The SuperTooth DISCO is a stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) speaker system for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac and similar devices that promises bigger, better, and more booming sound than the Jawbone JAMBOX. But is the increase in size worth the reduction in portability?
Because the iPhone and iPad aren't exactly renowned for the quality of their speakers, many of us have come to rely on external audio devices to give our iOS devices a much-needed kick in the bass (among other things). While there are plenty of options, including AirPlay speakers, it's convenient to have a sound solution that's as mobile as our mobile devices. Something we can use both when we're at home on Wi-Fi and when we're out and about with no Wi-Fi in sight. That makes Bluetooth still a viable, useful option, and that makes something like the SuperTooth DISCO ideal.
And if it's a multitasker -- something you can hook your friend's non-Bluetooth iPod classic or nano up to via good, old-fashioned hardwire, so much the better.
According to SuperTooth, the DISCO features 28 Watt RMS audio power. That includes the internal Subwoofer amplifier power 12 Watt RMS, and the Internal Left and right audio power amplifier: 2 x 8 Watt RMS. The subwoofer speaker uses the Neodyne high efficiency system, and the left and right speakers are full range with parabolic membrane. All of the speakers magnetic shielded
A large, easy to use control wheel decorates the front of the SuperTooth DISCO. It includes a volume knob as well play/pause, skip back/rewind, skip ahead/fast-forward, a bass button, and an on/off/stop button. There's also a Bluetooth connection and battery level indicator.
Around the back is the charging port and charge level indicator, and a 3.5mm stereo line-in connector.
The nickel metal hydride battery life for the SuperTooth DISCO is rated at 3-4 hours on high volume and up to 10 hours on medium volume. Stand by time is rated at 1500 hours and charge time at 3 hours.
On the other hand, all of that performance comes at a price -- the size. The SuperTooth DISCO is 2.5 lbs, and 3.5 inches high, 2.75 inches thick, and just over a foot long.
That means those hoping to stash the SuperTooth DISCO in a purse or messenger bag may be disappointed. This is large bag or big backpack only.
Maybe for just that very reason, the SuperTooth DISCO comes with a protective carrying case with openings for the ports and the speaker.
The good
- Excellent sound
- Comes with protective case
- Works with both iOS and non-iOS audio devices
The bad
- Large size may limit portability
The bottom line
The SuperTooth DISCO isn't a Bluetooth speaker I can sneak into my jacket pocket, but it's absolutely what I want when I'm driving around in a jeep, or at home and just want the whole place flooded with music.
With great music comes great size, however, and that's not going to suit everyone. When I want massive music from my tiny iPhone, the SuperTooth DISCO is both big and beautiful.
Reader comments
SuperTooth DISCO Bluetooth speaker system review
I think all tech blog sites should refuse to cover Bluetooth speakers until they support Bluetooth 4.0 with CD-Quality sound ;-)
I wish those reviews from iMore on speakers and headphones was giving more in-depth comparisons to the actual sound quality of the devices...
It doesn't have to be pages long or Hifi expert reviews, but some personal observations to the quality of the sound would be a lot more helpful to me than a lot of the info in regards to size, portability and looks.
Please test the Bose Bluetooth speaker. I think it sounds better than everything else you've tested.
I have the Bose Bluetooh speaker and love it. The sound is awesome and so rich for a protable speaker.
I reviewed this one for TreoCentral a few years back (when it was the BlueAnt M5) and it does sound pretty good; The lows are decent but it can distort at higher levels. This unit does not compare to the Bose SoundLink I have now which produces fairly incredible, loud, non-distorted sound in a smaller, more portable device. Their price points don't compare either, though.
The problem is its so difficult to describe audio in a way meaningful to everyone.
I was a bit disappointed with my when it arrived, after reading so many great reviews. Its still fantastic for its size, but `i was expecting more given the praise heaped on it.
You're right, it is difficult, and very subjective, but iMore does give reviews fairly often on speakers and headphones.
But it's not that difficult, I think, to give a personal opinion on the sound quality in comparison to other devices reviewed.
Not professional reviews with graphs and measurement of the bass volume and crispness of the high notes, just an opinion on the sound.
Sound quality ought to be the measurement guiding your wallet when buying speakers and headphones....
Agreed.
I clicked on this review because it looked familiar. I bought the Blueant M1 bluetooth speaker years ago, and it looks identical to this speaker. I checked the CNET review from 8/26/2008 and the specs are the same. Looks like SuperTooth released a 4 year-old speaker. I paid about $250 back then for it.
However, I do love my M1 speaker. I take it everywhere and use it for cooking outside, beach vacations, casual parties. It looks and sounds better than anything else I have seen. When I am not taking it somewhere, I leave it on my desk to improve my laptop's sound. I would recommend it to anyone.
Thank you for your impressions Patric.
Strange that they'll re-release a speaker like that without any changes 4 years on..
Maybe it's because phones with Bluetooth connectivity and enough storage for music is much more common now compared to back then.
A LOT has happend in the mobile space since then..
Such a great speaker and I got another bluetooth wireless speakers spaeker want to share to u.
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