Showing posts with label bluetooth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bluetooth. Show all posts

10/15/2011

Panasonic SC-HC40 Compact Stereo System Review

Panasonic SC-HC40 Compact Stereo System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For a CD player with decent sound with an iPod dock for a small to medium sized room, this piece will work. I really like the size of it (very compact, smaller than I thought it would be) and the design of it. It's very sleek and looks great in our living room. The remote control is also better than I would expect for a system of this size. And, considering how strangely difficult it is to find a CD player with an iPod dock at a reasonable price, I'm glad I have this.

I only dock it down a few stars because of the sound. The sound is average. Despite some minimum controls like bass and treble, the unit just doesn't produce a crisp, sharp sound. It can definitely fill a room, which is great, but for true audiophiles and stereo-quality sound, I'd advise to look elsewhere (and probably at a higher priced unit). My wife loves it and thinks it's great. I, however, can tell the sacrifice in sound quality. It's not bad by any means, just a few notches below the best out there.

It's also more difficult than it should be putting in and taking out CDs.

For us, in its particular room, function (size and design) wins out a bit over quality. When I buy a bigger home with multiple rooms, I'll upgrade to a more traditional stereo system.

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Product Description:

Designed for iPod and iPhone users who want to enjoy their favorite songs with high quality sound at home, the compact Panasonic SC-HC40 home stereo system features a dedicated iPod dock that allows quick, easy connection of an iPod without the need for a cable. The remote control can be used to select music stored in the iPod, and music on the iPod can also be used for the wake-up timer. It's designed with a center sliding door, in a sleek glossy finish, and the motorized door slides opens, allowing the user to insert a music CD or an iPod.

The compact Panasonic SC-HC40 stereo system with integrated iPod dock (shown with no iPod below).

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10/14/2011

Sony MEX-BT3800U In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with Bluetooth Review

Sony MEX-BT3800U In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with Bluetooth
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
You get a lot for your money with this unit. Between the front auxiliary in, USB, and Bluetooth you have plethora of connectivity options so you should be able to connect anything to this unit for a long time. That's the unit's biggest plus. In fact, it can be a little bit annoying to have to switch through so many inputs via the source to get to the one you want (you can turn off aux in the settings though). You can also add optional HD Radio through an expensive adapter. I don't mind the lack of HD Radio since from what I've read, the execution isn't great yet with radios switching back and forth between the HD and analog signal and the signals themselves not being in sync.

The display is easy to read at a glance, and RDS (displays what is currently playing on the tuner) makes finding new radio stations easy. The iPod controls on the unit are a bit too complicated to bother learning, especially since you can use the iPod's own controls if you switch to "passenger mode". The buttons on the bottom of the unit used to switch stations and perform other operations have kind of a sharp edge a the bottom, which can make them sometimes a little painful to press if you don't aim high when you hit them. The USB will charge your iPod or other device fine.

The Bluetooth connectivity works really well, and sounds great. I use the Bluetooth stereo to stream music from my Motorola Droid with no problems. The Bluetooth hands free functionality is a bit basic since the unit won't display who is calling you, just that you have a call. Not that big of a deal at this price point. My phone will automatically pair the hands free profile when I turn the stereo on, but seems kind of hit or miss with pairing the Bluetooth stereo profile automatically. From using my phone with another Bluetooth speaker, it seems like it's more of an issue with the Droid.

One thing I find really strange with this unit is the remote functionality. If I use the head unit controls to turn on the unit / change source, the only control on the remote that will work is the off button. Vice versa, if you turn the unit on with the remote, all the remote functions work perfectly fine, but you can only use the volume controls on the head unit. Seek buttons, etc will not work. It took me a while to figure this out and at first I thought the remote control was defective. Again, this is not that big of deal to me since I would hardly use the remote, I just wish it was documented somewhere.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony MEX-BT3800U In-Dash CD Receiver MP3/WMA/AAC Player with Bluetooth

Product Description:
Sony's MEX-BT3800U is a great way to add Bluetooth and media power to your vehicle, with 52 Watts through four channels. Make hands-free calls or stream audio from your compatible devices. You can also play back CDs and CD-R/RWs, along with MP3/WMA/AAC files. A front auxiliary input is great for connecting external devices, and you can enjoy full iPod control right from the receiver.


A Bluetooth receiver that will play your digital music files. Click to enlarge.
Detachable faceplate for added security.
Front panel auxiliary input and USB port.
Detachable Faceplate
The MEX-BT3800U features a detachable faceplate for added security, with a 1-line, 13-segment LCD display and blue control illumination.
Bluetooth Functionality
The MEX-BT3800U features Bluetooth hands-free with an integrated microphone (or through an external microphone), as well as audio streaming functionality using your compatible Bluetooth music device.
USB 1-Wire for iPod, iPhone, and Other USB Devices
USB 1-Wire lets you directly connect, charge, and control your digital music player via the USB jack in the front of the unit, as well as view metadata like song title and artist on the front display.
Quick-Browzer Technology With Jump Mode and ZAPPIN Features
Quick-BrowZer lets you search and select songs by category, including artist, album, genre, or playlist. Jump Mode gets you closer to the song you want by allowing you to fast forward through a music category in 10 percent increments. With Zappin, you can play music in six-, nine-, or 30-second clips until you find the song you're looking for.
MP3/WMA/AAC Playback With DM+
Multi-format playback lets you play CDs, CD-Rs, or CD-RWs loaded with hundreds of MP3, AAC, or WMA songs. Hear the music on your recorded CDs and MP3s in their original vibrancy with DM+ (Digital Music Plus), an original Sony codec enhancer that reproduces detailed and high-frequency sound from compressed audio.
Satellite and HD Radio Ready
The MEX-BT3800U integrates seamlessly with satellite radio Sony Bus adaptors (sold separately) so you can receive digital satellite radio broadcasts. HD Radio capability lets you receive digital audio broadcasts when used with an optional HD Radio tuner.
Radio Data System (RDS)
The Radio Data System (RDS) feature displays radio broadcast information such as artist, title, and album.
Front Auxiliary Input
The front auxiliary input lets you connect almost any portable audio device to your car's sound system.
EQ3
Customize the sound with Sony's EQ3 feature, which includes 7 preset tone curves and a 3-band equalizer.
What's in the Box
MEX-BT3800U, Installation Hardware, User's Manual

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7/29/2011

Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black) Review

Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
Average Reviews:

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Given this is the first review, I will be thorough.

I've owned the Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for two months (paid $78.47).I'm very pleased.The sound quality is excellent for this type of speaker.The volume is loud enough to completely fill a room or a small outdoor area (e.g., patio).I've enjoyed it on the beach and found quality does not suffer much at high volumes.

Like with any small speaker, if you crank it to max volume, there is some distortion on bass-heavy songs.But the distortion is slight, and the bass sounds great if you have the volume appropriately set for the type of audio you are streaming.

On that note, there is no remote.The only way to control the volume is the `volume up' and `volume down' buttons on the front of the speaker or directly from streaming device ONLY IF it allows it.That is, my iPhone (3G - iOS 3.1.3) CANNOT change the speaker's volume while streaming, but my laptop can.In my use, I have not needed a remote.Usually I directly set the speaker's volume for the environment (e.g., bathroom, patio) and forget it.No remote also means you must control the streaming media from your device.There are no media control buttons on the speaker.

There is an auxiliary input on the back of the speaker, if you want to hook up a non-bluetooth device, or maybe just to save battery by not using Bluetooth.

Pairing with Bluetooth-capable devices (in my case, iPhone 3G and HP laptop) is simple and quick.

Battery life (four AA) is excellent.It is so long I cannot even put an estimate in terms of hours.It also came with an AC adapter, but I have never used it.The battery compartment is underneath the speaker.

The speaker is fairly small and very light.I actually carry it from room-to-room to enjoy while I am doing chores.

My only concern with the speaker is the build quality.The plastic casing is sturdy, but the front face of the speaker (surrounding the name plate and volume controls) is made of cloth.The cloth is spongy, but I am worried that it will inevitably tear with my heavy use of the speaker.There is no travel case included with the speaker.

Looking for a portable Bluetooth wireless speaker, I also considered the Logitech Z515 ($90, smaller and cloth-free).I've never used that Logitech speaker, but I ultimately chose the Creative D100 based on superior reviews for sound quality and bass quality.Look into both.There are good reviews for them and a comparison on CNET, if you want more information.

On the front of the speaker:
Volume up button
Volume down button
Bluetooth connect button

On the back of the speaker:
Power (on/off) switch
Aux input
5V AC adapter input

Underneath the speaker:
Battery compartment (four AA)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black)

Product Description:

Built with award-winning Bluetooth technology, the Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker lets you play music wirelessly from your smartphone, laptop, or other A2DP-enabled mobile device. The Creative D100's portable design and full-range drivers make it ideal for outdoor parties or afternoons at the beach. The speaker system comes in four colors and is compatible with PCs, Macintoshes, and most Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.

Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black)
At a Glance:


    Wireless stereo sound from your iPhone, notebook, or other Bluetooth-enabled device
    Dual 3-inch full-range drivers for loud, dynamic bass
    Aux-in port to plug in an MP3 player or other music source
    Plays for up to 25 hours on four AA batteries
    Sleek, portable design
    Backed by a one-year limited warranty

Creative D100 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker (Black)

Portable design allows you to take it outside and enjoy high-quality wireless audio. View larger.

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7/18/2011

Parrot BOOMBOX - Speaker - Bluetooth - 60 Watt - 2-way - black Review

Parrot BOOMBOX - Speaker - Bluetooth - 60 Watt - 2-way - black
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Purchased this to supplement my Motorola BT headphones. Product is visually appealing and has overall well constructed and solid feel. Performs well and audio sounds very crisp/clear.

I use it for streaming audio from the internet with my Motorola Q"SOMA FM"and it tends to clip from time to time due to the signal. Does not occur while playing songs straight from the phone memory/SD card.

Volume goes loud although bass response will suffer due to limited woofer size. 'Has much more range overall than most "ipod" and "zen" player loudspeakers I have heard.

Expensive but worth it for a very unique, new tech product !!!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Parrot BOOMBOX - Speaker - Bluetooth - 60 Watt - 2-way - black

Product Description:
Listen to your favorite tracks from any Bluetooth A2DP stereo source and discover optimized digital sound in a compact format designed to deliver high performance.The Parrot BOOMBOX guarantees high-level sound in every situation: two wideband drivers perfectly reproduce all the subtleties of the high and medium frequencies, while the woofer adds depth and a dynamic feel to the bass frequencies.With its robust mechanical design and its electronic power, the Parrot BOOMBOX is designed for listening to any type of music. It is capable of reproducing the sharpest nuances of acoustic music, letting you enjoy the rhythm of the wildest sounds.The Parrot BOOMBOX sports a particularly stylish finish: the 19 mm thick wooden cabinet is black lacquered and polished to create a timeless semi-matt finish. The Parrot BOOMBOX can be taken anywhere with discretion guaranteed, until you turn on the music!The digital technology produces an unrivaled level of precision without any background noise, while considerably reducing distortion at high volume. Enter the digital music age!The Parrot BOOMBOX also accepts all analog audio devices connected to the RCA jack (CD players, tuners, etc.) and automatically detects the music source. Take your music experience to another level with an exceptional hi-fi system dedicated to the technologies of today's and tomorrow's world.

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