Samson XP308i Portable PA System with iPod Dock

This 300-watt portable PA folds up into its own case for transport! You get two 8" speakers, a mixer with 4 XLR mic channels and an iPod dock, and cables.

Overall User Ratings (based on 24 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(24) (see rating details)
Submitted November 18, 2010 by a customer from YAHOO.COM

"Perfect for "grownup" music!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If anything ever happened to this setup, I would probably replace it with the larger 500W model. (It's THAT good!)
Sound
If you are looking for a small PA for small applications - THIS IS IT. If you are looking for something EXTREMELY loud to melt people's faces off - look elsewhere!
Features
If this had a SUB OUT it would be darn-near perfect!
Ease of Use
This setup is extremely simple to operate. I pulled it out of the box and had it hooked up to my computer in a matter of minutes.
Quality
This unit is very well-built! ....alot better than I had expected!
Value
I would definitely buy this system again.
Manufacturer Support
No idea.
The Wow Factor
The manufacturer photos of this product to not do it justice. (The speakers are very sharp looking!)

Musical Background:

Soundman / Concert Promoter

Musical Style:

EVERYTHING
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Submitted October 22, 2012 by Robert W in Lititz, PA

"Unbelievable Sound"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Recently purchased the Samson XP308i PA System and was blown away with its looks and its sound. I lead a program here at our school for dads and kids, and we hold this event in our cafeteria. Acoustics are terrible, but this sound system did the trick. In fact, the man who allowed us to borrow his personal equipment each month was jealous of our new system. Everything about it is fantastic especially the portability and the sound. I highly recommend this system!!
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Submitted June 7, 2011 by a customer from aol.com

"Samson XP308i Portable PA System, best unit for your money"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I believe that this product is perfect for its intended use. If lost or stolen, I probably would suggest that the rescue group purchase the same to replace it.
Sound
I purchased this product to donate it to a 501C3 dog rescue group that needed a PA system. The quality of this unit for the price is great. Easy to set up for them will be perfect and easy to store. They have outside get togethers so this will make things much easier for them. The unit sounds great with my initial play.
Features
The product didn't include all the accessories I needed , but ZZ Zounds offered a package that pretty much included all else I needed to make the unit complete.
Ease of Use
The unit should be quite easy for them to set up and take down. I will label all they need to tweek to make it hopefully fool proof.
Quality
Product looks extremely well made. Only other item would have been maybe a cover of some sort to keep dust off.
Value
Yes
Manufacturer Support
Not had any dealings with the company.
The Wow Factor
Yes, made to look and work like I wanted.

Musical Background:

Sound Technician US Army 30 years

Musical Style:

All
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Submitted March 15, 2011 by a customer from pacbell.net

"Samson XP308i Portable PA System is well worth it."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I will take this to all my small parties and save up for a larger 1000+W system for larger functions. But for starting out it has a lot of upside and fits for what I do 80% of the time.
Sound
Sound is good, I play iTunes off my iPhone and computer. May need to do some adjusting but it works well. Sometimes I wish I had a subwoofer.
Features
light and easy to pack and setup. I purchased from zZounds and got the speaker stands and microphone. If you need a inexpensive system to pump out music or for a PA system this is it. Everything was ~ $518.00. This is my first system and it works well for what I'm doing and was paied off after three jobs.
Ease of Use
It does not get any easier this this! I wish Samson would pair this with a powered subwoofer of have a sub out on the mixer.
Quality
This has been great so far, no issues and everything is like new. I do pack extra cables and have not had any issues or a need to use any of my extra stuff.
Value
This is a great value. I would purchase it again!
Manufacturer Support
Must be the best... I did call to ask about setting up a subwoofer.
The Wow Factor
never thought about it as having sex appeal, it's a PA system!

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

I like it all
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Submitted October 24, 2012 by Jason L in Newbern, TN

"I love this little sound system"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this sound system for smaller sound venues so I would not have to lug around big speakers and a heavy amp. After reading reviews and trying to determine if this is the one that I wanted, I went ahead and ordered and I am glad that I did. I love it, it is simple to hook up and the way that it all goes together is very useful. Oh yea, it will put out the sound and I am very pleased so far. Now remember, this is for smaller venues and such.

Musical Background:

Sound gigs

Musical Style:

All music
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Submitted February 24, 2011 by a customer from pacbell.net

"For the quality and price it is tough to beat... I'd love to hook up a sub-woofer if possible I was told it would be off the mon"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
As I grow so will my system, but I see this one filling a nice niche of backyard parties and smaller events. It's less work.
Sound
I use this with my laptop for playing music at small parties. It works well and keeps me busy. Very portable and zounds excellent
Features
zZounds made this better by adding the items I needed as a kit. Also the guy on the phone gave me great service told me what else I needed and sold it to me at a great price.
Ease of Use
Very easy... this is my 1st and it was very easy to get going. So what is missing... basic use is great, I would love o know it I can add a sub-woofer.
Quality
So far this is holding up well... I do want to get a 1000W system for larger outdoor events, but this fits all 50-100+ indoor parties so far and great for backyards.
Value
for ~ 500.00 you can't go wrong. For what you get this is awesome and with 3 small events it's all paid for!
Manufacturer Support
No experience with Support... hope to keep it that way!
The Wow Factor
Looks great on the stands, the mixer works well but when it's out O wish there was a place I could put it where it would be better protected. No third party box for it. Bit it works nicely... I keep people away from me and no drinks near the table.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist

Musical Style:

I love all music
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Submitted October 23, 2012 by george bellefeuille in aurora, IL

"the Samson XP308i portable pa"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
man this puppy barks !...we're a professional comedy show ,magic-vent and puppets -we do noisy clubs, colleges and casino shows and this system gets every ta-freaking-da ! heard...our voices are crystal clear and the music is a thumping....thanks to the pay as you play plan we can keep up with the competition on a affordable basis ...thanks guyzz & galzz you rock

Musical Background:

in the entertainment industry since 1976

Musical Style:

comedy and various bgrnd music
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Submitted April 3, 2012 by marc n in columbus, OH

"Samson XP308i"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Our trio (guitars+, keyboard, percussions) needed a PA for small rooms, coffee houses, etc. I researched what was specifically available in this class, and took a chance on the XP308i. We were not disappointed. Running vocals and (small) bass drum only, our mix between stage instruments and PA was excellent. The Samson gave the room a nice spread with the 2 cabinets, and built in reverb added a nice vocal flourish. We knew we needed monitors, however, so that's why I bought this PA version. We just hooked up a powered monitor for vocal monitoring, and it worked great. The instruments picked up nicely from the front vocal mikes, so our blend makes this PA a great choice for small to moderate sized rooms.
Sound
Sound quality was very clean, primarily vocals and percussion (not to be overdone with 8" speakers, especially miking a kick drum). You shouldn't be overdriving in a coffee shop anyway. While an overall EQ button (speech/music) has descriptions of what the manual says they're used for, you can decide fairly quickly what setting to use for your sound.
Features
built in reverb is a very nice touch. It does have phantom power, but we didn't choose to mic anything with a condensor. The fact that you can run powered monitors can't be overstated. These are 150 watts per side, and unless that's how you're going to hear/monitor yourself, you need foldbacks to hear fully and musically. However = least useful: please improve the design of this by allowing the mixer to store INTO the cabinet. The mixer is needlessly exposed to the elements, bumps, and grinds by facing outwards.
Ease of Use
the mixer is built into one of the cabs, which are connected (slid) together for ease of transportation and storage. Also, speaker cables and power cord are stored in the other cab...nice touches. It only has 2 bands of EQ, so you need to have a good sounding source to let this help you shape the sound. Garbage in, garbage out.
Quality
I have many Samson products (mics, small EQ's, etc) and this does not disappoint. I've been pleased with the quality of their products in live settings. Again, be careful in that the mixer is exposed outwards, and you need to protect it, somehow. I converted a laundry bag into a PA cover...
Value
Yes, A good value and product for what we needed...shop at a time where you might find free shipping or extras. Zzounds did a fine job with their price and shipping that made me decide to order from them. And I'm 'playing as I pay', which is a welcome benefit to working musicians. Thanks, Zounders....
Manufacturer Support
n/a
The Wow Factor
Yes, it's portability, it's features (we needed more than the XP150 @ 75 wattts per side, and their largest model we've got covered with our main PA anyway). So, yes, wow to the 308i in the small room settings.

Musical Background:

veteran, semi-pro.

Musical Style:

surf, blues, acoustic, rock, big band, jazz, wind ensemble, etc.
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Submitted February 21, 2012 by RICHARD REY in PHILADELPHIA, PA

"samson xp308i"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
After years of lugging around heavy equipment for solo gigs I decided to give this unit a try and I have to say that it is perfect for what I do. i have also used it for an acoustic duo and there was plenty of power and it sounds very clear. i wouldn't recommend it for a band or a large crowded bar, but for an acoustic gig at the corner bar this is perfect.

Musical Background:

I've been playing professionally for over 15 years. I play guitar, bass, harmonica and I sing.

Musical Style:

rock, folk, country, blues, surf
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Submitted June 5, 2012 by Alvin A in Savannah, GA

"Great Portable Sounds"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
The system is great easy to set up and the sound is clear. I really like it we have used for over two months now. My wife uses it for Zumba and it is perfect. It is not as light as stated it is a little heavier then expected but its worth it. The iPod jack makes it ideal for Zumba and playing music for parties. I am really happy with the product.

Musical Background:

none

Musical Style:

Everything
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Submitted September 8, 2014 by Coach P in Hazlehurst, GA

"Amazing System"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Perfect for teaching classes in gym. Love the sound it produces! Very impressive! Excited to receive wireless mic to keep class engaging and fun!

Musical Background:

Dancer 10+ yrs and PE teacher 8

Musical Style:

Christian Rap, Gospel, Hip Hop R&B, Pop, Neo Soul, Reggaeton, Cumbia....a little of it all
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Submitted October 5, 2012 by Curtis Updike in Manning, OR

"Good system, clean design, minor changes needed"

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
For the price this system is great! Good full sound, nice mixer features and clean simple design. This has a great clean sound.The construction is solid. As per a packaged unit, the design that puts the control knobs on the outside for transport....not that smart. The lining together of the speakers is kinda hokey. Not a lot of thought went into this. I would suggest the padded carry case for safety but then you are adding more money for what should be a durable easy packing system that is not. Great system, not the best portable design. Think smarter like Fender, Peavey, Behringer, etc, in making it more durable for transport.

Musical Background:

do not play, have been a sound tech for theater and music touring for over 15 years
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Submitted November 6, 2011 by a customer from hotmail.com

"Not impressed with the whole package."

Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
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Dont stop here, move on to the 500 watt model. I have heard there is quite an improvement over this one.
Sound
Was not impressed with this product, it didnt have any low end and generally lacked power. The mixer was poor quality also. I tried this unit on a karaoke set up and had to have the gains on the mics cranked to keep up with the ipod gain on minimum, ended up with boomy vocals.
Features
This is a great little package and very light and portable with everything you need onboard. Mixer should be able to flip around for moving and storage to protect the knobs, i thought that was rather foolish in design. Love the ipod dock.
Ease of Use
My 9 year old was running this in 5 minutes. Very simple very playable.
Quality
Seems pretty bullit proof except for the exposed mixer controls in transport mode.
The Wow Factor
The portablity draws you in, until you hear it for a an evening.

Musical Style:

all types
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Submitted October 30, 2012 by joseph diaz in san antonio, TX

"xp308i"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
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Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
this pa is just what i was looking for to help me with the vocslization part of my music, its simplistic design is just what expected!!

Musical Background:

i play guitar and vocals

Musical Style:

modern rock
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Submitted July 9, 2011

"A great product"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
I believe this is a great light weight PA system. I need a PA system I can carry with me when I fly. This system is less then 50 pounds and I can put it in a suitcase. For the size it also sounds great.
Value
Its worth the selling price.
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Submitted March 11, 2010

Samson XP308i PA System Customer Review

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Sound
Sound is really good for a smaller room, needs a subwoofer to be great though. I used this for my brother wedding dinner outside. Sound was plenty for playing in the front yard. I paired these with a yorkville 10 inch bandpass subwoofer. Now I use them for playing video games and outdoor movie theater night.
Features
Came with everything needed. The speaker cables were a little sub-par though, one of them broke right away but aftermarket ones fixed that.
Ease of Use
very easy to use. Plug them in and push play.
Quality
Cabinets are pretty rugged, they have been dropped a couple of times and still work great. The storage on the backs is nice too.
Value
Overall I am really happy with them for the price.
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