable speakers that sound just, “OK”. 

 

All the features, all the cords included or not included, all the compatibility, all the sleek and smooth design, cannot make up for lack of sound quality. 

 

Conclusion

 

For the constant traveler staying in hotel rooms night after night, The StreetParty Size Zero is a welcome respite from well-worn headphones and bulky speakers. But for me, I am left wanting more and wondering why they didn’t go the extra mile.

 

It’s a good-looking product that could become a great product with a little more attention to what people want most out of speakers - Great Sound!