Behringer Europort Portable PA System EPA40

Well, it's not that bad. The EPA-40 has plenty of clean un-distorted audio to address a small group of people outdoors, Maybe as many as 50. Indoors perhaps as many as 100. It comes with a surprisingly good microphone, and can take line audio in as well. For what it is and what give for it, It is an outstanding value.BUT-there is one gigantic problem for the un-informed -After I bought this four our group I had the same issue most of the other reviewers did. Being a tech kind of guy I investigated, here's what I found.The battery can be problematic however, it's not really the battery but the built in charger. It charges the battery quickly, and after the battery is completely charged it just keeps on going. Although the charge light goes out giving you the impression the charger has stopped this is NOT the case. It just keeps on going. The battery is a VRLA lead acid battery, this is like a car or motorcycle or UPS battery, but much smaller in the EPA40. When the battery overcharges it tries to out-gas spewing a small quantity of battery acid all over the battery terminals and into the unit. After this occurs the spring terminals inside the unit become corroded and proper operation requires these spring contacts be clean. As an "encore" the overcharging ruins the battery. New batteries are available right here on Amazon.To avoid these battery problems charge the battery until the battery charge indicator goes out, about two hours depending on how long and loud you have used it. Now disconnect the charger, pop the back off the unit, slide the retainer out and remove the battery. The OEM battery isn't too spiffy and tends to self discharge, if the battery sits outside the unit after a month it's a good idea to top it back up before you use it again, otherwise your presentation may be cut short when the battery runs out of juice. If the battery is left inside the EPA40 it will discharge more quickly, in the unit I have there is a small parasitic draw caused by the charger.The charger is under engineered in the EPA40, if you can interact with the EPA40 as outlined above you'll get good service from the battery and unit. The length of time it will operate is stated as 8 hours, occasional voice at moderate level this appears to be the case, but of you are blasting music realistically the time is cut short to about 45 minutes or less.We have been using ours for 2 years now, other than the battery issues mentioned above it has been a real workhorse for us.

I bought a second hand one that had a dead battery, and the microphone connector had a bad solder joint. I fixed the mic, and bought a replacement battery, which died in short order. I don't think the problem is with the batteries. I think either their charger is killing the batteries, or the amp is draining the batteries even when "OFF", and that kills them. Behringer is notorious for not given out ANY service info, and insisting you use one of their authorized service centers. It would cost more to have a service center work on than I paid for it. Some day when I get bored I'm going to tear it open, trace out the circuitry & fix it myself. There is clearly a design flaw someplace.

a surprising piece of sht --lasted less that 6 months never played more than 30 minutes--uses the cheapest battery you could imagine ( extremely difficult to rig up a replacement becase of battery compartment and other wet cells on the web are to big to fit it--would require external adapters etc.--almost impossible to get--back ordered Behringer doesnt even stock it--refers you to another company--trying to have the entire amp replaced--tons of paper work needed--a print out from amazon is not accepted--it is very well made typical German but a cheapo Chinese battery.Out of respect for others it is going to b a gift from the streets--left on my street corner--i would never sell it to anyone and neither should Behringer--save your money and agida

We use this system for guided walking tours around our historic district for groups of 25-50 people. the volume and clarity is perfect for this type of use. It is lightweight and comfortable to carry (or use the included shoulder strap).The biggest drawback is the battery life. The included battery is very poor quality. After using the system a couple of times and recharging the battery, the battery died completely and cannot be re-chanrged. Being an odd size and configuration, a replacement is hard to find. I found a replacement at batteryspec.com - part # TR2.6-12B.Since a replacement battery is available, I will still recommend the product, but if the battery is discontinued, the product will be worthless.

Worked good but the battery died and you can buy one stay away for this.

I agree with two other reviewers. The EPA40 is a great disappointment. I have had three of them, always thinking I had just had a dud the first two times, but the machine is useless. The battery gives out within a few weeks and can't be replaced or recharged. The machine works well, if it can be plugged in, but I lead park tours, and, obviously, no plugs are available. This is a swindle, and the company should fire the responsible parties.

Don't buy this PA unless you want to get stuck with a dead battery just over a year as I did. I called the company and explained to them that the battery died after very light use and the customer service department could have cared less. Instead, they suggested that I purchase a brand new battery. The battery doesn't last and the company does not stand behind this product. I suggest you don't buy one of these unless you like wasting your money on new batteries, or wish to keep the unit plugged to an electrical outlet during it's use. Maybe someday Behringer will get a clue on what "customer service" means.