Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800) Review - Audiostance

Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800) Review

The Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 is one of the most exciting Bluetooth speakers released in 2018. It’s a loud and bassy speaker that is great for demanding environments where power is the primary intention.

Please note that the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 has been discontinued.

At a Glance

  • Power Output: 420W
  • Drivers: Dual 8″
  • Battery Life: 24 Hours
  • Bluetooth: Yes with NFC
  • Dimensions: 27.9” x 15.3” x 12.7”
  • Weight: 25.1 lbs

Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 Review

The Xpedition 8 is not your standard portable Bluetooth speaker. At 28” long and 25.1 lbs, the Xpedition 8 isn’t the Bluetooth speaker you throw in a backpack. This is a large speaker and requires two hands to pick it up.

The Xpedition 8 features dual 8” low-frequency drivers with 3 x 1” tweeters, producing a massive 420W peak power output! This is a large amount of power and subsequent sound for a Bluetooth speaker. The Xpedition 8 also has two large bass radiators out the rear for an improved low-frequency response.

The BEAST mode setting, when engaged, delivers a significant bass boost. The speaker cones pulse and vibrate like they’re about to pop out of the speaker grille while the earth below you shakes. It’s genuinely one of the most significant bass boost features on any Bluetooth speaker.

Even without BEAST mode engaged, the Xpedition 8 produces an excellent punchy bass response. Mids and highs are clear and present. However, the dynamics are somewhat limited, and when pushed to max volume, there is a bit of distortion. The Xpedition 8 is designed to fuel parties and gatherings, not to impress audiophiles, so don’t expect a balanced sound signature. Instead, it features a V-shaped sound with prominent bass and forward treble.

Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800)

IP67 Waterproof Rating

In all their marketing, Altec Lansing states the Xpedition 8 is “everything proof,” which means the speaker is both waterproof and durable. The Xpedition 8 carries an IP67 waterproof rating, protecting it from water submergence to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes. In addition, the Xpedition 8 floats upright in the water while still playing music. This is especially impressive given that the speaker weighs 25 lbs. With the bass radiators in the rear, the Xpedition 8 doesn’t sound as good in the pool as it does on dry land. However, this is still awesome for a pool party.

Saltwater protection is a unique feature not found on most Bluetooth speakers. Altec Lansing states the Xpedition 8 is safe to take to the beach and even dip in the sea. While this might be true, I’d not want to test this too often, as salt water finds a way to eat through anything, no matter how much you protect it. If you use the Xpedition 8 at the beach, always give it a thorough fresh water rinsing afterward to eliminate any salt that could damage the speaker.

The Xpedition 8 is housed in a durable, watertight plastic enclosure that can take more than a few bumps and knocks without incurring damage.

LED and Strobe Lighting

As if anything I haven’t already mentioned wasn’t enough to get the party started, the Xpedition 8 comes with a strobe and LED lighting. On either end of the speaker grille are two white LED strobes. Unfortunately, these are either on or off and don’t pulse in time to the music. However, the color LEDs around the grille do. The grille LEDs pulse and change in time to the music, switching between 12 colors. During the day, this is cool, but at night, the Xpedition 8 looks badass! In addition, there is a red LED around the volume knob, which changes as you turn the volume up or down. The buttons on the front of the Xpedition 8 for both the strobe and LED lights make it easy to switch this feature on and off.

Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800)

Pairing

Pairing the Xpedition 8 is quick and easy. If you have an NFC device, pairing is as easy as tapping your phone to the sensor to pair the Xpedition 8 to your mobile device in less than a few seconds. The Xpedition 8 also takes a ⅛-inch AUX input. This is located behind a watertight seal between the two bass radiators on the speaker’s rear. The ⅛-inch AUX input is an AC power input for charging from the socket or a DC power input for charging via your car charger. Both of which are supplied with the Xpedition 8. Besides the power inputs, there is also a USB output for charging your mobile devices using the Xpedition 8 built-in battery.

The Xpedition 8 has a built-in battery with a 24-hour battery life. This is rated at 50% volume without the lights. At full volume with BEAST mode and lights, you’re looking at around 12 hours, which is more than enough for a full day of partying. The Xpedition 8 can operate when connected to a socket, so you can party all weekend if you have power.

Altec Lansing has included a link feature in the Xpedition 8, allowing you to link two Xpedition 8 speakers together for 840W of sound. You can make the link mono or stereo, depending on your preference. If you want to annoy your neighbors, 840W of sound is a good way to start.

Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800)

What’s in the Box?

Included with the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8:

  • 1 x Xpedition 8 (ALP-XP800) Bluetooth speaker
  • 1 x AC power adapter
  • 1 x Car charger

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate Bluetooth party speaker, then the Altec Lansing Xpedition 8 is, in my opinion, one of the best Bluetooth party speakers. There is nothing like the Altec Lansing BEAST mode, which makes the Xpedition 8 much more exciting to listen to. The lights add to the aesthetic, making the speaker visually exciting. At $400, the Xpedition 8 isn’t cheap, but you’re getting a PA system. The  Xpedition 8 is great for all sorts of parties, including pool and beach parties, tailgating, and just making a noise for fun.

Audiostance Author - Matt Hallowes
Written by
Matt Hallowes

Matt is a sound engineer and confessed vinyl junkie! His work as a sound engineer includes live production and venue installations, giving him deep insight into the audio industry, with personal experience with dozens of products. While traveling the world, Matt shares his knowledge and expertise with us!

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