MS-132BT Speaker Review

I bought the MS-132BT because I needed something that could play my MP3 tracks stored in a USB memory stick. Although I have other gadgets that also have this functionality, I needed something that had low power consumption as I planned to be listening all day through it. It worked very well, and the sound quality was good with sufficient bass and treble. The battery charge and play times were decent, as was the overall usability.

One problem I had with it was that if you switch OFF the speaker, and then switch it ON again, it forgets your desired volume settings. Consequently, it can be very loud (if your MP3 tracks are loud) when you switch it ON, and then you have to set the volume again. To solve this problem, I used a software called MP3Gain, which set the default volume setting of all the MP3 tracks to a lower magnitude. This way, when I played them on the speaker, the volume was at the desired level and I did not have to lower it.

One interesting glitch I came across was when using the USB socket. It would play the MP3 tracks fine, but then suddenly jump mode to FM radio, and you suddenly hear a very loud FM radio hiss. However, this did not happen with the microSD memory card. Eventually I found out that it was due to the USB memory stick drawing too much power. This can also happen if the battery charge is low.

I opened my unit up because when I shook it, I noticed something rattling inside. It turned out to be the battery, which they usually glue to the inside of the wooden box. Overall, the build quality was average and the construction seemed rushed. For example, the carrying handle at the top was off-centre.

Most of the issues are cosmetic though, and things that the manufacturer can fix in the next version. Overall, it was good value for money and seems to do what I wanted it to. Modifying it was great fun however; you will lose your warranty if you do so. I only wish they had a kit version so hobbyists could assemble it themselves.

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