Built-In Speaker-My Opinion

amsbestbuy · Post by **amsbestbuy** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 7:47 pm

I'm not sure what everyone is expecting with regards to the built-in speaker on the 504 and 604 (I presently own one of each). It admit that it could be better, but it seems to be more than adequate for its intended use.

The only reason that I use the built-in speaker is for watching recorded TV programs and normally I watch them in a fairly quiet room. If there is a lot of noise around, it is admitedly too quiet by itself. But if you are on a plane or a bus, I don't know of any media players (including laptops) that would be loud enough; most likely you would be using headphones in this situation anyway.

As for the quality of the sound, it is fine for dialog; there is no problem understanding dialog, etc. I don't think that the designers had in mind that anyone would use the built-in speaker for music. Given the speakers INTENDED use, I would personally give it a 7.5 out of 10.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Sep 26, 2006 10:19 pm

I think the speakers suck a lot. Its a real pain when I want to show my friends a movie but only two can watch and listen to it due to the low quality and loudness of the speaker. I think Archos could have done much better with the speakers.

PolloLoco · Post by **PolloLoco** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:42 am

The speaker is definitely disappointing - and Archos could have done much better. A couple weeks ago, I briefly owned an inferior device - a Nextar MC3007. It had stereo speakers - that were surprisingly loud. It also had TV out, and one day I didn't realize the sound wasn't coming from my television - but just the device speakers! I hadn't switched the audio output - but as a result I was HIGHLY impressed by the built in speakers.

Unfortunately for Nextar, the speakers and playback of one particular file are the only advantages that device had over my current 504.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 1:30 pm

I agree that the speaker is a definate weak point on the 504. I have an episode of the Unit on it and even with it cranked to full volume, it's difficult to hear the dialog. That's in a quiet room. If there was any background noise whatsoever, there would be no way to listen without headphones.

pedderd · Post by **pedderd** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 7:04 pm

Well, that's 4 opinions versus 1.

I cannot see how you can feel that a speakers INTENDED use is not to hear anything.

How come the AV700 has a far superior speaker too!