yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[One (M8) Accessories] grentuu:
First, this was a massive step for me. I am a Google Play Edition addict. I just wanted to test the HTC Boombass which arrived today as part of my purchase deal so flashed I back to Sense.

Remember that music listening is completely subjective so what I like you may not. However I am an audiophile. I only listen to FLAC and my home hi-fi is off the scale. I also tend to be quite harsh when reviewing H-fi kit.

I am not going to discuss the cosmetics apart from saying it is a small black and red box about 2" square. The bottom slides out to create a lip for the phone to rest on. The Boombass has a micro USB socket for charging and a small button on the back to enable Bluetooth/Sync. Press it once and you will hear the BT 'enable' sound.

One point to note. The viewing angle without a case on isn't bad. With a case, although the difference is minimal, it is still secure but it is hardly a viewing angle... unless you watch movies almost horizontally! Cosmetics over.

The Sound

First let me say. You haven't paid £/$500 for this. So if you are expecting to be absolutely blown away... leave this alone.

However...

Playlist

Queen's 'Too much love'

Without Boombass. As to be expected the phone was clear and you will all know the sound. As phones go, it doesn't get much better.

With Boombass. I was astonished! It adds a level of bass that is amazing for such a small device. There was no 'thud' or corruption.

Phil Collins 'In the air tonight'.

Without Boombass. Clear lyrics and highs, decent drums but lacking that bass depth

With Boombass.Wow again! Especially for the drum solo. No more to be said.

Pink 'Just like a pill'

Without Boombass. By now I was losing interest in the phone without the box. What had previously sounded 'full' for a phone was now sounding shrill and devoid of character.

With Boombass. Her voice sounded much more like the albums I played on the home hi-fi. There were parts that sounded a tiny bit 'thuddy' but I forgave them due to the fullness of the sound.

Pink Floyd 'Money'

Without Boombass. Still good, but I want more BASS!

With Boombass. OK you can guess where this is going....

Overall.

There are better devices out there without a doubt. But not for the same price. Nothing in the market comes close. However it does have limitations.

It has a limited compatibility set (applicable in this forum...HTC One M8. BUT NOT GPE)

If you are willing to pay more you can get better, but probably double at least to notice any substantial improvement.

Overall I give it 4 stars.

To get 5?

* Compatibility with GPE - after all HTC - you make the device... WTH?

* The phone has a case - consider the viewing angle 'including case'

* Phone charging??? (While on the speaker)

For a bedroom / student this is ideal if you don't have the funds to buy that Mission/NAD outfit you were after. And for anyone else that wants a better sound on a budget (me included!)

My view - as an exacting audiophile? For £50, you won't get better.

For more (see double) you might.

The bottom line?

It is enough for me to stay with Sense until HTC fix GPE compatibility
[One (M8) Accessories] crustyeye:
Are you serious. I'm no audiophile but to my untrained ear it's lame, bass is muffled and weak. Even my wife thought it was pathetic.

Would not waste £50 on it at all, sold mine on eBay.

Ant of these would be better. Or just use it without.
[One (M8) Accessories] grentuu:
I am playing 16/24 bit flac which sounds great on the phone. The level of detail these files provide over the bog standard 192 mp3 is the same difference as light and day. Most people use the standard mp3 for file size. The issue is that a standard mp3 is about 3-5mb whereas a high bit single flac track can be 35-40mb plus. Albums can range from 400mb to over a Gb which is why people don't use them

I tried a standard mp3 after reading your response and it produced a muffled thud sound like the old style boombox.

But I did state in the post that I use flac.

I promise you the difference is good.

But hey like I said - 'subjective'.

“All opinions are not equal. Some are a very great deal more robust, sophisticated and well supported in logic and argument than others.”

― Douglas Adams, The Salmon of Doubt
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 5nakedoc:
Has anyone had their free speaker from Sony yet? I've not heard a thing since I sent off my application 12 days ago.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] shollywood:
What free speaker?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] UK Mobile Support:
Yeah what free speaker??
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] adz63:
Nope I've not heard anything either. I forgot about it til I saw this post

For the above ppl

Myself on 3 network UK get a free Sony btx 300 bluetooth speaker. Had to fill in info on Sony site. Worth about 100 quid said will take about 14 days I think

http://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/wireless-speakers/srs-btx300
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pauliebb:
I'm still waiting for mine too, disappointingly I called the 3 store and the guy there said they were out of stock and said he'd try get my upgrade reversed if I wanted to cancel the phone?!?!
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] acheney1990:
Wish I could get a free speaker. Lol.

Sent From My Xperia Z2.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HOmERCIdAL:
I ordered mines via the Sony three offers Url on the evening of the 1st of May. I'm am still waiting. I didn't receive anything by email mind and it has got me wondering.

Why did you ask the three store?.I'm curious as I thought it was only redeemable via the above Url?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pauliebb:
I got no reply after 5 days from the site and my work is nearby.

I just asked where mine was and if anyone's got their speaker yet and was told it was out of stock.

The guy then offered to speak to his manager about getting my upgrade reversed if I wasn't happy.

This was in Manchester.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] cholepuree1:
Mine came from Handtec. Haven't used it yet.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 5nakedoc:
Well I am glad it's not just me then. I'll give it a few more days and try to find someone relevant at Sony to email.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] numskull:
The btx300 was included in my deal from phones4u, no waiting for mine tho, it turned up with the phone, i didnt get my google play or smartband vouchers till friday just gone tho, 2 weeks after phone
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] corallus:
I'm sure you'll all find out tomorrow. that way those that bought for the offers but missed out, can't return handsets.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ericjennings:
Got mine about a week after the phone arrived. I preordered from sony back in February
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mcall_r:
Dammit I got mine direct from EE no freebies! :(
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bombdog:
Called the people at Sony (01296 717922) on Monday and asked where my speaker was. They said that it should be all sorted by the end of this week. They advised to call them on Thursday/Friday to see what the arrangements will be for delivery, in my case I want to make sure it is delivered to my work address. So my advice is to call them around the same time. Apparently the delay has been caused by Three not confirming the account data to match the IMEI of the device.. but anyway, call them on the above number at the end of this week.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] corallus:
It's the same as o2's tablet deal. They're all not doing anything until after cooling off period, it's to reduce the amount of peeved off people who miss out, returning the phones and cancelling.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
I've not heard anything either. I'd agree with [MENTION=4058541]corallus[/MENTION], looks like they are playing it safe with the cooling off period
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 5nakedoc:
I called that number today and they said they are still awaiting confirmation from Three. :(
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bombdog:
I did say Thurs/Fri ;)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] real77055:
i have just ordered mine yesterday from clove . and thay give me free Bundle - Sony SRS-BTM8 Portable Wireless Speaker, and MDR-NC31EM Headphones:)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Markieboy:
Pre ordered on VODA uk and got a 32" Sony Bravia t.v coming :D
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] kamalaggi:
The MDR-NC31EM Headphones are standard anyway in the UK spec model
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
has anyone managed to speak to Sony today?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] thepanttherlady:
Received my speaker with my phone and accessories on Monday. Pre-ordered through Clove, love those guys!
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
Just called the number that bombdog provided & the person I spoke to confirmed that 3 were behind the delay but they have now received the details from 3 as they can now check your details to see if you are due to get the speaker. Asked if there would be any emails or texts to let me know when the speaker would be delivered & was told there wouldn't be but as it will be delivered by courier they will leave a card if you are not in.

So hopefully we should start to receive them from start of next week.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Q.Entity:
Mine came with Z2. From Clove. Used it once. Not bad but it is not the SRS-X7 :)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
I really want to get one of those free speakers. I havent received any email in 5 working days from them so hopefully will be with me in 2 weeks time.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HOmERCIdAL:
I haven't received an email either and I filled out the firm on the 1st
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
Any signs of these things arriving yet?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Nope, not even an email
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JOHNNYMED9:
Just received this from Sony :(

sent from my Awesome Xperia Z2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
High volume of redemptions! Did they expect people to not want the free speaker? Should have shiped with the handset.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
End of the day it's a free speaker. If it's two more weeks I'm cool with that. It's just the communication that's a bit off.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
Has anyone had any communication from Sony yet regarding the speaker? I called them & got recorded message saying due to high volume of preorders blah blah. Never even had a email from them.

They only got another 4 days then the 28 days will be up.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 5nakedoc:
I just phoned them and now they are saying it will be over the 28 days and they are trying to sort it out this week. Not really good enough as the speaker thingy was what swayed me from the S5 to this phone. I kinda wish I had got the S5 now. :(
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
Has anyone received the speaker yet (Three offer) ?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
Nope :-\
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
I was totally forgot about it. I dont think anybody will get it. Only a trick to make people buy from them.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] adz63:
Not received mine 5 days ago they said they were still waiting for confirmation from 3. 3 said they're in the process of sorting it out
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Just received a text from DHL with tracking info. Haven't ordered anything so I'm guessing it's the speaker. No contact from Sony
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
I've had this text from DHL also. It's the speaker for sure
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ProdigalFather:
Same text from DHL today. Should have it on Monday I suppose.

Sent from my XPERIA Z2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
Gutted, no text for me :(
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
[MENTION=600147]THE[/MENTION] people who received the text: when did you guys buy your phones
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Pre ordered, think I got it on the 1st.

Just looked at the tracking info. Arrived in Gatwick then shipped back to England for sorting. Annoying as I live 1 mile from a DHL sorting office.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
Gatwick is in England :S
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] paulc88:
No text for me either pre-ordered from three uk , filled in the claim form and recieved nothing what so ever since. hope I recieve some text by early next week.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] teky:
Received the text last night as well.... package is now waiting up at Exeter depo.... and depo is closed now, will have to wait for Monday.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
woops, got my wicks mixed up, was thinking of Prestwick :silly:

i must confess, had a few beers by that time last night.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ProdigalFather:
Pre-ordered in early April - received the phone on April 30th.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
and did you buy it on contract or PAYG?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ProdigalFather:
Upgraded my contract.

Sent from my XPERIA Z2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] teky:
Ordered my phone 28th March online, received 30th April, was an upgrade from my existing contract.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
New contract
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
Makes me wonder whether only those who got it on a contract / upgrade were eligible for this??
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
No text for me, ordered phone online on 4th April, hopefully I will get a email instead as I had my old vodafone number ported over on 16th May so maybe they have sent the text to the 3 number that no longer exists.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Could be when I completed the form I put in my o2 number as I was waiting on it getting ported over.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
Yeah mate, I called them twice on the 15th May & again on the 28th May & they have my details but said the delay was due to 3rd party.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
so has anyone who bought the phone as PAYG from three received any text/email from Sony ?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
I'm at work just now but according to DHL my speaker has been delivered, neighbor must have taken it in.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] HOmERCIdAL:
Just received my speaker half an hour ago. Contract 3 UK pre-ordered on the 23rd of April.

Very impressed. They were to replace a set of Harmon Kardon soundsticks 2 in my Kitchen and I have to say they are almost as good.

Its a solid bit of kit that handled Jamiroquai and Arctic Monkeys pretty well. I can finally say goodbye to wires!.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nintendolinky:
Who do we ring to find out if we have a parcel coming. I have rang DHL but because I don't have a tracking number they can't check for me. My phone was bought from Three on Payandgo, did the form in store.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
Just spoke to Sony help line and they said that mine and some other claims have been sent to three for verification as our phones were replaced. He asked me to contact again at the end of this week.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
My phone was replaced on 2nd May, I filled the form out with my first phones imei number, yet my speaker is getting delivered today?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] JOHNNYMED9:
I received no text/email but speaker is at home waiting for me :)

sent from my Awesome Xperia Z2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] adz63:
Mines here too. Going straight on ebay lol
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
unlucky me didnt get anything. :(
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
Just got mine 10 mins ago, [MENTION=1454670]Kamran9558[/MENTION] think they are just fobbing you off mate, I called 3 on 4th May to get a replacement Z2 & didn't get it until 15th May but I got my speak today.

The speaker weighs a fair bit & seems a quality piece of kit, got it plugged into the mains & playing Led Zeppelin Celebration Day live album & there a great amount of bass coming from it, sound has a nice depth to it as well :)

Comes with a power plug & also a spongy foam carrying case.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] 5nakedoc:
Finally got my speaker today. Sounds lovely. Very nice quality and well worth the wait. I'm pleased.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
i will wait till the end of this week, I hope they get it sorted by then
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nintendolinky:
What's the number for the Sony helpline.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
Any queries regarding the delivery of the Speaker please contact us on 01296 717922 or email us at:xperiaspeaker@sonypromotions.co.uk
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] nintendolinky:
I'm on the spreadsheet according to the women I spoke too. Hopefully shouldn't be too long, she did say it could be another two weeks before it arrives though.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] ProdigalFather:
Came home to mine. Decent piece of kit.

Sent from my XPERIA Z2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Mine is plugged in charging. Tried to test it but was completely flat
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] fatguy666:
Bit late to the party but got mine at 7 o'clock tonight, went to my mum's house. Took them long enough to get them out!

Gave it a wee listen while I was making dinner and have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. Should last the night for next time I go camping :good:
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
Good to see every one is impressed by these. I'll get mine tomorrow and I'm totally looking forward to it now :)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] themrmotivator:
Got mine yesterday. Wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm really impressed :D

Sent from my D6503 using Xparent BlueTapatalk 2
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] teky:
Mine came yesterday as well, very impressed. Solidly built, nice sound from the speakers, and full volume is very loud ;), defo a keeper.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
Had a play around with mine tonight. Full volume, slayers raining blood, very impressive. Now got it on bass + surround playing pearl jams yellow ledbetter on low volume and it's absolutely awesome. So much better than I expected from a free speaker. I'll be moving my oldschool technics stack from the front room tomorrow cause it's just not required anymore.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] BanziBaby:
Hehehe That was one of the albums I was blasting at full volume on the speaker, don't think the downstairs neighbour will be talking to me for a while :cool:
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pedwards1916:
Just about finished with Three and Sony

I sent an email to the promotions address a few pages back, and after 2 days have not received a reply. I've tried to fill in the contact us form on Three's website but it is broken (does not send form) and their complaints form which is also broken (not all the select boxes have options to select so it will not allow the form to be completed and sent). I've not spoken with Three who knew very little about this. His fist suggestion was to fill out the form again. I have already done this twice. So he promised he would call back after looking into it, which he has not done. I do not mind delays, it happens. I do mind no communication informing me there would be delays. Really poor show from both Sony and Three.

Regards

Paul
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
I rang them today because I'm. Impatient haha. They said I'm on the list and three are going through the necessary checks and I should expect it within about 10 days :)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pauliebb:
That's the exact reply I got from them... 3 weeks ago.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Fadeless:
I received mine a few days ago (two days ago I think), still haven't tried it out though.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pedwards1916:
I filed a complaint through Three, which resulted in Three phoning me then arranging a conference call with the UK logistics company responsible for the shipping of the speakers. Apparently they only received 300 and are awaiting a new shipment.

Regards

Paul
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] pauliebb:
Who are you with such power haha.

Well It really shouldn't take so long to receive some speakers. Isn't like they're limited edition.

Maybe it all falls down to Sony failing to deliver.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
Did anyone who bought payg from three got the speaker?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] skutyy:
Yap....I get mine yesterday ?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
You bought it pay as you go right? Did you contact Sony for speaker? When you were filling the application form did you write your current number or the number come with the PAYG phone?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] skutyy:
No mate...I get mine on contract from three but I far as I know it doesn't matter if phone is on contact or pay as you go. Free speaker is for all three customers
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] bombdog:
Delivery Fail

Just to add my two pence worth, have received my speaker but the only notification I got that it was coming was a text from DHL saying that a parcel had been dropped off at my neighbours house. No email, no opportunity to change the delivery to a work address, nothing. It is a good job my neighbour isn't a knob head or a thief. As for the speaker itself, it's awesome using it all over the house and the fact it can be used to charge your phone (or in my case my electric cig) is a bonus. It will defo be coming to the beach with me :)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] edge3uk:
I've got mine set up in the front room with a small usb lead and the z2 charging dock attached is fantastic. The portability and volume just proved amazing as I was cutting the grass and weeding the patio. :)
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] PiskopatYazar:
arrrgghhh I want that too. Im super jealous right now. So many good reviews coming from you guys. I will try my luck next week again and see what will happen.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] jeremy.shi:
Wow...free noise cancelling headphones and free speakers in UK. Yet, sony wouldn't even include a pair of decent headphones in the Austrian version.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
Here's a question, I know it's likely not, but is the Speaker waterproof? Lol
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] evolutionisbad:
Nope
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
Spoke to the sony help line today and the same old "waiting for the stock and confirmation from three" excuse. Those who haven't received please give them a call and put some pressure on them as whats the point of offering something when you cant provide it in the first place.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Mr.R™:
Take it people still haven't received this yet? I tried ringing yesterday but after 10 mins on hold I gave up as I had other things to do :-/
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] mishooo:
Are any f these offers still on i just got my z2 yesterday can i still order the speaker ?
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] twistedddx:
I got mine at the start of June.
[Xperia Z2 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting] Kamran9558:
Spoke to them last week and still the same story, they said that they are trying to sort out the issue as quickly as they can regarding the stock and verification from 3. According to them there are around 500 people in the same boat. Mine got delayed because I had to replace my original phone.