Editorial Review:

Item Description:
Millions of iPods, MP3 players, portable XM Radios and other personal audio devices have been sold in the past few months. Apple reports shipping 807, 000 iPods during the first fiscal quarter of 2004; CEA notes factory-to-dealer shipments of MP3 players totaled 3.8 million units last year, and expects that total to rise over 5 million units this year!This good news brings along a problem, though; a rising flood of consumer concern relating to playback volume problems. Most portable devices just can't amplify music enough to overcome background noise. Many people complain they can't hear their favorite tunes in a plane, train, car, out on the street or on a motorcycle.Headphones won't solve the problem. But you can. All it takes is a Boostaroo.The new Boostaroo Revolution is a unique portable headphone amplifier with high-definition 3-channel surround sound imaging. The Revolution splits conventional stereo signals and images surround sound into 3 channels, with enough power to drive two separate headsets or mini-speakers.Boostaroo Revolution is designed for use with high-end (60 ohm+) headphones, up to 300 ohms. Two standard mini-stereo outputs allow two users to enjoy the same music at the same time with no reduction in volume, no added distortion or noise. It's a hot new seller for audiophiles who desire top performance from today's personal audio devices.The original Boostaroo doubles the volume of any player to most headphones and mini-speakers, while significantly lengthening device battery life, and it has three output jacks, so users can share clean, crisp sounds with others - or use it alone.As such, they're the perfect accessories for personal portables, such as MP3 players, XM Radios, pocket PCs, computers, iPods, laptops, Nascar scanners, portable DVD players, CD and tape players.

Amazon.com Item Description:
If your portable audio player uses headphones or mini-speakers, you'll want to check out the Boostaroo Revolution R234-2 High Definition Amplifier and Splitter. This small, pocket-sized can increase the volume of your audio player by up to 40 percent. The Boostaroo Revolution is a great and economical way to increase the volume of your own portable player through your headphones or mini-speakers, or share your music with up to two additional listeners. Best of all, the Boostaroo Revolution can take all three headphones at once without any noticeable difference in output or frequency response. This means that everyone will have access to the same high-performance music without any loss of quality. And at only three ounces, the Boostaroo Revolution is certain to become your companion wherever your music takes you.

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Rating: - * UNBELIEVABLE ...
FIRST I PURCHASED THE ULTIMATE EARS TRIPLE-FI IN EAR HEADPHONES FOR MY NOT SO EXPENSIVE MP3 PLAYER. THEY SOUNDED JUST AS ADVERTISED, "LIKE BEING IN A SOUND STUDIO". THEN I PURCHASED THE BOOSTAROO REVOLUTION AMP, THE DIFFERENCE THAT THE AMP MADE WAS INCREDIBLE. I USE MY MP3 MAINLY WHEN I RIDE MY HARLEY DAVIDSON, NOT THE QUIETEST MOTORCYCLE AROUND AS MOST PEOPLE KNOW. WITH ONLY ONE EAR PIECE IN, AS THE CALIFORNIA LAW REQUIRES, THE SOUND VOLUME AND QUALITY IS AMAZING. WHEN I GET TO USE BOTH EARPHONES IT IS NOTHING LESS THAN EYE POPPING SOUND. HIGHS AND LOWS ALIKE. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE IF ANYONE IS UNHAPPY WITH THIS PRODUCT IT CAN BE NOTHING LESS THAN A FAULTY UNIT OR VERY POOR QUALITY ELSEWHERE IN THE SOUND SYSTEM.

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Rating: - * A Must for any Audiophile ...
Unsatisfied with the volume on your portable music player? This headset amp by boostaroo is amazing. A great product at a reasonable price. Sound quality is top-notch.

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Rating: - * notable hiss and headache ...
As a former reviewer has written, the hiss in this amp is noticible right away, which in itself renders it useless. There is also the added dimension of a not so comfortable headahce, which apparently resuts from a frequency emmited, or just general electricity. My player works fine without the amp, that's how I know.

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Rating: - * Super Flaw Exploiter ...
I'm new in the world of headphone amplifiers, but not to headphones. I purchased this amp as an upgrade from my Boostaroo Portable headphone amp, with which I was very pleased. It excited the audio and I got to really explore some songs that were previously muddy.

However, after three days of using the Revolution, I went back to using the lower-end version. The Revolution seems like it took my sound a step back. It exploited all the digital flaws in my MP3s, overdrove certain levels in my lossless audio files, and added a significant amount of hiss to my headphones (btw, I use a pair of Shure E4c's, which I love) and made the desktop speakers I ran though it sound like they were vomiting. No amount of tweaking the EQ would help, nor would adjusting audio levels. I must say, I was pretty bummed that it didn't sound better because it has a very nice form factor. On my way home, I was imagining different ways that I could attatch it to the strap of my bag when I walk to work so that it could double as a cord manager.

I must concede though, that there were two or three tracks out of the hundreds I listened to that sounded pretty good, but those few experiences didn't outweigh those that they ruined.

If you want a cheap headphone amplifier, go with the cheaper Boostaroo, or do as I'm going to do and get a higher quality headphone amp.

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Rating: - * Adds power to your audio player ...
Before I plugged in to my iPod, I had the iPod volume at about 75%. With Revolution, the volume is at 30% leaving me with plenty of room to make it louder if needed. Also, due to the volume being lower, the Revolution extends the battery life of the audio device.

Revolution looks like a white rectangle box with nothing but a couple of holes for the jacks and two AAAA batteries (that's not a typo). The package also includes two patch cords: one is three and the other is six inches long. When the jack is plugged in, the LED power indicator light comes on so you know it's in use. It's designed for use with high-end (60 ohm+) headphones. Anything less than that can't handle the Revolution's power.

The technology provides the listener with a surround sound feel, like being in a quality concert hall. The device weighs six ounces and comes in white, black, silver, and black/silver.

To use it, simply plug your headphones into the top of the Revolution. Then take one of the Revolution jacks and plug it into the side of the Revolution with the other end plugged into the audio player. If another person wants to connect, then plug the headphones into the other open jack.

Users who have attempted to share audio find using a splitter sacrifices the sound and quality. Revolution doesn't have this problem as each listener can hear as well as they would if they weren't sharing. Travelers can stop straining to hear portable devices in an airplane, gym, or other noisy setting. The device also adds power to cheaper headphones, but remember the headphones need to be able to handle 60 ohm+.

Its battery door feels fragile - like it could break while I was putting the door back on. But it is unlikely it could be stronger as the purpose of this product is to be as small and lightweight as possible. AAAA batteries are expensive, so this is an added expense. However, every Revolution comes with two batteries to get you started.

Its use is not limited to audio players. It works with DVD players, Windows Mobile devices, PalmOS devices, notebooks, laptops, and satellite radio. The batteries are supposed to last for approximately 24 hours of constant use. The device comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and services.

4 stars on quality
3.5 stars on expense -- if you don't have the required headphones, you have to shell out more.