INTRODUCTION

   Compared to even just 3-4 years ago portable speakers have grown significantly in size and although there are still not that many in the market which are not considered really "portable" any more thanks to their massive power outputs these also happen to be the only ones that can effectively cover large areas (you don't throw a party in a small room right?). Speakers like the EXOS-9 by Aiwa (and other similar in size models for example by JBL, Ultimate Ears and Marshall) may combine medium size enclosures with impressive power output but for many people (especially professionals) the lack of several features (not applicable to all) like an integrated MP3 player, physical controls (not only via smartphone), FM radio, limited connectivity and even support for Karaoke (although far less popular) are deal breakers. The recently reviewed JAD38-B Digital Sound System by E-Lektron did offer all of the above (and then some) but the lack of an internal rechargeable battery severely limited its uses. Today under our "microscope" we have the EL225-UHF (810.490) Mobile Sound System again by E-Lektron which doesn't seem to be hindered by that rather significant detail.

   E-Lektron started its business in 2007, its target to offer DJ & PA electronics online at competitive prices and with premium service. At that time regular suppliers were not so keen on their products being offered online so E-Lektron started developing their own products, starting with speakers and amplifiers. Our products are being manufactured by contract-manufacturers with E-Lektron’s high standards and are shipped to our customers in the EU with DHL from our warehouse in Paderborn, Germany. Our prices are competitive since there's no “middle man” and our products are covered by a 2-year warranty (after which we can still repair them in our own workshop thanks to our large stock of spare parts, also for older products).

   Just like the JAD38-B the EL225-UHF again by E-Lektron is a large 13.5Kg heavy digital 2-way sound system but unlike the JAD38-B even though it delivers an impressive maximum power output of up to 300 WRMS (4Ohm impedance) it can do so either plugged into a wall socket or via an interior rechargeable battery pack which can power the speaker for up to 6 hours (this depends largely on the volume used however). Digging further inside to its specifications sheet we find that thanks to its two relatively large 10"/25cm diameter woofers paired with a single 1"/25mm titanium-dome dynamic tweeter the EL225-UHF has a frequency range/response of 40Hz-20KHz with a SPL/sensitivity of 97dB. Other features include Bluetooth v4.0 connectivity via CSR's BlueCore CSR8635 QFN chip (AVCRP v1.4/A2DP v1.2/HFP v1.6/HSP v1.2/DI v1.3), rear mixer with 5 control knobs, integrated MP3/WMA player (USB and SD card), FM radio, rear LCD display with media controls, two battery powered wireless microphones (UHF) with talk-over function and 3 control knobs, dual 6.3mm ports (for two wired microphones or a single one and an instrument like an electric guitar), 3.5mm audio output and line-in and mix-out stereo RCA ports. Also we need to point out that the EL225-UHF may not be exactly what we'd call portable but to that end it has three carrying handles (left/right/top) and a telescopic handle with two base wheels which basically allows you to pull the speaker the same way as you would a suitcase.