I added a strap hinge on the top speakers. Will not ever break. Does not affect the sound or operation of these speakers at all. It has no problem folding and retracting back into the case, works better than original plastic hinge. I also replaced batteries recently, they hold a charge and function properly. This sound Beacon has 1 wireless Receiver ( built in ) for a Wireless MICROPHONE(mic not included). There is a headphone plug ready to plug in to your phone, MP3 or Ipod and instantly play your music Anywhere,,,LOUD AND CLEAR....This unit sounds equally good on batteries as it does plugged in. Heavy duty Power cord included and a HIGH QUALITY set of RCA cords 4'-6'feet long. This ANCHOR Beacon works, runs, functions Very Good. No problems. There are 8 high power speakers in the upper folding section & (3) even more powerful speakers in the lower, base section.