Upbeat Audio T613-BNC Boostaroo Headphone Amplifier - Pocket Volume

In this review the Upbeat Audio T613-BNC Boostaroo is judged on one clear promise: louder, clearer audio from low-output portables. It is aimed at travelers, students, and remote workers who need a quick, pocketable boost for laptops, MP3 players, portable DVD players and similar devices. The Boostaroo delivers a noticeable increase in output and lets the source maintain volume control while providing cleaner loudness for noisy environments, making it useful wherever background noise drowns out audio.

Key Features

• Portable pocket amplifier: Small enough to stow in a bag or pocket, it brings a solid volume increase without bulky gear.
• Simple I/O: One 3.5mm stereo plug input and three 3.5mm stereo outputs let one source feed multiple headphones or speakers.
• Low output impedance: The 1 ohm output impedance helps drive a variety of headphones with less hiss and better control.
• Input compatibility: The 3.5mm input works with laptops, MP3 players, portable DVD players and many other personal audio devices.
• Designed for noisy spaces: The amplifier noticeably improves audibility in planes, trains and streets where device volume alone often fails.

Who It's For

The Boostaroo is best for people who often struggle to hear audio from older laptops, pocket MP3 players or portable DVD players in noisy environments and need a compact, battery-powered solution. It is also useful for anyone who wants to feed the same audio source to several sets of headphones or external speakers without complicated wiring.

It is not ideal for audiophiles seeking a hi-fi upgrade chain or users frustrated by frequent battery changes; customers report the device's battery life can be shorter than expected, so those who prefer rechargeable integrated amplifiers may want to shop elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effective volume and clarity boost for low-output devices.
• Three outputs let multiple listeners share the same source simultaneously.
• Compact, portable design is convenient for travel and commuting.

Cons

• Battery life is a common user concern and may require frequent replacement for heavy users.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Boostaroo is a practical, low-cost fix for anyone needing louder, clearer audio from portables in noisy situations or for sharing one source across multiple headphones. Its portability, clear amplification and simple connections make it a sensible value choice, though users should be prepared for modest battery life under heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it work with my laptop headphone jack?
Yes, the Boostaroo uses a standard 3.5mm input and will increase output from most laptops and portable players.

Can several people use headphones at once?
Yes, it provides three 3.5mm outputs so multiple listeners can share one audio source.

Does it improve sound quality as well as volume?
It primarily increases output level and helps clarity in noisy places; users report generally good sound quality but note battery life may affect long sessions.