Champtek USB Internet Music/ TV Receiver (White) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I gave these to 3 of my family members for Christmas. I wanted to get a unique gift, one that I knew they would not have,but would also enjoy, without burning a hole in my wallet. These fit the bill and were a huge hit on Christmas morning.
What is great about it is that it truly works with all the latest operating systems,is truly plug and play, and works as advertised!
I got one for my brother, my father, and my nephew, and all have enjoyed them. And, you can't escape the cool gadget factor! It is really neat to be able to listen to music and watch TV from all over the world. It's an all around great gift, for a great price, for all ages! It is easy to use and enjoy right outta the box.
It is especially great as a going-away gift for someone because they can stay connected by being able to listen to their hometown station for example.
All in all extremely satisfied with the purchase! Thanks, Amazon for offering a great item at a great price.

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Plug - Click - Enjoy.Listen worldwide music over 20000 internet radio stations.Watch 5000 internet TV stations.Categorized by Genre / Type / Region / Language.Personalized setting to default your favorites.

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Macsense MP-100 HomePod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I am extremely happy with my purchase of the Macsense Homepod. At this price I wasn't expecting much - but I was wrong.
I have a wireless lan in my home, and was attracted to the Homepod for the following reasons
1) I was looking for something could easily and occasionally switch between Kitchen and Living room. I didn't need to bring it skiing!
2) I listen to radio quite a bit, and the FM tuner was a definite plus
3) I liked the idea of an open platform with an active developer community finding ways to improve the product.
Here's whats good about it
1) It works beautifully and simply once it's set up
2) It is a solid, well thought out design.
3) I love being able to browse & shuffle-play my music in the kitchen
4) The product is being improved all the time via firmware updates
5) It's very compatible
6) The Internet Radio feature is a lot of fun, and works without a "server" PC.
Here's what's weak
1) Wireless setup was quite easy, but I did have some trouble getting the supplied server software working (I eventually downloaded MusicMatch). My problems were probably down to the fact that I'm still using Windows 98
2) The FM Tuner isn't great - OK for strong signals only
3) The built-in speakers are on a par with typical laptop speakers - i.e. useless for all but emergencies. You won't understand the quality of this equipment without connecting decent speakers (mine are modest Altec Lansing 2.1).
Summary - I love it, and I'm looking forward to more (free) enhancements in the future. It gave me a low cost entry into the world of MP3/Digital media using my existing PC, WLAN, speakers etc.

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MACSENSE MP-100 HomePod is a digital stereo component that takes full advantage of your existing wireless or wired network to stream music files stored on computers anywhere in your home or office. Simply select music residing on your computers from the LCD screen of the HomePod, and you are set.Features always-on, low-power modeIncludes built-in stereo speakers and headphone jack for stand-alone operationHost Server software runs on PC, Mac or Linux machinesFeatures 802.11b wireless and Ethernet network interface, FM tuner, USB port, built-in stereo speakers, stereo audio outputs to hi-fi system, headphone jack, 2.5 back-lit LCD, jog-shuttle rotating dial, and on-unit control buttonsOS Support -Windows 98 / ME / 2000 / XPDimensions -5H x 7W x 2D; weighs 15.3 ounces

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Orb Music Player (MP-1) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Nice device that uses your wireless network to stream music. There are a number of devices that can to do this (small computer, Sonos, etc), but this is by far the cheapest. They also provide an app for iphone and android that lets you control what music it plays.
It works pretty well - the software will index your itunes library for you. I don't think they support music indexers other than iTunes, but I'm stuck with it either way as I use OS X. You can also listen to music from a few different places: youtube, sirius (if you have it) and pandora(!!). The pandora functionality is, by far, the feature that gets the most use for me.
I hooked an old pair of speakers up to this in my kitchen and I use it to listen to Pandora / itunes playlists all the time.
It would definitely get 5 stars if they let my play music on my phone. Right now, you can only play music that's on your computer and your computer has to be on the whole time you're playing music. If I can tell it what to play from my phone, why can't I play the music on my phone? More services also wouldn't hurt (I have an internet radio station that requires authentication - it didn't work >_

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With Orb Music, you can enjoy all your digital music all around your home by turning any Stereo into an internet-connected Digital Appliance. Setup is simple and even easier to use. Control your selections (iTunes, Pandora, Sirius XM, internet radio stations), volume, playlists all from your favorite touch devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android phones and tablets) or from your PC/Mac

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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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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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Clarion CZ509 CD/MP3/WMA/AAC/iPod Receiver with Built-In Bluetooth Receiver and USB Port Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently got a used car and the radio was trashed so I had to replace it. (Approx cost $159 for decent unit)
I HATE the whole blue tooth headset thing because I always forget it or forget to charge it but I needed a new headset. (Approx Cost $60 for moderate unit or $129 for Jawbone)
I also wanted to be able to control my iPod from my stereo.
(Approx cost for iPod stereo module is $75)
The Clarion CZ509 seemed to be the logical choice as it would cost over $290 separately to accomplish what I wanted plus I would not have to worry about remembering to bring or charge that stupid headset!
Installation of the CZ509 cost me $40 plus another $50 for the dash kit, wire harness and antenna adapter bringing my total up to $269.
The blue tooth is GREAT, sound is good and the INCLUDED External Mic really makes it work better than those stereos that have it on the faceplate.
iPod control is good and it charges your iPod while it is connected so you NEVER have to worry about it having a dead battery.
Now the bad.
The manual is obviously translated from another language to English as some things don't have the correct usage or tense.
Some of the features are difficult program like syncing your phonebook with the CZ509 and you almost need a 2nd pair of hands to accomplish these tasks.
For some reason, the AM band does not work well which really sucks if you are trying to listen to traffic radio.
I am pleased with the CZ509 and would recommend.

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With Built-in Bluetooth, MP3/WMA/AAC support, direct iPod control, a front USB input, and a wealth of sound-shaping features, Clarion's CZ509 CD receiver is a powerful system to begin with. But with support for SAT radio, OEM steering wheel remotes, and three sets of preamp outputs, it's a perfect bed for expansion.

Detachable Control Panel The CZ509 features an anti-theft, flip-down detachable faceplate featuring a 13 x 10 two-line, high-visibility LCD. Blue key illumination and a massive rotary volume make control in the dark a snap.
Built-in Bluetooth For wireless connection with mobile phones, PDAs and MP3 Players. Supports Bluetooth profiles A2DP/AVRCP for audio streaming and HFP/OPP for hands-free operation, so you can easily communicate and transfer digital music to your vehicle's audio system. A wired microphone is also supplied.
Rear USB for Direct iPod Control Just connect the USB cable that's included with your iPod to the CZ509's rear USB input and you get complete control of your iPod including genre/album/song title browsing, complete with iPod ABC Search convenience. The functions of iPod's control wheel are emulated on the source unit's control dial, so virtually the same operations are possible from both the iPod or the source unit. The tunes you love to carry can be enjoyed seamlessly in your car.
CDs and Beyond This receiver will play your CDs and CD-R/RWs, but burn a data CD with your favorite MP3/WMA or iTunes AAC files and the fun begins, with hours of music on a single disc. You can also play the files back from an inserted USB thumb drive. The device will display ID3-TAG info like artist or song name for your added convenience.
AM/FM Radio Sometimes you just want to listen to the radio. Store your favorite radio stations on the 18 FM and six AM presets.
BBE MP for Better Sounding MP3/WMA/AAC Files BBE MP (Minimized Polynomial Non-Linear Saturation) Process improves digitally compressed sound such as MP3/WMA/AAC by restoring the harmonics that are lost through compression, thereby reproducing the warmth, details and nuances that you would otherwise miss. BBE MP enhanced harmonics even serve to make regular CDs sound better.
Beat EQ for User Customizable Sound In addition to providing 3 preset equalization patterns--BASS BOOST, IMPACT, and EXCITE--Clarion's BeatEQ even lets you freely customize the level and range of the bass, midrange and treble portions of each pattern. You can tune the sound to your liking, depending on the category of music, for a more fulfilling listening experience. (A2DP/ AVRCP compliant).
Built-in High Pass/Low Pass Crossovers Crossover settings of 50Hz, 80Hz and 120Hz are available, letting you optimize the signal for high or low frequency reproduction when a subwoofer or tweeters are part of the system.
Front AUX Input With an AUX input on the front panel, it's easy to plug-in a portable audio device, portable satellite radio, or other external audio gadgets for instantaneous enjoyment.
SAT Radio Ready Clarion gives you the choice of XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio. Choose either system and you can connect a Satellite Radio receiver with Translator connected via Ce-NET. Enjoy over 150 channels of music, news, talk shows, sports and traffic information with CD quality sound.
Ready to Expand The CZ509 gives you a 50W x 4 built-in amplifier to begin with, but if you'd like to add additional power to your system, three RCA preamp outs are provided.
It's also ready for an OEM steering wheel remote. Grow your system at your own pace.
Remote Control Included Control the action with the included wireless remote.
What's in the Box Clarion CZ509, trim ring, wiring harness, remote control, microphone, installation hardware, owner's manual, installation guide.

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