MONSTER VMAY TV outdoor speaker test – reminiscent of the 1980s, but with better technology and less lugging around

1 - Introduction, scope of delivery and technical data 2 - Manual Englisch / German 3 - Look and feel plus features 4 - Connectivity, battery, user experience and conclusion

Inputs and connectivity

The Monster VMAY has various inputs and connectivity options that enable flexible use. It is even equipped with two HDMI ports that allow you to connect external devices such as streaming sticks, game consoles, laptops or even my iPhone 15 Pro Max via the supplied USB-C to HDMI adapter cable to play content on the 15.6-inch screen. There is also a USB-A port at the back, which can be used to connect USB devices such as external hard disks or USB sticks to play digital media or to power the receiver module in the antenna cable. Unfortunately, it is not possible to do both at the same time, as the USB charging port built into the panel is not suitable for media players. This, in turn, is a somewhat unfavorable solution – a pity.

The device also has an integrated TV tuner, which enables digital terrestrial TV signals to be received and played back directly on the device. Bluetooth 5.3 is integrated for wireless connections so that audio content from Bluetooth-compatible devices such as smartphones or tablets can be streamed to the VMAY’s speakers. The device also has a 3.5 mm audio input that can be used to connect external audio sources. For musicians, there are special inputs for microphones and guitars, allowing the VMAY to be used as an amplifier or for karaoke. Finally, the device also supports WLAN and screen mirroring, so that content from mobile devices can be displayed wirelessly on the screen. This wide range of connections and connectivity options is, of course, extremely practical and is what attracted me to it.

Power supply and battery

We have already seen above that you can connect a two-pole mains cable or a notebook power supply. The 15 volts are rather relative, my 12 volt connection in the trunk also worked without any problems using my own adapter. Both running and charging. A small Frankenstein mod even allowed my 12V starter aid to run as a battery, which was enough for at least 2 hours of Magenta TV via the iPhone with the battery disconnected. But then you quickly ask yourself which is more flat, the starter aid including the monster TV or the (not fully charged) smartphone. Only the charging time of at least 6 hours for the almost empty battery is already quite long. But there are technical reasons for this.

A lead-acid battery is installed, which is rather unusual at first glance. The connections are simply plugged on with a lug, which is not really super tight. However, you can modify this yourself if necessary or bend the cable lugs together a little. Lead batteries, i.e. standard lead-acid batteries, offer numerous advantages in the outdoor sector. A key advantage is their robustness and reliability, as lead batteries are extremely hard-wearing and resistant to shocks and vibrations, making them ideal for use in harsh environments and under unfavorable temperature conditions.

Lead batteries are also characterized by their charging and discharging behavior. They are well suited for cyclic applications where repeated charging and discharging processes are required. Their charging compatibility is also an advantage as they are relatively easy to charge with a variety of chargers, which is important in outdoor applications where charging options may be limited. This even worked with my 12V car power supply. Safety aspects also play a role. Compared to other battery types such as lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries have a lower risk of thermal overheating or fire hazard, which makes them safer to use in remote or fire-prone areas.

Summary and conclusion

Now I myself am amazed at how much you can write about a device like this. Well, I admit that I first played around with it curiously and certain memories came flooding back. Emotions certainly play a certain role here. But after so many years without a portable device and the first evenings on the balcony and in the garden, I know what I’ve been missing all this time. Of course, I could do without it, because I’m still alive. But with is nicer. Criticism? Yes, but more minor things, such as the front socket not being suitable as a player, the connectors on the battery being a little too easy to remove and the lack of DAB.

The battery life is very good at around 10 hours in extreme roaring cube mode. In the neighborhood cuddle mode it was over 20, I turned it off at some point at noon because it was also playing through the night in the office and in the end it was just annoying. The charging time takes some getting used to, but lead-acid batteries and quick chargers don’t really go together. The charging process for lead batteries takes place in several phases (former moped riders know this): the bulk charging phase, in which the battery is charged quickly, followed by an absorption phase and finally a float phase. During the bulk phase, a faster charge can actually take place, but then you would need an expensive charger.

The bottom line for me is: Yes, you can do it. If it’s worth the almost 300 euros (see discount code). However, with a cheap 15.6-inch notebook, a powerful boom box and a fat power bank, you won’t get any cheaper and you’ll also be carrying three items around with you. From that point of view, it does pay off. If you really need it (or, like me, think you absolutely need it). And I see the 8 kilos as a sporty approach for my arms. Incidentally, I have now sent a second one to relatives in the Ukraine, who now stay well informed even during the daily power cuts. It’s not directly related to the outdoors, but the device serves its purpose perfectly.

Monster Vmay at Geekmaxi: https://bit.ly/3YuzPGt
Monster Vmay at Geekbuying: https: //bit.ly/3LOiqRD

50 Euro promo code for both sides: Igor802

The Monster VMay TV Outdoor Speaker was provided by the manufacturer for a non-binding test. There was no obligation to publish, there was no influence by the manufacturer and there were no financial benefits in any form. The promo code was offered retrospectively by Monster (as the original launch discount will expire on 12.08.2024), the two links to the product are not affiliate links.