Sony Portable Sports CD Player (DSJ15) Review

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(More customer reviews)This baby does not skip.. hit it, shake it... it simply doesn't skip. Excellent sound with enough volume unless you want to destroy you ear drums! Having a radio built in is a waste of money. This is the best Sony yet and you don't have to worry about water and sand. The seal works perfectly. It only takes one mistake with sand and you can toss those other units in the trash. Plays for hours on rechargable batteries. Maybe the make a better unit but I haven't seen it..............

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This hot-looking new Sports Portable CD Walkman« can go anywhere you want it to...it's even Water Resistant to keep out water, moisture and dirt! Don't tip-toe around worrying about it skipping either...it features Skip-Free G-ProtectionM-^Y, making this model the ideal on-the-go companion. (Not meant to be immersed or come into continous contact with water.)

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Jensen VM9512 7-Inch Motorized Touch-Screen Multimedia Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)First, let me say this - if you actually pay the $899.99 MSRP you'll be wasting a LOT of money. If you've gone through the effort to look for reviews of this product, then do some dedicated searching and you'll find online stores selling this product for around $420 (as of March of 2008.)
At $420, this unit is a decent value. I bought this stereo because I took a new position that forces me to live away from home and travel 10-hours round trip on the weekends. I wanted something that would allow me to play MP3's from a memory drive instead of messing with CD's. This stereo has an SD card input and a remote unit which can be mounted under your dash or elsewhere (within about 3 feet of the headunit) which provides a USB slot among other inputs. The SC card drive seems to have its issues. Jensen claims it can read up to a 4GB card, but it won't read mine. I read in an online forum that you have to have a particular brand of SD card, but I cannot confirm that. In my opinion, a 4GB card should be a 4GB card and it shouldn't matter who made it. However, if I plug the 4GB card into a USB adapter and plug it into the USB slot, it works just fine.
My issues come with the user interface. MP3 titles (of which I use almost exclusively) only present the first 15-or-so characters of each title on the screen. This means you can either see the track title, or the artists name, but not both. I have had to create clever file-titling tricks so that I can find the song I want. (For those interested, I rename each MP3 with the artists's first initial, a dash, the song title, a space-dash-space, and the full artist name. Ex: M-Push - Matchbox 20") This of course forced me to rename 200 mp3's... As Kevin James once put it, "A lot of work for nooooot that much fun..." In addition, you cannot use the up/down buttons on the unit or remote to scroll through songs WHILE a song is playing. Instead you have to press tiny buttons on the touch-screen to scroll, which often results in scrolling too far, accidentally selecting a song instead of pressing the button, or hitting the stop button, which is very close to the down-arrow. This is not to say that the Touch screen is innacurate - it is in fact just the opposite. Some of the buttons however are just a little too small.
A few other annoying attributes - there is no "randomize" button on the unit. The unit will randomly scan through your MP3's, but you have to select "Random" from your remote control. I cannot fathom why they didn't give that option on the unit's face or screen. Sometimes the unit cannot decide whether to open its screen when you turn the car on - sometimes it will, sometimes it won't. The "autodim" feature seems completely inoperable. This forces you to change the brightness of the screen every day and night. The DVD player often seems to get confused, and sometimes will show disc errors or take at least a solid minute before beginning playback. This will cause you to insert a disc and forget that you did so by the time it starts playing. This especially seems to be an issue when the unit has gotten hot after extended use. The bluetooth interface with phones is easy to set up and use, but very limited in it's usage. I would like it to notify me when I receive text messages, and I have read (though not experienced) that if you have the volume low or muted, you will not hear when a phone call comes in.
Many users have complained about the screen being washed out by sunlight, but I say "What do you expect?" It's a screen. Take your TV or monitor outside in bright sunlight and tell me how well you can see it. Turn the brightness all the way up and tilt the screen down and you can usually see it well enough.
So why four stars? Well, this unit pretty much does everything it says it will do, and it does it pretty easily, without much fussing, and does it all at a reasonable price (again, read the first paragraph.) It has already provided plenty of entertainment during 20+ hours of driving and quite frankly, I still think it's "pretty cool." Find a product that does everything "just right" and you'll pay this unit's MSRP plus a lot more.
Do note that any desire to drive recklessly on the highway because you're watching "KITT" engage the Super Pursuit Mode on an episode of Knight Rider is not the fault of Jensen, myself, or David Hasselhoff.

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PIONEER FH-P8000BT DOUBLE DIN IN-DASH CD/MP3/WMA/ITUNES(R) AAC/WAV RECEIVER Review

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(More customer reviews)I have installed lots of stereo's this one is my favorite. The options are great, The sound very customizable and the connections give you every function you need from audio. Tiny gripes would be the folder\file tree structure on the usb flash drives playback and the lack of dimmer functionality but over all the bluetooth is great, the usb-ipod options are great, the audio input was great fro sirius,and the modern sleekness(with a touch of 80's Big Button)

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Pioneer AVIC-F700BT In-Dash Navigation Audio Receiver with CD Playback and Advanced Voice Controls Review

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(More customer reviews)Pioneer has acknowledged that the first release of this system had issues ... freezing up, parking break warning for no reason, lack of proper brightness, etc. But they issued an upgrade in July of 2008. THIS UPDATE FIXES EVERYTHING.
I have this unit, I used it before the update (lots of problems -- all clearly explained in multiple posts all over the internet). But I downloaded the firmware, installed it, and now it works AWESOME. I truly have to give it to Pioneer for acknowledging their error and spending time to listen to owners and fix it.
I love this unit. I hook up my Iphone 3G and watch podcasts, listen to music, and everything. I have SM radio for it and I use the GPS all the time. I use the bluetooth with my iphone and the call clarity is fantastic.
I'm serious when I say this is a great value and much better than the D3 unit it replaced, but you have to install the firmware. Do that and I'll love it.

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The Pioneer AVIC-F700BT car stereo marries solid entertainment capabilities with advanced navigation. Its flash-based GPS system comes pre-loaded TeleAtlas maps of the US and Canada, featuring more than 12 million points of interest and robust user routing options.
Built-in Bluetooth allows you to make hands-free calls on compatible devices, and Pioneer's voice-recognition software lets you use voice commands to control your phone or iPod (with separate iPod adapter). Hugely expandable, with options for iPod connectivity, MSN Direct, HD radio, XM and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and more, the AVIC-F700BT also includes a USB interface for quick connection to iPod music players, portable media players and USB memory device. Additionally, SD memory card support means you can insert cards filled with additional Points of Interest or compressed audio and video for your use and enjoyment. Link all your devices together into one seamless experience.
5.8-inch Widescreen LCD The AVIC-F700BT features a 5.8-inch widescreen color LCD with WVGA (800 x 480) resolution, perfect for navigation via GPS, or simply navigating your audio files.
A New Class of Navigation No more hassling with map discs. Now you don't have to worry about discs being misplaced, damaged, lost, or stolen because we've done away with them for the F-Series navigation line. Pioneer has taken the entire TeleAtlas Database that was previously on the two-DVD set, compressed it down, and stored it internally on flash memory.
Touch panel key operation--It is possible to operate the navigation and audio functions by using the touch panel key.
2D and 3D map view modes--Various types of screen displays can be selected for navigation guidance
A variety of Points of Interest (POI) information--More than 100 types of POI categories are included in the database. You also can create your own customized POIs and categories.
Auto reroute function--If you deviate from the set route, the system will re-calculate the route from that point so that you remain on track to the destination.

Freedom of Speech The AVIC-F700BT offers a new generation of voice recognition capability for controlling iPod playback and making calls hands-free via connected Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. The technology accepts and recognizes conversational phrases and language, filters out superfluous sounds and phrases, and if the user doesn't give enough information in the command, the unit will ask additional questions to clarify the request.
In Touch, Hands-Free The AVIC-F700BT comes with built-in Bluetooth. Now you never need to miss a call, even if your tunes are cranked up or your phone is buried in your bag.
Mobile Media Pioneer has created a line of Navigation systems that make it easy to play various digital and audio formats like: CD-R/RW discs, Portable Media Players like iPod, USB memory devices, and SD Cards. The AVIC-F700BT can play a wide range of files types as well, such as MP3, WMA, iTunes AAC, and MPEG-4 video files.
Make it Personal Personalize your drive. AVIC FEEDS freeware contains POI Creator, Driving Report, and Picture Editor Applications. You never know where the road will take you, but our POI Creator can help you get started on the right path.
Blending In Like its predecessor, the AVIC-D3, the new AVIC-F700BT allows you to change the illumination color to match your car. Select from among 32,768 different colors to match car interior and dashboard lighting.
Seeing Is Believing The old WQVGA displays that most Navigation units use are 480 x 234 pixels. However, the WVGA display is much higher quality at 800 x 480 pixels. Images become sharper and more defined, just like our maps and menus on these units. The display's enhanced GUI (Graphic User Interface) has also advanced, making system control and management effortless.
iPod Control Made Simple With the new CD-IU230V cable, you can directly control your music and videos from your iPod. Fast and easy control through USB, the AVIC-F700BT also features iPod Album Art display, Alphabetical Speed Search, and much more.
AM/FM Radio Always have your favorite stations at hand with 18 FM and 6 AM user presets.

Best Stations Memory Setting your radio presets can be a real pain while you're driving--especially if you're in an unfamiliar area. So, let the tuner do the work for you by activating the Best Stations Memory (BSM) function. The tuner will seek out the six strongest stations in the area and set them into the tuner presets.
Adding Another Set of Eyes For safer parking, try using the ND-BC2 or ND-BC20PA backup cameras. The system automatically displays images shot from a connected camera as the vehicle shifts into reverse.

AUX-In Connection Use the built-in AUX input for connecting any portable digital player or other external auxiliary devices. For extra-convenient access, the AVIC-F700BT has this input on the front panel.
What's in the Box Pioneer AVIC-F700BT, wiring harness, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

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Clarion MAX385VD 6.5-Inch 2-DIN Multimedia Station with Touch Panel Control iPod Ready Review

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(More customer reviews)I ordered this item from Amazon. Once I had it professionally installed I was informed that it was a faulty radio because my Drivers side tweeter wouldn't work with it but would with other tested radios. I informed Amazon and they overnighted another radio to me and once it was installed I was very impressed. Looks great in a car with a double din. Plays DVD flawlessly! Touch screen is very responsive and many options etc!! My speakers are much louder and more clear now with this unit. Would recommend buying from Amazon before going to your audio shop where they would charge you much more!

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The MAX385VD 2-DIN multimedia unit packs a variety of features in a single chassis design. iPod connectivity requires a simple cable without the need for bulky control boxes. Control your iPod from the 6.5-inch touch screen and enjoy both music and video files, while charging the iPods battery. Listen to MP3 and WMA music files burned on both CD-R/RW and DVDR/RW for hours of audio entertainment. Add Sirius Satellite radio, and enjoy more than 150 channels of music, talk, sports, and traffic information. DVD-Video/DVDR/DVDRW/CD-R/RW ReadyMP3/WMA Compatible with ID3-TAG Display18 FM / 6 AM Station Presets6.5-inch QVGA Color LCD MonitorTouch Panel ControlPhone MuteiPod Control (Optical CCUIPOD1 Cable required)Sirius SSP Direct Connection Ready24-bit D/A Converter6 ch RCA Output (Front + Rear + Subwoofer)40 W × 4 Built-in AmplifierRotary Volume ControlBuilt-in IR Eye and Remote IncludedRear Audio and Visual InputRear AV OutputThe 24-Bit D/A converter delivers a sonic experience beyond CD quality. The only way to experience the sonic impact of DVD movie soundtracks or music videos is through 24-bit processing. Clarions 24-bit D/A converter eliminates the signal defects of older 16 bit decoding by actually oversampling the digital signal. This greatly improves overall sound quality of the D/A converter, creating a more natural sound and better imaging.

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Brand New Jensen Vm9214 In-dash All-in-one Dvd, Cd, Mp3, Receiver with 7" Flip Out Motorized Touch Screen Monitor with Usb Slot + Built in Ipod and Iphone Interface Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this for my boyfriend for Christmas. He loved it, and he loves to be able to see movies in dash now, and the screen is like a little surprise to our friends when they go in the car

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Bose® Wave® music system multi-CD changer - Platinum White Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this item about 2 years ago and put it on the shelf with the wave set. The system has only been used in moderation since only play cd's on the weekends and not always then. Up until yesterday the multi-changer worked fine as you would expect since it hasn't been overused and I have taken care with it. Then, for no apparent reason, the multi-changer refused to read the discs and reported "disc error" on the screen.
The main unit played CDs fine but then three multi-changer slots would not read the same disc that played on the main unit so clearly the disc was not at fault. I called customer service at Bose and was told that the multi-changer was malfunctioning and it would cost $75 plus tax and shipping to repair it since the one year warranty had expired.
I guess this is fair, but considering how BOSE hypes their products in the media, one would expect this product to last somewhat longer that 2 years for the price of $249.
I would be interested in knowing if other buyers of the multi-changer have had problems with this product after only a relatively short time. Normally I would expect a multi-changer to last a minimum of 5 years or more without a problem. Two years of service means I paid $125 per year which seems a very high price for this option.
Bose® Wave® music system multi-CD changer, Platinum White


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Boss BV9565BI In-Dash Double-DIN 7" DVD/MP3/CD Touchpanel Widescreen Receiver with USB, SD Card, Bluetooth and Front Panel AUX Input Review

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(More customer reviews)You get what you pay for with this dvd reciever. In my experience, it does everything it claims to, but not very well and not very easily. The bluetooth function works ok as a hands-free device. I have installed a backup camera and it works well. I have had no problems loading or unloading dvd's and/or cd's. The menu's are absolutely horrible and there are a bunch of functions that can only be accessed with the remote control. The user manual that comes with the unit is a joke.
As advertised is does have Ipod control onscreen, but it is barebones at most. It brings up a screen that sort-of looks like the ipod screen and allows you to choose artist, album, genre, etc.... It starts at the beginning of the alphabet, but won't let you scroll backwards through it so it takes forever to get to the later artists. You can only play one album from an artist at a time and it will not automatically go to the next album when the first is done playing. It takes you back to the screen to choose an artist, album, genre, etc... thus making you go through the lengthy process of scrolling back down to the artist and manually choosing the next album.
The USB input is ok. I have a 16 gb flash drive with music and movies on it and it plays both the music and video just fine. Again, the user controls leave a lot to be desired, but overall it does what it says it will.
Another negative is that it seems that the unit is slightly larger than the typical double din unit. I have purchased two different install kits and have found that the unit is slightly to large to fit in the install kit. I had to take my dremel and open up the hole in the install kit in order to make it fit. This leaves the install looking less than professional. I have installed many many different car stereos and have never come up against this problem before now.
I had never purchased anything from Boss Audio before and thought I would take a chance on this unit since it had all the features I wanted at less than half the price of name brand units, but now I wish I had waited and saved enough to purchase a nicer unit.
Overall, if you have the money it is definately worth it to go with a nicer name brand unit. On the other hand, if you have a small budget and a lot of time to play with it to figure out how to use it, this unit does have a lot of features (even if they are difficult to access).

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The Boss Audio BV9565BI is a double-DIN multimedia receiver offering Bluetooth connectivity and playback of DVDs, CDs and plenty more, including digital MP3/MP4/WMA files. This receiver features touchscreen operation on its brilliant 7-inch widescreen display, an auxiliary input, USB port, and SD Card slot. With 85 Watts through four channels, it offers plenty of power, but front/rear and sub preamp outputs offer room for further growth. The icing on the cake is full iPod control, with an included cable to get you started.

Bluetooth-Enabled Pair with your mobile phone for hands-free calling and other Bluetooth features.
7-Inch Touchscreen The BV9565BI features a motorized, slide-down front panel with 7-inch widescreen display. Touchscreen controls make navigation of receiver features a breeze, and the brilliant monitor features a 1440 x 234 resolution and 600 NIT brightness--your video will look great.
Enjoy Your Media The BV9565BI will play back your DVDs/SDVDs, SVCDs/VCDs, CDs, CD-R/Ws, and WMA/MP4/MP3 files. The ESP anti-skip mechanism ensures your music or video isn't interrupted by any bumps in the road, and playback features such as a mute function, intro scan, and last position memory are all included.
When listening to digital files, enjoy full ID3 tag display of artist/track info.
Dial in the sound with separate bass and treble EQ controls, along with balance/fader.
Full iPod Control The included iPod cable enables full control of your iPod from the receiver.
USB and SD Connectivity The BV9565BI features a USB port and SD Card jack, so you can instantly switch out USB thumb drives or SD cards with a fresh batch of MP3 tunes/podcasts/etc.
AM/FM Radio Enjoy your favorite radio programming with the PLL-synthesized tuner, featuring 30 station presets for instant access to your preferred stations, and switchable USA/Europe radio frequencies.
Auxiliary Input The convenient front-panel auxiliary input (3.5mm mini jack) is a great way to enjoy audio from external devices such as MP3 players.
Power and Expandability The BV9565BI provides 85 Watts through four channels to start, and if you'd like to expand your system, use the front/rear and subwoofer preamp outputs to add external amplifiers.
Rear View Camera Input Add a rear view camera for safety and convenience when your vehicle is in reverse.
Remote Included A wireless remote control is included for convenient control of the system.
What's in the Box BV9565BI Receiver, Wireless Remote, Mounting Hardware, User's Manual

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Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 1 Portable CD & Radio Loudspeaker (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased the BeoSound 1 in Dark Grey from the B&O Amazon store two months ago, and I wanted to really get to use it before writing this review. I recently moved into a loft apartment with a large open living/dining area and 12 ft. ceilings and I wanted a single solution for my audio needs. I wanted an all-in-one package, without worrying about how to hide speaker wires, and I also wanted a clean aesthetic. At first I was leaning towards purchasing the Bose, but I was not very impressed when I visited their local store. I read up online on the BeoSound 1 (including all the negative reviews at the audiophile sites) and decided to buy the unit without even listening to it first.
Before I bought the BeoSound, my favorite place to hear music was in my car. After two months of very broad and rigorous play, I can confidently say this is the best electronics purchase I have ever made.
The unit is beautifully designed and pleasing to the eye (which is also why I chose B&O) but more importantly fills my space with music without any distortion at upper levels. I've enjoyed the warm rich tones of Ray Lamontagne, Sufjan Stevens, David Gray, City and Colour, Gustavo Santaolalla; the full array of sounds from Zero 7, The Postal Service, Incubus, Thursday, The Juliana Theory, MuteMath, Dredge, The Black Keys; and the hard hitting beats played by GusGus, Swayzak and Damian Lazarus; all with absolutely amazing clarity!
Everyone who has experienced it is blown away that such a crisp, full and joyous sound is coming from `that one small speaker???!!!' If you are thinking of buying the BeoSound 1, do it. You will not regret this purchase!!
Update: I recently purchased the input adapter and get the same crisp, clear amazing sound plugging my mp3 player or my laptop into my BeoSound.

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BeoSound 1 sets new standards for portable music systems. Instead of starting with the sources (CD and radio), the design team began with the sound quality. The result is a movable loudspeaker with an exceptionally dynamic sound - powerful enough to fill a room. The BeoSound 1 concept is about simplicity and its operation underlines this - just plug it in and BeoSound 1 is ready. All the functions are arranged on a single line and in an order that's easy to understand and simple to use.

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Tivoli Audio Model CD Player, Cherry/Metallic Taupe Review

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(More customer reviews)Having come across the three preceding reviews, I feel obliged to correct the negative impression they leave. I bought one of the first Model CDs to be made, and it had a design problem. It didn't play all CDs and the drive mechanism was flaky. But it SOUNDED terrific - high resolution and warm, balanced sound - one of the best digital/analog converters I've ever heard.
I contacted the company immediately and learned that they were having problems with many units and that they were already in the process of fixing the design problem. They said that they could send a replacement immediately, but I opted to wait until they knew they had fixed the problem. At that time, they shipped me a new unit and allowed me to return the old one in the same packing materials.
It was a pain to wait for, but well worth it. This is a simple, "bare-bones" CD player that is perfectly matched to the Model One. The design problem was part hardware and part software, and it is completely fixed. What's amazing is how good the music sounds. If that's what you're looking for, you'd be foolish to ignore this CD player because of the other reviews. They are not wrong, but collectively they leave the wrong impression about this CD player. For the price, I doubt you can find any CD player that sounds this good.

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The Tivoli Henry Kloss Model Two Radio with companion speaker, the Tivoli Model Subwoofer, and the Tivoli Model CD are designed to be used together as part of a complete compact stereo system but are sold separately.
All the elements of the component system have classic styling that makes Tivoli products so distinctive. Simplicity and elegance are engineered into all three components and, for the most part, we came away impressed with what this little system could do in terms of sound quality, as well as its ease of use. It's worth noting here that all three components sport separate ports for AC and DC power, making them a great choice for boating or RV use.
Henry Kloss Model Two The Model Two serves as the base unit for the Tivoli component system. It is very similar to the Model Three clock radio, without the alarm clock section. Like other Tivoli radios, the Model Two is just over 8 inches wide, 4.5 inches high, and 5.25 inches deep--about the size of a toaster turned on its side. The unit also ships with a companion speaker which, unlike the monaural Henry Kloss Model One, gives the system full stereo separation.
The Model Two has a single rotary dial that handles tuning for both AM and FM stations. The dial is designed to move between stations at a speed that's a bit slower than the speed at which the user turns the knob--a five-to-one ratio, to be exact. This ratio dialing technique makes it far easier to tune stations accurately and quickly. It's a nice touch that sets the unit apart from other desktop radios. The tuner band selection and volume dials are easy to control, and they're well designed for hands of all sizes. A small LED power indicator, as well as an LED that helps determine signal strength, are positioned between the dials. We did have one gripe about the Model Two controls, though--the same gripe we had about the Model Three. Unlike the high-contrast labeling we found on the Platinum Series Model One radio, the Model Two's blue-gray lettering atop a taupe background is difficult to read, especially in low-light situations.
The Model Two's 3-inch driver is housed next to the tuning dial and is protected by a handsome metal speaker cover. The companion speaker contains the same driver in a form factor that is the same size and construction as the Model Two's main unit. A 15-foot RCA speaker cord attached to the companion speaker allows you to set the speakers well apart in a room--great for getting optimal stereo separation. There's a small balance dial on the rear of the main unit as well as a mono-stereo switch.
A coaxial antenna jack for the included FM antenna wire is provided, although the Model Two also has an internal FM antenna. Tivoli recommends using the supplied external antenna for tricky tuning in locales with a lot of closely spaced stations. There's a handy switch for alternating between the internal and external antennae, as well. A standard 3.5-millimeter headphone jack is also provided, as is a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary line-in port for plugging in the Model CD. For the really techno-savvy, there's also a 3.5-millimeter mixing input that permits audio from your computer to be mixed with the radio. A preamp-out jack is provided for the Model Subwoofer, and if you want to use the Model Two as a component tuner--not a bad idea given the overall quality and accuracy of the tuning circuitry--Tivoli has provided a 3.5-millimeter output port.
Model Subwoofer At 6.5 inches high, 9.5 inches wide, and 6.1 inches deep, the Model Subwoofer is a bit larger than the other components in the Tivoli system. While a 5.25-inch bass driver dominates the front of the unit, there's also a deep front port for added bass response. A bass-level dial lets you decide how much of the low end you want to hear. The on-off switch has a sensor that automatically activates the subwoofer when a signal is detected. With 20 watts of power, the Model Subwoofer is an impressive little box with the capability of dramatically extending the fullness and richness of the Model Two sound.
Model CD With its cherry wood casing, Tivoli's component CD player matches the Model Two perfectly while offering equally simple operation. We really liked the elegant slot-loading mechanism; it felt solid and reliable. Basic functions like play, stop, and track selection can be controlled on the unit. There's also a tiny little remote that adds shuffle, direct track selection, repeat, and intro-scanning functions. True to form, the remote is simple and easy to use. The Model CD's display is bright and crisp with the look of a high-end audiophile-class component. We played a number of CDs, including CD-R discs with nary a hitch. Tivoli says that the Model CD will not play CD-RW discs, however.
A 3.5-millimeter headset jack is provided on the back of the unit, as are RCA outputs and an AC power port that connects to a supplied brick-style AC adapter. The unit is also capable of running on DC power.
All Together Now Setting up the component system was fairly straightforward. All of the inputs and outputs are clearly marked, and each component ships with everything you need to make the right connections. Although it might be too much to ask for, it would be great if the Model Two main unit had an AC power input for plugging in at least one of the components. This is admittedly a minor quibble, and it might not be feasible in such a small device.
Just like our experiences with other Tivoli products, sound was impressive--full of clear highs and mids and rich, room-filling lows. The Model Two tuning feature felt less accurate than the Model One, but we still were able to dial in stations quickly and easily. Overall, we recommend the Model Two as a high-quality mini-component system, because systems this size rarely sound this good. Even without the subwoofer engaged, the sound was rich and resonant. As soon as we plugged in the subwoofer, though, we were transported to near sonic bliss. It's a must-have accessory for the Model Two.--Joshua Gunn
Pros
Simple, stylish construction on all the component parts
Great sound from such a compact system; good tuning accuracy
Subwoofer option adds exceptional dynamic range
Cons
Tuner is slightly less accurate than the Model One

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Sony CDXH910UI Marine CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with USB Wire for iPod and USB Devices (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Well, it works. It resists splashes, but its faceplate is giant. You would like you would get a high-res display or some benefit to having such a big faceplate but nope. I bought this because it was pretty, I should have been looking at features like bluetooth audio for example. It works as expected and sounds great, the over sized faceplate and price and the lack of bluetooth are the only cons. Also don't buy this unless you can mount it somewhere very easily accessible because the display is hard to read at odd angles.

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Bose® Wave® music system multi-CD changer, Graphite Gray Review

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(More customer reviews)My sister and I purchased this for our father for Christmas, and he absolutely loves it. One issue I have with it is the COMPLETE lack of manual controls, you are utterly reliant on the remote, and the remote is tiny. I ordered a second remote in the larger size, which is much easier for my parents to read without searching for the reading glasses. But the unit sounds like a dream and has worked just perfectly. So, order the extra remote, best to have one on hand just in case you lose one or the dog eats one (yeah, our dogs like electronic remotes, if they can find them), it's well worth the small amount of extra $. With no manual controls on the unit, you're better off having a spare!

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Sony ICF-CD7000WC 120 v AM/FM Stereo CD Clock Radio-Silver Review

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(More customer reviews)I have finally come full-circle: I started with a Sony DreamMachine about 10 years ago, and after going through a couple of other brands/configurations, I'm finally back to a Sony.
This is a nice unit -- decent sound, OK radio reception, good CD player, great features. Although the color is listed as "white," it's really more of a light putty color, very pale gray.
The biggest advantage of this unit over others I've tried is EASE OF USE and set-up. The "owner's manual" is small because everything is so straightforward and easy to find/operate.
Initial set-up takes less than a second: the clock arrives preset to the correct time in EST; all you do is set the time zone by hitting the button marked "time zone," and voilà -- the correct time pops in. Setting the alarm is also easy - took less than a minute to get it ready to go.
There are three light settings: really bright, reasonably bright, and backlight only, controlled via the "snooze" bar. The snooze gives you 10 minutes additional sleep time -- my last unit was 9 minutes, and I've had others with as few as 6 minutes. Ten "feels" just right to me. I can fall asleep to a CD, and wake to the "buzzer," which isn't really a buzzer at all -- more like a "chirp" that gradually gets louder, another nice feature. There's also a "nap" feature -- set it to your desired nap length, and it will wake you up without disturbing your alarm setting.
And, best of all, unlike other Sony models, this one has battery backup! If there's a power outage, you're safe. This is a big thing for me -- we have power outages 3-4 times each winter.
Very nice unit, well worth the money.

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Bose Wave Radio - Clock radio - graphite gray Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Bose is a true case study in Marketing over Engineering. The Wave Radio proves it. This radio uses a tuned port to accent a certain part of the bass region.
The problem is that the port seem to make a characture of the bass. Bommy in some spots and thin in others. I think the tube is an attempt to compensate for some small / weak drivers.
After a while this radio started to sound annoying to me. I have had this problem before with another piece of Bose equipment. (A factory car stereo)
For far less money check out the Tivoli model 1 or Model 2. These little radios are MUCH cheaper than the Bose and they sound much better. They also take up less table space and look nicer.
Bose is very famous. They have spent a lot of money to convinve people they are an "audiophile" brand. True audiophiles who hear the Tivoli will see that there is NO comparision. Thanks goodness I was able to return the Wave radio!
I gave this 3 stars. It does sound better than most small radios. However, it is over priced and you can do better for less. Also, it takes up a lot of dresser space.


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Bose Wave Music System - Graphite Gray Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had my Bose for about two years. I'm very glad to have received it as a present because, despite some of its fine features, it certainly does not merit the hefty, comparable-to-a-small-home-stereo price tag.
I like its design and its sound.
I don't like the following "features":
1) It is the most sensitive CD player I have. It will not properly play a number of CDs, especially CD-Rs. If a disc is slightly thin, the unit will either not accept it (you have to give it a push) or not eject it (you have to open up the unit, turn it on, hit "eject," and pull the disc out). This is especially annoying when my $70 boombox plays them without a problem. Refurbishing by Bose did nothing to change my unit's sensitivity.
2) It is not programmable! It doesn't program songs at all. The best it can do is "shuffle," "shuffle repeat," "repeat track," and "repeat disc." The cheapest boombox these days is programmable.
3) The lack of buttons is annoying: I found I had to order a second remote ($10) and keep it by the box. When I called Bose about this problem, the tech suggested getting the second remote and added that a lot of people had done that. My boombox is more user-friendly (it has buttons as well as a remote).
One can argue about the merits of elegance vs. user-friendliness. But the lack of programmability and the oversensitivity of this box make it a poor buy, in my opinion.

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CD music system

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Bose Wave Music System - Platinum White Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Yes, you read that right. But before I get to the review, a confession:
As a life-long audiophile, I have long felt that Bose represented the pinnacle of overpriced hype and underwhelming sound quality. The true genius of Amar Bose, in my opinion, is that he has created a distinctive "Bose sound" that appeals greatly to mass market consumers who don't know any better. Spend some time listening to truly good audio systems, and you'll quickly realize that Bose is a high-priced, superbly marketed joke. And unfortunately, I have to live with Bose mediocrity on a daily basis in the form of a Bose audio system "upgrade" in my Acura MDX. (Which I was forced to take as part of the touring package.) It cranks out 'okay' sound at best, and is no where near as good as "stock" audio systems in some of my previously owned vehicles. The most positive thing I can say is that my Acura Bose system sounds better than the Bose system in my friend's Mercedes.
By now you should be getting the idea that I'm the last person in the world inclined to give a Bose product a compliment, no less a five star review. What happened? Well, I was looking for a compact, one piece music system for my home office. And in the world of audio, I realize there is no such thing as a free lunch--designing such a system requires that sound quality be compromised to various degrees along the way. So I certainly wasn't expecting this unit to sound anything like the $10K Sonus Faber speakers in my main rig. What I wanted was good quality sound that, muscially speaking, got the important things right, with no obvious "wrongs."
With these parameters, I quickly realized that there are not many systems out there worth considering. The Cambridge Soundworks 740 soon became my top contender, but I wasn't really happy with it. Yes, it's got bass to spare, but it's bass that I find to be somewhat out of balance with the overall sound, and there's simply no way to tame it. And so, begrudgingly, I decided to give Bose's "New Wave Music System" a listen--after all, I could return it if I didnt like the sound, which I fully expected to be doing. And yet, nearly a month after it arrived in my home, I'm here to sing its praises.
Simply put, the New Wave Music System sounds better than I ever imagined possible with a unit of this size. It's extremely musical and just sounds "right," (whether it be rock, hip-hop, jazz or classical) with many sonic strengths and no obvious flaws. It will easily fill an average-sized room with music, and there's no sense of strain as you push it to higher volumes. For many if not most consumers, the New Wave may be as much "music system" as you'll ever need. One of the downsides to the audiophile pursuit is that you increasing tend to listen analytically, rather than for enjoyment. With the New Wave system, I've rediscovered the pleasure of just popping in a CD and letting it play. I"ve also found both the AM and FM receivers to be quite good, as well.
I really like the sleek, compact design, though I suspect I'll be cursing the "no buttons" approach the first time I (inevitably) lose the remote. And, being always suspicious of Bose's motives, I suspect this design may have been driven by bean counters who saw a way to reduce manufacturing costs by eliminating all on-case controls.
Is it overpriced? Well, if you're the type of person for whom "good enough" is usually good enough, you may want to look elsewhere. But for a product that I truly enjoy using on a daily basis, this was well worth the price. And compared to the insanity of high-end audio, where a 1 meter interconnect can run 3,000 bucks, $500 is downright reasonable.
Overall, I give the New Wave a "Bravo, Bose!" and I'd encourage any audiophiles looking for a small second system to give this a listen. You can always return it within 30 days, but I'd plan on it being a keeper.

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The Wave music system reproduces one-half octave lower musical notes and delivers even greater clarity and definition than the original Wave radio/CD. With its deeper tones and even more lifelike sound, you might just feel like you're sitting in the front row. Inside, our new proprietary waveguide speaker technology combines with other Bose technologies to deliver enhanced performance at all listening levels. You'll hear the same clear musical nuances whether you turn the volume up or keep it soft. You'll also enjoy the full depth and range of every vocal or instrument on MP3s, CD-R/RWs, and conventional CDs. Listen to CDs created on your computer and take advantage of the digital MP3 format for hours of uninterrupted Wave music system quality sound. The Wave music system was engineered to be delightfully easy to use. There are no visible buttons. Instead, the entire system is completely and conveniently controlled by a credit card-sized remote control. And setup couldn't be easier. The CD player, digital AM/FM tuner, amplifiers and speakers are all built-in so you can enjoy quality sound right out of the box. The large, bright display panel is easy to read and understand, prominently displaying the artist, title and album names of your suitably encoded MP3 CDs. It's also easy to enjoy the system's full, rich sound with your TV, VCR, DVD player, or computer, thanks to an auxiliary input jack. And if you want to keep the music to yourself, you can simply plug your headphones into the headphone jack. The Wave music system may look familiar, but it takes the original award-winning design of the Wave radio/CD to new levels. With its absence of buttons and a convenient slot-loaded CD player, the slim, sleek profile shines through to complement just about any room.

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Bose Wave Music System - Titanium Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have enjoyed my Bose Wave music system for just over a month and I am very pleased with its performance. This is the second or third generation of the iconic Bose one-piece tabletop sound system that is intended to make you think you are listening to a much more complicated and professional component system. And, to a great extent, it does just that--or at least, it is closer to a stereo component sound than to a stand-alone run-of-the-mill radio sound. It certainly features a deeper range of bass sounds than any other one-piece radio I have ever encountered.
Bose has pioneered its spectacular sound machines which seem highly defined by their innovative speaker systems which they refer to as "waveguide speaker technology". This one-piece system produces a clear, natural, room-filling sound without the need of external speakers. It has a very innovative physical design with a small unintrusive footprint that sits well on a night stand or in the kitchen. I particulrly appreciate the Titanium Silver color which seems appropriate for any area of the home. It is simple to install right out of the box and has the FM/AM radio, CD player, and clock/alarm built in. There is an auxiliary input for an MP3 player or other alternate sound source.

I especially appreciate the alarm system that opens softly and gently rises in volume as you awake. It comes with a credit card size remote control; however, I purchased the larger backlit remote with a dedicated cradle that I use instead. All in all, this is an effective and very impressive one-piece tabletop sound system that I enjoy daily. It is a bit pricy, but ultimately, you get what you pay for.


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The acclaimed Wave music system still sets the standard for quality audio and ease of use among one-piece, table top radios and bookshelf stereos. Its award-winning design adds a touch of distinction to almost any room. It's no surprise so many people use it as their main home entertainment system for music listening.Unique Bose innovations account for this compact Wave system's hearty sound. Proprietary waveguide speaker technology combines with other Bose technologies to deliver performance well beyond the speakers' size.The Wave music system was engineered for easy enjoyment, right out of the box. No setup required: just plug it in and you're ready to go. The FM/AM radio and CD player are built in. There's an auxiliary input for your MP3 or other portable player, and a headphone jack for keeping the music to yourself.The system's sleek appearance is uninterrupted by buttons, with all controls on a handy, slim remote. The large display panel is brightly lit and easy to read, prominently displaying the artist, title and album names of your MP3 CDs.

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