Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 Review – Garage Gym Sound System

I found my Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 before the Covid 19 life changes and I’ve been amazed out how much I have enjoyed it during my new hermit life. In fact the frequency of my use prompted me to write this Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 Review. Maybe you need a versatile bluetooth speaker system for when social gatherings are allowed again? Or maybe your Crossfit Gym is still shut down and you are in need of some loud music while you work out in the garage? Or you need something to listen to while you tackle your endless honey do list?

What is an Altec Lansing Xpedition 8?

Since you found this page you likely know a thing or two about it from your research but in case you haven’t. This is an oversized boombox or a smaller tower speaker. In my opinion it is too big for your house but works great in the garage, on the deck, on the back of a UTV/truck, or even at a bonfire.

Music can be played via Bluetooth and can be controlled from your phone, tablet, or even a connected watch. The 420w speaker comes equipped with dual 8″ woofers and 3 tweeters which can be powered by the grid or it’s on board battery. Battery life is dependent on volume. I’ve made it through an entire day of deck building without needing plugged in though.

The unit comes with an IP67 rating meaning it is rated for dust and water up to 1m depth for 30 minutes. I personally haven’t tested out the submersion portion of that claim but ours has endured a thunderstorm and a hose or two and functions just as good as the day we got it.

The weather resistant case is a hard plastic with a trap door for protecting the rear ports. Four easy carry handles make transporting the loudspeaker easy for an adult. The case is designed so that it can provide audio while standing in a corner or lying on its side on the floor, shelf, or tailgate.

The flashing rings and strobes on the front of the loudspeaker have caused a number of impromptu dance parties with our toddlers. Everyone knows toddlers are like bugs and love a good light show! But for dad the lights are unnecessary and can be turned off at the push of a button.

Using the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8:

Pairing:

Connectivity is simple like most Bluetooth devices today. Make sure your device Bluetooth is activated. Press the Bluetooth symbol on the front of the loudspeaker and wait for it to show up in your device list. Or NFC capability is also included. When powering on the unit simply tap your phone to the front of the Xpedition 8 to initiate pairing. Once connection is established it maintains a strong signal for a good distance. Leaving my unit in the garage I can make it around 100′ away before playback issues begin. If I go through the house issues start occurring after around ~30′ but that puts multiple walls between my phone and speaker.

Audio Capability:

Volume can controlled on the front of the machine or with the phone or watch providing the audio feed. A middle of the road selection on both devices seems to provide the best volume and battery efficiency. Should you need additional sound a second identical machine can be paired wirelessly by pressing the ‘Link’ button.

A second unit seems unnecessary for my needs as one speaker placed in the corner is capable of filling my 28′ x 35′ shop with more than enough sound. Even with the doors open and weights being thrown around I rarely get over about 60% volume. We even get a good ambient sound sitting on our deck eating dinner about 40′ away.

The sound quality is good enough for me but I am no audiophile. I enjoy a good headset with some bass and prefer a soundbar over tv speakers. But beyond that extremely high quality audio is lost on me. Perhaps I’ve spent too much time around saws, mowers, and industrial equipment over the years. Since I do enjoy extra bass I usually leave my Xpedition 8 on ‘Beast’ mode to enhance low frequency sounds.

Pros:

+ Quick Bluetooth Sync with NFC option
+ Everything Proof, take it to the lake, tailgating, or use it on jobsites.
+ Mid Size – big enough to produce bass, small enough to transport
+ Solid Range
+ Not the worst looking thing in the world.
+ Handles for easy carrying
+ Interrupts music with audio prompts from my Garmin Fenix 6 Pro during workouts.
+ Can be battery powered. Charge via AC or DC power adapter.

Cons

– Can’t disconnect a phone from the unit itself. My wife walks away with the music leaving me stuck listening to her typing on her phone
– No internal storage for phones or power cables for floats or in case of a shower when camping.
– Pricy

Where to Buy:

If you enjoyed my Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 review feel free to share it. If you choose to buy you can buy direct from the manufacturer website and also on Amazon.

The Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 might seem a bit too big for your needs. If so there is a smaller Xpedition 4 available as well. Prior to my purchase I had done extensive research. The runner up options for me included:

• Sony XB90
• JBL PartyBox 300
• SoundBoks 2 (in my dreams)
• DIY home build using components and a marine battery

Update: The Altec Lansing Xpedition 850 appears to be the replacement model for the one that I purchased.