Sound quality: LG's XBOOM XL5 had satisfactory overall sound quality - this model reproduces music and dialog reasonably well despite the obvious shortcomings in its sound. With the LG Xboom app EQ setting set for the most even tonal balance, the bass has good impact, and goes fairly deep, but is somewhat prominent and tubby. Midrange is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy, a bit grainy, and a touch plasticky. Treble is fairly extended but is slightly subdued, and somewhat smeared. It does a decent job of recovering room ambience, and sounds somewhat congested. There is no significant difference between Bluetooth and USB sound quality. It provides a substantial volume level in a large sized room.
Ease of use: We found the LG XBOOM XL5 ease of use to be very good overall. Bluetooth: Pairing requires the press of a well marked button on top of unit and then the selection of unit from Bluetooth selection list on source device; unit provides an obvious indication that the unit is in pairing mode as well as when pairing has actually occurred. The volume controls are labeled +/- markings that lacks index markings for volume levels, but provides a audible indication when max volume is reached. Source selector is prominent and clearly labeled multifunction button.
