RCA RS2181i Audio System with Universal iPod Dock Review

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(More customer reviews)This reveiw is for; RCA CD Micro Stereo System with iPod Dock - RS2181I

Ever since my wife & I bought an I-pod, we hardly ever listen to CD's anymore. We have been looking for an adequate shelf system so we can listen to music in the bedroom that sounds decent and inexpensive. We found the RCA RS2181I last night at a local Target for $95. Here are my simple observations;

PROS
Nice compact size - thin - top loading, vertical CD player saves space.
CD player works great. Most of my CD's are recorded CD-R's.
Compatible with ALL Apple I-pods including Touch, Video and 1st to 5th generation I-pods (plastic spacers for all sizes are included).
Unit charges your I-pod with the connected, spring-loaded front attachment that retracts when not used.
Nice remote which you can even use to change songs on your I-pod (song skip or go back).
The remote also has nice range because I used it far from across the room.
Has alarm & sleep mode which allows you to wake up or sleep to either your I-pod, CD or radio.
You can program up to 32 radio stations (FM or AM).
Has two extra inputs for connecting other devices such as other MP3 players that are not I-pods.
One button equalizer settings for simplicity with individual settings for Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classical, Flat (?) or settings can be customized.
One button bass boost. Not strong enough to rattle the dishes, but a moderate bass boost.
Speaker connections are the standard, spring loaded black-red wire, so I suppose if you ever blow-out the stock speakers you can replace them with anything.

CONS
Only 10 watts a channel for a total of 20 (left & right). Not loud enough to annoy your neighbors, but loud enough for my wife & I to listen to in the bedroom.
The spring-loaded, retractable I-pod attachment occasionally sticks to the unit when it is pressed all the way into the unit.
LCD display is difficult to see due to very, thin LCD numbers & letters. You can basically only see it if you are directly in front of it.
Blue light at night is a little too bright, but might be OK for a kids' night light.
AM/FM tuner has no "seek" function. You must manually search each radio station.
Awkward looking AM, plastic antenna (about 3" X 4" plastic rectangle) that you must hook up if you listen to AM, but the FM antenna is just your standard, thin black wire.

Overall, my wife & I are mildly satisfied with the unit so far. It's a step up from the ancient cassette boom box it replaced. It works very well with the Apple I-pod, so I highly recommend it. It's not super loud, but it's loud enough for my wife & I. Great stereo for the bedroom, office or small apartment and that uses very, little space.


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Product Description:

RCA's RS2181i is a convenient and space-efficient stereo system that comes with a pair of two-way speakers, iPod dock, built-in radio, and vertical-load CD player--all in a small package that's perfect for home or office use.


A convenient stereo system with a built-in iPod dock.
Space-saving vertical-load CD player.
Includes remote control and radio antennae.
Built-in iPod Dock
Enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and other content off your iPod. Your iPod receives a charge while it's docked, so you can grab it and head out the door with a full charge.


Play Your CD Media
Play back your favorite CDs and burned CD-R/RW discs with the vertical-loading CD player, or burn MP3/WMA discs for hours of music on a single disc, complete with folder navigation, shuffle mode, and other features.


AM/FM Radio
Tune in to your favorite stations or catch up on the news/traffic in the morning with the digital AM/FM radio. Pull up your favorite stations in an instant with 32 presets.


Audio Input
The RS2181i features a convenient front-panel 3.5-mm audio input, perfect for connecting external devices such as MP3 players, computers, etc.


Dial In the Sound
With bass boost and a digital EQ, you can always get just the sound you're after. The EQ lets you choose from standard preset curves (flat, rock, pop, jazz, classic) or create your own custom curve.


Wake Up!
Most of us have to get up in the morning and head off to work or school. Do it in style with the RS2181i, which lets you wake to your radio, a CD, or your iPod. The time reads clearly on the backlit display, and a sleep mode is also included for listening while you drift off.


Great Looks and a Low Profile
The RCA RS2181i saves a lot of space with a vertical-load CD player. Combine that efficiency with a clean and simple design, and it's a great fit for most home or office settings, even when space is at a premium.


What's in the Box

Pair of two-way speakers and digital music studio with dock for iPod
Remote control (batteries included)
Built-in FM antenna
AM antenna

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