Back in April we took a look at SRS’ MyTunes Pro app for iPhone, iPod touch and MyTunes Pro HD for the iPad. The apps do wonders to transform the music coming from your iOS device. The app is free to try and just $10 to unlock the full features. It works well, but itbhas two main limitations. First, it only uses the music in the native music app. That’s an issue for someone like me who is increasingly using Spotify or Rdio as my main source for music. Second, whenever you change your music library the app has to rebuild its library. This isn’t an issue if you only have a few tunes but if there are a lot this process can take some time.
And there is a third issue — although it doesn’t pertain to me — the app is for iOS devices. If you use Android or Windows Phone or even… **cough cough** Blackberry you are out of luck. That’s where SRS’ iWOW-U adapter comes in… possibly.
From SRS-
SRS is changing the way you hear EVERYTHING with the iWOW-U audio enhancing adaptor! Are you looking for a product that will make you say “WOW” within 10 seconds of turning it on? The iWOW-U, the is a universal adapter that securely attaches to the headphone/headset jack of any audio device to offer an amazing HD-quality listening experience for all music, movies, games or other audio tracks. iWOW-U can be used with a wide array of devices (i.e. mobile phones, media tablets, MP3 players and personal computers) and is not dedicated to any specific product line or operating system platform.
Features:
Delivers natural and immersive HD-quality sound with substantial bass enhancement
Connects easily and securely between any mobile phone, smart phone, media tablet, e-Reader, PC or MP3 player and a pair of headphones or earbuds
Professionally tuned presets let you adjust the audio settings to your liking and select speaker settings – headphones or car/external speakers
And perhaps best of all, it is not only device-universal but it is also music-source-universal.
The device itself is a simple proposition. In many ways it looks like the in-line control I bought for the no-button iPod shuffle. One end plugs into the device that is going to serve as the music source while the other end receives the 3.5mm jack from the headphones or speaker.
The device ships with a number of different color plates. While this is wasteful it is nice to have the ability to customize it, at least to some degree.
Here it is with the black plate in place. It certainly calls less attention to itself when set up this way.
The device is easy to use and, if you forget the instructions, they are written on the back.
To turn it on or off you press the button and hold it for three seconds.
After it is on a quick, single press turns the audio processing on and off.
A quick double tap toggles between Headphone Mode to Car-Stereo More.
The SRS iWOW-U does what it promises. It adds base and overall depth to the music. Still, I’m not totally convinced by it. First off, the device requires charging. It takes about 90 minutes to fully charge. After that I got between 4 to 5 hours of listening time. That means there is yet another device that needs to be charged. I already have too many. Add in the $69.99 price tag and this is not an inexpensive proposition, especially when you can enhance your music for a lot less using SRS’ app or another app that we are currently reviewing. And with the apps there is nothing to remember and nothing to charge. Still, the device must have some popularity since, as of this review, it is sold out. More stock is expected June 1st. For details and to sign up to be notified when it is available visit the product page.
MSRP: $69.99
What I Like: Five different accent plates let you change the look; Adds depth and base; Works with any device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack; Can access any music coming from the source device
What Needs Improvement: Requires charging; Pricey for what it does
