Audiovox XMCK5P XPRESS-EZ XM Satellite Radio Receiver and Car Kit Combo Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have wanted XM for a long time, and I found that this unit may be inexpensive, but gives me the access and features I need.It has 10 preset favorites, bright lcd screen that displays artist and song (or baseball scores), built in fm broadcast if I'm not able to directly connect it to the car I'm in by auxilary jack, and fm sureconnect kit for better non aux connection.This also uses many of the Xpress family accessories such as the boom boxes, bonus (Altec Lansing XM3120 Docking/Speaker System for Audiovox Express and Delphi Roady XT orAudiovox XMB-10 XM Boom Box for Xpress XM7 Satellite Radio Receiver)

There is some fuzz using the fm transmitter at times, but that is a hazzard of that feature if you are traveling.Utilizing the Sure connect feature virtually eliminates any crackle in the transmitter.In some cities the fm frequency are more clean than others, so that also effects performance also.Overall, the most bang for your buck if you just want access to enjoy XM.

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Product Description:
This is the newest product in the Audiovox Xpress Line, introducing the Audiovox XpressEZ, with a crisp large display with 3 lines, sleek interface with one ""Tune and Dial"" Button allows you to quickly select XM Channels, and navigate the menu. The Audiovox XpressEZ has a favorite button, which allows you to program your 10 favorite channels into your favorite list, and access them easily by the push of a button. The XpressEZ also has a Bright 3 line display, which displays the song title, artist, and the channel name and signal strength.

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Cisco-Linksys Wireless-B Music System WMLS11B Review

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(More customer reviews)MY BACKGROUND:
I have always been an ardent musicphile and have subsequently grown a respectable collection of music.With a little less than 1000 CDs, physically finding the music you feel like listening to was always a chore (although there is much to be said for spending some quality time rediscovering that CD that you forgot you had).SO, I jumped on the MP3 bandwagon a couple of years ago, ripping my entire collection (up yours RIAA) onto my server.Having them on my server has made it easy to listen to whatever I like pretty much anywhere in the house where there's a computer (both son's rooms, living room, my office).I converted to iTunes recently when it became available for the PC (much nicer to synch the iPod with than MusicMatch ).BTW, I'm a software engineer and gadget freak, which explains why my house is wired with CAT6 cabling and why even my 3 year old son's computer is running at Gigabit speeds on our home network. :-)
Okay, enough babbling, onto the review:
WHY I BOUGHT IT-
I'd been toying with the idea of picking up one of the portable media players ever since they came out a year or so ago.I couldn't justify spending the cash on the designs that were out there until I found the Linksys WMLS11B.It is very aesthetically pleasing, but more importantly, it has a very nice (and large for the form factor) LCD screen and looks basically like a boombox that can play all your MP3s.Whenever I can (when the weather and family allow) I try to work from my deck or screened-in porch.I'm somewhat tired of having the iPod earbuds sticking in my ears and plugging a pair of powered computer speakers into the iPod is a hassle.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS-
For $180 ($250+ MSRP) I expected something a bit more substantial.It's not badly constructed, but seems too 'plasticky' and lightweight for the cost.Anyway, after about ten minutes, I had it configured and working on my wireless network (Linksys 802.11g).Incidentally, you need to set it up with an ethernet connection to set it up initially, but I could not get it to connect to any of my computers directly and had to finally just plug it into a router.The very first impression was that I had messed something up with the wiring because I had to have the volume all the way up to hear the music.After goofing around with everything, I decided that it was set up correctly, but just lacked the power to play adequately in anything else except an absolutely quiet room (with the sound level at MEDIUM, you can barely hear noise coming from the speakers).
PROS -
-Nice to look at
-Sound quality is pretty good once you hook up some nicer powered speakers
-Easy to set up
-Fairly compact
-Fair selection of internet radio stations
CONS -
-The included speakers leave a lot to be desired
-Must use MusicMatch (it sucks!!) or Rhapsody (a RealOne company, which if you didn't know, is run by Satan)
-For some reason, I can't get it to play more than ten songs from a playlist.
-The interface is HORRIBLE!Very non-intuitive and I spend more time scrolling through my collection than actually listenting to music.Most frustrating is that after you scroll down for a couple of MINUTES and find 'Modest Mouse', if you change your mind and decide you want to listen to 'Menomena' instead, the interface tosses you back to the top-most menu, meaning that you have to select 'BROWSE' then select 'ARTIST/ALBUM' then scroll down for several more minutes to get back to the M's....Even a submenu that allowed you to scroll through the alphabet and select, say, 'M' and then browse all the M's would be VERY nice.If the playlist function worked properly, then you could invest some time and set up your favorite songs and/or artists, but for spontaneously searching through your catalog... uhh, you won't.
-For some reason, I occasionally lose signal with my network and it can't find the server (even though I have my laptop receiving 54Mbps with excellent signal strength right next to it).Not a frequent occurence, just puzzling.
-Being 802.11b based, it only supports WEP and not WPA.:-(
-No carry handle
-The remote is pretty good, but doesn't work unless pointed directly at the unit and from within a very shallow angle from center.
-No headphone jack on the front
-Too many cables sticking out of the back.Cable management is so easy, yet apparently an alien concept to most manufacturers.
CONCLUSIONS:
It's just frustrating to have something soooo close to being good, but having some poor design muck it up.I really wish they'd assign it a more iPod-like interface (where you can use the back button to go to your previous menu level and selection).I also wish they'd find some way to tap into iTunes as a server or roll their own (okay, I can dream).I believe that if Linksys were to revamp the interface firmware and take care of some of the problems with the 'music server', it would be worthwhile.Unfortunately, I've dealt with Linksys for too long to even hope that they'd bother to update this version.They will instead release a newer, improved version which will make this model the MP3 Edsel.
I'm going to return this to the store today as I have a 10 day 'remorse period' that expires on Monday.
Nice try Linksys, better luck next time. :-(

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Product Description:
The Linksys Wireless-B Music System lets you bring the digital music stored on your computer to your Home Entertainment Center, without running cables through the house.Using a wireless connection, the Music System finally frees your digital music collection from those little computer speakers to play in full glory through your stereo system.|||The Wireless-B Music System sits by your home stereo and connects to it using standard consumer electronics cables.Then it connects to your home network by Wireless-B (802.11b) wireless networking, or if you prefer, it can be connected via standard 10/100 Ethernet cabling.Using the included remote control and the built-in LCD menus, you can browse your MP3 or WMA formatted music collection on your home PCs by title, artist, album, genre, or playlist.

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Delphi SkyFi2 XM Satellite Radio Receiver and Car Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)After much research, I finally decided that this was the receiver for me!So far, so good.

I am primarily using this in the car, so I grabbed this version that included the car kit.If you only want one receiver but want to use it in two cars, you will need an extra car kit.It's too annoying to try to move the antenna between cars.I had looked at a few portable units, but I chose this one since it was designed primarily for those in the car, and I wanted the a unit that was going to be easy to use when I'm in the car.

Installation was very easy.I did it myself, and my antenna is on top of my roof near the front.The antenna cord is about 24 feet long, so there is plenty of extra cord if you are in a sedan like me.I ran my cord right under the weatherstripping on the front windsheild as was suggested at cruchfield.com, then through the door and around the door jam.The kit also includes one of those little tubes that you can fit around your cords, as you will have three: antenna, power and the cassette.All cords plug into the base.

I used the air vent base installation instructions (the kit also comes with dashboard mount and a swivel mount, but both can damage your car when you're ready to remove the mounts).The only thing is that I wish it were a little more steady from side to side when I am pushing the buttons.It takes some playing around with to get just right.

The receiver itself has been pretty easy to use.I definitely recommend actually reading the instructions on how to use all of the different buttons.There are 30 memory buttons available.There is also a neat feature that will alert you to when your favorite artist or song is playing, and the alert will allow you to go straight to that channel if you so desire.

One downside is that only the buttons have a backlight.The labels above them do not have these lights.So, until I get to remember exactly where the "jump," "memory" and "menu" buttons are, it's going to be to difficult to use them in the dark.

There is also a 30 minute record/replay function on this receiver.However, anything you save is erased when the unit is turned off.

I tracked this item for a few weeks before I bought it, as I noticed that the price occasionally would change from day to day.Amazon's price when I bought this three days ago was $93.99, and today it is listed about $3 less.Some third party merchants have dropped the price below the Amazon price from time to time, but generally, the Amazon price has been the lowest.

If you buy this item before the end of April 2006, there is also a $30 rebate available from XM.

Although I have not actually been a Sirius subscriber, I took advantage of the online trials with Sirius and XM.I also read some reviews of both and examined their channel guide.Their offerings are very similar.If you are interested in sports, XM has great college ACC/Pac 10/Big 10 channels (I am a UNC grad, so I have to have my ACC sports!), NASCAR and MLB.Sirius offerings are more towards NFL/MLH fans.One review I read said that the music on Sirius tended to be what he phrased as "riskier," which the reviewer defined as playing more deep cuts, etc.I have been very, very pleased with the XM offerings, playlist, variety, talk, etc.No complaints with XM here!

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Product Description:
DELPHI SA10126-11B1 SKYFi2(TM) Bundle Includes: ; DELSA10101 SkyFi2(TM) Receiver ; DELSA10102 SKYFi2(TM) ;Vehicle Kit SKYFi2(TM) Bundle

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COBY MP-C341 Portable MP3 Boom Box w/256 MB Flash Memory & SD Card Slot Review

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(More customer reviews)The Coby MP-C341 boom box is the real deal.For the price, you really can't go wrong with this product.I can't think of a better companion to hit the beaches with this summer.

It is not only a boombox but also an alarm clock, an FM radio, external speakers for your iPod, and a direct-to-mp3 recording device.Try getting that from other manufacturers.Let alone for the price of $100 or less.

On the outside, it looks like a white gigantic capsule.Something a giant would swallow when he has a headache.Four speakers are embedded in front for pumping out your favorite tunes.There is a 4-line orange-yellow display right in the front center; just adequate enough to display its current mode.The slots and connectors are at the back for additional SD card, USB cable, AUX in and earphones. You don't even need to buy the cables, they come with unit.The only thing you need to shell out your money for is an extra SD card.

The boombox supports two digital audio formats:WMA and MP3 up to 256 Kpbs.As expected, it does not support DRM, so you can't play any of encrypted WMA song files.The sound quality is what you'd expect out of a low-to-mid end speaker.But still, pretty good.The 256MB internal memory is hardly enough storage.So I suggest buying an additional SD card for this little baby.

What if you already have loads of your music on your iPod already?Well, no fear.Use this boombox as your external speakers.Just connect the provided audio cable from your iPod to the AUX-in jack and you're rockin'.

OK, I saved the best for last.If you're still not impressed with this device, at least get it for its direct-to-mp3 capability.Still have a 45's collection?Convert those into mp3 using this device.Connect the boombox to the audio source and hit the "Record" button.it cannot be simpler than that.In addition, you can also record off the built-in radio or internal microphone.

Why am I not giving it 5 stars?Well, two minor things:the build quality and that 4-line display (hardly enough to get any detailed information).

Want more information?You can contact me at [...] and I'll be happy to share my experience on this device with you.

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Product Description:
An ideal choice for those looking to take group jam sessions on the road, the Coby portable MP3 boom box comes with 256 MB of built-in flash memory and an SD card slot for unlimited playback capacity. Measuring only 11 inches long and only 3.3 inches in diameter, the boom box's capsule-like shape makes for an easily portable device. The convenient size and shape of the boom box makes it easy to throw it in a backpack or beach bag, and it even comes with a detachable shoulder strap should you want to carry the device alone. Complete with four built-in speakers powered by four C batteries (included), you'll have enough volume output to party like it's 1999, no matter where you are.
Loading music onto the boom box is simple: All you need to do is connect the boom box to a PC or Mac with the provided USB cable, drag files onto the device, and then you're ready to rock and roll. The boom box also features a digital voice recording mode and real-time MP3 encoding, useful when you want to record directly from other audio devices or live performances. A built-in FM tuner helps you keep tabs on current weather and news updates. To ensure that a variety of playback comes out loudly and optimally clearly, the series of equalizer presets includes normal, classic, rock, jazz, and pop. Other great features include an easy-to-read LCD screen that can display song title and artist information, an alarm clock, mass-storage capabilities, and upgradable firmware. Designed for plug-and-play convenience, the boom box supports Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Mac OS X operating systems.
What's In The Box
MP-C341 portable MP3 boom box, AC adapter, USB cable, stereo earphones, shoulder strap, and installation CD.

Stereo headphones help deliver optimal sound for your MP3's.

The included USB cable delivers plug-and-play convenience.

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New Portable MP3 CD Player Boombox USB SD MMC Input NR Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm always looking for SD chip player peripherals.This one has a nice feature set, and sounds pretty good as well in SD chip mode.FM radio mode doesn't sound as good.Cheap analog AM / FM tuner and volume, but that fits the price.The blue LCD display is a little hard to read.

Added annoyance:SD songs can end a few seconds early with a small "pop."Not sure why it happens to some songs and not others.

I'd be willing to pay more for more features, like better radio, better sound, and a dual alarm clock for travel.Add a weather radio band and it would be the perfect traveling companion.I'm hoping this technology takes off because carrying music in the SD format is very convenient, more convenient than fumbling with ipod peripherals.

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Product Description:
The NX-250 is an easy affordable way to provide hours of music listening entertainment. It features a top loading programmable CD player (which is MP3/CD-R/CD-RW compatible), an AM FM stereo radio, and two high performance speakers. It is equipped with a USB port and SD/MMC card slot which allows you to use external memory devices which have audio files downloaded on to them. The auxiliary input jack allows you to connect and amplify iPods, MP3 players, DVD players (3.5mm to RCA cable required), or any other compatible audio device. Anti-shock protection guarantees your CD/MP3 disc won't skip when the player is subject to vibration. It has a 20 track programmable CD and MP3 file memory and has all major playback functions.

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Sony CFDS01 CD Radio Cassette Recorder - Silver Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am a teenager who insists on records for home use, cassettes for portability.That being said, upon finding this boombox and using it for a day, and it looks promising.I bought it at Target to replace a Sony CFD-E75 from the late 1990s (admittedly a more upscale boombox) and this one holds its own.I have never had trouble with a Sony.Responding to another reviewer, the STEREO/MONO function does have a purpose; stereo FM reception is more sensitive than mono, so when a station is distorted, setting it to MONO can completely eliminate the fuzz, or at least improve it significantly.Trust me, this button IS useful.I took off a star mainly because of a few minor details, but it does a good job.The bass is a little lacking, but it is by no means intolerable.Just be sure the MegaBass is on.Perhaps hooking it up to PC speakers or a stereo amplifier would make it sound a little fuller.A good use would be on a desk, a medium-sized room, or in the kitchen/garage.The CD player works fine, as does the cassette player and radio.One area to note is that the cassette does NOT automatically stop when fast-forwarding or rewinding, although it does play to a stop.Unlike the CFD-E75, it does not automatically switch functions (for example, you must press to listen to a CD, whereas some will automatically switch to the CD player whenis pressed) and does not have a remote, although you lazy people know you really don't need one.The cassette records wonderfully.It gives a good clear sound, and my full-size tape deck shows that its recording levels are set at a good maximum level for best quality.It also comes with a replaceable cord, so if you either damage it or lose it, just get a new one at RadioShack.A good boombox for a good price.

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Product Description:
All New Chassis Design - represents high quality and power with a new look in portable entertainment with an updated front panel.

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