Boostaroo Portable Audio Amplifier/Splitter
By: Boostaroo Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 26
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 On: 2008-05-20
My husband and I are seniors. We purchased a portable dvd player for our boat trips, a LG-great picture by the way-but had a hard time hearing the movies with the headphones we purchased. After reading the reviews, thought Id take a chance,boy, what a difference! Id say they are exactly as advertised-Im so glad I bought it.Clear and Loud.Perfect
 On: 2008-05-06
I purchased the Boostaroo for use with a pair of Sennheiser HD280s. I primarily use the headphones with my PS3, but the PS3s default volume level isnt quite loud enough in some games. The Boostaroo definitely helps in this regard. However, there is some noticeable distortion introduced at medium to high volume levels. I also had to purchase a separate volume control since neither the audio source (PS3) nor the headphones feature a volume control.
Pluses:
-amplifies volume (duh)
Minuses:
-introduces some audio distortion at medium to high volume levels
-no volume control
Im probably gonna end up returning the Boostaroo and picking up one of those cmoy amps off e-bay instead.
 On: 2008-04-27
I have an Archos 504 media player, and it just doesnt put out enough volume for my 53-year-old ears. My Sennheiser PX-100 earphones, which I really like, work fine with my DVD player, but the Archos just doesnt get the job done, even with the volume turned up to maximum. The Boostaroo makes the difference between volume that is not quite high at max, and volume that is quite comfortable a little below max. (Boostaroo claims a 2X increase.)
I bought a CMoy amplifier on eBay, it provides quite a bit more amplification and also features its own volume knob, instead of relying on the volume control of the device its connected to. Ill probably use the CMoy more at home. However, the CMoy is kind of funky looking and might raise a red flag at airport security, so Ill probably travel with the Boostaroo.
I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because of the battery compartment cover. It has some foam padding that I suppose is meant to cushion the batteries, but it makes the cover very hard to close, and it wont stay closed. I guess Ill end up having to peel it off. A little more quality control would be in order here.
On: 2008-03-20
I heve used one of these for over 2 years connected to a pair of Logitech z2300 powered speakers. The Logitech speakers,which are now only $90 plus shipping on Amazon,become amazingly,unbelievably powerful when the signal is boosted with a Boosteroo.This really helps when using an mp3 with low output(keep mp3 volume down to save battery,hearing and also avoid being arrested).
After 2 years i have now encountered the "bad wire" problem others have noted,but I will still buy another one.This time Ill take care to keep the cord from being moved around all the time,maybe by taping it to the side of the the unit and adding a short extension.
On: 2007-11-09
Works great. I use it when I ride my motorcycle. Even with a very expensive helmet, its hard to hear your tunes through the noise. This device boosts sound that doesnt bust your eardrums.
On: 2007-09-29
Boostaroo is an inexpensive solution to two common problems: 1) low audio output from a device such as an MP3 player, DVD player or laptop computer among others, and 2) sharing audio output with others.
The Boostaroo is inexpensive: $20 - $25, depending on vendor. It is simple. Add 2 AA batteries and youre ready to to. Plug the 3.5mm into your device and you can then plug in up to 3 sets of headphones. Each of the headphones will receive a separate amplified audio feed.
In many cases, the Boostaroo will make the difference between being able to comfortably listen to your devices output in loud environments such as airplanes and resturants. Team the Boostaroo up with noise-cancelling headphones and its a slice of paradise. One added benefit of using the Boostaroo is that you dont have to crank up the devices audio gain, thus reducing distortion in many instances.
The Boostaroo is particularly useful with devices produced in nanny-state European countries where the level of audio output is mandated by "youre not smart enough to think for yourself and realize that youre destroying your hearing" legislation. Obviously with the added audio gain, you want to be careful not to crank it up too high. But for people like myself who are, to put it bluntly old, and have hearing loss, the Boostaroo is a blessing when used with devices like the Archos 504 personal multimedia player that have crippled audio gain.
On the whole this is the kind of thing that you should keep in your backpack, messenger bag or wherever you keep your mobile gadget. Get stuck in a noisy airport waiting area for a few hours and youll be able to enjoy your music, movie soundtrack or whatever despite the clamor and noise around you.
Jerry
On: 2007-09-28
Boostaroo is an inexpensive solution to two common problems: 1) low audio output from a device such as an MP3 player, DVD player or laptop computer among others, and 2) sharing audio output with others.
The Boostaroo is inexpensive: $20 - $25, depending on vendor. It is simple. Add 2 AA batteries and youre ready to to. Plug the 3.5mm into your device and you can then plug in up to 3 sets of headphones. Each of the headphones will receive a separate amplified audio feed.
In many cases, the Boostaroo will make the difference between being able to comfortably listen to your devices output in loud environments such as airplanes and resturants. Team the Boostaroo up with noise-cancelling headphones and its a slice of paradise. One added benefit of using the Boostaroo is that you dont have to crank up the devices audio gain, thus reducing distortion in many instances.
The Boostaroo is particularly useful with devices produced in nanny-state European countries where the level of audio output is mandated by "youre not smart enough to think for yourself and realize that youre destroying your hearing" legislation. Obviously with the added audio gain, you want to be careful not to crank it up too high. But for people like myself who are, to put it bluntly old, and have hearing loss, the Boostaroo is a blessing when used with devices like the Archos 504 personal multimedia player that have crippled audio gain.
On the whole this is the kind of thing that you should keep in your backpack, messenger bag or wherever you keep your mobile gadget. Get stuck in a noisy airport waiting area for a few hours and youll be able to enjoy your music, movie soundtrack or whatever despite the clamor and noise around you.
Jerry
On: 2007-07-22
I bought this because Im a drummer and I play drums along with my iPod through a stereo system in my drum room.
The iPod dock I bought didnt put out enough signal so the amp overheated because it needed to run it at full volume (the music needs to be loud enough to hear over the drums!)
I found this Boostaroo and gave it a try. Sure enough, it works great. I put this between my iPod dock and my amp and it gives the signal just enough boost so the music isnt distorted and the amp doesnt have to work as hard.
So I definitely recommend this product. It works well and amplifies the signal from your portable device as advertised.
On: 2007-06-08
I purchased the Boostaroo at Best Buy a little over a month ago. Its a great little amplifier which does significantly boost the sound, esp an asset with the weak output from my minidsic player.
But this past week my left channel was cutting out. This wasnt the 1st boostaroo Ive owned, its actually my 3rd. And it breaks in the same way everytime, a wire break near the jack that plugs into the audio device. It is not visible, but can be heard easily when sound cuts in and out of one side.
This problem could be solved simply by designing the boostaroo with a removable cable. It would have a jack where you would plug the 1/8 stereo cable from your audio device into the boostaroo.
This time it is in the warranty period. So I should be able to get another boostaroo free of charge or a refund.
But it will happen again. The short wire (1 foot) and the way it is designed is just asking for trouble. But since no one else has mini portable headphone amplifiers on the market, boostaroo feels it can dupe customers into buying a new one every time it breaks, by the design. Too bad they just cant make a product that would last.
So I really cannot recommend this product, unless you like throwing money away every year for a new one when the wire breaks.
 On: 2007-01-18
I bought this to boost the volume on movies I compressed from DVD to my PSP. (Store bought UMD movies for PSP have perfect volume, but it seems like theyre being faded out--low sales). Its nice to be able to watch movies while commuting on the subway, but even the boostaroo didnt boost the volume enough to cut through the rattling, humming, dinging noises on a moving NYC subway train. While I havent tried it yet, I have to believe it wont work very well to rise above the din on an airplane in flight either.
If youre using it to split the signal of one source to many headphones, its probably a good buy. But 4 Db is just not enough volume boost to overcome a noisy environment.
 On: 2007-01-12
Do not use this device if you use a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter. The standard stereo adapter used to adapt ear buds to cell phone/mp3 players. It does NOT work. Very dissapointed. I tried two types of adapters and both do not work.
On: 2007-01-11
Do not use this device if you use a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter. The standard stereo adapter used to adapt ear buds to cell phone/mp3 players. It does NOT work. Very dissapointed. I tried two types of adapters and both do not work.
On: 2007-01-09
Ive used this type of product in rural Mozambique and in Guinea Bissau for playing back field recordings Ive made with a Sony MiniDisc recorder. The pocket MD needs a little more oomph to play back through 3-4 pairs of large magnet, circum-aural headphones, and this doohickey does the job well! Radio Shack makes a comperable unit at a comperable price; I can make no recommendations as to the best product. As far as I can tell, it is more a matter of ones shopping preference than anything else.
On: 2007-01-07
It is a great product, but I wish the battery life was longer than 2 hours.
On: 2007-01-04
I brought this to increase the audio output of my Playstation portable and MP3 players headphones when I fly, it works great and the batteries last forever!
On: 2007-01-04
We have used the Boostaroo multiple times now mainly on trips with the car. I have a laptop and the sound it put out while watching a DVD movie wasnt enough to be heard over the noise encountered in the back seat of our car while going down the highway, even with earbuds. The boostaroo not only raised the sound level high enough to be heard, but the sound quality is greatly improved and both my sons are able to listen at the same time with headphones since boostaroo also offers three outlets for headphones and since each outlet has its own amp the sound quality remains the same for each listener (doesnt diminish with each additional listener) very pleased.
On: 2006-12-31
I bought one a few months ago. I loved it as first, but soon a loose connection caused the sound from one speaker to cut out. By fiddling with the cord I could sometimes get it to reconnect, and once again Id have stereo sound. But this was touch and go. I took the cord apart (as the loose connection seemed to be in the cord and near the base of the unit). I did find a damaged wire but still (for some unknown reason) I cant get the red wire to send a signal. Now I think the loose connection is in the circuit board. It was good while it lasted but seems to be poorly made.
On: 2006-12-13
I bought this after having problems monitoring audio with my Panasonic DVX100 video camera. This gives the audio out to the headphones a great boost, so I can finally hear all the sound the mics pic up. Plus it gives me two extra jacks, so the boom operator and director can jack in to hear the audio as well. Great buy for prosumer camecorders.
On: 2006-09-30
I purchased this so I could watch movies on my laptop while traveling by plane. The device works well and allows up to three users to plug in. However, be carefull when flying. Because the engines of the plane are so loud, I was forced to turn the volume all the way up to hear the movie. When I took off my headphones, I noticed that I had to strain to hear people talking.
I suggest, in conjunction with the Boostaroo... buy some good noise cancelling headphones so you dont have to turn up the volume so high.
On: 2006-09-26
As others have said, it works as advertised. I am using it with an iRiver Clix MP3 player and Sony MDRv6 headphhones. The phones have a 63 ohm impedance, and the Clix just couldnt quite get loud enough for me with these phones. (Most mp3 players assume a 16 ohm impedance.) Under normal conditions, it was fine, but during my commute on the train, it just wasnt quite loud enough. Running at full volume caused the battery on the Clix to drain faster, also.
Now, with the Boostaroo, I run the volume at half, and the Clix battery lasts the appropriate amount of time. Sound quality is not impacted in a negative way at all. In fact, it sounds a bit better with richer lows and clearer highs. Probably just due to psychoacoustics, but whattheheck- if I think it sounds better, it does sound better!
Yes, this is the same device that is sold at Radio Shack, but in an ugly black case ($24.99). The clear case allows you to see the LED, which tells you if you forgot to turn it off. Clear case is the better way to go, IMO
On: 2006-08-23
Performs as advertised - Does it well. Clear sound. Does not eat batteries. I use NiMH rechargeables, I dont hear any difference from alkalines.
On: 2005-09-16
It does exactly what advertised. I used a PowerBook to edit video clips and the audio output is not strong enough to drive my power speakers. Boostaroo Audio Amp give me just enough boost to drive my power speakers and my audio meter. Great product.
On: 2005-08-03
If you have an iPod, I call mine the gregPod, then you need a Boostaroo. The little white earbuds that come with the iPod SUCK. They sound horrible. If you dont realize that those earbuds sound dreadful, you are strange. So, get some good headphones, and get the Boostaroo to power them. The headphone amplifier inside the iPod is not capable of powering large headphones. The Boostaroo is not only capable of powering large headphones, but it will also make them sound better. The lower bass is much better defined. The high frequencies are cleaner, with more sparkle. And, the volume setting on the iPod can be decreased, thus extending the life of the Litium Ion battery.
Get a Boostaroo, its only like $30 with shipping. Quit being a cheap-skate already.
On: 2005-02-04
The Boostaroo amplifier is not a "bad" item. Being new to high-end headphone technology, I was thinking that a headphone amplifier should act similarly to an amp that youd power a car stereo with. You wont find any bass amplification here. This unit simply allows you to listen at normal volume levels when the audio output youre using doesnt provide sufficient power for your headphones (such as a PC with a low audio output). I own a pair of Sennheiser HD 202s, which are already suited for low power sources, so I didnt really benefit from combined use with the Boostaroo.
Thats fine, I told myself, since I would probably be purchasing a higher end set of cans in the near future thatd benefit from an amplifier. Sadly, even that may not be a saving grace for this purchase. You see, when you plug a Boostaroo into your audio source, it creates a low static sound. Its not noticable when the musics on, but I fear that a hi-end set of phones will pick up this sound, effectively ruining the crystal clear sound I shelled out the bones to hear in the first place. I cant really comment until Ive purchased the new headphones and tested this theory out, but Ill post an updated review if/when I do*. On a side note, the plastic piece that covers the battery compartment doesnt stay "snapped" on when there are batteries in place. I didnt mention this before because it could just be that my particular unit has a defect. In any case, Ive gotta use a rubberband to keep it secure. Ten to fifteen dollars would have been a better price point for this item.
*The problem mentioned above only seems to occur when used with my PC at work. If you plan to use the Boostaroo on a PC with a decent sound card or an mp3 player, then add an extra star to this review.
On: 2005-01-02
The built-in speakers on my laptop sucks and I usually watch videos on it with a friend or two. Its quite impractical for me to tote speakers wherever I go. More convenient to bring around headphones. I gave Boostaroo a try to see if its better than the typical "headphone jack y-splitter" thingy that I used to have. Boostaroo works like a charm! No loss of quality or volume at all across the 3 audio output (which was a problem with the y-splitter I used to use). Only one thing I have against it: its size--its quite a biggie. I know they had the dimensions of it in the specs. Didnt really pay much attention to it when I was buying it tho. lol The thing works great, but it doesnt really look cool when I use it with my iPod.
On: 2004-11-29
Ive had a Boostaroo for several years now. I purchased a fantastic pair of Sennheiser HD580 headphones several years ago. I wear them in my office (cube) hooked up to my PC. The Sennheisers are great, but somewhat inefficient so the PC cant drive them very effectivly, Boostaroo to the rescue. Now I can really *hear* my music!
I have also used Boostaroo in the gym and when traveling. Again, a great, inexpensive fix for loud jet engines and distortion.
On: 2004-07-22
Strangely you can find the exact same model at any Radio Shack (ask for a portable headphone amplifier). It does what it does. It boosts the volume output with up to 3 attached headphones. However, it seems incapatable with some headphones (crackling signal), so you should give this an audition first or make sure theres a return policy before you buy.
On: 2004-07-21
Strangely you can find the exact same model at any Radio Shack (ask for a portable headphone amplifier). It does what it does. It boosts the volume output with up to 3 attached headphones. However, it seems incapatable with some headphones (crackling signal), so you should give this an audition first or make sure theres a return policy before you buy.
by: dchoughton On: 2004-04-25
I bought this at an airport kiosk after my kids and I got tired of straining to hear our DVDs and other portable electronic devices over the engine roar. Just 2 AAs needed (which last a long time), 3 people can plug into it at once. Fits in your pocket easily. Very nice little gadget.
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