Hey gang, Valkor here. Whenever I’m working in the cave, there has to be something going on in the background, either music, a movie, something on television, or anything that can break up the silence. But when I’m not doing any work, and I’m just mellowing out, it’s strictly tunes. And if you’re in the market for an audio piece that can either make your more productive or less, then you’ll want to look to the latest from iHome – the IBT84 Color Changing Bluetooth Speaker with built-in Power Bank.
The iHome IBT84, on the outset, has a beautiful, crystal-like appearance. At the top of the speaker is where the sounds are produced, which also features the power button. And at the back of the device you have your volume, color changing controls and a button for taking/receiving calls, as well as a panel that opens up to reveal a microUSB port to charge the speaker, a USB port to make use of the power bank, and a 3.5mm aux jack for wired connection. Setting up the speakers is really simple: just power it on, set your device to discover and the speakers will give off a tone when it’s properly connected. Then it’s just a matter of finding the right set of tunes to fit your mood.
There’s a lot more to the IBT84 than just belting out some of your favorite hits; the added power bank is a definite bonus. And it makes sense if you’re using your smartphone to churn out the beats; you can set it next to the speaker and top-up if you’re running low, so it's always within reach. As for the color-changing effects, you have several modes to choose from, which include pulse to music, wave, solid, slow wave, and fast change. I’m preferable to the initial wave, which is way more soothing to look at. Plus it pairs nicely with my mellow choice of tunes, which is usually something jazzy or R&B related. While the IBT84 has a dedicated button for color-changing, you can also download an app called “iHome Enhanced” to perform the same function. However, I haven't been able to make use of it since it’s stuck on “searching”. Finally, you’re capable of taking and receiving calls; if you’re in the midst of your music, it’ll take a pause until your call is done and then continue where you left off.
I’ve toyed with my share of Bluetooth speakers here in the cave, with my favorite being the Altec Lansing Life Jacket, which gets mad props because I could beat the snot out of it and it still churns out amazing beats. And while I can’t do the same with the IBT84 (iHome does make speakers that I can abuse), I am able to tell you why this speaker will be one you’ll want to receive this holiday season.
The Bang:
I have to hand it to the folks at iHome because they really know how to produce a quality product at an affordable price. And by that I mean the IBT84 is an amazing Bluetooth speaker with sound quality that matches or comes close to the ones that cost way more. Forget the color-changing effect or the power bank for now as those features are a bonus! But let’s talk about sound quality! I kicked things off with a few jazzy beats and was instantly floored by how crisp and clear playback was. Bass and treble were very well balanced, with the bass set just right that it wasn’t overpowering or distorted even at its loudest setting. And vocals were so clean and clear, you’d swear the person singing was right there next to you. The color changing effect is impressive and depending on your plans, whether you’re just chilling at home or planning something special, the color-changing effects will fit any mood… especially when the lights go down. Finally, there’s the power bank; I’m glad it’s there and it’s an excellent feature to add to the speaker, but I had to remind myself that it was even there to begin with as I was too caught up in my tunes. But why not top-up while enjoying some of my favorite hits right? So if you’re in the market for a Bluetooth speaker that really brings out the best in your music yet won’t cost you a ton, then look you'll need to look no further than iHome’s IBT84!
The Slack:
Right now the app is pretty useless as it hasn’t loaded since I installed, reinstalled, and reinstalled yet again.
Saying that I am impressed with iHome’s IBT84 Bluetooth Speaker is an understatement as it wows on all levels in terms of looks, audio quality, and function. You seriously get quite a bit out of this speaker; and while you might come for the features, it’s how the speaker handles your music that’ll keep you coming back for more. So, out of TOV 5 stars, I’m giving iHome IBT84 Color-Changing Bluetooth Speaker a 4.5. And it’s been Valkor tested, TOV Approved.
