All > Aiwa Exos 9
Aiwa Exos 9
Retail Price
$329.99
Release Date
December 2020
The Aiwa Exos 9 is the product that pulled Aiwa from ashes, which they should have named “The Phoenix” instead. Either way, it sounds great, especially outdoors. If Aiwa can add built-in water protection and additional smart connection options like Alexa, AirPlay, or Google Play, then it can come close to a perfect all-in-one speaker.
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Overview
- Features
- Price
- Reputation
- Improvements
- Target Market
- Sound Coverage
- Recommendation
Features - It’s a huge speaker compared to other portable speakers. Also, it allows customization with an equalizer allowing you to turn it up or down and hear the difference big-time with so much face into it. The mids can also be tweaked to whatever you like, while the highs have presets for certain tracks, and you can also save your own. Overall, it can produce distortion-free sound with the deepest bass from a Bluetooth speaker and has intricate customization options.
iBertz
03/13/2021
Price - It’s hard to recommend for its price of $300 / £226 / AU$403, as at that price, you can get a Sonos One for home and JBL Flip 4 for on-the-go. Even a UE Blast with Alexa is a better compromise between home and outdoor use for $100 less, and an excellent sounding Marshall Kilburn, which gives a sense of nostalgia with its physical knobs, switches, and buttons. However, none of them can get as loud as the Exos-9, but you’ll have to prioritize volume above all else with it.
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Reputation - It’s a good product from a good brand and is overall a high-quality product.
iBertz
03/13/2017
Improvements - It’s the product that pulled Aiwa from ashes, which they should have named “The Phoenix” instead. Either way, it sounds great, especially outdoors. If Aiwa can add built-in water protection and additional smart connection options like Alexa, AirPlay, or Google Play, then it can come close to a perfect all-in-one speaker.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Target Market - As the wireless speaker market is crowded to the point of bursting, companies have to find a niche to be successful. Aiwa thinks there’s a niche for consumers looking for a large speaker that can play loudly in the home and on the go, and the Exos-9 is just that, as it can please those looking for a speaker that can play loudly for a party indoors or out.
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Sound Coverage - It’s a portable Bluetooth speaker, a big speaker with a big sound, and 2 is better than 1 as it can be linked with one button if you want more sound. Also, it can go outside with a 50ft operating radius and be unplugged as it has a battery.
Unbox Therapy
12/14/2016
Recommendation - It sounds too good that playing over Bluetooth limits it, so if you plan on using it via Bluetooth exclusively, then you’re better off getting something cheaper. Performance-wise, it greatly helps fill the space, whether in a house or outside, and it’s best to get 2 if you can afford it. Also, it pairs easily and has a 50ft operating radius.
Sources
Tags
- Features
- Price
- Reputation
- Improvements
- Target Market
- Sound Coverage
- Recommendation
Sources
- YouTube
- techradar
- the gadgeteer
See All Sources
Cons & Pros
- Cons
- Pros
Cons - Its cons are that it has a hollow, plastic build, no smartphone app, has a narrow sound, is quite bulky, and is not great to take along on a hiking trip as the battery also depletes fast above two-thirds max volume levels.
Pros - Its pros are that it can get very loud, has multi-band EQ, an affordable price, distortion-free audio, is perfect for outdoor parties, has decent battery life at moderate volume, has great bass even outdoors, extended Bluetooth distance, and a built-in carrying handle.
See All Sources
Build, Design & Inclusion
- Build
- Carrying Case
- Control Panel
- Design
- Dimensions
- Inclusions
- Inputs
- Link Button
- Material
- Power
Build - It comes with 5 speakers: 2 1” tweeters, 2 3” mid-range drivers, and 1 6.5” subwoofer, which are powered by a 200W amplifier. Its combination packs a wallop when the volume is turned up, allowing it to match many speakers, even those that cost more. Design-wise, it’s bland and generic, has a plastic housing that reduces durability, and has a big rubber handle for carrying that requires a tighter grip and puts an undo strain on hand muscles. The dials at the front for volume, play/pause, Bluetooth input, and equalizer feel good to move. Its ports include a bass port and AUX input. Also, the battery compartment will breathe for the sub, so all the base will be coming from the back player.
Carrying Case - An optional carrying case is offered, giving the speaker an IPX4 splash and dustproof rating.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Control Panel - Located on top is the control panel that looks removable but isn’t. It has touch-sensitive buttons, including play/pause, link, and equalizer (EQ) controls. The EQ uses directional arrows for adjusting frequencies with left/right arrows for choosing between 4 non-adjustable EQ presets and 1 customizable EQ setting. In contrast, up/down arrows allow increase/decrease gain for 5 EQ bands. Usage-wise, the Left/Right arrows are used to move among the customized bands to press the Up/Down arrows to gain control, which is a bit complicated. The link button connects the device to another Exos-9 or a phone to play music.
Design - There are 2 decorative bass ports at the bottom, while near the top is a monochrome LED panel that shows EQ settings controlled from the top panel. An LCD panel in front displays the EQ being used, battery life, and charging notification. On the back are the power switch, 3.5mm analog-in jack, USB-A port for charging, microUSB port for firmware updates, and the 2,600 mAH 22V lithium-ion battery pack rated to last 9 hours, but there’s an optional battery pack to double it. Design-wise, it has a generic and forgettable look and is black with small silver accents like the aluminum volume knob. Behind the grille are the 2 tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, and a woofer.
Dimensions - It weighs 13 lbs, less than expected, with its dimensions of 7.5 x 11.7 x 19.4 inches. It’s an unwieldy speaker that can be taken on BBQs and pool parties. Overall, it’s larger than most wireless speakers but still portable enough to carry around.
Inclusions - It comes with a speaker, a mini-plug cable, a power cable so it doesn’t need to run on battery, a big battery, a Quick Start guide for the speakers, and a 3.5-millimeter headphone jack.
Inputs - It has a volume knob, and on the back are the power button, a big USB for charging, microUSB for software updates, and a USB charge for streaming or sharing juice. Also, there’s an AUX line and power plug.
Link Button - It has a link button that allows 2 Exos-9 speakers to be wirelessly connected for audio mirroring or true L/R stereo with the added benefit of more volume.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Material - It’s kind of plasticky, so it can get scratched or damaged if it falls, so it’s best to take good care of it, and the material of the black strip also gets scratched easily. Also, wiping it with a hand will leave micro scratches on its plastic.
Power - It uses a USB cord for charging in the power outlet and a microUSB for software updates, and the top portion is touch sensitive.
iBertz
03/13/2017
Sources
Tags
- Build
- Carrying Case
- Control Panel
- Design
- Dimensions
- Inclusions
- Inputs
- Link Button
- Material
- Power
Sources
- YouTube
- the gadgeteer
- techradar
- Bass Head Speakers
TechStream
11/18/2019
RecreationalStudio
03/24/2016
iBertz
03/13/2017
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
iBertz
03/13/2017
Unbox Therapy
12/14/2016
RecreationalStudio
03/24/2016
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
RecreationalStudio
03/24/2016
TechStream
11/18/2019
iBertz
03/13/2017
See All Sources
Battery
- Battery Life
Battery Life - It has a large rechargeable 2500mAh battery at the bottom and is rated at 10hrs. Performance-wise, it lasts 7-9 hrs of listening at moderate volume with no issues. For those looking for an extremely powerful speaker, it’s a safe choice and a great investment. Additionally, it can charge up your phone or tablet via the USB charging on the board, and extra batteries can be purchased to swap out for $85 / £64 / AU$114 to double or extend its battery life.
See All Sources
Features
- Battery Save Mode
- Bluetooth
- Connectivity
- EQ Settings
- Stereo Link
- Stereo System
- Waterproof
Battery Save Mode - If the battery life isn’t enough, it offers an optional extended battery for longer playtime, called Battery Save Mode EQ (equalizer) Setting that determines which frequencies use the most power and adjusts them to increase battery life up to 100%, but note that battery life shortens as volume increases. It will affect the audio as certain frequencies are reduced.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Bluetooth - Bluetooth pairing is easy; once powered on, the device shows up on iPhone’s Bluetooth settings, and if you have NFC, there is a labeled touch spot on the top of the speaker. Also, upon turning the speaker on, the Bluetooth turns on without the need to press or hold anything, then, it will always search unless connected to a device, and it can connect to up to 20 devices.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Connectivity - Its connectivity options include a mini plug AUX Line-In port at the back, which accepts headphones, digital audio players (DAP), laptops, and anything that uses a mini plug for audio. Once plugged into the AUX port, it automatically takes over. There are 2 USB ports: 1 for charging mobile devices, so smartphones can charge while streaming music, but it’s not a USB digital-in port, while the other is a micro-USB port that’s for firmware updates only. A circular bass port is also present for air movement to increase bass. Other connectivity options include aptX and A2DP support, NFC streaming to allow playing from Spotify, and a 3.5mm audio jack for direct connection with non-wireless sources. Additionally, the speaker comes with a mini plug cable but not a USB cable.
EQ Settings - An EQ setting can be customized for almost every genre of music to adjust the bass and midrange of treble settings. Different modes can be selected on the left side of the control.
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Stereo Link - It allows the linking of 2 Exos-9s to provide either stereo-separated (left and right) or dual stereo sound for an extra sound performance, which makes it easy to set up for larger parties and gatherings with a larger dual sound performance.
Bass head Speakers
01/02/2022
Stereo System - Many will want it to be their main stereo system, as other Bluetooth speakers in the smaller category can’t replace the stereo system. However, some will find it too big and not portable enough; it still has a sound, especially in the acoustics, that has no substitute for its physical scale, as you need to have a cabinet size to resonate at that level. Therefore if you want that capacity, thump, and get people moving, and have a cabinet to do it, then it’s loud enough that your neighbors could complain.
Unbox Therapy
12/14/2016
Waterproof - Even though it can be used outdoors, it’s neither waterproof nor water resistant.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Sources
Tags
- Battery Save Mode
- Bluetooth
- Connectivity
- EQ Settings
- Stereo Link
- Stereo System
- Waterproof
Sources
- the gadgeteer
- Bass Head Speakers
- YouTube
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Bass head Speakers
01/02/2022
Unbox Therapy
12/14/2016
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
See All Sources
Performance & Specification
- Bass
- Music Separation
- Performance
- Power Performance
- Setting Up
- Sound Quality
- Sound Signature
- Sound Drivers
- Sound Loud
- Sound Volume
- Soundstage
- Specifications
Bass - It has a rich, powerful, clear, and never muddy bass that offers great impact and extends deep though a bit uncontrolled at loud volumes, while the midrange is present and crisp, and the highs are not overbearing and never piercing. It can shake your house at maximum volume, and the sound does not distort, which is impressive for a battery-powered speaker.
Music Separation - Its music separation is great in that you can hear the instruments and subtle notes in the music with an insane bass output; specifically, it’s tight, punchy, and stays where it should be at the low end without bleeding into the midrange. Also, listening to rock and pop songs were some of the most enjoyable experiences.
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Performance - It has a massive sound output, impactful bass, crisp highs, and an option to adjust the EQ settings and pair with another Exos-9 for dual sound performance. Also, it comes with the latest wireless music streaming technology for high-quality audio streaming with a massive 200W of pure power and a subwoofer making it one of the most powerful Bluetooth speakers at an affordable price with high-end sound performance.
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Power Performance - It’s an extremely powerful Bluetooth speaker that can produce 200Ws of pure power with plenty of volumes to go around with deep bass output and crisp highs. It also has settings for adjusting the bass, treble, and volume making it one of the few Bluetooth speakers that allow turning up the volume to the maximum without distortion and good quality music reproduction.
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Setting Up - Place the battery in without plugging it into the outlet and the ports on the top right, slide it inside, at the back, and close.
iBertz
03/13/2017
Sound Quality - The sound quality is impeccable, even cranked as far up as it will go, with no distortion.
TechStream
11/18/2019
Sound Signature - The sound signature is fairly balanced with the EQ turned off, but there’s an option to tweak the sound with a basic 5-band EQ.
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Sound Drivers - It sounds good because of the 6 internal acoustic drivers that maintain the balance between the highs and the midrange, keeping them present and detailed, 6.5” inch dual-coil subwoofer that enhances the bass response and creates a sonic low-end, making music jump out of the speaker, thus, ending with a phenomenal sound performance that makes it suitable for home-theatre setups to provide cinematic sound. However, the dedicated drivers should add some clarity, as getting high-end out of a beefy mid-woofer is hard. At the same time, single-driver speakers can sound great, though they will often sacrifice one end of the audio spectrum to boost another.
Sound Loud - It can get incredibly loud and has no problems filling the largest of rooms with music, making it a great poolside companion or for a BBQ in the park where extra power to pump loud and far tunes is needed. Overall, it’s designed to rick a party with a massive 200W of pure audio authority.
Sound Volume - Volume alone doesn’t make a good speaker, but Aiwa matched the amp to the speakers well to produce excellent audio at all volumes. Performance-wise, setting the speaker on a backyard deck railing and walking 50-60 feet away from it, then turning the volume to max, not only did the Bluetooth signal hold with zero dropouts, but the sound quality was also excellent and distortion-free, and the bass is impressive as well making it a potent party speaker.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Soundstage - When playing in stereo, the soundstage is narrow because the woofers are close together. However, speaker manufacturers use digital signal processing (DSP) to make the sound wider, but Aiwa doesn’t do that.
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Specifications - Its specs include an onboard volume, EQ control of 5-band with 4 equalizer presets, Bluetooth with a radius of 50ftA2DP support, aptX, AAC, SBC codec support, and wireless NFC pairing. 2-speaker pairing for wireless left/right stereo, 2600 mAH lithium-ion rechargeable battery with 9+ hours play time before recharging, USB charging, frequency response of 40Hz-20KHz, power of 200W, 2 1” silk dome tweeter, 2 3” neodymium midrange speaker driver, 1 6.5” dual voice coil subwoofer, class-D bi-amplification, active and passive crossovers, bass reflex port, and a 3.5mm aux. input.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Sources
Tags
- Bass
- Music Separation
- Performance
- Power Performance
- Setting Up
- Sound Quality
- Sound Signature
- Sound Drivers
- Sound Loud
- Sound Volume
- Soundstage
- Specifications
Sources
- Bass Head Speakers
- techradar
- YouTube
- the gadgeteer
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
iBertz
03/13/2017
TechStream
11/18/2019
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
mrdoom
05/16/2021
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
Bass Head Speakers
01/02/2022
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
techradar - Lewis Leong
06/20/2018
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
See All Sources
Comparison
- Exos-9 vs Diamondbox L 3
- Exos-9 vs Diamondbox XL vs JBL Partybox 100
- Exos-9 vs ION Road Warrior
- Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox 100
- Exos-9 vs Soundcore Motion Boom
Exos-9 vs Diamondbox L 3 - The Diamondboxx L 3 is way better than the Exos-9.
Sea_Assignment5608
07/22/2019
Exos-9 vs Diamondbox XL vs JBL Partybox 100 - The Diamondbox XL is ridiculous and better if price/size is not a metric, while the new JBL partybox 100 has more modern features and a good design but is not a worthy upgrade from the Aiwa as the sound is not better.
mrdoom
02/22/2019
Exos-9 vs ION Road Warrior - Aiwas combination of physical tweeters, mid speakers, and sub is a proper build that allows a more authentic than emulated wide frequency range, and a built-in EQ is great for the boombox. It’s also better quality and clarity at high volumes with a clean bass for a single sub. In contrast, the ION Road Warrior gets louder but with explosive bass that takes over the highs and almost non-existent mids. However, it’s good for outdoor ghetto blasting, and it’s barely portable with a ton of weight due to the upgraded speakers and larger battery. A user also hopes for a classic 80s boombox in Bluetooth battery speaker form with all the physical controls for fine-tuning to be brought back.
jiven
07/22/2019
Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox 100 - The Aiwa is better than the Partybox 100 because of better indoor sound and a replaceable battery, and it can put out good bass and lower bass, but still not as much in quantity as the JBL. In terms of weight, the carrying weight can be overkill, with the JBL weighing 21.4 lbs and the Aiwa 13 lbs, though it has its carrying case.
ej102
03/28/2021
Exos-9 vs Soundcore Motion Boom - The Motion Boom cannot compare to the Exos-9, which costs $300, while the MB costs $76, so you won’t expect it to be a match. Performance-wise, the Exos-9 has better clarity than the MB and with more bass and loudness. Among dozens of Bluetooth speakers over the years, nothing has come close to the Exos 9, but it’s huge, heavy, and has a horrible design to be carried because the handle is in the back of the case at the very top, causing it to lean forward when carried. In contrast, the MB isn’t terrible or anything but is not built for serious listening, while the Aiwa won’t compete with even a modest home stereo, but for a portable speaker, it sounds good.
ment011
05/16/2021
Sources
Tags
- Exos-9 vs Diamondbox L 3
- Exos-9 vs Diamondbox XL vs JBL Partybox 100
- Exos-9 vs ION Road Warrior
- Exos-9 vs JBL Partybox 100
- Exos-9 vs Soundcore Motion Boom
Sources
See All Sources
Availability & Price
- Availability
- Price
- Value
Availability - It’s available on Amazon.
the gadgeteer - Bill Henderson
02/04/2019
Price - It costs $260, which is not cheap, but if you’re in the market for a good party speaker, it can be used outside.
TechStream
11/18/2019
Value - It’s worth the 300 bucks as it’s only available online, and it’s the best $300 you’ll spend on a speaker.
RecreationalStudio
03/24/2016
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