Device Review: Devotec Solar Sound 2

Device Review:  Devotec Solar Sound 2 by Timothy Noordewier

When companies release a new version of a product, it is for one of two reasons:  They want to make more revenue and did not actually upgrade the product, or they have developed new innovations that make the new product superior to the previous version.  Devotec Industries teamed with acoustic engineers to produce the Solar Sound 2, a true upgrade of The Solar Sound.  The Solar Sound 2 is designed to maximize audible performance with as little distortion as possible.

So what’s new with The Solar Sound 2?  First, the battery can hold a larger capacity of 1600mAh, versus 1500mAh on the original Solar Sound.  Second, The Solar Sound 2 integrates the developments of acoustic engineering by providing full range speakers with rubber surround and woven cones.  The speakers deliver 2 watts RMS.  RMS, short for root mean square but commonly referred to as real music sound, is basically the average magnitude of the sound.  In other words, The Solar Sound 2 has two speakers that can play music at 2 watts with minimal distortion.

The 6.5V 130mA mono-crystalline solar panel (say that ten times fast) conveys enough power to allow infinite playback if the device is in enough sunlight and the volume level is not too high!  It will use the solar panel to power music playback whenever possible.  If not enough sunlight is available, the battery will be used instead of the solar panel.

As always, the device can also be charged via the 5V USB cable (included) or the AC adapter (also included).  The Solar Sound 2 is equipped with Bluetooth and can pair with most cell phones and even the Iphone.  However, there have been some reported issues that it has trouble pairing with the iPod Touch or iPad.  According to Devotec Industries, they are working on this issue and should have a second stock available that will work with the iPod Touch and iPad.  An integrated microphone allows any paired Bluetooth device to pause music (usually automatically) so you can take calls.  Ending the call is as easy as pushing the center button on The Solar Sound 2.

If you do not have Bluetooth, the Solar Sound 2 is equipped with a retractable 3.5mm analogue audio cable (the one that fits iPods).  The Solar Sound 2 also has a “line out” jack if you wish to connect your Bluetooth device to Hi-Fi speakers.  When might that be useful?  Let’s say you’re at a party and your friend has a high quality stereo system, but no one has an iPod.  You have your Bluetooth capable phone with music on the memory card.  You could pair with The Solar Sound 2, connect the included audio cable from the “line out” jack to the “line in” jack on the stereo, and enjoy the music!  Some stereos may require an additional adapter.

In summary, The Solar Sound 2 is a slick new device that is perfect for a day at the beach, camping trips, picnics, dorm rooms, and even as a speakerphone for the office.  This review is brought to you by Timothy Noordewier of The Solar Angels.

The Solar Sound 2 Kit contains one protective case, one retractable audio cable, one speaker unit, one AC adapter, and one retractable USB cable.

The Solar Sound 2 is playing music from an iPod Touch.

Device Review

Pros:

• Quality playback
• Infinite playback possible!
• 3.5mm retractable audio cable included
• Bluetooth capable
• “line out” jack
• Charges in 5 hours via USB/AC
• Protective case included
• Gold plated connections
• USB/AC power cable included
• Built in microphone Battery supports 5-20
• hours of playback (if not in the sun)
• Improved durability

Cons:

• Delay when changing songs via Bluetooth
• Requires 12-24 hours to charge from empty in the sun…however, charging is not necessary if the device is in full sun. 
• Reported issues pairing with iPod Touch or iPad (requires HFP compatible Bluetooth)