Bose Wave Radio - Clock radio - platinum white Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you haven't heard this little beauty, you should. It is a design and engineering gem. And small. The best part is the sophistication of the design that has and will last for years. I've owned one for about six years. A new one is the same and for good reason, it needs no changes. I suggest one thing: buy the wave radio, not the CD wave radio. For the $150 you save you'll have a sleek unit that lets you add, say, an inexpensive slim progressive scan DVD, CD/mp3/WMA, etc. combo player that you can always update. You gain expandability and can use this setup as your sound system for movies and music in an apartment, or another room in the house to compliment a main Home Theater projector/Plasma Digital Audio setup. Trust me, even years from now the full rich sound will amaze you.

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Sony CMT-MX700Ni - Micro system with iPhone / iPod cradle - radio / CD / network audio player/ digital player Review

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(More customer reviews)It uses a very long life LCD display that`s convince me over the other systems with OLED or FL displays that degrades with time.
Sound quality is very good for it`s size.
Loaded with all the funtions one will need: CD, FM, VTUNER FREE INTERNET RADIO, AUX IN, USB PLAYBACK, HOME NETWORK MUSIC PLAYER, IPOD DOCK BUILD IN.
Elegant, ease of use, can not ask for more with this micro sized system.
Recomended.


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JVC KW-XR810 Double-DIN Bluetooth Dual USB/CD Receiver with USB 2.0 for iPod/iPhone, and Bluetooth/Satellite/HD Radio add-on capability Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Installed it in 2010 Nissan Frontier Extended Cab, along with the HD Radio tuner, 6"x9" Alpine SPR-69C speakers in front and 6.5" Alpine SPS-600's in rear.
Pros:
1. Very easy, intuitive navigation, especially for all the features, including large dedicated buttons for preset radio stations -- which was important to me since I listen to the radio a LOT. Menu and Back buttons make the nested menus easy, especially when using USB mass storage (up to 20,000 songs). Can Hide infrequently used menu options (such as AUX input) using Setup. Can readily "customize it" to meet your preferences. Once you've tweaked your setup, it's very easy to use.
2. Color matched my dash lights VERY well, with separate settings for the display and the buttons, including totally different setups for night and day. Display is fairly customizeable, as well, in addition to choosing Negative and Positive backlighting.
3. Great internal equalizer provides 3 different adustments for each of at least 3 frequencies in each of the 3 broad ranges (High, Mid, Low) -- making it more like a 9 or 10 band equalizer. Can finetune it to your speakers and the car's acoustics -- your tweaking is most easily done by pressing and holding the preset that's closest to what you like, then make your manual adjustments and its automatically saved as a USER preset that's easily accessed via this dedicated EQ button. Or, you can do it the hard way using the Setup >> Audio menu.
4, Strong internal amp is certainly not "over-rated" at 20 watts -- it will produce 20 watts with little noticeable distortion. With good aftermarket speakers, you may not (I don't) need an amp or separate sub, though I'm sure it would sound even better. Multiple LOUD settings to enhance low volume, if desired, but I don't use them -- just tweaked the EQ. You could boost the volume even more by jacking up the input volume (see #5 below). Of course, you have 5 sets of RCA out jacks and built-in subwoofer control if you want to amp it up...
5. Adjustable input volume for each input source(Aux, USB, CD, etc) other than the Radio, so you can get the same output volume from each source withour jarring (and possibly harmful to your ears or speakers) volume changes when switching sources. Even the Aux input sounds good, though it doesn't quite compare to the 24-bit Digital-to-Analog (DAC) converter in the headunit.
6. Clean, great sound, though I didn't try it with just the stock speakers. With all the adjustments, you can tailor it to the type of music you typically listen to. Surprising bass with these nice Alpine speakers. The stereo in my truck now blows away the Pioneer/Bose setup in my house!
7. Attractive, without being flashy. Looks almost stock... hopefully won't attract the attention of theives!
CONS:
1. Couldn't transfer phonebook from my old Casio Boulder. Easily paired up to it, and the Bluetooth works great otherwise. I just dial out using Phonebook on my cell, and the headunit takes over. Could still manually dial using headunit, but it's more cumbersome. Sounds great -- callers say it sounds like I'm just using a headset, without echoes, road noise or other distractions.
2. Didn't recognize my Sansa Clip MP3 player - perhaps because I also have a microSD card in it. Bought a 8GB USB flash drive that works great, and use it on the rear USB, hidden in glove compartement. (The tiny USB Bluetooth adapter stays in the front USB and isn't very noticeable at all.)
3. File names and folders still limited to 25 characters, which initially required some renaming of the files. This has little impact on the display, however, since the Tags (Artist, Album, Song Title) can contain up to 128 characters. Can select to scroll long tags once, repeatedly, or turn scrolling completely off.
4. FM radio reception isn't really any better than stock, though the sound is clearer with less static on normal AM/FM. AM reception seems better than stock, and much clearer overall. HD radio sounds GREAT, though HD stations and their range are still limited. I saw HD as an investment in the future, without subscription charges, especially since the FCC just recently approved the HD stations to increase their broadcast power (i.e. range) ten-fold or something like that.
5. Glossy faceplate and buttons show fingerprints and dust, and makes it look "less stock" than it would if it had a textured finish. Otherwise, matches stock dash very well. At night, with the colors adjusted and stored via setup, it looks like it came from the factory instead of having a multi-colored light show... See the photos that I uploaded.
Overall, I'm VERY, VERY pleased with the upgrade. The improvement in sound (not counting flexibility of two USB inputs, AUX, HD radio, etc.) over the stock single-CD (non Rockford-Fosgate) system is simply incredible. With the 6x9 Alpines, you can crank it up and feel the bass thump your chest. IMO, this JVC has the most features available at this price point in a double-DIN deck, those features are easy to use, and the sound won't disappoint!

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JVC's double-DIN KW-XR810 is a USB/CD receiver with plenty of connectivity--connect USB devices and iPod/iPhones using dual USB ports, or other devices using the front-panel 3.5mm auxiliary input. Bluetooth technology gives you hands-free audio or audio streaming with your cell phone, and expansion options include three preamp outputs and the easy addition of HD or satellite radio. The icing on the cake is JVC's Separated Variable Color, which lets you adjust the receiver's display color to match your vehicle or preference.

Separated Variable Color The KW-XR810 features a Full-Dot LCD with JVC's Separated Variable-Color. Personalize your stereo to match your vehicle's interior illumination colors. Separated variable color lets you use two separate colors from a choice of over 30,000 options to create your own color scheme.
Built-in Bluetooth Wireless Technology Drive more safely (or legally depending on where you live) with hands-free calling. The included wired microphone offers flexible settings for clear communication. The Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP) for iPhone lets you automatically access your phone book without transfer. You can also manually transfer up to 400 numbers from compatible cell phones. Changing from hands-free to a private conversation can be done by a push of a key. You can also easily switch Bluetooth connection between 2 phones, such as for business/private use.

CD and MP3/WMA/WAV Playback Enjoy your favorite CDs or throw in burnt CD-Rs. You can also listen back to MP3/WMA/WAV data CDs, which allows you to throw hours of music on a single disc, with ID3 tag display of artist and track info. Or better yet, just drag your files to a USB thumb drive and plug it into the receiver's front-panel USB port.
A 24-bit TI/Burr-Brown analog-to-digital converter provides a solid sound base, and you can perfect it with the three-band EQ. For quiter listening, a Loudness function (in three different patterns) is provided, to ensure you still get some low-end and dynamics.
Front-Panel USB and Auxiliary Input Connect USB thumb drives, iPods/iPhones (see below), or other USB devices using the USB port. If you have another audio device that's not USB compatible, just use the standard 3.5mm auxiliary input and you're all set. A second USB port is provided on the rear of the receiver, so you can keep a couple devices connected.
USB Audio and Video for iPod/iPhone The USB connection for iPod/iPhone provides clear digital sound directly from your iPod or iPhone. While your device is in use, it also receives a charge, so it's ready to step out of the car when you do. Since the KD-R810 features two USB ports, you can connect two different iPods, or a USB device along with an iPod.

With External Mode for iPod, you can also enjoy sound from your favorite iPod/iPhone apps in your vehicle, such as Internet radio, games, video, or navigation apps (compatibility differs by model).
AM/FM Radio The KW-XR810 features an AM/FM radio, with 6 AM and 18 FM presets, for quick access to your favorite stations.
The HS-IVi tuner features higher sensitivity, thanks to three IF bandwidths (wide, middle and narrow). It also includes AM Noise Canceller plus upgraded IF filters that help avoid the distortion caused by interference from adjacent stations.
HD/SAT Radio Ready If you'd like to add some serious entertainment options to your vehicle, add an optional HD or Satellite radio solution from JVC to take advantage of XM/SIRIUS programming or HD features like Multicasting or iTunes tagging.
50W x 4 MOSFET Amplifier The built-in 50W x 4 MOSFET amp provides plenty of power, but three 2.5V preamp output terminals (front, rear, subwoofer) are also provided for system building.
What's in the Box KW-XR810 Receiver, Bluetooth Microphone, Sleeve/Trim Ring, Wiring Harness, Installation Hardware, Instruction/Intallation Manuals, Warranty Info

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Sangean ATS-909X AM/FM/LW/SW World Band Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently purchased the new 909X model, and did some technical tests on the 909x versus my Tecsun Pl-390 and Grundig 750. First, as to FM reception, the 909X has outstanding FM reception, as to both the number of stations received and the tonal quality. I was able to easily log 18 RDS stations from my central Florida location in daytime. As to tonal quality, this is where the 909X is a great portable. The built-in amplifier and the high-quality speaker, give the FM listener a range of tonal quality approaching my Tivoli Audio SongBook radio. This excellent tonal quality carries over to AM reception also. My next test was on the shortwave bands. I was surprised as to the radio's sensitivity and, again, good tonal quality on SW voice and music programs. Although my Grundig 750 and Tecsun PL-390 are very sensitive shortwave radios, the big plus in the 909X is it's very high signal-to-noise ratio. What that means is that weak signals received on the Grundig 750 and Tecsun Pl-390 come in with a large amount of background noise. The 909X, in contrast, has a surprisingly low background noise level on the various shortwave bands. This low background noise level allows weak signals to become more audible and less anoying to copy. Also, the 909X appears to be equally sensitive on all shortwave bands. Even the normally weak 26-28Mhz band sensitivity on most portables, I was easily able to tune in some CB radio traffic at that higher frequency. I also tested medium wave, and found it just as sensitive as on my Grundig 750, again, with better tonal quality, and the wide/narrow filters worked well to separate loud from weak stations.
Just to mention some other things that make this portable shine are the alpha-numeric page memory system, world time in many cities which sync automatically after you set your local home time, and the many ways that you can tune stations. The 909X even has a squelch control in addition to an effective RF Gain control. Due to the very low background noise level of the 909X, I have yet to use the squelch control even when seeking for weak shortwave signals
So, in conclusion, with just using the radio's long provided whip, and better, the reel-in antenna acompanying the radio, the 909X serves as an excellent portable to carry on trips, and carry around in its nice case. I can't overemphasize the great signal-to-noise ratio of this radio. Yes, the 909X is rather large and expensive compared to other portables. But, what you get in this larger package is a high-quality speaker and a great built-in audio amplifier of very large tonal range.

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Digital AM/FM/Lwith SW Receiver with 415 Presets, PLL Tuning.

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Pioneer SPH-DA01 AppRadio 6.1-Inch In-Dash Double-Din AV Receiver for iPod and iPhone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I was so pumped for this product when I first saw the announcement for it a little over a month ago. Now that I have it and have spent the past 3 days using it I can safely say it has been a huge letdown. I really wanted it to work as well, I tried my hardest to see past all the issues, but there are so many and they interfere so heavily with the usability I couldn't. For that reason I'm returning it. I'll detail the specifics individually further down.
First, the idea itself was a great one. One I am convinced would have worked if it were not for the buggy software and the slow interface. It feels as if the product was rushed to market before it was thoroughly tested and tweaked. The line between great product and horrid one is thin here and this one missed the mark for myself. Also, I didn't count off for this as I was fully aware of it going in, but am posting it as an FYI to future less informed buyers. This product turns into a mediocre radio without an iPhone 4. It has no other input and will be a waste of $400 if you don't have one or don't plan on keeping yours for a while once you get the radio. I can't stress this enough, without an iPhone this radio is a few steps from useless.
Install & setup:
This was par for the course as far as any radio is concerned. I mounted the GPS antenna on the dash and the mic by my sun-visor. More than enough cable for both tasks. I am unsure if I could have gotten the GPS antenna to my back window, but it would have been tight. All other items installed like you would expect any aftermarket radio.
Hardware:
The fit and finish of the actual hardware is good. The microphone and GPS antenna look and feel like they are quality items and will last a while. As noted before the cable length for both was ample for installing on the dash/sun-visor. I can't say if I could have gotten the antenna to my back window, but it would have been tight if I had tried. The multitouch screen feels like an iPhone on the surface, although the software on the device causes issues with usability that will be detailed below. My screen had a single dead pixel that stuck out like a sore thumb when the screen was all black or displaying a dark color. The "home" button and volume buttons from a hardware perspective felt quality. The iPhone connection cable is unnecessarily thick and heavy. Although it feels like it will last it is too cumbersome to be comfortably used. As noted before there are no inputs for anything other than an iPhone and as discussed in other reviews only a single set of RCA outs. I did not degrade the rating for this as I knew this before I bought it.
Software/Processor:
This is where the unit really fails. It is extremely slow and the software is buggy. Several times (4-5) in the 3 days I have used it the unit has completely frozen, would not respond to any input what-so-ever. The only fix for this was to shut my car off for several seconds and start it back up. The software is also very, very slow. It takes 45 seconds to even become responsive after my car is turned on. When switching between screens there is a lag of between 5 to 30 seconds. It gets frustrating when you press a button several times after no response only to have 3-4 clicks register at the same time 4-5 seconds later, this happens quite a bit when changing volume. This appears to be a combination of the software and a slower processor than is needed. I am unsure if a more efficient software update could solve this issue as it is so bad now.
Radio:
The radio performed as you would expect. All was decently peppy except changing between bands. This took 10-15 seconds a band, there are 3 FM bands and 2 AM bands. So going from FM1 to AM1 can take 45 seconds as you press band, wait 15 seconds, press it again, wait 15 more and so on. Programming favorite stations was very easy, however the autoprogram button was right by the band switch button. I twice wiped out my presets after I hit this as it goes without confirmation if you touch it.
iPod:
This functioned well. The only major annoyance here was having to use arrows to scroll through songs/artists. The familiar slide your finger to scroll as you would on the iPhone was not here. The lag in the device between hitting the down arrow and seeing it moved often caused me to scroll past the artist/song I was looking for.
Phone/Bluetooth:
I never got in the phone app directly after the first few times. As hitting the phone button on the radio stops any music from playing before you dial, and once you do press this button you have to exit the radio app and relaunch the music app from your iPhone. For instance, if I'm listening to pandora and hit the "Home" button, pandora continues to play as expected, but once I press phone, before I have even decided who to dial the music stops, so it is silent until I find the contact and dial them, hang up, exit the app, and relaunch pandora. The workaround is to use your phone to scroll through your contacts and dial. This pauses the music only when you start the actual call, and resumes it as soon as it is over. The phone interface is also very slow. You have to use a button to scroll through contacts one page at a time, which takes 4-5 seconds to switch pages. I ended up using the phone to place every call after trying it through the actual radio. The bluetooth works OK. Most everyone I talked to asked me if I was on speakerphone as they could hear ample amounts of background noise. Also every call I placed that was over 8-9 minutes developed a serious echo, sometimes with a 1-2 second lag. I speculate this was due to the processor falling behind but am unsure.
Individual apps:
Next I'll go over individual apps. This was the most exciting thing about the radio as it makes it ever expanding as more apps come to support it. One needs to remember that the radio doesn't really run any apps, it just offers a second display for, and a way of interacting with, apps on your iPhone. Most of the complaints about the apps have to do with the responsiveness of the radio, not really the app as when I used them without the radio, all the interface challenges went away. The phone plays more of a critical role in controlling the radio than I hoped. Things such as switching apps, entering a destination in the GPS, or looking in your ohone book without killing the music has to be done on the phone. Also the reviewer that noted you can't use more than one app at once was partially mistaken. For instance I can start pandora music, then switch to motionx drive and the pandora music still plays, but to do anything other than change the track, I have to close motionx and open pandora from the phone itself.
Pioneer App Radio App - This appears to be more of a "proof of concept" app than anything useful. First the vehicle has to be in park to use it. It allows you to access your iPhone calendar, Photo's, Google maps, as well as launch the supported apps on the device. There is really no use I could find for it, doing all the mentioned was much faster and easier using the iPhone. The reviewer who said this app must be running was mistaken. All supported apps can be launched directly from the iphone without ever using it.
Pandora - This is probably the most polished app currently available on the device. I had very little issues with this app, other than the slowness of the interface.
MotionX Drive - This app is handy, but the radio offers little more than a remote display for the GPS. The only functions you can do on the radio are resizing and changing the orientation on the map (using buttons, not multi-touch like on the iPhone). All other input had to be done via the phone, a fact that could arguably be more dangerous than using the radio. No multitouch moving or resizing of the map as in other apps. There was little difference noted in position accusation time between the phone being plugged in and not. For that reason I am unsure if the GPS antenna was helping much. Although skies were clear, it could have shown its usefulness during an overcast day.
INRIX Traffic - A pretty useful app, it supports multi touch and moving of the map as it does on the iphone. Although extreme slowness was noted here as well.
Netflix/Hulu - Both worked as you would expect if you plugged your phone into a monitor. The radio only acts as a remote monitor for viewing video, all control is on the phone for both apps. The vehicle has to be in park to use them.
rdio - Did not use, can't offer review.
In conclusion the idea was solid and I feel could still be a good one. However, the software and performance issues were too much for me to overcome right now. I would strongly caution anyone who was thinking about buying this. That was the reason for the long review I did is had I known all the above, I would not have bought the radio.

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TEAC SR-100i-B Hi-fi CD/FM Radio with Retractable iPod Dock Review

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(More customer reviews)Well, I wasn't going to spend $600 on a B&W Zeppelin iPod Dock ... and then I saw this unit. Yes, it's look ... and price, sold me on it.
Along with an iPod dock (which is smart as you can push it in if you're not using it to keep the visual lines clean) it also has a radio AND a CD player that plays MP3/WMA disks AND a USB port. I have a 6th gen iPod nano on it and the overall look is very cool! It's rated at 50w per channel which is pretty powerful given that's it a souped-up speaker dock.
This speaker comes with a clean, simple ovoid remote that runs using a lithium watch battery. There is also a very retro-futuristic blue led display that lists status, volume, etc.
Teac isn't too well-known in the US, but it's your typical decent Japanese company (they're bigger in Europe).
Okay, and now to the crux of the review - how about the sound quality? For the price paid, I think it's pretty good. Note that I don't listen to music at ear-shattering levels. It has a few DSP settings including Loudness, Extra Bass, etc if you need more "boom" to your listening experience.
Verdict? 4 stars! Looks fabulous and sounds pretty good too!

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Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt X 2 Stereo Receiver with XM Radio-ready Tuner and Dolby Virtual Speaker Review

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(More customer reviews)I used the HK 3480 (the precursor to this model) for five years and loved it. The 3490 is even better. The sound is more robust and full, not different, but just more refined. It easily powers my Klipsch Synergy speakers and would pair well with any mid-level speakers. With 120w even inefficient speakers will have more than a enough power to move air.
Further, the 3490 has an important new feature: digital inputs. This is a very nice option for those who have made the jump to an all digital music library and use a digital jukeboxes like the Roku Soundbridge or the Squeezebox. Both players have digital outs and pair up nicely with the 3490.
The difference in quality from digital inputs or analog is debatable, but to my ear, going from the 3480 with analog cables, to the 3490 with optical TOSLINK, there was an immediately improvement in clarity. Songs with delicate sound work came alive. Soft details were more apparent. It's been a great upgrade for me.
It's important to note that the 3490 doesn't leave analog fans in the cold either. It has a very nice tape loop and a wonderful gold plated stereo pickup. In short, whether you're library consists of vinyl or mp3s this amp will do it all.
I have always been a fan of Harmon Kardon, and I bought the older 3480 because I'm a strict fan of stereo music listening. The 3490 is a very smart update to the 3480, bringing it into the 21st century with a host of digital options. For those who rely on an iPod for music, there is specific iPod cradle for this amp that allows you to play your iPod's music effortless over the stereo while controlling it with the HK remote. This amp is also XM Radio ready, just plug in your XM receiver and the HK will allow you to control it.
It's very hard to find a subtle, high powered stereo receiver with these features. The market has sadly moved away to the home theater, multi-channel world, but I'm glad Harmon Kardon is still loyal to their stereo listeners.
Build quality is very nice. It's not a flashy amp, it doesn't light up the room with needless LEDs. It's very understated, and handsome. HK even includes two little inserts that hide the front inputs and bass, treble, and balance controls (nice if you don't want people messing with your settings, or you appreciate a clean look.)
Other than the digital options, the tape loop and the phono pickup, the amp does allow video switching and pass through should you want to integrate into your home theater. The other notable detail are the speaker posts. They allow the use of banana clips or allow you to secure naked wire in two different ways to the posts. This is nice if you don't have a lot of clearance behind the amp.
At this price point, there is simply nothing out there that can compete with this amp in terms of quality, performance, or features.

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The HK 3490 is a high current stereo receiver that will give you the best possible audio performance. You can use the optional "Bridge II" to control and navigate your Ipod'. The power rating is 120 watts times two at 8 ohms and 150 watts times 2 at 4 ohms. It has 45 amps of current. It is also XM Ready. It has speaker A/B switching.

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Standard Horizon STD-HX471SB Handheld VHF Marine Radio (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)These radios were over $350.00...Now that newer models have arrived you can purchase for approx $100 less. Radio has several bands (Air, FMS, AM/FM etc.) in addition to marine radio.
Reception is very clear and the compact unit is solid quality. We have used for approx 3 years with no problems. Sound is very good at all volume levels except at full volume you get some distortion. However, you do not need full volume to clearly hear.
You won't go wrong with this feature packed radio.

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Keep on top of emergencies, stay in touch with other boaters, and even listen to your favorite AM and FM radio stations with the Standard Horizon STD-HX471SB handheld two-way VHF radio.
Keep on top of emergencies, stay in touch with other boaters, and even listen to your favorite AM and FM radio station.

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Cambridge Soundworks Radio I765 Blk with A/V Entertainment Review

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(More customer reviews)I compared various radio/CD/iPod dock products based on features, price and customer reviews and decided to try Cambridge Soundworks and compare to Bose Wave radio/CD. Originally, I looked at CD 745i, but they had special for i765 so decided to give it a try. I have put i765 next to new Bose Wave radio/CD and listened to various music, CDs and radio stations. Here is brief summary of winning device by category:
Features: CS i765 - has integrated iPod dock, can play DVDS, can adjust bass, treble, etc.
Sound: Bose Wave radio/CD - its sound is clearer, sounds closer to real performance, has less unwanted interference/resonance
CD: Bose - better sounds almost across the board - more natural and crisp sound across musical genres - jazz, pop, classical, perhaps for some hard rock fans, CS could sound better
Radio: Bose - better reception, out of the box and with antennas
iPod: CS i765 - iPod dock integrated and included.
In summary, both of these are solid performers, with Bose having better sound, but Cambridge Soundworks more features and almost half the price. I have not yet decided which one I will return.
I hope that CS improves the sound more and that Bose starts to offer integrated iPod dock at more competitive pricing - after all there are number of other players now in the market: Denon, Polk, Boston Acoustics, Onkyo, etc.


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Sangean WFT-1 Internet Radio Component Tuner Review

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(More customer reviews)Specifications and chips used in the WFT-1 set my expectations for this internet radio to be best in class. It may be if you could get past the rather clunky user interface and barely adequate user manual. If you have a wired ethernet connection everything is pretty straight forward and the device can be configured without incident. Setting up wireless connection is a different story. 1.) If you use wireless security and you happen to have down rev WFT-1 firmware the radio makes a nice door stop. For example, you try to enter a 26 character (128 bit) WEP key you find the display does not show the whole key value past a certain number of characters and the method to set the characters by using the tuning knob to select from a list of possible characters stops working as the display software / user interface has a bug(s) in it making it impossible to accomplish this task. Did anybody test these features?
If you are able to connect the WFT-1 using wired network access - you can get a newer copy of WFT-1 firmware which seems to fix the key entry and display bugs I mention. I still cannot connect successfully via wireless - why I am not sure - I don't think its operator error. You won't get any clues from the user manual if you happen to be that rare individual who actually reads product manuals. A couple of calls and an email to tech support in the USA, I was able to get a name and leave a message - no instant resolution and no useful FAQ or support information on the SANGEAN WEB site. Hopefully I'll be able to talk to someone knowledgeable .... soon!
The WFT-1 has an ethernet and USB port - it would be great if you could connect a computer to either port and configure it from there, at least to get the thing up and running. Another possible improvement is the IR remote which could be used as a keypad to enter and navigate the various configuration modes.
If SANGEAN fixes these product bugs it will be a nice and useful WiFi radio to own. Its other features and the Internet radio website www.wifiradio-frontier.com all work to make this a pretty cool way to find and enter internet radio stations and access all that content. I may be critical but these are core features and its a lot of money to pay for a "prototype" product. I did not exhaustively test the various configuration modes and features the radio has. I believe SANGEAN owes its customers a significant improvement in the quality of its firmware. The unit has been shipping for a while and it should work out of the box as advertised. If its fixed I'll be happy to revise my review - no problem - I think they have the makings of a great product.

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Icom IC-M88 Handheld VHF Marine Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have used two of these radios extensively for sea kayaking (in various countries). I have also used them as two way radios (using the land radio channels) for skiing, climbing and hiking. The quality of the units is excellent: they can withstand shocks, bumps and being dropped. And they are definitely waterproof as per the specification. Sound quality and range are both excellent, certainly much better than the license free units I have used.

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Built tough to withstand the punishing marine environment, the Icom IC-M88 handheld VHF radio is a must for safety-minded boaters. The radio is outfitted with a host of valuable features, including an easy-to-read backlit LCD display, an intuitive six-button keypad, and a rugged waterproof housing that's submersible in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. More significantly, the radio works with all 57 U.S., 61 Canadian, and 57 international channels, along with 10 weather channels from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). The VHF channels offer an ideal way to communicate with other boaters--whether exchanging information on a great fishing spot or sending out a distress signal--while the NOAA channels notify you when inclement weather is approaching. As a bonus, the radio also offers 22 free channels (from 146 to 174 MHz) reserved for land mobile (commercial) use, making this an ideal unit for marine professionals who also work on the shore (requires FCC license).
The radio's layout is straightforward and easy to use, with a half dozen clearly labeled buttons on the front panel and a volume/power knob along the top. The radio's rugged body, meanwhile, meets military specifications for durability, so you can rough it up at sea or on land without fearing a breakdown. Other design details include 5 watts of output power for reliable communication over long distances, a surprisingly compact chassis that fits easily in the palm of your hand, and a two-step power saver that preserves battery life.
The IC-M88 also offers several scanning modes, including an auto scan function that starts scanning whenever no signal is detected, a traditional scan mode that searches through all the tag channels in sequence, a priority scan mode that does the same but also monitors the distress channel (number 16), and a weather alert option that immediately switches the radio to the appropriate weather channel when a storm warning comes through. Users will also dig the Dual Watch and Tri-Watch functions. The former lets you communicate on a channel of your choice while also keeping an eye on channel 16, while the latter monitors two channels--channel 16 and another channel--while receiving a third channel. The pair of "watch"modes guarantee that you won't miss an important emergency call from a distressed boater while your attention is otherwise engaged.
Additional features include a lithium-ion battery pack that delivers up to 15 hours of talk time per charge, instant access to channels 16 and 9, a key lock function, a four-level battery life indicator, a programmable beep sound, and a self-check function that monitors the internal temperature, connected battery voltage, and water intrusion. Bundled with such accessories as a drop-in charger, swivel belt clip, and hand strap, the IC-M88 radio measures 2.44 by 3.81 by 1.53 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a three-year warranty.
What's in the Box IC-M88 radio, lithium-ion battery pack, drop-in charger, AC adapter, swivel belt clip, hand strap, antenna, user's manual.

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Garmin Rino 520HCx 14-Mile 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio and GPS Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The CX version is the more sensitive GPS receiver from the old one.
Excellent sensitivity. Unlike old one, works indoors in wood structures.
Weather/rain proof.
Great maps/database features. Unique in that two or more RINO's can display each others' location on map.
Lots of accessories.
The Bad:
Mediocre to poor radio compared to Motorola or other full power GMRS.
Shorter range, less sensitive receiver.
Menu driven access to EITHER volume or squelch but not both at same time is tedious.
No external antenna connection for GMRS.

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Hit the trail in confidence with the Garmin Rino 520HCx, which combines a two-way FRS/GMRS radio with a high-sensitivity GPS navigator. The waterproof unit offers 22 channels and 5 watts of transmit power, so you can contact friends or rescue crews from up to 14 miles away (line of sight) over GMRS channels or up to 2 miles over FRS channels. The high-sensitivity GPS receiver, meanwhile, locates your position quickly and precisely and maintains its GPS location even in heavy cover. The advantage is clear: whether you're traipsing through thick woods or strolling near tall buildings and trees, you can count on the Rino 520HCx to help you find your way when you need it the most. The combined radio and navigator functions make the device a must-have for mountain climbing, alpine camping, back-country skiing, and a host of other outdoor activities.
Like the rest of the Rino series, the Rino 520HCx offers a unique Position Reporting feature, which lets you send your exact location to other Rino users in your group so that everyone can see your position on the map page. No more worrying about the lagging hikers in your group each time you reach a fork in the trail. Plus, because the 520HCx is a standard FRS/GMRS radio, you can use it to communicate with other conventional FRS/GMRS radios in the area.
The Rino boasts an crystal-clear 256-color TFT display that clearly shows maps and other info, along with a built-in Americas Recreational basemap that includes U.S. rivers, lakes, principal cities, some smaller cities and towns, major interstates, principal highways, political boundaries, and major airports. Users can also expand the mapping possibilities via the microSD card slot, which accepts cards preloaded with MapSource data for your land and sea excursions. Just insert a MapSource card with detailed street maps and the Rino 520HCx will provide step-by-step or turn-by-turn directions to your destination.
Other details include a USB interface, 500 waypoints and 50 routes, a hunt/fish calendar, hands-free voice activation (requires separately sold headset), a voice scrambler, and external temperature recording. The Rino 520HCx, which includes a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that runs for up to 14 hours per charge, measures 2.3 by 5.1 by 1.8 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty.
What's in the Box Rino 520HCx radio, Americas Recreational basemap, wrist strap, belt clip, USB cable, lithium-ion battery pack and charger, MapSource Trip & Waypoint Manager, AC adapter, quick-start guide, user's manual.

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TEAC LP-R450 Turntable with Cassette, Radio and CD Recorder Review

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(More customer reviews)Purchased this recorder for a man in his 80's. He has been steadily copying LP's to CD. Had some problems at first showing him the sequence to record but he is in full swing now. He loves the unit.

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Tivoli Audio PAL (Portable Audio Laboratory) AM/FM Radio, Black Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)There are as many classes of radios out there as there are people who listen to them. The first thing that comes to mind if you see this radio online is "Why $150 for a three-knob radio?" Most consumers expect digital tuning, stereo sound, and lots of lights and buttons for this price point. This radio's price is justified by what's inside. Let's talk about what this unit is.
The Tivoli iPAL is a portable AM/FM radio that is powered by an internal (and customer replaceable) nickel metal hydride battery. It includes an earphone jack, an auxilliary input jack and external power jack. There is a telescoping rod antenna for FM reception and a built-in ferrite coil for AM. The controls are simple: a volume control, a band selector with OFF position and a tuning control. There is also a green LED indicator light that tells you when the radio is on and the charging/discharging state of the battery. The controls have a very high quality feel to them and are easy to operate. The knobs fit firmly and are not loose or flimsy as on many lower priced radios. The tuning knob has a 5:1 ratio reduction gear which moves the dial pointer more slowly with respect to the tuning knob. This makes fine tuning easier. The cabinet is made of very solid and rigid plastic. The whole unit has a weighty feel and a sturdiness that most radios lack at any price. One gets the impression that daily use will not wear this unit out. It has a very tidy appearance. There are no projecting parts other than the controls. The rod antenna folds down into a groove in the back of the cabinet so it is totally invisible when not in use. There are no fake aesthetic features like on many boomboxes that are designed to make it look like something more than it is. This radio is marvelously understated and does not draw attention to itself or make garish statements about the person carrying it. There is no handle as such. One carries the set by gripping the two indentations on either side of the cabinet. A carrying case is available which makes toting it around easier.
Performance is where this radio really surprises. One might expect the sound to be cheap and tinny but once switched on, this radio fills the room with a sound reminiscent of the vacuum tube table sets of the forties. The sound is warm, rich and full of tonal range. Music comes through with round base tones and sparkling highs. Spoken word broadcasts are clear without being harsh. Voices are deep without being boomy. This sound quality is equally present through headphones so there is no tuned port trickery going on. The circuitry really does sound this good.
RF performance is good too. The field effect transistors in the tuning circuit coupled with a precise AFC (automatic frequency control) mean that Fm stations lock in easly and do not drift. AM reception is excellent even in low signal areas. The tuner is sensitive and selectivity is very good. The built-in speaker is high fidelity mono however, when you insert a headset, the FM reception is in stereo. Stereo separation is very wide and static free. Some reviewers hav commented about the lack of volume on the PAL. I find this not to be the case. I can get sufficient volume for talk radio listening by setting the volume control at one-quarter turn. This radio has as much volume as any portable radio with a speaker this size (2-1/2"). It is not a boombox or a home stereo. One's expectations must be reasonable.
The model I am reviewing is called the iPAL because it has a color scheme to complement the iPod MP3 player. The only difference between the iPAL and the PAL radios is the iPAL includes a stereo patch cable for connecting your iPod, CD player or similar device and the cabinet bears no rubberised coating. The PAL radios are offered in eight different colors, have a rubberised coating on the cabinet body and do not include the stereo patch cable although all units have the auxilliary input jack.
Final thoughts: This is an elegant, uniquely styled, high performance portable radio. It is intended for those who love radio as a technology as well as a medium. In leu of bells and whistles it features superior performance through the engineering of Henry Kloss and a build quality that is seldom found in any portable audio product. The Tivoli iPAL is not intended for the masses who judge value on price alone but for the discriminating lover of radio who admires the perfect blend of form and function.

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Pyle-Home PTCDS3UIP Classical Trumpet Horn Turntable with AM/FM Radio CD/Cassette/USB & Direct to USB Recording Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this a month ago and have absolutely fallen in love with it. It's extremely well made and so easy to use/control. The needle arm is heavy and made very well therefore, it doesn't skip/scratch when laying the needle on my vinyl which light arms do. The quality of sound is impeccable and it's so very aesthetically pleasing. I couldn't be happier and hope someone who reads this gets to experience the joys of this uniquely wonderful turntable/stereo.

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The phonograph was invented in the 18th century by Thomas Edison, but has remained nearly the same for over a hundred years. Now you can retain the look of a classic phonograph but have the technology of the 21st century! This vintage, authentically wood-crafted turntable is equipped with an phonograph horn speaker, AM/FM radio, CD player, cassette deck, and an aux in jack for your iPod or MP3 player. It's also equipped with a USB port, so you can plug it into your computer and turn your favorite vinyl hits into digital MP3s. Use the included remote to control your device. The built-in speakers sound great, and you'll be enjoying the old classics and the new hits on this conversation piece in no time.

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Hawking Hi-Gain Outdoor Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this hoping to expand wireless coverage at my church. We currently have a single Netopia 3347 DSL modem that has okay range. I was looking for a product that would provide much more range and coverage and work with the existing setup.
After opening the package and following the quick-start instructions, I was able to get the Hawking Smart Repeater to "see" the existing wifi connection. It was able to connect quite easily. This is where things got tricky ... the Hawking Smart Repeater then proceeded to create its own separate wifi connection with a different SSID, a different encryption method, and a different subnet.
The end result was that my laptop would see two different wifi SSID connections - the original connection to the Internet, and the repeated one. This configuration technically worked, but it wasn't what I wanted. What I wanted was one seamless area of strong wifi coverage.
So on the Hawking device, I tried changing the SSID and encryption of the repeated wireless connection to match the original connection. And that's where things got really ugly. The Hawking Smart Repeater still tried to act as a DHCP host on its own subnet. I tried disabling the DHCP, activating bridge mode, and putting it on the same subnet. The Hawking Smart Repeater then failed to connect to the Internet. It could still see the original wifi network, but was unable to access the Internet. I tried making a few more changes, and all of them were unsuccessful. Most frustrating however, was that after activating bridge mode, it became nearly impossible to access the web configuration page. Nearly all attempts to access it via the repeater's local ip address ended in errors, but it would sporadically let me see the page. This would get my hopes up that I could make changes, but when I clicked the 'submit' button, it would disappear again.
Even worse, because it was built for the outdoors, there was NO Reset button. The instruction manual said a hard reset could be performed by holding the reset button down for 10 seconds, but doesn't indicate where this button may be located. I think they used the same instruction manual from an indoor version of the smart repeater.
Anyway, I gave up and decided to send it back to Amazon.
Pros:
-STRONG wireless antennae. While I had the internet connection working with two separate SSIDs, my laptop could see and communicate with the box from good distances and through walls.
-Tough exterior box. It says it's built for the Outdoors and it's true. The housing seems to be pretty robust.
Cons:
-Creates a separate wifi network. Attempts to make one seamless network were unsuccessful.
-Expensive.
-NO RESET Button. VERY FRUSTRATING.
I can see this device working well if two neighbors wanted to share one internet connection. One neighbor would host the internet connection, and the second one could use this device to pick up the signal and create his own separate network.
The back of the box also showed other possible uses: sharing/rebroadcasting an internet connection at an RV park, and also for sharing/rebroadcasting internet for boats in a harbor.
For those situations, this device would be great. If you're trying to expand the coverage of your current network and have the same settings across, this is not the device to buy.

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Unleash your Wireless Network with the Hawking Hi-Gain Outdoor 2.4GHz Wireless-300N Dual Radio Smart Repeater, HOW2R1. The HOW2R1 outdoor smart repeater connects and repeats your existing wireless network with up to 64X the power output and 8X the distance of a standard Wireless-G device. Similar to the Hawking's HW2R1 Smart Repeater with dual radio design, the HOW2R1 Outdoor Smart Repeater is engineered with two powerful Wi-Fi radios, one radio is dedicated to receiving signals from a wireless source, access point or router, and the other radio is used to rebroadcasting wireless signals throughout your surroundings. To further enhance its wireless range and coverage, the WiFi receiving radio is connected to an 11dBi directional antenna, integrated internally in the HOW2R1. In addition, two external 5dBi antennas are connected to the rebroadcasting WiFi radio to effectively elimnates wireless deadspots inside and outside of your home or office. This powerful repeater is not only robustly design to withstand outdoor environment, it also packed with wireless security features, such as MAC access control, IEEE 802.11x authentication, WPA, WPA2, hidden ESSID, and the basic WEP encryption. With data transfer rate of up to 300Mbps, the HOW2R1 is an ideal solution for High Performance Wireless Solution, extending your wireless signals for your home or your business, or providing wireless access to RV parks or Marine docks. The possibilities are endless.

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Sangean FB-100 Fatbox Rugged Industrial AM/FM Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this radio after getting fed up with what other brands call "jobsite" radios. I have owned the Dewalt and Bosch radios and both are so so in quality and design but neither of them have great reception or sound quality. This baby does and more. Great sound plus a 6 position equalizer, loudness option and outdoor setting. Sanjean only makes radios and they they do a great job of it. I live and work in rural areas and enjoy AM talk radio and all of them have poor reception in those areas, this one does not. It has 6-AM & 6-FM presets and a digital clock. The letters and #'s on the digital display are bold and easy to read. The only problem I had was with the description. The specs called for 6-D Cells when it actually takes 8-D cells which was a problem because I ordered 6 of the high capacity rechargeable batteries and had to order 2 additional after I received the radio which was a little depressing. Also it takes 2-AA batteries(regular Alkaline) to hold the presets and clock in position, which is a nice feature. On the others I have owned, if the battery goes dead, you lose everything which is a "PITA" if you know what I mean. All in all, a little pricey but I am very happy with the radio and yes I would do it again.


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Rugged, High Performance AM/FM Radio w/2 aux-In, rain resistant, backlit LCD Display, newly designed audio system w/powerful amplifier

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