Pioneer PCR-BS10 Portable Speaker

Gadgeteer Hands On Review by Judie Hughes

December 09, 2004

Product Requirements:
Portable CD, Mini-Disk, Tape or MP3 player and four AA batteries

One of the first things that happened when I got my digital music player, was that I realized I didn't always want to listen to music over headphones. Thankfully, I do have several options. When I am sitting at my computer, music can be played through my desktop. When in the car, I can broadcast music through an FM radio station. When I am at the beach this Christmas, I will be able to use a self contained portable music speaker system.

How can I brave taking my digital music player and a speaker system to a place where it will probably get wet, you ask? Because I have a water resistant and splash-proof Pioneer PCR-BS10 Portable Speaker. Yah baby, bring me another piña colada while I listen to Keane!

Available in translucent green or red plastic, this speaker system measures approximately 10.5" long x 7" tall x 3" thick.

Photo courtesy of the Audio Cubes site

Powered by four AA batteries, the Pioneer features a clamshell design that puts two 2.25" 8 Ω speakers and a volume knob in the front compartment.

The speakers appear to be made of some sort of clear springy plastic. This is most likely because they are water resistant.

Inside the inner rubber-gasket protected chamber is the battery panel, as well as an approximately 9.5" long x 6" tall x 1.5" wide hollow to stow any music player that will fit. A 3.5mm mini-plug is taped to the inner wall. When it is plugged into the headphone jack of the inserted player, music will play through the speakers.

The only downside to this chamber is that it is not padded in any way. If you put your player inside, then it will most likely rattle around a bit, depending on its size in relation to the chamber. With that in mind, it is best to keep your player inside a case of some sort. Here you can see my HD1 in its cheesy little slip-case, which is at least better than nothing.   

Before shutting the clamshell with the folding locking clasp, the user's preferred settings for the music player must be selected.

Once the case is closed, the only adjustments that can be made are to turn the speakers on or off,  and the turning of the exterior knob to the desired speakers' volume. When the speakers are turned on, a red light will glow directly above the volume knob. If the volume knob is turned off, then the player will continue to run. So unless you don't mind killing your battery, you must remember to also turn off the player.

Sound though the speakers is not bad at all. I believe that the quality of the recording being played bears a direct relation to how it sounds through the speakers. With that said, I have been listening to music for the last three hours here at my desk and outside. I believe that the player will work wonderfully indoors, and it will be more than loud enough for personal use outdoors. Obviously this speaker system will not play loud enough for a pool party, but it will be perfect for setting on a table as rays are soaked up by the pool.

The back of the Pioneer has a raised round disk onto which a plastic ring clips. This ring is great if you have a hook you want to hang everything from, or if you have a shoulder strap you can attach. The ring can also be removed, should the user prefer.

   

Since I am never one to believe that something is so, just because I am told it is, I had to see if the Pioneer was indeed "water resistant and splash proof." After all, what good would it be for me to pack it for the trip if it wasn't going to perform as advertised.

With that goal in mind, I squirted the front of the player with water. Through it all, the speakers continued to play without distortion. When I opened the clamshell case, I found the interior to be completely dry. Not too shabby!

I have been using the Pioneer for over five hours straight now, and the batteries are showing no sign of giving up. I am not sure what the total battery life will be, but I would guess that it should be sufficient for a long day at the beach. I do think it would be wise to invest in some rechargeable AAs, though.

Okay, that settles it - the Pioneer is coming with me to Hawaii! If you are looking for a portable, self-contained way to play your music in a less than dry environment, then you should definitely take a look at the Pioneer.

The Pioneer PCR-BS10 Portable Speaker is available from Audio Cubes and other retailers.

Price: $49.00

Pros:
Water resistant and splash proof
Amplified Sound
Easy to pack
Easy to carry
Easy to use

Cons:
Lack of access to the player while it is in case