Creative Labs Onyx Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 705 - Large Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have owned a Tivoli Model One radio for about 1-1/2 years. It has been the model to compare to in its price range, praised for its sensitive, quiet tuner, balanced high quality sound and high quality wood cabinet. When I wanted a new radio for my office, I considered buying a 2nd one. I heard a Boston Receptor radio at a local dept store and thought it sounded better than the model one, but it was more expensive and had an alarm clock with many features that would go to waste in an office. I read reviews about the Cambridge 705 that, although favorable, ranked it below the Boston and the Tivoli in both sound and reception performance. When I found it at Amazon for 89.99 + 9.01 shipping I thought I'd take a chance and buy one.(I have owned other Cambridge products that always performed better that their price would indicate).I must disagree somewhat on the reviews I read about these radios. To my ears,at medium to high volumes, the Cambridge is superior in sound quality to both. It also plays very loud for its size, closer to the Bose Wave radio at a fraction of the cost. At lower volumes the Boston and Tivoli seem a bit warmer than the 705(but it still sounds fine). I will agree that the tuner is not as sensitive as the Tivolis but, this is noticeable only on the weakest of stations. The 705s rubber coated knobs are also superior to the Tivoli's somewhat slick controls. The 705 has a separate power button that glows green when "on" and amber when the sleep timer funtion is activated. Unlike the Tivoli, this allows you to leave the function switch in the preferred mode-a minor but useful advantage. The 705 has a tone control that the Tivoli doesn,t. It is mostly useful in turning down the treble that tends to vary greatly on FM stations. On a strong station it sounds best close to the max bass setting between 9 and 10 O'Clock. Besides its slightly better tuner, the main advantage of the Tivoli is its solid and very attractive wood cabinet(no matter what finish you choose.) The Boston has a more solid composite body than the 705, however the shiny onyx cabinet that houses the 705 is very well done and much more expensive looking than it appears in web photos . It does vibrate more than the others but this does not seem to affect the bass performance, which is quite impressive, especially at the higher volumes that the other units can't match. I intend to purchase another 705 to give as a Father's day present. Cambridge has these on sale until Father's day for 99.99 which I believe is the reason other distributors are offering it at reduced prices.(it was originally 119.99). If you are in the market for a good table radio you might want to grab one at this price.I was expecting a radio good enough for office use. What I recieved was a radio that I wouldn't hesitate using in my home. A solid 4 stars for the underdog.

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Product Description:
The SoundWorks Radio 705 is a tremendous value no matter how you listen to it, while its compact size opens up new listening possibilities. Its good-looking, contemporary design will fit any decor and its high sensitivity ensures excellent radio reception in virtually any location. The high fidelity sound of the SoundWorks Radio 705 is the result of combining custom designed speaker driver, flared bass vent and sturdy molded enclosure. Working as a system, they create the wide range sound and accurate tonal balance that make listening to this radio such a satisfying experience. The SoundWorks Radio 705 features an AUX input, through which you can play an iPod, Zen, CD, DVD player or even your PC. Because the SoundWorks Radio 705 is magnetically shielded, you can place it next to your monitor or TV without any fear of distortion.
Like all Cambridge SoundWorks radios, the 705 features 6:1 Vernier tuning dial with center channel and signal strength indication for easy tuning. It's also bedroom friendly with a backlight for the tuning dial and a unique 30 minute SLEEP timer feature. The new SoundWorks Radio 705 offers big sound from a small, and very handy, monaural radio. This fun and friendly radio is perfect for anyone looking for a great sounding, great looking AM & FM table radio.AUX in jack for high fidelity playback for MP3, CD, DVD players, PCs 30-minute SLEEP timer feature simplifies late-night listening Magnetic shielding allows placement close to TVs, computer monitors and magnetic media Less than 2 Watts power consumption in Standby Power button with 30 minute of automatic off timer (SLEEP function) Green ON, Amber SLEEP LED for power button Function selector (AUX, FM, AM) External/Internal (EXT/INT) switch for FM antennaDimensions -Height 5 3/8 x Width 8 3/4 x Depth 6 1/2 inch Weight -4 pounds 4 ounces

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Creative Labs Arctic White Cambridge SoundWorks Radio 705 - Large Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)OK, I know what many people are thinking when they see this. "$120 for an old style radio?" This little radio is amazing and sounds great!The tuner is very sensitive and very well made. This is not like tuning a clock radio, not even close!The whole radio has a high quality feel to it.

The sound quality, although mono, it excellent for this radio. It's not Bose quality, but it's not Bose price either.It will fill a room with clean sound, just don't expect anything window-rattling.

My wife and I are big NPR listeners and we really enjoy this radio. And if you don't like listening to radio all the time, there is an auxiliary port to plug an MP3 player or some other external device.

A great device that you can only appreciate by buying it and seeing for yourself.I also have the Kloss Model One and I prefer this radio to it, but not by much. They are fairly close in performance

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Product Description:
The SoundWorks Radio 705 is a tremendous value no matter how you listen to it, while its compact size opens up new listening possibilities. Its good-looking, contemporary design will fit any decor and its high sensitivity ensures excellent radio reception in virtually any location. The high fidelity sound of the SoundWorks Radio 705 is the result of combining custom designed speaker driver, flared bass vent and sturdy molded enclosure. Working as a system, they create the wide range sound and accurate tonal balance that make listening to this radio such a satisfying experience. The SoundWorks Radio 705 features an AUX input, through which you can play an iPod, Zen, CD, DVD player or even your PC. Because the SoundWorks Radio 705 is magnetically shielded, you can place it next to your monitor or TV without any fear of distortion.
Like all Cambridge SoundWorks radios, the 705 features 6:1 Vernier tuning dial with center channel and signal strength indication for easy tuning. It's also bedroom friendly with a backlight for the tuning dial and a unique 30 minute SLEEP timer feature. The new SoundWorks Radio 705 offers big sound from a small, and very handy, monaural radio. This fun and friendly radio is perfect for anyone looking for a great sounding, great looking AM & FM table radio.AUX in jack for high fidelity playback for MP3, CD, DVD players, PCs 30-minute SLEEP timer feature simplifies late-night listening Magnetic shielding allows placement close to TVs, computer monitors and magnetic media Less than 2 Watts power consumption in Standby Power button with 30 minute of automatic off timer (SLEEP function) Green ON, Amber SLEEP LED for power button Function selector (AUX, FM, AM) External/Internal (EXT/INT) switch for FM antennaDimensions -Height 5 3/8 x Width 8 3/4 x Depth 6 1/2 inch Weight -4 pounds 4 ounces

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Cambridge SoundWorks Arctic White Radio 820HD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Price paid:$180

I like this radio a lot.I am slightly--only slightly--disappointed that the sound is not more impressive.The sound is very good, but not as jaw-dropping as the Bose Wave or other tabletops I've heard.I have trouble finding the right bass/treble setting.But for this price I'm happy with the sound.

The 820HD looks great.It's very modern looking and is not over-buttoned.There are a lot of useful, easy to use functions.You can display the time, radio info or graphic EQ.There are separate bass, treble, and "loudness" controls to suit your taste, but I do have trouble finding the right balance.I use this in my office so I haven't used the alarms or sleep timer.

I haven't had too much trouble tuning in stations, but I'm right in the city so I expect that. The sound quality of HD Radio does vary from station to station--some stations sound thin.This is not a reflection of the radio itself.The HD2 programming is great because it's commercial free (for now).

Overall, I'm happy with this good looking radio.HD Radio is fun and the 820HD also sounds great with my iPod.For the money, it's great.

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Product Description:
Did you know there are more than 800 million radio receivers in service in America today? Virtually all these radios operate using analog broadcast/reception technology that dates back to the 1960s. Today, thousands of radio stations are upgrading their broadcast technology; hundreds are currently broadcasting with digital HD Radio technology. New HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally for superior FM and AM sound. Not to be confused with subscription-based radio, the Cambridge Soundworks 820HD can receive both AM/FM analog and digital radio stations that are free of charge. What HD digital radio provides is FM stations now with CD-quality sound, AM stations now with FM-quality sound - all with crystal-clear reception with virtually no audio distortion. Another benefit of digital radio is the radio station's ability to transmit additional information along with the music signal. Simultaneously, one station can offer several audio channels as well as on-screen data. You can see the song title and performer. News channels might offer financial and traffic updates viewable on your radio display. In a sense HD does to radio what HD does to TV. It makes it better to use and enjoy. Since HD Radio is a free broadcast, all you have to do is get a new HD Radio and the Cambridge Soundworks Radio 820HD is the best HD table radio available. And you'll continue to enjoy the same radio programming but it will sound better than you've ever heard before. Welcome to HD-Radio for your listening pleasure.Dual alarms with seven day, five day and one day patternsConvenient AUX input and HEADPHONE output - Play your iPod or MP3 player through speakers Digital Optical output Full function IR remoteUnit Dimensions -4 3/8 H x131/4 W x 71/2 D / Weight -8 lbs.

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TEAC R2W Premium Edition AM/FM Mono Clock/Radio (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)They are wonderful! I bought an extra one for my living room!

In case you haven't seen the photos, these are the units with the handle on the left side of the unit (from the front) with a round blue display on the right side of the face. They have a single speaker but the sound quality is superb. You can get a powerful sound out of them. I don't have any issues with the "click" settings for the volume - for me the change is gradual enough that I get the volume level I want. They really are solid pieces - metal cases with a powder-coat finish and solid rubber feet - just a very quality look and feel to them. They can be set for two separate alarms, and you can hook up an MP3 player, etc up to them for playback. The cord for this is included but is only about 6". I'd say radio reception is average - the same as I get from my other radios, and fine for me. I'm going to also use the second unit as an auxiliary speaker for my laptop. AND they have a built-in backup battery unit that is always charged up when it's plugged in. You can completely disengage the cord and use it as a portable radio out on the deck! One thing-if you need it really dark for sleeping you may not like these - the display is a pretty blue but gives off enough light that you don't want it facing you - it's pretty much a night light. The settings are straightforward but you do need to follow the instruction manual.

I checked them out at other vendors and they "list" for $169. They actually are even cheaper now than when I bought them - just under $50 from North Star Electronics through Amazon as of 01-23-2006. The rules say I can't list the URLs but you may want to look for the "no picture" listing for this better price!

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Product Description:
Delightfully retro in style but featuring audio performance befitting of today, the TEAC R2 Premium Edition AM/FM radio delivers clear, full-range sound via its built-in mono speaker. It also features a built-in clock and alarm, perfect for using as your bedside radio alarm clock. It includes a large, easy-to-read light blue, circular LCD displaying the time, radio station, and selected preset. It will look great sitting on a tabletop or your office desk, but it can also be used as a portable radio with the integrated rechargeable battery (charged by the included AC adapter).
The R2 has a digital AM/FM tuner that can be set manually, or you can program up to 10 presets. The alarm clock offers timer and snooze functions. With separate bass and treble controls, you'll be able to make whatever you listen to sound just right. It offers a rear-panel headphone jack for private listening as well as a mini-jack auxiliary input, enabling you to use the R2 as an external speaker for your iPod or portable CD player--it even comes with a mini-to-mini cable. Other features include a built-in ferrite AM antenna, telescoping FM antenna for outdoor use, pigtail-style FM antenna for indoor use, integrated handle, and function selector (AM, AM, auxiliary, off). This unit comes in white, but it's also available in black.
What's in the Box
Radio (black) with alarm clock and integrated rechargeable battery, AC adapter, auxiliary cable (mini-to-mini), FM antenna, printed operating instructions

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Cambridge SoundWorks 730 Radio (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I considered the Bose, Tivoli, Boston Acoustics radios featured in a recent Consumer Reports feature and I decided on the Cambridge for several reasons.The Cambridge appeared to have the best features and was modestly priced.After enjoying the Cambridge for a week, these are the things I like about the radio:1) Powerful and clean sound with a great low end (you won't need any more bass for a small office); 2) The display is clear and easy to read; 3) The radio is small and takes up very little desk space and the remote is also tiny and has many features;4) Set up took ten minutes, just open the box, read the instructions, plug in and play; 5) Easy to use with great features.The presets for radio stations are very convenient and the controls are intuiative.
Things that could be improved: 1) Radio reception.I work in a twelve story building and the radio reception is bad.I have a ten dollar Sony clock radio that brings in a particular FM station better than the Cambridge.The AM reception is about the same as the Sony (I was hoping for better). I hooked up the FM and AM antennae that came with the Cambridge and the results were the same.It could very well be that the building I work in makes it difficult to get any FM or AM stations.To be fair, I have not tried the Cambridge radio reception anywhere else other than at work.I really wanted to avoid having to spend an additional [amount] on an external antennae but it looks like I have to if I want to listen to certain stations.These are all local stations that come in perfectly in my van.2) The highs (sound) are ok, but perhaps they could be improved for a little more clarity.The bass is great and maybe this takes away a little from the highs being able to sparkle as they should. (This is with the tone controls at neutral with loudness off).
I hooked up my eleven year old Sony portable CD player and the sound is great.
I am a regular person who enjoys listening to music and some sporting events.This radio is great for my needs as it can crank out the sound if needed, takes up very little space, is reasonably priced, has a remote, and looks sturdy and well designed.Cambridge is coming out with a built in CD player for more money, but I would recommend buying this model, using a decent portable CD player, and save your money to buy an external antennae if you work in a building like mine).I hope this helps!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cambridge SoundWorks 730 Radio (Black)

Product Description:
If you're looking for a table radio that can compete with a full-component system in sound and performance, look no further than Cambridge SoundWorks 730 Radio. Thanks to a built-in subwoofer and ingenious amplification engineering, the SoundWorks 730 will put any other table radio under the table in head-to-head competition. Priced much less than its closest table-top competitors, the SoundWorks 730 is in a class of its own, delivering uncompromised performance and unequalled value.
The Built-in Subwoofer: The Heart of the System
It's amazing what a difference a subwoofer can make. When you turn on your SoundWorks 730, your first reaction will be to look under the table for hidden subwoofer. There's no mistaking the pulse created by a real subwoofer. Cambridge engineers came up with an ingenious way to position the subwoofer and amplify the bass to produce deep, distortion-free sound at any volume. In combination with its wide-dispersion speakers, the SoundWorks 730 delivers sound that's hard to believe comes from such a small box. It's not just better than most tabletop radios, but actually better than many component stereo systems. With separate bass and treble controls, and an auxiliary input for a CD or MP3 player, the SoundWorks 730 gives you everything you need to fill your room with awesome sound.
A Lot of Features to Love
. But there's a lot more to this baby to love than just the sound. A large, 32-character display means that you'll no longer have to squint to see what you're listening to. From clear across the room, you'll be able to read the song your radio is playing (assuming your FM station supports Radio Data Service) in your choice of five languages, scrolling across the display. An automatic dimmer reduces display brightness in dark rooms while maintaining good legibility under bright conditions. The SoundWorks 730 also has 16 presets for two bands of FM tuning and 8 presets for AM reception, front inputs for your CD or MP3 player, and a headphone jack. Rear inputs and outputs are included for recording, mixing and outside signal reception. A full-featured remote control offers the ultimate in convenience, while the alarm clock function offers variable snooze settings and two alarms that wake to tone or music.
What's in the Box
AM/FM stereo radio with attached 95-inch AC cord, AM loop antenna, FM wire antenna, remote control, CR2025 battery, user's manual, and online registration card.

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Boston Acoustics HDUOIMDNT Horizon Duo-I System For Ipod(R) With Am/Fm Radio (Midnight) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)FM reception is good, sound is good (well, make that great for the price range), *very* easy and tactically pleasant to use (set alarm, etc.)

Boston Acoustics Horizon I-Duo Volume limit problem:Mine came with "hospitality mode" enabled, and volume would not go past 19.To fix:turn on unit, turn volume all the way down to 00, push and hold volume button for 10 seconds until beep then release, then turn volume all the way up to 50 (max) and push and release volume button.

After one email to Boston Acoustics support, I received a courteous response within 12 hours with instructions.

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Product Description:
Horizon duo-I midnight system for Ipod with AM/FM radio.

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TEAC R2 Premium Edition AM/FM Mono Clock/Radio (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Frankly nobody seems to care that most alarm clocks are complete eyesores. Teac comes out with this wonderful effort, including a backup rechargeable battery. However there is one major problem that seems to be cropping up everywhere nowadays:

The LED display! This thing barely has any contrast, so you really can't see it well at night. Also, even at the dim setting, it is like a flashlight. Instead of using a nice LED display with simple brightness settings, you get this indistinct display that lights up your whole room.

Teac, please put an LED display on this thing. The styling is great. The button placement is fine. As is, unless you wear a night mask, I really can't recommend this clock radio.

Click Here to see more reviews about: TEAC R2 Premium Edition AM/FM Mono Clock/Radio (Black)

Product Description:
Delightfully retro in style but featuring audio performance befitting of today, the TEAC R2 Premium Edition AM/FM radio delivers clear, full-range sound via its built-in mono speaker. It also features a built-in clock and alarm, perfect for using as your bedside radio alarm clock. It includes a large, easy-to-read light blue, circular LCD displaying the time, radio station, and selected preset. It will look great sitting on a tabletop or your office desk, but it can also be used as a portable radio with the integrated rechargeable battery (charged by the included AC adapter).
The R2 has a digital AM/FM tuner that can be set manually, or you can program up to 10 presets. The alarm clock offers timer and snooze functions. With separate bass and treble controls, you'll be able to make whatever you listen to sound just right. It offers a rear-panel headphone jack for private listening as well as a mini-jack auxiliary input, enabling you to use the R2 as an external speaker for your iPod or portable CD player--it even comes with a mini-to-mini cable. Other features include a built-in ferrite AM antenna, telescoping FM antenna for outdoor use, pigtail-style FM antenna for indoor use, integrated handle, and function selector (AM, AM, auxiliary, off). This unit comes in black, but it's also available in white.
What's in the Box
Radio (black) with alarm clock and integrated rechargeable battery, AC adapter, auxiliary cable (mini-to-mini), FM antenna, printed operating instructions

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Boston Acoustics HDUOIMIST Horizon Duo-I System For Ipod(R) With Am/Fm Radio (Mist) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)FM reception is good, sound is good (well, make that great for the price range), *very* easy and tactically pleasant to use (set alarm, etc.)

Boston Acoustics Horizon I-Duo Volume limit problem:Mine came with "hospitality mode" enabled, and volume would not go past 19.To fix:turn on unit, turn volume all the way down to 00, push and hold volume button for 10 seconds until beep then release, then turn volume all the way up to 50 (max) and push and release volume button.

After one email to Boston Acoustics support, I received a courteous response within 12 hours with instructions.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Boston Acoustics HDUOIMIST Horizon Duo-I System For Ipod(R) With Am/Fm Radio (Mist)

Product Description:
Horizon duo-I system for Ipod with AM/FM radio (mist).

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Tivoli Audio SongBook AM / FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)With iPod auxiliary, premium speaker, and above average AM/FM reception, the Songbook is an attractive radio. I've had mine for 3 years. It locks on stations well. The speaker is not overwhelming in volume or bass but produces a warm sound. The speaker is not as rich as Tivoli's brother, the Model One, but the Songbook, perhaps because of its telescopic antenna, gets far better FM reception. One of the advantages of the silver color is that it is aluminum, not rubber like the other colors and the rubber radios hold dirt, which is not easy to clean.

If the Songbook is too pricey for you, you can get similar speaker sound and superior AM/FM reception from the similarly sized Sangean PR-D7 (3-inch mono speaker) or the Sangean PR-D5 (2.5-inch dual stereo speakers).

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tivoli Audio SongBook AM / FM Alarm Clock Travel Radio, Silver

Product Description:
The SongBook travel radio delivers the wealth of programming that FM and AM have to offer, in Tivoli's trademark high-fidelity sound. Add that to the sensitive digital tuner, alarm clock, sleep timer, and built-in charger for NiMH/NiCAD batteries, and you have a first class portable clock radio.

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Acoustic Research Tabletop Radio with Docking Station for iPod and MP3 Players Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When I saw this product on the AR web site, I was immediately interested because it was a TABLE RADIO, for goodness sakes, with tube technology.I'm an audiophile and I currently own an integrated amp with tubes, and absolutely love the sound it creates.I am extremely pleased with the performance of this radio; it BLOWS AWAY the silly Bose Wave for half the price, and an iPod dock with two additional inputs to boot.The tuner is the best I've seen in years, and the remote is nice.The only caution is that the amplifier section is so powerful that it can overdrive the little speakers at high volumes creating distortion, but that occurs at the point where it's really loud.If you want a nice table radio with versatile, usable features and great sound, this is definitely it!

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Product Description:
Make any chair-. The best seat in the house. Immerse yourself in a sound experience that engages the head and the heart. Inspired engineering and exquisite design come together as one in our Acoustic Research line of tabletop radios. Audiophile-grade tube technology achieves a depth, warmth and richness of tone that is truly second to none. While built-in iPod docking stations, deliever the finest in digital convenience. Enjoy the MP3 ease with the full spectrum sound for your total listening pleasure. Our tabletop radios are as appealing to the eye as they are the ear. Classic cabinets produce a timeless look that echos a bygone3 era. Yet the list of advanced features reminds you these radios are as modern as they come. Selected models include high-resolution AM/FM analog tuning, XM satellite radio mini tuners, CD & CD-R/RW media centers, alarm clocks, remote controls and of couse, high fidelity speakers with such astonishing muscle, you'll swear every unit has a built-in subwoofer. Plus, a flexible array of inputs and outputs help shap your music your way. Plug into purity and digital flexibility of the Acoustic Research tabletop radio. And make any chair in your home or office... the best seat in the house.

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Sony ICF-M1000 Table Top Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This radio from Sony is placed to compete with similar products from Tivoli (Henry Kloss Model One) and Boston Acoustics (Receptor Radio). All of these products are single speaker (mono) AM/FM radios that contain no CD or cassette players and have no remote control. If that is not what you are looking for in a radio, this product is not for you; however, if you are looking for a simple tabletop radio, continue on.

Sony hoped to cash in on the popularity of simple table radios, however their offering falls short of its competitors. The radio is gloss black with a black fabric front that hides the speaker. It is significantly larger than the other radios in this class, about double the size of either the Kloss or the Receptor. Despite the size of the cabinet, the speaker is roughly the same size as those found on the other radios. The LCD display is small and somewhat hard to read from certain angles (there is an acrylic prism sitting on top of the LCD that reflects the image forward and upward). There are three knobs on the front that control tuning, volume and tone. The radio is built well, but I think the black fabric makes it seem a bit cheap. Removing the fabric cover exposes the cheap wood interior and lowers the aesthetics even further.

By itself this radio has a decent sound, and the tone control allows for tweaking of the sound quality. However when I compare the sound quality to that of the Kloss and Receptor, this product again falls short. This radio lacked the bass response of its competitors, despite its much larger size. Midranges were decent, comparable to the others (talk radio sounds almost the same among the three radios). Trebles were decent, although slightly muddled unless the tone control was set to high. On the plus side, the tuning was accurate and the reception clear, probably the best of the three, although all are very good.

The Sony radio has line-out/line-in 1/8" jacks in the rear for connecting to an mp3 or CD player (as does the Kloss, but not the receptor). There are no alarm-clock functions on this radio, which further limits its usefulness.

In conclusion, this would be a very decent radio if it were fifty dollars. However, Sony has set the price so that it competes with radios that are far superior to it. If you are to spend this kind of money on a table radio, I suggest you look elsewhere (I recommend the Receptor Radio).

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Product Description:
Sony - Stylish Design - Radio

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Grace Wifi Radio (ITC-IR1000B) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've been listening to internet radio for more than 5 years,and have been exploring the purchase of a stand-alone wifi radio for the last two.The market has either been high-end ($300+ for the Roku Soundbridge or the Revo Pico), products with flaws (check the reviews for the Torian InFusion) or not a true standalone device (requiring that your computerbe on, works only with open networks, etc.).
When I saw the Grace Wifi Radio at the $170 pricepoint,I decided to give it a try.I opened the box about an hour ago,and within 10 minutes had it set up,working with my WPA protected AirPort network. Sound is good;this isn't hifi,but like 90% of internet listeners I'm no high-end audiophile.The stations available through the Reciva server simply blow my mind (think thousands instead of the hundreds I normally look through on iTunes). I can see myself playing with this for weeks,cranking the dial like a kid with his first shortwave.
Note this is a very simple radio; only 5 presets,no equalizer, no dancing visuals, no ipod dock..... And I haven't tested its capability to play audiofiles sent by iTunes(that's not what I bought it for). But all in all I'm very pleased, and while decent wifi radios will probably be available below $100 before the year is out,I'm glad I didn't wait.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Grace Wifi Radio (ITC-IR1000B)

Product Description:
- Wirelessly broadcasts over 17,000 radio stations directly from Wi-Fi(R) router- Features both Pandora(R) & SIRIUS(R)- Features Live365.com & blogtalkradio.com- 802.11B/802.11G & WEP- & WAP-compatible- Connects to existing stereo system via audio jack- Displays song & artist information while song is playing- Features clock radio with 5 alarms- Compatible with all 3 major streaming formats- Supports RealAudio(TM), MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV & AIFF formats

Get 46% OFF

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Grace Digital Wireless Internet Radio featuring Pandora and NPR (GDI-IR2000) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)UPDATE: I was so happy with my first IR2000 I purchaced another one for home.

This is a great radio. I've owned it for nearly a week now and it's worked flawlessly. I was looking for a radio for my desk at work and I couldn't have made a better choice. Over the past few weeks I read every review I could find about every internet radio on the market. I finally decided on this one. I really love it. The sound is great but don't expect to be using it on full volume to cover your entire house.Here is my list of likes and dislikes and I hope it helps.
Like's:
-The size was perfect for my desk
-It looks very stylish
-I fired up the radio and had it working within minutes without reading the manual
-It was very easy to register at [...] and automatically download my radio stations and streams.
-I added some personal streams and they appeared on the screen of the radio within minutes.
-It was very easy to browse stations around the world without the use of my [...] account.
-The Audio sounded really good. Especially for the size of the radio
-WIFI setup was very simple. I moved it from one network to another and it remembered both password keys (WEP & WPA)
-The signal strength was really good especially with an internal antenna
-Navigation on the screen was very simple.
-When available it scrolled song or audio information across the screen. E.g. I tuned into aircraft traffic control after I added it to own streams after finding in on a website and within minutes weather information was scrolling across the screen.
-The remote is simple to use
-External input for an MP3 player, etc is a great addition
-It can stream audio from just about anywhere.....Radio Station Streams, Pandora, Sirius, Your PC, any MP3/REAL Audio/WMA stream off the net....

Dislike's:
-The headphone jack is on the back. I use my headphone a lot and it's a pain having to pull the radio forward each time I want to plug them in. The Aux (External) input should be on the back and the headphone input should be on the front.
-Although it's good that the radio is light, it tends to slide a little when I press the select button at times.
-I looked at the manual after I got everything working and it's laid out OK. They could lay it out just a little better.

Conclusion.

The radio is well worth the money. It's very easy to use and setup. The sound is great. The menus are easy to use. It's built well. In all it's a fantastic radio. If I were purchase another radio for my desk, beside my bed or on a table in the lounge room, I would buy another one of these for sure. In fact, I'm thinking about it right now. I give this one 5/5.

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Product Description:
The Grace Digital Innovator II (GDI-IR2000) Wi-Fi radio is a combination Internet radio and audio media streaming device that brings all the audio content of the Internet within listening distance, wherever you are. With it users can listen to 16,000+ radio stations from NPR, FOX news, CNN, BBC, CBS to KROQ, over 35,000 podcast, 20,000+ On-Demand subscription streams or your personal Pandora radio stations. Additional features include an auxiliary input jack to play your iPod, iPhone or any audio source through two built-in speakers, the ability to stream files from local computer networks, compatibility with the free Grace remote control App for iPhone/iTouch, interoperability with stereo/home entertainment systems and alarm clock functionality.

Convenient Access to Online Music in Your Home
AM and FM radio stations all over the world stream their audio content overthe Internet. Grace Digital Audio's Innovator II allows you take advantageof this massive amount of free content, as well as a variety of subscriptionInternet radio services conveniently and efficiently through a single, untethereddevice. Setup is simple, all you need is access to a broadband Internetconnection via a wireless router. Acting like any wireless device, onceconfigured to the Wi-Fi signal(s) available and its security, if any, theInnovator II provides quick access to literally thousand of Internet radiostations and podcasts without having to fire up a computer. Users can listento the hottest premium online music services like Pandora, Live365 and Sirius*.In addition, the Innovator II facilitates even further audio functionality,both through its auxiliary port, allowing for use with the iPhone, iTouchand other devices, as well as streaming of audio files directly from yourPC or Mac to the Innovator II's front and rear-ported speakers. Supportedformats include: audio - AIFF, AIFC, WAVE, CAF, Next, ADTS, MP3, AAC, OggVorbis, FLAC, WMA; playlist - ASX, M3U, PLS; streaming protocols - HTTP,HTTPS, RTSP, WSMP, Shoutcast. Users can also utilize either the full functionremote control included, with its 10 presets, search and song skip functionality,or control the unit via iPhone / iPod Touch.

Easy access to thousands of free and premiumInternet radio content streams, special Reciva.com functionality,an auxiliary port and more.
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Sangean HDR-1 Table Top HD Radio Receiver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After owning a Sangean WR-2 clock radio for a year and a half and growing more fond of it, I decided to get another upscale radio for my office, a radio with a remote control so I could avoid computer interference by keeping the radio a good 6 feet away. After reading about HD radio and Sangean's entrance into the market, I decided to take a chance. Worst case scenario, I figured, is that it would be another high-grade radio like my Sangean WR-2. Like the WR-2, the HDR-1 has a high-grade feel, a solid construction, memory presets, a remote control, and strong sensitivity on AM and FM. However, the HDR-1 is definitely an upgrade and you might consider that it has the following advantages and differences:

1. Two speakers instead of one.
2. Easy-to-use (simply plug in) AM external antenna for hard-to-get stations.
3. HD quality is clearly discernable, clear, full, no static, no "birdy," no chirps.
4. Some HD stations have multi-broadcasts.
5. Most functions have to be performed with the remote. For this reason, I don't see this as a bedside radio. Who wants to squint at their remote in a dark bedroom? More appropriate for a bedside radio is the Sangean WR-2 or the Eton Sound 100. But for office or anywhere that requires a distance between you and your radio, the HDR-1 is an excellent choice.

Update: Be aware that in AM it takes a few seconds before the radio "kicks in" to digital mode. The sound is so good it's hard to listen to non-digital AM stations. Even the strongest station in Los Angeles, KFI 640, sounds bad because it's non HD. One last point: I'm more and more in love with the speaker sound. I can't even play them as loud as I want to as I'm working when I have the radio on. But these dual speakers really shine.

Second Update: 1-19-07: After 3 weeks, I've discovered a weakness on AM: Rainy weather compromises the HD signal. This problem is compounded by the fact that the radio has weak conventional AM (much weaker for example than my Sangean WR-2 and my Eton/Grundig S350) so that when it's not in HD mode the AM sounds bad, a constant crackle in the background. FM remains strong in both HD and non HD mode, but Sangean needs to address this AM weakness.

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Product Description:
HDR-1Wooden Table Top Receiver5 w/information display showing channel no. channel frequency, ensemble label, service label, dynamic label, transmission mode, data rate & secondary service availability indicator. Auto tuning list, automatic multiplex re-configuration, real time clock with Alarm & Sleep function, Multicast capability, PAD services, Aux IN for iPOD or MP3 player, Remote Control with IR, Auto tuning system, Frequency range: AM: 520-1710 kHz (10kHz steps) FM: 87.5-108 MHz

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Sony XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with Dock for iPod/iPhone Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Excellent product for something that I wasn't so sure at first. Reading the other reviewer's comments, I was afraid that the giant voltage converter (the "brick") was going to make a lot of noise. But it doesn't and quiet actually. The sound quality was acceptable (the surround sound is a very old feature of Sony, all the way from the 80's). There is an audio in, for your non-iPod gadgetry. It works fine for my iPod Touch and iPod nano (3rd gen). The remote can play playlists. The iTunes tag, a cool feature, is not used often enough by me, since I listen mostly to NPR, not music stations. I do notice the tag light will light up at times (if the station identifies the song at all).

At first I didn't know how to take off the universal dock adapter (supplied), causing a little problem and a nick on the plastic with a sharp surgical blade. There is a little recess at the back of the plastic adapter to take off the whole adapter. The universal adapter does not work for the two iPods I have. And the connector works fine without it.

The reception is generally good for HD Radio. However, I had to use my own radio amplifier to get the best reception. There is a little drop if the signals are not "locked" in (almost like stuttering of human speech, repetitive words here and there if the signals are not strong).

I also like the auto scan feature, reminiscent of most car audio. Other than that, the unit delivers what it promises for a $150 radio. Now there is a 50 bucks off rebate if you buy it right now before the end of Sept 2008. This would bring the price to almost just a $100 for an exceptionally cheap HD radio/ iPod dock charger. Yes, it should work with iPhone 3G, as per other reviewers. And the speakers are shielded, since I can put my Motorola Razor next to it without any problem. No buzzing sound!

Highly recommended for its price (to get the rebate of course). The remote is not lighted, but nobody is going to fault it for its generic design. Have not tested the alarm system, but do NOT think that it is going to be a real alarm clock for you in the morning. There is no Snooze button. Having used a few times of its alarm function, I can tell you that it is better to use your cell phone (like my Razor, which has a snooze button). This is not a real alarm clock. It will wake you up, but not for a lazy guy who hopes to hit the snooze a few times.

Buy this only if 1. you need an ipod charger, compatible with 3G iPhone (my girlfriend's does work!); there are cheaper HD radios out there 2. cannot live without HD radio's promise of multi-cast, like digital TV. Local NPR and classical stations have mutli-cast features, which are very nice. 3. Beautiful black design, which complements any decor. I always like Sony's look and built. Look expensive! 4. Awesome adaptation as a wifi radio, if you happen to own an iPod touch with wifi connection. I listen to Pandora and AOL radio on the net, using this unit.

Don't buy this if you 1. expect HD radio exceeds your audio expectations and needs. The quality of HD radio is not that much better. My stereo system pumps out excellent analog radio sounds, similar to this unit 2. expect this to replace a real clock radio. No snooze button. 3. no audio outs or a headphone jack. Why???!!! Every radio needs an audio out. But this doesn't.

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Product Description:
Amazon.com Product DescriptionTransform your listening experience with the XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with dock for iPhone and iPods. Featuring more choices, crystal-clear sound, and no subscription fees, the Sony dock lets you enjoy your music the way it was meant to be heard. With HD radio, AM stations deliver FM sound quality, and FM stations sound like your favorite CDs. Made for iPods, this system allows you to listen your favorite tunes using the integrated docking station. A built-in clock with alarm, 20 AM and 20 FM presets, and an included wireless remote control round out the features.


Transform your listening experience with the XDR-S10HDiP HD radio with dock for iPhone and iPod players. Click to enlarge.
Play and control your iPod or iPhone while it charges. Click to enlarge.
Includes full-function remote. Click to enlarge.
View a control diagram. Click to enlarge.
Backlit LCD
Easy-to-see large, full-dot backlit LCD has brightness, contrast, and display mode adjustments.
Quality Sound
The XDR-S10HDiP enclosure features stereo, full-range 2.6-inch speakers with bass reflex for tight, quality audio. Dial it in with treble and bass tone controls, and get a little more spaciousness with surround sound functions.
iPod Dock
Play and control your iPod through the XDR-S10HDiP system. While it's docked, it receives a charge, so it's ready to go when you are. You also can control iPod features from the included remote control, and enjoy iTunes tagging capability with certain models.
High Fidelity AM/FM/HD Radio Technology
With 20 FM and 20 AM presets, accurate digital tuning, and HD radio, the XDR-S10HDiP is a powerhouse of the airwaves. Listen to traditional AM/FM radio or enjoy clear, static-free HD digital radio reception of digital broadcasts simulcast by many stations. HD radio provides the ability to receive multiple program streams over a single FM frequency (multiplexed broadcasting), allowing stations to have subchannels with different programming and opening up a wealth of listening options. HD radio also provides text-based information--artist name, song title, etc., which are scrolled across the receiver display.
Best of all, there are no monthly fees for HD radio, unlike satellite radio, where you have to purchase a subscription.
iTunes Tagging Capability
The iTunes Tag button on the new XDR-S1OHDiP allows you to tag songs you like that are broadcast by HD radio stations. Information about these tagged songs is stored by the receiver and transferred to your iPod. When you connect your iPod to your computer, iTunes automatically presents the songs in a new Tagged playlist so you can preview, buy, and download them. iTunes Tagging is a great way to discover new music add it to your collection.
The iPod models that are compatible with iTunes Tagging are iPod nano 3G and iPod classic 5G, 5.5G, and 6G.
Alarm Clock
Wake up to the radio, buzzer, line-in source, or iPod--it's your choice. Also, a sleep timer lets you drift off to your favorite tunes.
What's in the Box
XDR-S10HDiP, wireless remote control, FM wire antenna, FM dipole antenna, AM loop antenna, audio connecting cable

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Boston Acoustics HDUOMDNT Horizon Duo Speaker System (Midnight) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I already own two Boston Acoustic Horizon Solos, which I bought on Amazon for about $85. One is in the bedroom and the other is in the workout room. My friend urged me to get the two-speaker Duo, so I finally capitulated and use it in the kitchen. My review will be based on my comparison between the $85 Solo and the $115 Duo.

Speaker Sound: The Duo wins. While I love the Solo's full high-fidelity sound, the Duo speakers really fill the kitchen with ease.

AM Reception: I'd have to give a slight nod to the Duo. In the kitchen I had to rotate the Solo to fine-tune 570AM. I don't have to touch the Duo. This is fortunate because the size and shape of it make it impractical for rotating the radio to maximize AM reception from its internal ferrite antenna.

FM Reception: The Solo wins. Probably they get equal FM, but the stereo speakers on the Duo highlight background static more easily. This is only a problem once in a while when I listen to 89.3 KPCC. I'd still give the Duo an A minus grade on FM.

Remote: The Duo has one and the Solo does not.

Ease of use: The remote on the Duo allows you to bypass the toggle mode switch on the radio. Some people don't like changing the mode by hand. But on the Solo you toggle your presets, whether they're AM or FM, in the same preset mode, so you don't really miss the remote.

Conclusion: These are both great radios for their price point. For a bedside radio, I'd go with the Solo because it takes up less space and you can rotate it easier to optimize AM reception. The Solo is loud enough for big rooms as well and its speaker isn't as prone to static as much as the Duo's.So on balance I think most people will be better served getting the $85 Solo, which I give an A grade. The $115 Duo gets an A minus because of occasional FM static on weak stations.

UPDATE: JULY 14, 2009:

I own two Duos, one bought in September of 2008 and one bought in March of 2009. Both had to be returned because the AM stopped working. This may be due to the intense heat generated by these radios even when the radios are turned off. The replacement radios (I had to pay $20 for shipping) generate the same heat and I fear their AM will fizzle out as well. This is a real shame. While this is the best sounding radio I've ever owned, its heat and AM problem compels me to tell consumers to stay away from the Duo.

In contrast, the smaller version, the BA Horizon Solo is great. I own two and in the last year and a half I've had no problems. Get the cheaper Solo. Great mono speaker sound and better reliability than the Duo.

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Product Description:
Horizon duo midnight speaker system with dual high-performance 3.5-Inch full-range speakers.

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SANGEAN WR-11 AM/FM Table Top Radio Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this radio for my 84 year old understandably technophobic Mother.Simplicity was the order of the day.Old fashioned knobs and station indicator fit the bill perfectly.The receiver section is pretty good.My Mother lives in a rural area where most major markets are 60+ miles away.FM stations from as far away as 35-45 miles pulled in with simple wire antenna that is include and all of the AM stations that were tradionally available in her area were received with good quality.

Speaking for myself, the audio has too much bass.Combine that with the absence of a simple tone knob to allow the user to change the bass/treble balance leaves me scratching my head and wondering what the people of Sangean were thinking when they decided a tone knob wasn't necessary.I might be tempted to plug the bass port on the back of the radio with something to see if that cuts down the amount of bass output if I had bought it for myself.It's not for critical music listening but isn't bad for background music and listening to the news.

But it made my Mom happy to have a radio that she knows how to use.And the audio quality deficiency doesn't bother her.When she was a kid audio quality from electronics was crappy.For this purchase, the 3 star rating reflects my Mother's positive comments minus my critical remarks about audio quality.

Surely they can find a spot for a tone knob.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SANGEAN WR-11 AM/FM Table Top Radio

Product Description:
AM/FM TABLE TOP RADIO

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