Showing posts with label digital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label digital. Show all posts

9/19/2012

Turtle Beach AudioTron Digital Audio Player Review

Turtle Beach AudioTron Digital Audio Player
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Very pleased with my AudioTron, makes the most of an existing home network and archives of MP3s. Far cheaper than hard drive-based digital audio receivers, the AudioTron has excellent sound quality, solid construction, and is generally easy to use. Only took me about 15 minutes to setup, making connections to my reciever and network hub.
PROS:
- Bright, easy to read LCD display
- Solid construction of case & controls, rack-mountable
- Digital audio out (optical SPDIF)
- Web interface is quite good, makes device accessible throughout your home
- Excellent sound quality, particularly when using digital out and higher bit-rate MP3s (192 kbps+)
- Great phone support from Turtle Beach, software updates
- Adjustable pre-buffering to eliminate interuption of music stream and reduce latency
CONS:
- Included remote feels a bit [flimsy], has too many buttons allocated to preset "favorites" while lacking important functionality like accessing "Options" menu
- Bundled Audiostation software has a lot of functionality, but a bit buggy (I experienced some difficulty using CD ripping features, but plenty of other software available which provides similar functionality)
- Connecting to a wireless 802.11b network requires additional hardware since device only has Ethernet 10Base-T connection
All in all, an excellent and truly networked device. Offers more functionality that similar devices (like Rio Digital Receiver) and looks right at home w/ your other stereo components.

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The Turtle Beach AudioTron transforms your PC into a powerful jukebox for your entire home. AudioTron uses your home network to play streaming audio from a networked Internet connection and digital music files from a PC hard drive. With the PC as your digital music library you can easily manage your music collection, create custom playlists, and find any song you want without having to search through a pile of CDs.
The Turtle Beach AudioTron connects to your PC via either an Ethernet or HPNA (home phone line) network. If you already have a home network AudioTron is easy to set up--a comprehensive setup utility helps you get started and analyzes your network configuration. (If you need to set up your home network, read our networking buying guide to learn how to get started.)
To run the AudioTron, you'll need a PC with at least a Pentium 233 MHz processor and 64 MB RAM, running either Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, NT 4.0 SP6 or later, or XP. The PC should have sufficient hard disk space for storage of your digital music files and have an Internet connection to take advantage of streaming audio.
The AudioTron includes a phone cable for the HPNA connection and a CAT 5 cable for the Ethernet connection. It also includes a stereo RCA-to-RCA cable for connecting the analog audio outputs to powered speakers or a stereo receiver. The IR (infrared) remote provides access to all playback functions, including up to 20 presets that can be customized to instantly launch your favorite songs or Internet radio stations.
The included AudioStation jukebox software can convert your CDs to digital audio files, as well as operate with jukebox programs compatible with music files in the MP3, WMA, and WAV formats and ID3 tags in version 1.0, 1.1, or 2.3 format.

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7/31/2012

Sony SRF-HM22 AM/FM Headphone Radio Walkman Review

Sony SRF-HM22 AM/FM Headphone Radio Walkman
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)

I bought that model years ago for one tenth the price (maybe less)
How do they justify chargiong that price?
WOW what a rip off

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6/11/2012

Memorex: 2xtreme Digital AM/FM Radio Review

Memorex: 2xtreme Digital AM/FM Radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this CD/radio for my kids, primarily because it looked to have nice simple controls. Unfortunately, the radio only pretends to be digital (the tuner display) -- it's actually an analog radio and a very poor one at that. In fact, it's effectively unusable as a radio because it won't 'lock' to a station, even when the 'digital' tuner says the correct frequency.

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Sony SRFM75PM Walkman AM/FM Stereo Radio Review

Sony SRFM75PM Walkman AM/FM Stereo Radio
Average Reviews:

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I agree with ablee@concentric.net that the battery cover is way too insecure -- I'm lucky I haven't lost it. Although the station-lock feature is useful, the unit keeps beeping whenever the locked buttons are jostled. Finally, I wish they'd either include better earphones or leave them out and let us buy our own. On the plus side: convenient, and with good sound (using Koss portaphones!)

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This sports Walkman features a synthesized digital tuner with built-in pulse monitor, water-resistant sports grip design, and a low battery indicator. It also has 10 memory presets (five direct access keys), a digital clock, a stopwatch with lap timer (three-lap memory), and a hold button. This AM/FM stereo radio also features Mega Bass.

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5/04/2012

Videonow Chatnow FM Radio Earpiece Review

Videonow Chatnow FM Radio Earpiece
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
You don't have to have a chat now to use the FM radio. But the whole thing is kind of fuzzy and there is no way to tell what radio station you are on unless you wait for the person to say what radio it is.
The piece works well with the chat now communicators but it makes your ear feel and sometimes you hear funny afterwards for about three minutes.


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Plug the earbud into your CHATNOW Communicator (sold separately) and listen to your favorite FM radio stations or chat with your friends hands free! Simply plug it in, clip it on and go!Cool accessory for your CHATNOW�� Communicator (sold separately) lets you talk to your friends or listen to your favorite FM radio stations!Ages 8 and up.

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4/24/2012

Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink) Review

Sangean K-200 Multi-Function Upright AM/FM Digital Radio (Pink)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Expensive, but excellent quality and worth every penny. We purchased this radio for my mother who lives out "in the sticks". She was having trouble getting good reception with her old radio. This radio practically "sucks in" the signal. It is not stereo, but the sound is still excellent. It is a very unusual shape and very compact. It will fit almost anywhere but if you don't like the style, it is easy to hide as well. If you are looking for a radio that will probably last the rest of you life, this is it.

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Digital Tuning AM/FM Kitchen Radio.

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4/21/2012

Jwin JX-M17 Portable AM/FM/LW/SW1-9 Radio with Alarm Clock Review

Jwin JX-M17 Portable AM/FM/LW/SW1-9 Radio with Alarm Clock
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This small radio literally fits in the palm of your hand. It was shipped in a padded envelope and including the shipping it was a total of [...]. Sound is decent for the small speaker. AM/FM reception is solid, while shortwave is decent.

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3/23/2012

Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver) Review

Tivoli Audio SBWS Songbook (White/Silver)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I conducted a fairly extensive - and enjoyable- search for a radio to use at work after on-line music streaming was blocked by my employer. Because the reception in my office is just about 'nil, it was important for me to find a radio with not only good FM reception, but also an input jack for me to connect ipod/phone. I also needed the device to fit into a small nook on my desk. Plus I wanted the unit to look, well, like a piece of e-candy. And, of course, produce a nice sound without too much bass due to the, um, acoustics in my office.
I still can't get much FM reception in my office, even with the Songbook; however, I've come to realize that it's unlikely any radio could bring me much in that environment without actually somehow convincing my employer to hook me up with an outdoor antenna. Right. (I do want readers to know, however, the FM reception at home is super.) And, the sound quality both of the radio (at home), and using this device as a speaker using input jack (both in the office and at home) is absolutely wonderful! I love this unit so much that I bring it back and forth between office and home for use at both places.
How did I ever live without the Tivoli Songbook?!

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2/21/2012

Sangean ATS-505P FM Stereo/MW/LW/SW PLL Synthesized World Receiver Review

Sangean ATS-505P FM Stereo/MW/LW/SW PLL Synthesized World Receiver
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
- a nice radio and top rated by Radio Netherland
- here are my nitpicks:
1. LCD backlight only stays on for 7 seconds
2. 1KHz tuning increment setting is inconvenient (you have to push in and turn the rotary knob first, and it only lasts for one tuning session)
3. too few SW memory settings
4. the back stand is useless unless you use the radio while sitting at a desk - a much better approach is to take an 8x10 sheet of plexiglass, heat and bend to make a stand so the radio sits more upright for use...
5. the build feels 'flimsy' as the radio doesn't have a solid feel
6. there is a discernable (1-second) delay when entering digits in the direct-access keypad - you'll need to get used to the delay, and the keys require more pressure than you'd expect for a keypad..
7. battery life is not great

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Sangean America ATS-505P AM/FM Stereo/SW Radio ATS505P FM Transmitters

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12/10/2011

Digital AM/FM Stereo Armband Radio Review

Digital AM/FM Stereo Armband Radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you are in the market for an armband AM/FM radio, to use in the gym or while jogging or whatever, than this model, the JENSEN SAB-55 is exactly the right one for you to buy.
I've had many armband radios. I am a jogger, kayaker, I love to walk, and I love the gym. I absolutely must have radio while working out. Whatever you do, DO NOT buy the SONY Walkman SRF-M85V armband radio. You may be tempted because it looks cool, has a nice armband, and boasts many features. Trust me. I've gone through two of them. The first one broke. It was the older model with 2 AAA batteries. The new one, that uses only one battery, gets HORRIBLE reception. There are very few AM/FM armband radios out there, so I know you've stumbled upon SONY products. Don't buy it!!! Sony provides a sub-standard product, and on top of it, they have no interest in hearing customer feedback. I emailed and called them asking to send them a simple one paragraph email suggesting changes and pointing them to Amazon feedback about their radio. They didn't want to hear any of it. They basically emailed me back, advising that they've done everything they can for me. They basically refused to pass my feedback on to the engineers and parties responsible for the development of their products. Sony had no interest in what I had to say.
Look, this Jensen gets great reception. It is VERY inexpensive, under $20, and it has all the features you need. You don't want to overspend on an AM/FM armband radio, because you're going to go knock it around alot while jogging, kayaking, etc. This radio is inexpensive, as it should be. AM/FM does not need to be expensive. I've had this radio for a long time, and it's been bumped around a LOT, and it still works great. It is a no frills radio, with a digital tuner, presets in both AM and FM, with great reception, Bass boost, Clock. What more do you need?
The only two things I'll suggest to you, is that the programming is similar to learning how to program a digital watch. It takes a couple times to memorize the push this, tune that, push this, routine. Also, be sure to thread the armband through the slots on the belt-clip. If you don't the radio will fall off your arm, and I don't think the manual explained the threading procedure very well. The armband is very flexible, just shove it through.
So again, don't be tempted by the $40 AM/FM radio put out by Sony. Be wary of single battery armband radios too. Stay cheap. Don't buy the GBX, by the way. The battery compartment requires a screwdriver. Stick with the basic, perfect, JENSEN SAB-55. I passionately recommend it!

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12/08/2011

Kaito KA1102 - Portable radio Review

Kaito KA1102 - Portable radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Built in a factory in China famous for its radio electronics, the Kaito 1102 has become a beloved radio among techies and radiophiles alike for many reasons. Open it out of the box and you'll notice it's tiny, smaller than a thin-sliced sandwich. Its silver, modern exterior looks as updated as any new Sony or Sangean or Grundig. Then place it against its competition, the Sangean 505 (about 20 dollars more), the Sony ICF SW35 (about the same price) and you'll notice that the Kaito beats the other two for different reasons. First, the Kaito and the Sony 35 have similar, strong reception, on both AM and FM, but the Kaito wins because it has a vastly far superior speaker, crystal clear and capable of good sound for this type of radio. The Kaito and the Sangean 505 have similar good speakers but the Kaito has better reception, especially on AM. My only complaint about the Kaito is the owner's manual which has five different ways of showing you how to use the presets and the "pages," and only one of those instructions (I found out two hours and much trial and error later) is accurate. You must press the M/Lock key to activate your preset option and for some reason the manual only makes this vaguely clear in one of its instructions. But if you don't mind fiddling with the controls and scouring the manual with a patient eye, you'll find yourself in possession of a gem and discover why so many techies consider the Kaito 1102 a real buried treasure that stands up to the far more expensive Sony 7600 and Sangean 909.
Post Script: In the ensuing months I've bought the lesser priced Kaito 1101, almost identical to the Kaito 1102, and have found that the 1101 gets even better FM sensitivity. Many have expressed the same experience with the Kaito 1101. Thus I must conclude that for a PLL synthesized portable radio with presets, the Kaito 1101, which cost me thirty dollars less than the Kaito 1102, is the king of digital portable radios.
Update: In spite of its awkward ergonomics, which include two-step preset choice and strange push-button volume control, the Kaito 1103 amazingly gets even better reception than the 1101. The 1102 is last of the three but has the best ergonomics.

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11/10/2011

Kaito KA1103 - Portable radio Review

Kaito KA1103 - Portable radio
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I own the whole lineup of Kaitos and the 1103 beats the others for FM sensitivity. The 1101 takes second, the 1102 takes third, and the 105 takes fourth. AM is similar on all models. But the speaker is also superior on the 1103.
Here's what I like about the 1103:
1. Powerful, crystal clear FM reception that is superior to radios that cost twice as much.
2. Warm full speaker sound for a radio of this size.
3. The cool factor of a radio that has so many innovations and is changing the radio industry, causing Sangean, Grundig, and Sony to wake up and start making more competitive products at better prices.
4. PLL synthesized tuning with over 250 presets or memories.
Here's what I don't like:
1. You have to press buttons or digitally enter for volume control. There is no spin wheel for quick volume change.
2. The analog display takes up unnecessary space on the radio.
3. AM, like all PLL synthesized radios, is well above average but needs improvement.
However, AM is more than adequate and as a whole the 1103 is my favorite PLL synthesized, dual conversion small radio. If I could only own two radios, a compact and an analog medium sized radio, I'd keep the Kaito 1103 and my Tecsun BLC 2000 (sold for considerably more as the Grundig S350), which gets great AM.
If you don't mind finding an English manual on the internet, you can spend half the money on the Kaito by buying its clone, the Degen 1103. Degen radios, the original Chinese versions, are Kaitos but only come with Chinese manuals and they need AC adaptor converters. The upside is that they are half the price of the American version Kaitos.
Post Script: I enjoy my Kaito 1103 more than ever because I placed it ontop of my Sangean WR-2 and hooked up an audio cable between the two radios. So I'm feeding the sterling 1103 reception through the Sangean's premium speaker. Great bedside setup. You could do the same for cheaper by just buying a good speaker and hooking it up the 1103.
Update: I don't recommend you save money by purchasing the less expensive Chinese clone Degen. The adapter gets hot. If you must get the Degen, buy a USA-built step down 110 converter to avoid fire hazard.
Update for 8-12-206: Both my Degen and Kaito 1103 have shut down making me think that they had lost all electric power or had "fried" inside but in fact they had "shut down" and only needed to be reset by sticking a paper clip end into the reset hole. Now they both work fine. In fact, I bought the Kaito because I thought my Degen had "fried." I was wrong. Keep in mind, these radios can be a little touchy and may need to be reset from time to time.

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10/06/2011

Uniden 300-Channel Clock Radio Scanner Review

Uniden 300-Channel Clock Radio Scanner
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This was on my wish list and my wife indulged me for my birthday! Thanks!
When I started working as a young teenager, the second thing I bought with my money was a Bearcat 6 channel handheld scanner. That was more than 30 years ago and times sure have changed.
Let us talk about the non scanner features first. The atomic clock works solid and had no trouble getting signal. The alarm clock also works as expected. The snooze button could stand out a little more since there are a lot of buttons of similar size and location. (I said similar and not exact!)
The FM and TV reception work fine and I can pick up stations 40 to 50 miles away without static. The AM reception is adequate and works about as good as AM radio can.
The radio also has a very important feature of weather alerts from NOAA. You can program it to only alert you on weather events in your area (county). This is an important safety feature I cannot suggest more.
To be honest, I didn't need an atomic alarm clock or an FM radio as I already had those needs met. I also have a nice collection of scanners but I had a specific need (want) and this scanner fit the bill - almost.
I will digress for a second and mention that many metropolitan areas no longer use conventional radios for public safety agencies. Conventional means each agency has a dedicated radio frequency and many times departments inside of each agency have their own dedicated frequency. It doesn't take long to realize that a lot of frequencies are needed.
To combat this, many public safety agencies (and sometimes large businesses) will use a trunked radio system. To monitor trunked radio systems, you need a scanner capable of receiving (following) the system. Some trunked systems are now digital which require an even more specialized scanner.
The Uniden BCT15 or Uniden BCD996T will work for trunked or digital trunked systems. I strongly suggest you research what systems and frequencies are used in your area before you buy any scanner.
Getting back to the scanner review...
This scanner monitors conventional frequencies only. I bought this scanner to specifically monitor one frequency - the local school system. This system allows me to monitor early morning traffic from the school which allows me to be alerted of any problems or concerns including weather delays or closings.
But I also use it to monitor more items such as those little FRS radios everyone seems to have and the traffic from the local Air Force base. I won't bore you will everything but programming is very easy to do and the manual is very clear on all operations of the radio. (You can preview the manual at Uniden's website.)
The reception is very good and when I listen to some air bands for commercial and military, it has several hundred miles of range with the supplied antenna.
The search feature is functional and the preprogrammed search banks make it easy for new users to find frequencies. You can create your own custom search banks too.
The operation to scan or hold on one frequency is simple to learn and use.
I gave the scanner only 4 stars for 2 reasons. One is the really poor BNC connector on the antenna. It is a major complaint that extends to most Uniden base station scanners. You need to be careful attaching it or you can damage the antenna or even the radio.
The second reason is more of a personal nit pick of my own. I picked up the scanner to monitor the conventional frequency of the local public school. My bedroom is located on the second floor so I have some height inside the house on the radio.
An ambulance service a couple of counties over also uses the same frequency as the school. The local school has a PL tone which I can program into other scanners in my collection but not this one. So I wished the scanner accepted PL tones. Again, this is just a small nit pick which won't be a problem for most others.
I do recommend this radio or any Uniden radio in general. I own 3 current models and have had many in the past. Enjoy and happy scanning!

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Uniden's BC370CRS scanner combines a conventional channel scanner with an alarm clock radio. You can easily enter and store frequencies for police, fire/emergency, marine, air, amateur, and other radio services into 300 channels. The scanner also lets you listen to NOAA weather broadcasts for valuable information specific to your location, and all hazards alert for any other public warnings. The scanner's clock displays whenever you turn off the radio functions, and it can also be used as a standard alarm clock.
A multi-featured channel scanner and alarm clock radio in one.

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9/26/2011

Sangean LB-100 "Lunchbox" Compact Industrial AM/FM Radio Review

Sangean LB-100 Lunchbox Compact Industrial AM/FM Radio
Average Reviews:

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A few months ago, I spent $104 on the Sangean U3 worksite radio and was, in spite of warnings about its bass-heavy speakers, exceedingly pleased with speaker sound and AM/FM sensitivity. '
Even before I bought the U3, I wanted the Sangean LB-100, which had been praised by many, but was unavailable in the US market until recently.
So for about $75 and free shipping on Amazon, I bought the LB-100. I fretted the possibility that the LB-100's AM might not be up to par with the bigger U3.
But a side by side reception comparison results in what appears to be close performance, and very impressive AM and FM. The LB-100's slightly smaller ferrite AM antenna produces a little less sensitivity but produces good overall AM sound. Just a shade less than the U3's.
'One thing I don't like about both the Lunchbox and the U3 is that the non-rotation screw-in FM antenna doesn't give you any option to perform fine-tuning when wanting to get in a troublesome station (all worksite radios have such an antenna built like this to be rugged). Not that you need to adjust the antenna much. The FM sensitivity is so good that such adjusting isn't necessary. However, for weak FM stations like 89.3 and 88.9 it would be nice to have a rotating FM antenna. As strong as the FM is on both radios, I can't grab the weakest FM station I know of, 88.9, on the U3 and the LB-100 like I can with the Redsun RP-2100 (CCrane CSW) or the Grundig S350.
Now for AM reception. Very sensitive. The sound is very appealing through the 5-inch speaker, just like on the bigger U3. '
Unlike the U3, which has a clock, headphone jack, and aux port, the LB-100 has none of these and is, in spite of being digital with 5 presets for AM and FM, a very bare bones radio, a sort of 1980 Ford Ranger truck, which didn't even come with a radio, ironically enough.
'
You might want to pay an extra $25 and get the added features of the U3 and enjoy a bigger ferrite AM antenna (though I personally didn't hear any difference in AM between the two).
One thing to consider is that the footprint on the LB-100 is not small at 8x8 inches. I was going to use the LB-100 in the kitchen but its size may make me change my mind and take it to the work office or use in one of the bathrooms.
I do want to commend Sangean on the battery compartment (takes 4 C batteries). This is not one of those latches that you snapped broken because you breathed too heavily on the hinges. This hinge uses a big screw and looks like it was built to last.
Conclusion: At the $75 price point, the LB-100 has a rugged look, a loud yellow color, excellent fidelity, and strong AM and FM reception. Recommended.
Update: Be aware that this doesn't take rechargeable batteries.

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Ruged, Industrial AM/FM Radio w/PLL Tuner, Backlit LCD Display, 10 station memory, Durable ABS Plastic

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9/08/2011

Sangean DT-220A AM/FM Stereo Pocket Size Radio with Self-Storage Headphones Review

Sangean DT-220A AM/FM Stereo Pocket Size Radio with Self-Storage Headphones
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Wow! This is what I have been looking for! A pocket radio with the following features: good reception, digital tuning, light, alarm, clock, presets, good speaker sound, fits in my pocket, has built in earbuds (that retract with a push of a button!), stereo FM when you use the earbuds (or your own headphones), lock switch, TV audio, built in telescoping antenna, auto turn off after 90 minutes (which you can easily cancel). This is a great radio, the best pocket radio with a built in speaker that I have seen. Sangean usually has terrible reception and their radios usually have a lot of noise between stations but this one receives and selects as well as my Sony! Definitely get this if you want apocket radio with a speaker!

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Whether you're camping, in an emergency situation, travelling, or comfortably at home, this portable radio offers excellent sound, a digital tuner that receives AM/FM and TV-Audio, has a clock with a wake-up buzzer alarm mode, and operates on batteries or AC. 25 Programmable station memory presets (16 FM and 9 AM) Built-in earbuds (wind up inside the radio!) Auto-shut off Batteries - 2 x AA (not included) Size - 3H x 5 x 1D Weight - 6 Ounces Includes Carrying Case & Stereo Earbuds

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8/30/2011

Sony SRF-M37W Walkman Digital Tuning Weather/FM/AM Stereo Radio (Black) Review

Sony SRF-M37W Walkman Digital Tuning Weather/FM/AM Stereo Radio (Black)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Comments for prospective buyers:
1) PLL (Phase locked loop) digitally synthesized, am/fm/weatherband radio with very low noise, i.e., very good sensitivity as well as good selectivity (the ability to distinguish between adjacent frequency, interfering signals).
2) This radio can only be manually tunned by pressing the + (forward/up) or - (back/down) frequency tuning button. It will even advance semi-automatically if you hold the button down and you will hear the stations as the radio sweeps through the frequencies so you know how/where to locate stations (unlike Sangean pocket radios which mute during automatic scan and seek functions). Thus, there is no fully automatic, press and scan or even a seek function, but I have found this manual tuning capability totally adequate because of the simplicity of the five preset tuning buttons for each band (with 2 sets of five presets on the fm band). It is quite silly that Sony didn't take the time right now to also add 5 more presets on a second set of am bands just as they did on fm on the SRF-M37V for example which has 25 presets available and not 20 presets as on this newest model. This is especially because the am reception on this radio is quite exceptional in addition to all of its other very nice features.
3) It is as good as the Sangean pocket radios that I have recently tried as well (including the famous DT-200VX). It remains to be seen if the new (June 2008) Sangean DT-400W (with NOAA weather coverage and broadcast alerts) will compete with the Sony SFR-37W.
4) It has a one year limited warranty and clearly not just 90 days as listed on numerous websites, including Amazon.com. This time limit is clearly listed on the instructions with the radio (the included Sony warranty certificate comes attached to the radio instructions).
5) I get excellent reception here in the mountains of New Mexico for a super-portable am/fm/weatherband radio receiver with 20 presets (5 on am/10 on fm and 5 for weather) that lasts 30-54 hours on one AAA battery. Weatherband signals are weak by the nature of the short range, low power NOAA transmitters and you must turn up the volume to adequately hear them and then adjust it back down for most am/fm stations especially.
6) All presets are very intuitive and extremely easy to use (a one button press system) as well as very easy to set. They are also easy to change as needed, especially if you travel a lot. Also, as long as you change the battery within 3 minutes of removing it, no presets will be lost (fortunately changing the battery is a snap).
7) The SRF-M37W is as extremely durable and well made and should last a very long time. In fact, my son's SRF-37V (its immediate predecessor) was extensively chewed 3 years ago by his young puppy (whose name is his gal Friday since he first got her on a Friday) and it still works quite well! Also, the battery cover is normally hinged to the radio so that it can't be lost (unless excessive force is used when it is opened and in this case it is designed not to break, but instead to simply pop out, but can easily be reinstalled as shown in the Sony manual). It also comes with a belt clip that nicely and firmly attaches to the radio for convenience. It also has a lock switch to keep all settings unchanged (except for the volume control) with an LCD screen indicator for the locked position as well as a battery level indicator, etc.
8) When using it inside a building go as close to the windows/doors as you can to get the very best reception. Radio waves do not penetrate very thick structures well so the best reception should generally be found outdoors for hiking, jogging, just plain walking, etc.
9) As others have stated you probably will want a better set of earphones to fully enjoy listening on all bands, but the supplied pair is certainly adequate for most purposes. In addition, however, I have found that if you use a set of headphones with a longer cord (such as the ~1 m cord on the Sony MDR-Q22LP clip-on earphones), substantially improved fm reception results since the cord acts as the fm antenna on these radios.
10) For those like me who will use this device near a computer, some degree of RF (radio frequency) interference (static on both the am and fm bands) can be expected. The RF interference is substantially reduced the further you move away from the computer or if you hold the radio in your hand or if you can extend the headphone cord fully.
This Sony is my personal update for an old analog Sony radio (the SRF-19W am/fm stereo radio Walkman) from the late 1980's that is still working (also with no speaker and with a DX RF (radio frequency) gain switch even way back then)!

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8/24/2011

Sangean PR-D5 Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDS Review

Sangean PR-D5  Portable Radio with Digital Tuning and RDS
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Half the price of my Tivoli Songbook, the PR-D5 has superior AM/FM reception, dual stereo speakers, and easy-to-use ergonomics, making it even better than the Sangean single-speaker Sonido. As a bedside radio, it has even better FM reception than my Sangean WR-2 but it lacks the WR-2's depth and heaviness, qualities I like in a bedside radio. For a lighter, portable radio with no remote, go for the PR-D5. If you want more luxury in your radio (remote, numerical volume indicator, heavier feel) and don't mind a slight compromise in FM reception, you might want to check out the Sangean WR-2, which is compatible with an upgraded FM antenna attachment.
One question many will have is why the PR-D5 goes for about 15 dollars less than the Sonido. The answer most likely is that the 2.5-inch stereo speakers on the PR-D5 don't have the richness nor the depth of the Sonido's 3-inch monoaural speaker.
Update: Ironically, I don't like listening to talk radio on dual speakers. This is not a technological issue, but psychological. The voices don't seem as focused as they do on the Sangean WR-2's monoaural speaker. So if you're a heavy AM talk radio listener, you might want to opt for the WR-2.
Second Update: To really test the FM on the PR-D5, I tried to pull in the weak college station 88.9. The PR-D5 pulled in the station with clarity, even better than my Eton S350. The verdict: My PR-D5 is my best performing AM/FM radio, even better than the Eton/Grundig S350. That says quite a lot. Even more astounding, the PR-D5 is 15 dollars cheaper.
Third Update: I brought my PR-D5 to my work office and like all the digital radios I've tried it suffered compromised reception. I succeeded more with my Tivoli Model Three (same as the Model One with the additional clock). So for your office, if it's full of computer interference, you might want to go with an upscale analog radio like the aforementioned Tivoli Model One or Three.

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