Great review! I am so afraid of giving out negative reviews myself and always really explain the pros and cons if I have to. You did great! Love your expression when sitting on the sofa.
Yeah, it's tough really. On one hand you have to be careful not to do harm to a brand, and on the other you want to help people with purchasing decisions. I try to think of ways to give helpful and actionable feedback to the company so that they can make improvements in the future. My expression were just my real expressions. 😂 I'm sure you have tracks you use to test that you know very well. These sounded very different than what I'm used to.
Yep I watched this after I pre ordered the sub to pair with my existing gen2 echo and to be fair when it arrived it sounded awfull. So I ordered a second echo to see if it made a difference and yep it still sounded real bad. Then I spent a bit of time messing with the EQ and I have found that it ain’t so bad if u place one of the echoes above the sub and adjust the EQ to : Bass -2, Mid +2 and Treb +3 .
Hi Joe, I found your channel from my friend Channa D during his video with you. Great job on the review. I just received my first Echo Dot yesterday and will be using it in my dedicated home theater. I am new to the Alexa ecosystem but am excited to see what it can do in the area of automation in my room. Definitely nothing wrong with providing an honest review. That's what consumers want. If it's junk, you don't have to bash it or the company, simply point out what isn't great about the product. You did a great job sir. New subscriber here!
Also, I forgot to mention that I've watched your videos before. Just subscribed also. It's 3am and just got off the phone with Channa...talking about everything and anything.
Hi guys! So can the Echo 2.1 system be connected to your Smart TV? I want to purchase for my large bedroom and have it double for 2.1 stereo from the TV.
Happy to see you make a negative review about a product that deserves it. I think you did a great job of demonstrating the issues. I think a great setup would be Fluance Ai40's connected via RCA to 3.5mm cable to an Echo Dot or Echo Input. That would give you better sound quality, actual stereo imaging, and an easier setup with only 3 wires, all for equal or lesser price. If you connected the Echo device to the speakers via Bluetooth you would only have 2 wires to connect and you would still have the option of connecting the speakers to another source such as a TV.
It took me 13 minutes to connect a pair of Canton Plus XL to a ~ $6 amp and one minute to connect the phone of a friend to the amp. The cantons were bought used for ~ $40. My friend was like "oh dude, it's that easy?" It sounds awesome for the price and the setup was really easy. I totally agree with you. But amazon has to step up their game if they want to compete. I'd say collaborating with a well known audio brand would be a great idea.
I felt the exact same way. I got the sub and the two echo pluses and I just wasn’t impressed. I ended up returning them and am going to buy a HomePod. Yes I know that you can get better speakers for the same price but the convenience of the HomePod with me being an Apple Music user is enough for me.I have just recently gotten in to audio, what would you recommend for a beginner for a basic home theater and music listening set up?
Joe N Tell I just watched the vs bookshelf one before this one! The only problem I have is that I use Apple Music so I can’t control it with the echo dot. I was thinking about getting a HomePod for casual listening and a dedicated speaker system for more immersive listening. I’ll watch the Micca video next
My favorite German DIY loudspeaker magazine Hobby HiFi say that omnidirectional speakers should be placed at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from each wall. They also say that then the stereo image is very good and stable everywhere in the room. Unfortunaltey I never tried omnidirectional speakers myself so I can't prove that that's true. Maybe it still depends on if the speaker is designed in the correct way (e.g. the diffusor cone has an opening angle of 90 degrees at the tip and a triangle as cross section which the Echo has not). Maybe you should give it another try with more distance to the walls.
Perhaps you're right. I just feel like if we're talking about some MBL's or Ohm Walsh's, that makes sense. For some Amazon Echo devices, not so much. Most people will put these near a wall if the space requires it. I doubt anyone will buy stands for these to place them 5 ft from a wall. I appreciate the info though. It's new to me. Thank you. 🙏
A weird Bluetooth thing is that I can't get the sub to work through Bluetooth playback it works fine when I ask Alexa to play music but when I Bluetooth to the Echo Show 2nd generation and play music the sub suddenly disappears.... ? Wondering if it's just not supported through Bluetooth because of timing or if it will be supported later or if I'm doing something wrong?
Great video. I heard that for now the 2.1 channel only work with streaming audio but not playing movie (say from Apple TV)? is that the case? Do you think that will be update in the future?
I haven't, but most the ones I've seen from them are semi-omni-directional where their speakers are angled up and in. I think their old speakers and the MBL's are true omni-directional speakers.
Thanks for the review. Is possible put one sub for two room and share subwoofer? For example room1 have two echo plus and sub, room 2 only one echo plus(and use sub of the room1)?
as im watching your video,I click the like and subscribe button right away coz i like the quality and the reviews you got there..please review the edifier r2000db and compare with your bookshelve speakers..respect from Philippines.
Joe N Tell @5:38 when you sit down at the sofa and have your friend give his opinion and you guys talk about the Fluance speakers. Is that in reference to the Ai40s?
Love the in depth reviews. What amp would you(or anyone) recommend for under 150 bucks that has bluetooth? I have 2 Martin Logan Motion Speakers 4i with a center one(I also have a Energy Sub). I got these at a thrift shop last year and I'm tired of an old amp I am using. And if it's over $150 let me know so I can save up.
Thanks. I always recommend the SMSL AD18 (which I've reviewed) for it's power and features. The new Micca Origain (which I have also reviewed) has less features but is also a good small amp. Others would recommend getting a used receiver on Craigslist.
Wow! Longest setup I have ever seen. Personally, I would just get an echo dot and a Logitech Z623 system and save the setup hassle (which is what I did in my living room). Wonder if it is better or worse than the echo 2.1 with sub.
I'm honestly not sure that they're really expecting people to buy these three at the same time and use them as a 2.1 pair I think it's more of an add-on later like I have an Echo Show and I got the echo sub for it just for that extra kick and I'm pretty happy with it
I think it's perfect for that extra kick. And I do think they expect a 2.1 setup because it says it in the setup video. Also, it was sold as a bundle by Amazon.
Joe N Tell yes absolutely but I think a lot of people are going to be adding it to existing setups they have one Echo already might as well get one more and a sub I'm not sure a whole lot of people are buying three with one purchase it be nice if that was the case if they would just sell a half price Echo with no Alexa in it just a wireless speaker so you can have 2.1 without buying two identical Echoes kind of a waste of Technology if only one is going to be answering your questions you know
I had the opposite experience setting up and listening to the Echo sub and 2 Echo 2nd gen, maybe because I didn’t assume I know everything and actually READ THE INSTRUCTIONS before plugging anything in. Think about what this 2.1 system is once set up. You have a tri-amplified 2.1 system for a very reasonable cost. Yes, it does take longer to set up than just plugging in a single Echo and getting it on your WiFi network. The 2.1 stereo is accomplished by software that makes the three devices perform as a left channel, right channel and a bass channel. Apparently the Echo devices are not shipped with the stereo pairing software installed. It is part of the setup process which includes identifying which one is to function as the LEFT channel and which one is the RIGHT. When you think about it you realize the WiFi signal each is receiving has both left and right channels and all frequencies. Each device determines which channel and frequencies to play. They also communicate with each other. If you manually change the volume on one, the other two also change. There’s also a basic equalizer in the app that allows you to tune the sound according to the room dynamics. If you spend a little time experimenting with speaker placement and adjustment with the equalizer you will be rewarded with exceptional sound for the cost. My setup has the two Echos about 4’ from the floor and about 9-10’ apart on bookshelves. The Echo-sub is on the floor in the corner as recommended. I used some audiophile recommended tracks for speaker tuning. The system presents a very precise sound stage. Excellent side to side and front to back sound. So if you just plug the pieces in and tell Alexa to sound great you will probably be disappointed. But if you take the time to follow the setup instructions and then tune the system you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
I think it was an easier setup experience for you because I did made this video when it was first released. They probably ship with the updates installed (like I recommended in this video.) I'm glad you're enjoying the sound, but the issues I had with the sound quality were directly related to the omnidirectional nature of the Echo speakers which will always affect imaging. The Apple HomePod corrects for this by using built-in microphones to redirect the sound, but this doesn't. Look, I wanted to love this. I just didn't.
I understand. The software upgrade was still required to set up the left-right pairing and the frequency crossover. Instructions said it could take up to 2 hours. I was impatient so after the initial WiFi setup I turned both Echos off (unplugged). Waited a few seconds and plugged them back in. Since they were now identified to be a stereo pair the new software immediately started downloading. It took a minute or so to download and install. That’s the spinning green light. As soon as it finished they were ready to complete the setup. At that point I thought, “Wow, this is better than I expected already.” Then I started tuning. The bass was too heavy and the treble was a little thin. Using the equalizer I turned down the bass. I made a box like opening on the bookshelves just using the books. One “box” for each Echo. This gave a space for each to help project the sound forward. This is what really helped the speakers to setup a sound stage that you can hear the distinct locations of instruments and voices. You can spend thousands on audiophile grade components but you still need to spend time to set them up to get the best sound from them. The Echos are down firing speakers intended to be used individually away from walls to give room filling sound and they work quite well at that. But that doesn’t work so well to create stereo sound stage. For a relatively inexpensive “system” that sits unnoticed on bookshelves it produces exceptional sound. Thanks for the reply. You’re not the only reviewer who was frustrated with the 2.1 stereo setup. Anyone who has set up a single Echo expects the stereo pair and sub to be just as quick and easy. It’s not but is certainly worth the extra time and effort.
Interesting what you did with the books to project the sound forward. I review a lot of budget setups. I honestly think a pair of Pioneer BS22LR's, a SMSL SA50 or Micca A250 and Echo Dot would give similar functionality, easier/faster to setup, expandable and has superior sound quality.
Thanks for the reply and info, Joe. I have the Echos and sub in my parlor which is a somewhat formal living room. The system “hides” in the bookshelves. It was intended as a compromise but once it was installed and tuned I was blown away by the sound. In my office I have a Carver pre-amp and Carver power amp driving a pair of Magneplanar IIIa speakers. My favorite input is an Echo dot (3). Very pure and natural sound but the speakers are really too large to hide in any room. So using that as reference I was still extremely impressed by the Echo 2.1 setup, but it did take some tuning and strategic device placement, but not that much. I agree it is easier to use a Dot and plug it in to an all-in-one speaker system. I have one of those too in a different room and it does sound good but just doesn’t provide that broad, crisp soundstage I get with the Echo stereo pair with sub. Try playing some early Joni Mitchel music. It can really show off the high, medium and bass capability of your speakers with the acoustic guitar, her beautiful, clear voice, drums and the bass guitar. You can also hear exactly where each instrument is in the recordings. “The Circle Game” is a good one to show off your speakers. This is not a bass boomer. It’s ashamed that the stereo pair with Sub is getting such negative reviews because they are not as easy to setup as individual Echos. Everyone who has listened to them here sit with their mouth open in disbelief that they sound so good. What you’re doing is good though for people who need simplicity.
I think in a situation like your parlor where people are sitting off-axis and rarely in the sweet spot, the 2.1 Echo makes sense. I would argue 1.1 would work as well.
Great review. I love my echos but had very similar experiences setting mine up as well. Manual mode was much easier on my second but it really should be much easier.
I was gonna say the same :-D A 90.00-150.00 stereo receiver fome Ebay,Amazon,123Dj, or B&H and a 100.00-125.00 Dayton Tower speakers from parts express.
lol.. I'm on my 5th setup of these devices. Gonna start my own business because I too have been in IT for over 20 years and it still took me about 10 min to setup each myself. And that DAMN intro video that you can't skip over SUCKS!!
The echo pluses sound way better. With that said, the sub isn’t worth it because a stereo pair of echo pluses sound better than the regular echos plus sub
I don't know why you had so much problems setting these up? I set mine up in a matter of minutes ! I also have an Amazon sub plus 2 echo plus set up. And much much much more expensive stereo seperates setup as well as Sonos in 5.1. I have to say that I really love the Amazon sub and two echo plus . They are easy on a par with the Sonos play 1s. I am really baffled by your video? The speakers are so much better than you portray!
I bought them when they were first released. They might have fixed some issues or are shipping them with the updates installed. Regarding the sound quality, maybe my expectations are different from yours. I'm not the only reviewer unimpressed with the sound. I wanted to like them.
Hey Richard Hastings! I went to your channel to hopefully get an idea on how to improve my video skills, but it says, "This channel doesn't have any content." Darn.
Great review! I am so afraid of giving out negative reviews myself and always really explain the pros and cons if I have to. You did great! Love your expression when sitting on the sofa.
Yeah, it's tough really. On one hand you have to be careful not to do harm to a brand, and on the other you want to help people with purchasing decisions. I try to think of ways to give helpful and actionable feedback to the company so that they can make improvements in the future.
My expression were just my real expressions. 😂 I'm sure you have tracks you use to test that you know very well. These sounded very different than what I'm used to.
Really good review! Taking on the installation on the video was useful. Quality sound review as well. Thanks.
Don’t ever sellout. I appreciate the honest reviews.
Oh for sure, you have to be honest. If you lose your viewer's trust, it's nearly impossible to get that back. It's just not worth it.
Great video clips!!!
Appreciate the honest review without sugar coating anything. Gotta tell it like it is. Keep up the good work Joe...
I think I'm spoiled with all the speakers I get to play with
Thanks for the honest review. I was actually thinking of going this route except with the echo plus's. I changed my mind after watching this.
Yep I watched this after I pre ordered the sub to pair with my existing gen2 echo and to be fair when it arrived it sounded awfull. So I ordered a second echo to see if it made a difference and yep it still sounded real bad.
Then I spent a bit of time messing with the EQ and I have found that it ain’t so bad if u place one of the echoes above the sub and adjust the EQ to : Bass -2, Mid +2 and Treb +3 .
Hi Joe, I found your channel from my friend Channa D during his video with you. Great job on the review. I just received my first Echo Dot yesterday and will be using it in my dedicated home theater. I am new to the Alexa ecosystem but am excited to see what it can do in the area of automation in my room. Definitely nothing wrong with providing an honest review. That's what consumers want. If it's junk, you don't have to bash it or the company, simply point out what isn't great about the product. You did a great job sir. New subscriber here!
Yes, Channa's the man! Cool dude for sure.
Also, I forgot to mention that I've watched your videos before. Just subscribed also. It's 3am and just got off the phone with Channa...talking about everything and anything.
Hi guys! So can the Echo 2.1 system be connected to your Smart TV? I want to purchase for my large bedroom and have it double for 2.1 stereo from the TV.
Nope
@@joentell you sound like me. Channa and I chat just about every day. Super cool guy. Hope you and your family have a Very Merry Christmas together.
I really like that you were honest with this review. Just subscribed!
How about this setup compared to a HomePod? Which one does sound better?
Happy to see you make a negative review about a product that deserves it. I think you did a great job of demonstrating the issues.
I think a great setup would be Fluance Ai40's connected via RCA to 3.5mm cable to an Echo Dot or Echo Input. That would give you better sound quality, actual stereo imaging, and an easier setup with only 3 wires, all for equal or lesser price. If you connected the Echo device to the speakers via Bluetooth you would only have 2 wires to connect and you would still have the option of connecting the speakers to another source such as a TV.
The Fluance would destroy these in sound quality and simplicity.
DUDE. That review was "DOPE" as the kids say. "Update yourself!" You ARE da man!!!
You're only old if you're too old to think young. 😉
*YESSS..!* Thank You.! At last a decent "echo plus" "stereo pair" review. 🙏💖
🎈 Aaaand... SUBSCRIBED..! 🎈.
Would it make any difference if you were to use the new echo plus?
Very convincing review and impressive presence.
I'd love it if you gave your opinion on two SONOS ONE's set up as a pair.
It took me 13 minutes to connect a pair of Canton Plus XL to a ~ $6 amp and one minute to connect the phone of a friend to the amp. The cantons were bought used for ~ $40. My friend was like "oh dude, it's that easy?" It sounds awesome for the price and the setup was really easy. I totally agree with you. But amazon has to step up their game if they want to compete. I'd say collaborating with a well known audio brand would be a great idea.
LOL!! That face you make at 0:47 is classic!! "...Okay..." Too funny!!
You just save me a lot of money man, great video and great review! Thanks!
Glad I could help
Thanks for the down to earth reviews. Just subscribed.
Thank you!
Joe N Tell have you considered reviewing any Sonos products?
I think I've reached out to them to review their products before.
Joe N Tell they might not like your specification-based reviews. Keep it up, you have a great format. Cheers.
So Bose isn't sending me anything either then. 🤣
I felt the exact same way. I got the sub and the two echo pluses and I just wasn’t impressed. I ended up returning them and am going to buy a HomePod. Yes I know that you can get better speakers for the same price but the convenience of the HomePod with me being an Apple Music user is enough for me.I have just recently gotten in to audio, what would you recommend for a beginner for a basic home theater and music listening set up?
I would recommend you watch my Micca video or my HomePod vs Bookshelf Speakers video (recommendation towards the end)
Joe N Tell I just watched the vs bookshelf one before this one! The only problem I have is that I use Apple Music so I can’t control it with the echo dot. I was thinking about getting a HomePod for casual listening and a dedicated speaker system for more immersive listening. I’ll watch the Micca video next
If you want to look at a Bluetooth capable system, look into the SMSL AD18. I have a review on that too.
What's your take on the Marshall Woburn ? I'm thinking of hooking up a Chromecast to it and using it as a smart wireless speaker.
How heavy is the sub?
Could you use it as a boat anchor?
You’re gonna sink🤪🤪
we need people like u. honest.
My favorite German DIY loudspeaker magazine Hobby HiFi say that omnidirectional speakers should be placed at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from each wall. They also say that then the stereo image is very good and stable everywhere in the room. Unfortunaltey I never tried omnidirectional speakers myself so I can't prove that that's true. Maybe it still depends on if the speaker is designed in the correct way (e.g. the diffusor cone has an opening angle of 90 degrees at the tip and a triangle as cross section which the Echo has not).
Maybe you should give it another try with more distance to the walls.
Perhaps you're right. I just feel like if we're talking about some MBL's or Ohm Walsh's, that makes sense. For some Amazon Echo devices, not so much. Most people will put these near a wall if the space requires it. I doubt anyone will buy stands for these to place them 5 ft from a wall.
I appreciate the info though. It's new to me. Thank you. 🙏
A weird Bluetooth thing is that I can't get the sub to work through Bluetooth playback it works fine when I ask Alexa to play music but when I Bluetooth to the Echo Show 2nd generation and play music the sub suddenly disappears.... ? Wondering if it's just not supported through Bluetooth because of timing or if it will be supported later or if I'm doing something wrong?
That's the issue I mentioned in the video. No way to stream to the grouped speakers.
Great video. I heard that for now the 2.1 channel only work with streaming audio but not playing movie (say from Apple TV)? is that the case? Do you think that will be update in the future?
Yes, that is my experience. I hope they update it.
@@joentell please make a new video when that feature come out!
Now you can use as home theater with fire tv
It's possible to get nice stereo with omnidirecntional-ish speakers, have you ever tried the "Ohm Walsh"?
I haven't, but most the ones I've seen from them are semi-omni-directional where their speakers are angled up and in. I think their old speakers and the MBL's are true omni-directional speakers.
Thanks for the review. Is possible put one sub for two room and share subwoofer? For example room1 have two echo plus and sub, room 2 only one echo plus(and use sub of the room1)?
I'm not sure actually
4th review I’ve watched, regarding this. All four agree.
Really great review. Much appreciate.
Thank you!
That was a great review! Thanks for it.
as im watching your video,I click the like and subscribe button right away coz i like the quality and the reviews you got there..please review the edifier r2000db and compare with your bookshelve speakers..respect from Philippines.
Thank you!🙏🙏🙏
Hey Joe,
During your listening test when comparing to the Fluance speakers was that in reference to the Ai40's or other bookshelves from Fluance?
I'm not sure I understand your question specifically.
Joe N Tell @5:38 when you sit down at the sofa and have your friend give his opinion and you guys talk about the Fluance speakers. Is that in reference to the Ai40s?
@@iverson954360 I got you Big Perm. 😉 Yeah, it's in regards to the Ai40's.
Love the in depth reviews. What amp would you(or anyone) recommend for under 150 bucks that has bluetooth? I have 2 Martin Logan Motion Speakers 4i with a center one(I also have a Energy Sub). I got these at a thrift shop last year and I'm tired of an old amp I am using. And if it's over $150 let me know so I can save up.
Thanks. I always recommend the SMSL AD18 (which I've reviewed) for it's power and features. The new Micca Origain (which I have also reviewed) has less features but is also a good small amp. Others would recommend getting a used receiver on Craigslist.
Joe N Tell Thanks for the advice. I’ll make sure to check out your reviews in the morning.
Great review, great channel, sub'd, looking forward to watching more!
Wow! Longest setup I have ever seen. Personally, I would just get an echo dot and a Logitech Z623 system and save the setup hassle (which is what I did in my living room). Wonder if it is better or worse than the echo 2.1 with sub.
Did you ever figure out playing to all speakers via Bluetooth
What is ur opinion on the polk s15?
I haven't tried them yet. I've had a few people ask me about them though.
I'm honestly not sure that they're really expecting people to buy these three at the same time and use them as a 2.1 pair I think it's more of an add-on later like I have an Echo Show and I got the echo sub for it just for that extra kick and I'm pretty happy with it
I think it's perfect for that extra kick. And I do think they expect a 2.1 setup because it says it in the setup video. Also, it was sold as a bundle by Amazon.
Joe N Tell yes absolutely but I think a lot of people are going to be adding it to existing setups they have one Echo already might as well get one more and a sub I'm not sure a whole lot of people are buying three with one purchase it be nice if that was the case if they would just sell a half price Echo with no Alexa in it just a wireless speaker so you can have 2.1 without buying two identical Echoes kind of a waste of Technology if only one is going to be answering your questions you know
I had the opposite experience setting up and listening to the Echo sub and 2 Echo 2nd gen, maybe because I didn’t assume I know everything and actually READ THE INSTRUCTIONS before plugging anything in.
Think about what this 2.1 system is once set up. You have a tri-amplified 2.1 system for a very reasonable cost. Yes, it does take longer to set up than just plugging in a single Echo and getting it on your WiFi network.
The 2.1 stereo is accomplished by software that makes the three devices perform as a left channel, right channel and a bass channel. Apparently the Echo devices are not shipped with the stereo pairing software installed. It is part of the setup process which includes identifying which one is to function as the LEFT channel and which one is the RIGHT.
When you think about it you realize the WiFi signal each is receiving has both left and right channels and all frequencies. Each device determines which channel and frequencies to play. They also communicate with each other. If you manually change the volume on one, the other two also change. There’s also a basic equalizer in the app that allows you to tune the sound according to the room dynamics.
If you spend a little time experimenting with speaker placement and adjustment with the equalizer you will be rewarded with exceptional sound for the cost.
My setup has the two Echos about 4’ from the floor and about 9-10’ apart on bookshelves. The Echo-sub is on the floor in the corner as recommended. I used some audiophile recommended tracks for speaker tuning. The system presents a very precise sound stage. Excellent side to side and front to back sound.
So if you just plug the pieces in and tell Alexa to sound great you will probably be disappointed. But if you take the time to follow the setup instructions and then tune the system you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
I think it was an easier setup experience for you because I did made this video when it was first released. They probably ship with the updates installed (like I recommended in this video.)
I'm glad you're enjoying the sound, but the issues I had with the sound quality were directly related to the omnidirectional nature of the Echo speakers which will always affect imaging. The Apple HomePod corrects for this by using built-in microphones to redirect the sound, but this doesn't.
Look, I wanted to love this. I just didn't.
I understand. The software upgrade was still required to set up the left-right pairing and the frequency crossover. Instructions said it could take up to 2 hours. I was impatient so after the initial WiFi setup I turned both Echos off (unplugged). Waited a few seconds and plugged them back in. Since they were now identified to be a stereo pair the new software immediately started downloading. It took a minute or so to download and install. That’s the spinning green light.
As soon as it finished they were ready to complete the setup. At that point I thought, “Wow, this is better than I expected already.”
Then I started tuning. The bass was too heavy and the treble was a little thin. Using the equalizer I turned down the bass. I made a box like opening on the bookshelves just using the books. One “box” for each Echo. This gave a space for each to help project the sound forward. This is what really helped the speakers to setup a sound stage that you can hear the distinct locations of instruments and voices.
You can spend thousands on audiophile grade components but you still need to spend time to set them up to get the best sound from them. The Echos are down firing speakers intended to be used individually away from walls to give room filling sound and they work quite well at that. But that doesn’t work so well to create stereo sound stage.
For a relatively inexpensive “system” that sits unnoticed on bookshelves it produces exceptional sound.
Thanks for the reply. You’re not the only reviewer who was frustrated with the 2.1 stereo setup. Anyone who has set up a single Echo expects the stereo pair and sub to be just as quick and easy. It’s not but is certainly worth the extra time and effort.
Interesting what you did with the books to project the sound forward.
I review a lot of budget setups. I honestly think a pair of Pioneer BS22LR's, a SMSL SA50 or Micca A250 and Echo Dot would give similar functionality, easier/faster to setup, expandable and has superior sound quality.
Thanks for the reply and info, Joe. I have the Echos and sub in my parlor which is a somewhat formal living room. The system “hides” in the bookshelves. It was intended as a compromise but once it was installed and tuned I was blown away by the sound.
In my office I have a Carver pre-amp and Carver power amp driving a pair of Magneplanar IIIa speakers. My favorite input is an Echo dot (3). Very pure and natural sound but the speakers are really too large to hide in any room. So using that as reference I was still extremely impressed by the Echo 2.1 setup, but it did take some tuning and strategic device placement, but not that much.
I agree it is easier to use a Dot and plug it in to an all-in-one speaker system. I have one of those too in a different room and it does sound good but just doesn’t provide that broad, crisp soundstage I get with the Echo stereo pair with sub.
Try playing some early Joni Mitchel music. It can really show off the high, medium and bass capability of your speakers with the acoustic guitar, her beautiful, clear voice, drums and the bass guitar. You can also hear exactly where each instrument is in the recordings. “The Circle Game” is a good one to show off your speakers. This is not a bass boomer.
It’s ashamed that the stereo pair with Sub is getting such negative reviews because they are not as easy to setup as individual Echos.
Everyone who has listened to them here sit with their mouth open in disbelief that they sound so good. What you’re doing is good though for people who need simplicity.
I think in a situation like your parlor where people are sitting off-axis and rarely in the sweet spot, the 2.1 Echo makes sense. I would argue 1.1 would work as well.
Great review. I love my echos but had very similar experiences setting mine up as well. Manual mode was much easier on my second but it really should be much easier.
"Weird experience..." Nice way to put it.
Tying to be nice. 😵
Buy real speakers, add echo. Better result
I was gonna say the same :-D A 90.00-150.00 stereo receiver fome Ebay,Amazon,123Dj, or B&H and a 100.00-125.00 Dayton Tower speakers from parts express.
Yamaha music cast 400
Please review Audio Pro speakers. Especially the T20s. I've been hearing good stuff about them. But not a lot of youtubers have reviewed them. Thanks
Can you Review The Cerwin Vega XLS 215 Towers speakers
It is better to connect an echo with the auxiliary output to an active subwoofer.
lol.. I'm on my 5th setup of these devices. Gonna start my own business because I too have been in IT for over 20 years and it still took me about 10 min to setup each myself. And that DAMN intro video that you can't skip over SUCKS!!
I feel your pain. I'm glad it wasn't just me though. 😉
The echo pluses sound way better. With that said, the sub isn’t worth it because a stereo pair of echo pluses sound better than the regular echos plus sub
According to Amazon, the -3 dB point for this Echo Sub is 35Hz. If so, this sub meets the THX standard for frequency response!
That's funny. I've since returned it, but from what I remember, it didn't sound like it. Possible though. Another thing is at what SPL?
*I am happy with my sonos one*
google itself does not have a sub, but with that money I buy a chromecast audio and a sub of good quality and I have money left over.
I don't know why you had so much problems setting these up? I set mine up in a matter of minutes ! I also have an Amazon sub plus 2 echo plus set up. And much much much more expensive stereo seperates setup as well as Sonos in 5.1. I have to say that I really love the Amazon sub and two echo plus . They are easy on a par with the Sonos play 1s. I am really baffled by your video? The speakers are so much better than you portray!
I bought them when they were first released. They might have fixed some issues or are shipping them with the updates installed. Regarding the sound quality, maybe my expectations are different from yours. I'm not the only reviewer unimpressed with the sound. I wanted to like them.
You need to equalize it
Amazon things can't music cast with tv
alexa, drop the bass!
What a joke. Great review!
in other words wait for the echo sub plus lol
Better to buy Yamaha music cast 400
That is why I’m using apple
Yes Apple products are usually easy to setup. So are the new Google products.
This whole review is a mess!
Hey Richard Hastings! I went to your channel to hopefully get an idea on how to improve my video skills, but it says, "This channel doesn't have any content." Darn.
So many cuts, its distracting.