Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 sport wagon.I had replaced the crappy stock double DIN unit with a different but unfortunately also crappy JVC unit, mostly because I wanted a unit that had an aux port for my iPod.

The attractive points of the 3100UB was not just the aux port but the built-in USB port located right on the front panel, facilitating an amazingly easy install and no need to buy additional adapters or route cables around the dash or glove box.The Pioneer site says you need to pick up their USB cable for iPod functionality, but you don't; my standard iPod sync cable works perfectly for both charging and playing with no problems.I suppose if you have an extra $25 to spend you can get the Pioneer cable, but it isn't necessary.You can use USB flash drives as well - but the iPod/iPhone system integration is seamless, easy, and very satisfying.

I knew that in getting a single DIN I would be giving up interface real estate and the convenience of more buttons.However, the "joystick" control on this unit along with the bezel button functions are very easy to use, and do not take a lot of time to figure out. It gets intuitive after a few hours of use and you're set.Compliments too on the included remote, which does just about everything even easier and quicker than the front panel controls.READ THE MANUAL!It's an easy read and the instructions are simple.Once you've got it - you've got it.

The other wonderful feature is the unit's ability to read every audio file format you can throw at it on a CD.MP3 and WMA are pretty much standard on everything, but harder to find are units that read Apple AAC files.This unit does it without hesitation (unless they are iTunes store DRM files, which you can either skip over, or use iTunes Plus on the iTunes store to convert your protected songs to DRM-free for about $.30 a pop).I can fit about 80-90 tunes on one CD and it makes having a large listening library easily available with just a few discs when I don't have my iPod with me.Pioneer's Sound Retriever processing for compressed files takes the quality of these discs up to near-standard CD fidelity - great stuff!

The unit can be expanded in several ways: a Bluetooth module (about $85) which allows for audio streaming and cell phone functionality, HD radio and/or satellite radio, but I have no interest in any of these at this point.It's also got a pair of rear RCA ports for an amp and/or sub-woofer expansion. The unit itself has a 50 watt x 4 channel MOSFET amp and the sound is pristine and puts out a lot of power.The EQ settings are plentiful with both factory presets, user programmable slots with a 3-band eq as well as frequency based adjustments, bass boost and loudness settings, as well as sub-woofer and high/low pass filter options with a fully adjustable crossover.It's ridiculously multi-faceted and you can really fine tune it for your tastes and speakers.I have stock speakers and this unit really makes them shine.I'm going to replace them next month with four Pioneers and I can't wait to hear it.

The detachable faceplate is, of course, a great security feature.The only con I can come up with for the unit is that the display could be brighter.The 4100UB model (same functions across the board but about $25 more) has a much brighter display, but honestly, it's a real "set it and forget it" unit, so it doesn't bother me much.

This unit sells just about everywhere else for $140 and Amazon had it for $125.I'm so happy to have a high-end, iPod and AAC file compatible unit that can be expanded with a nice array of upgrades in the future if I want.It's flexible, powerful, subtle in appearance, and a joy for iPod/iPhone owners. Just plug it in and go!No need to buy anything else.I can't recommend this unit enough.Pioneer quality and broad functionality at this price point is just ridiculous!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Pioneer DEHP3100UB SCD Receiver with USB control and LCD

Product Description:
The Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input, Bluetooth Ready includes advanced Sound Retriever restores the rich, full, dynamic sound to compressed music and Front input for USB devices.


Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver with iPod Direct Control and USB input.
Click to enlarge.
The Next Best Thing to Live
Sick of listening to static? CD Players improve sound quality and add features like Bluetooth and iPod control that your built in factory stereo might otherwise not have. Expand your system with digital radio options like HD Radio, XM Satellite Radio or Sirius Satellite Radio.
Bring Your Music to Life with Advanced Sound Retriever
This year you can hear the detail, warmth, and clarity the way the artist intended it, from all of the highly compressed MP3, WMA and AAC files playing on your CD player. By restoring data that tends to get lost in the digital compression process, we can make your music sound close to CD quality.
iPod Made Easy
It's easy! Simply plug your iPod directly into the unit using the CD-IU50 iPod cable, and you are ready to rock and roll. Listening to an artist that you just can't get enough of? Now you can hold the "List" button down and it will pop up folders containing that specific artist, album, or genre. You can also have your passenger control your music directly from the iPod.
Back connections of the Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver.
Wireless remote control to pick that perfect song.
A better way to control your music
Sick of using buttons to search through your songs? Now you can scroll through your music with greater ease using the 7-way rotary commander.
Fed up with your Bluetooth headset?
Here's a better hands-free solution. Use the available CD-BTB200 Bluetooth Adapter and Bluetooth-enabled cellular phones for easy, safe, and hands-free operation. The unit acts like a speakerphone, channeling the sound through your car speakers which makes the call sound better. It also automatically mutes your music so that you'll never miss a call. Note: Optional CD-BTB200 adapter required
What else does this model have to offer?
The DEH-P3100IB also includes these additional features like built-in AUX input for your media devices and Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your mp3s to near CD quality. Features that are designed to expand your system, customize your experience, provide superior sound quality and easy operation.

Remote Control included
LCD Display with 16-character Text
Advanced Sound Retriever to restore your compressed media to near CD quality
AUX input to easier plug in your portable media devices
USB input (Front)
HD Radio, XM, and Sirius Radio Ready
2 RCA preouts for adding on external amps and speakers simplify system expansion.
Two-Way Crossover with separate High and Low Pass settings.
Built-in MOSFET 50 W x 4 amplifier for excellent sound quality, minimal distortion and efficient power handling.
Supertuner IIID advanced analog and digital processing assure superior imaging, less distortion and noise, and stronger, smoother broadcast signal reception.
Display Off Mode

What's in the Box
Pioneer DEH-P3100UB CD Receiver, wiring harness, wireless remote control, installation hardware, operation manual, installation guide, warranty sheet

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SIRIUS Stiletto 2 Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I thought about writing a review for some time now. I wanted to make sure I was out of the honeymoon phase before I wrote about this device.I have had it for over a couple of weeks now and feel like it's time.

I purchased the Stiletto 2 as a late Christmas present to myself.I had signed up originally for the 3-day trial and loved the radio selections.I live Montana and our radio stations are pretty decent, but we have a lot of commercials.So, being able to listen to music without commercials is fantastic.

I wasn't sure what device to purchase, so I started reading.I had read a number of reviews (particularly the poor ones) about the Stiletto 2, but I liked the portability aspect, so I purchased it.

I now understand their complaints.They want better reception from the device itself, better/more comfortable headphones, etc.I agree the reception on the device isn't the best when indoors, but I purchased the home kit and that significantly improved reception.

When I am away from my home dock, I connect through Internet radio and it works just fine.

I also bought the car kit, but haven't had a chance to install it yet.I was able to get reception in my car without it though, so I imagine the car kit will only improve upon that.

The user interface is quite easy to navigate and the controls on the device are fairly intuitive. I like to test devices without reading the manual first to see how easy it is to figure out and the Stiletto 2 was pretty straightforward.I had to refer to the manual to understand the recording options, but otherwise, it was simple.

The recording option is fantastic.I set up a number of recurring sessions in the middle night.In the morning, I can then listen to them when I am working out, running errands, etc.I think this is probably one of the best features of the device.I have 15+ hours of recorded content and have used only 35% of the internal memory.Replay is fantastic.You can skip through songs just like your MP3 player and for me, that's a great option.

The size of the device is just right.It fits in my pocket, but it's not so small that I am afraid it's going to get broken or lost.

The battery life has been more than adequate.It's rated at like 4+ hours for Satellite or Internet radio and 20+ for recorded or library selections.I can attest that I have listened to it for many hours without running out of power.I wouldn't mind having a spare battery, but it's probably overkill.

As for the additional SD card slot.It's too bad it's under the battery.When you install an SD card, it's like you are putting in RAM in your laptop.This is not simple or intuitive for a lot of people (thinking of my mom here).I am sure there was an architectural reason, but it's too bad it's not just inserted on the side like a number of cell phones.

I have owned a number of musical devices in my life, 5+ iPods, a Zune, Rio, CD players, Walkmans, etc, but I can say this device has really reminded me of how music can be such a wonderful part of your life.I listen to my radio non-stop, and I wouldn't have it any other way now.

Click Here to see more reviews about: SIRIUS Stiletto 2 Portable Satellite Radio with MP3 Player

Product Description:
With the release of the Stiletto 2, Sirius ushers in the next personal music player revolution. With a slim and sleek profile smaller than a video iPod, the ultra-portable Sirius Stiletto 2 satellite radio receiver features a built-in antenna that allows reception of the Sirius signal without the need for an external car or home docking station. This handheld receiver offers users up to 100 hours of internal storage of live satellite program and music feeds. It also can handle MP3 and WMA files, enabling you to mix Sirius content with your own personal music collection. When coupled with an optional vehicle or home docking kit, you can broadcast both Sirius radio and digital audio files over any FM stereo via the built-in transmitter (adapter required).


The sleek and stylish Stiletto 2 can play both Sirius broadcasts and MP3s. View larger.

With its compact design, the Stiletto 2 lets you experience Sirius internet radio on the go. The compact Stiletto 2 MP3 player is a 4.3-ounce portable radio that is capable of receiving live Sirius broadcasts via both satellite and Wi-Fi signals. Internal flash memory is used to store Sirius content as well as MP3/WMA files for non-live playback. Listeners can easily bookmark songs and tag favorite songs for later purchase using any Windows-based online music service. Additionally, the Stiletto 2 supports removable microSD flash memory cards to enable users to conveniently expand usable memory space. MP3 and WMA files also can be stored on the Stiletto 2 and managed with the included My Sirius Studio software. The Stiletto 2 is compatible with most music download and subscription services.
The enhanced Wi-Fi capability of the Stiletto 2 permits access to standard Sirius Internet Radio (SIR) or, for an additional subscription charge, SIR's premium audio quality offering. SIR gives subscribers access to more than 80 channels of Sirius Satellite Radio content on the Internet, including Howard Stern's two channels, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius OutQ, and commercial-free music programming. Sirius also selected Altec Lansing to develop the new antenna headphones for the Stiletto 2. Featuring large 30-mm drivers for full-spectrum acoustics and an adjustable headband for increased user comfort, the new Altec Lansing antenna headphones can deliver hours of listening enjoyment in absolute comfort and crystal clear audio clarity.
Other features of the Stiletto 2 include a brilliant 2.2-inch color display, a handy media dial, and a six-way navigation control that provides easy one-handed access to all features and content. Thrown in for added convenience are Sirius Replay, which allows users to pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live radio programming; Game Alert, which allows listeners to track favorite sports team and drive broadcasts and alerts when scores change; and Game Zone, which provides a listing of the user's favorite teams in one virtual category. Parents also have control over usable channels with the parental channel lockout feature. Measuring 1.9 x 4.3 x 0.6 inches, the Stiletto 2 weighs in at a scant 4.3 ounces.
About Sirius
Sirius Satellite Radio delivers more than 130 channels of music and programming via crystal clear direct satellite feed. In addition to 69 channels of commercial-free music listening, Sirius also delivers 65 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, and weather forecasts. Sirius--the official satellite radio partner of the NFL, NASCAR, and NBA--broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL and NBA, as well as live NASCAR races. All Sirius programming is available for a monthly subscription fee.
What's in the Box
Stiletto 2 receiver/MP3 player, battery, AC power adaptor, Altec Lansing headphones, ear buds, PC cable, and My Sirius Studio software.

Listen to more than 130 channels of music and programming on the go--in the car, at home, or in the office.

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Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (OHP-6500) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)With the Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (GO-6500), you can have music on hold on any phone, even your home phone.There are few things that can impact your company image more negatively than a caller being put on hold in dead silence. In the past, if you didn have a phone system, then you didn't have music on hold.This unit works with any phone and allows for true hold-button activation. You won't have to push the star button or the flash button to place callers on hold. Today, any business, regardless of size, can sound like a large company.Connecting this on hold adapter to your phones is also as simple as hooking up a telephone answering machine.After acquiring this unit, contact GO On Hold to have a custom on hold message and music recording created to be used with the Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500.This unit works with any phone and allows for true hold-button activation. You won't have to push the star or the flash button to place callers on hold.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Intellitouch On-Hold-Plus 6500 (OHP-6500)

Product Description:
The OHP6500 is pre-loaded with fully licensed music and messages with a free professionally voiced personalized on-hold greeting offer. USB connection to add new content to non-volatile digital flash memory. Great for any business, small or large!

Get 43% OFF

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Sony ICD-PX820 Digital Voice Recorder (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased the Sony ICD-PX820 to record meetings. My first use was in a conference room about 20x35 ft. Eight people around a large table. The recorder was placed at one end. Ninety (90) minutes of recording on HQ, noise reduction, high sensitivity. Sound quality was amazing.At the meeting I had trouble hearing some softer voices. Sound quality was reasonably good from the built-in speaker. Playback on my laptop was crystal clear. Headphones sound great too. Softer voices came in clearly. 90 Minutes at HQ created a 80mb mp3 file.

Why I bought this recorder and think it is excellent:

1. Device records in MP3 format.
2. Connects to PC via USB.
3. Drag and Drop files directly to PC in Windows explorer.
4. 4 Quality Levels SHQ, HQ, SP, LP.
5. Record time SHQ 22+ hrs, HQ 33+ hrs, SP 89+ hrs, LP 535+ hrs.
5. Voice Activated Recording (Starts recording when there is sound, stops when there is no sound)
6. Noise reduction setting eliminates background noise like rustling papers.
7. High sensitivity for meetings, Low sensitivity for dictation.
8. Adjustable speed playback.
9. Sturdy Build quality.Basic use is very easy. The buttons and interface are easy to use and understand. I was comfortable using the recorder after I played around with it for about 5 minutes. It took another few minutes to get familiar with the menu navigation. I would recommend testing the settings before you need to use them.

I have not tried the included voice editing software.

I am very pleased with my purchase. This is an excellent value.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony ICD-PX820 Digital Voice Recorder (Black)

Product Description:
Large front speaker, large front buttons, stereo recording with optional external microphone, simple divide and delete editing functions and selectable microphone sensitivity.

Get 27% OFF

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Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black) Review

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Creative Zen 8 GB Portable Media Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)IMPORTANT NOTES FIRST:

YES, it is iTunes-compatible, and YES it is compatible with Yahoo! Jukebox, BUT ONLY THOSE TRACKS THAT YOU HAVE PURCHASED AS "BURNABLE". In other words, you will not be able to transfer your Subscription or Stream tracks to this device, which is only fair (for that, you have to have Yahoo! Music Unlimited To-Go, which is an invite-based service and thus uncommon). Needless to say, you can import tracks from any CD quickly and painlessly, and/or copy any wmv/mp3/mp4 or whatever that you already have on your hard drive: the device is browsable with Windows and all you need to do is copy/paste to the right folder.

Now for the review.THE GOOD:

++ Compatible with an amazing variety of file formats, without conversion, unlike iPods. Whatever is not compatible the software will convert for you if at all possible. This is a HUGE plus for the computer-illiterate.

++ Great sound quality, a bare minimum requirement for a music player.

++ Sleek looks, IMO superior to the trite iPod-like, spin-wheel design. It certainly got more looks and comments than the iPod I had previously. Also, it's more pleasant to hold in your hand: small but not too tiny, and very sturdy/solid (which, if you'll handle it 8-10 hours a day like I do, is a huge plus).

++ The included software is fantastic. It's fast, reliable (never froze), and lets you manage files and create playlists quickly and painlessly. Basically, anything you can do with the player's built-in software you can do with ZEN Media Explorer from your computer. So, go for it.

++ Many complained about the interface, but I actually like it very much. The built-in software is easy to understand and utilize. The buttons are a tad tricky, but all you need to do is play around with them for ten minutes before you're able to find them blindly by just sticking your hand in your pocket (something you certainly cannot do with iPods, whose interface is more visually-driven).THE SO-SO:

++/-- The SD expansion slot is both a pain and a pleasure. Yes, you can basically make this a 16Gb with an SDHC card for a few bucks--but it's true that only SOME content will run off of it, and that while you are playing content from the SD card you cannot navigate the built-in flash memory. So, caveat emptor... but if you know what you're getting there's no reason to complain. How many times do you really browse your music while you're already listening to something else anyway?THE BAD:

-- Perplexed about battery life info: "25 hours of continuous listening"? I don't think so. More like 10-12, which is on par with similar devices.

-- The shortest USB cable ever bundled. Buy a cheapo extension from Monoprice right away, unless you already own a USB hub. Otherwise, your player will lie on the floor or, worse, hang by the cable while it's being charged and sync'ed, neither of which is good.

-- The joystick buttons make a slightly annoying clicking sound, not when pressed but when released. However, this does not happen on my friend's ZEN, so maybe I got a "bad" unit?

-- AWFUL packaging! What were they thinking? Not only is it one of those impossible-to-open blister packs, but if you use scissors it's relatively easy to harm the contents... not the player, thankfully, which is in full sight, but the manuals and CD and bundled cables. So be careful.OTHER THOUGHTS:

** BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR! Apply it immediately. The screen will collect dust (and thus scratches) within hours, like any LCD.
** BUY A CASE OR SKIN! Piano-black finish is attracted to fingerprints like flies to s__t.
** 8Gb is perfect for the serious music listener with varied taste. Buffs and pros want to go for 16Gb. Occasional listeners will do well with 4Gb. Media moguls, of course, need not apply: that's what the Vision is for.Overall, one of the best entry-level portable music players on the market. The price tag may well be the deal-breaker here: it is cheaper than any other brand music player, and it does the same things AND, in my opinion, more and better. Support by Creative is also famously good, so I see no reason not to buy a ZEN.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Creative Zen 8 GB Portable Media Player (Black)

Product Description:
Bring your media with you wherever you roam with the Creative Zen 8GB player. Watch 32 hours of videos, enjoy up to 2,000 of your favorite songs or share hundreds of photos with your friends. And do it all on a device that's about the width of a credit card.


A razor sharp 2.5-inch display makes your photos and videos come to life. See the Zen in detail.

Small size. Big features. All in the palm of your hand. View larger.

Add even more storage capacity via the SD card slot. View larger. Design
The Zen sports a 2.5-inch TFT color display with 320 x 240-pixel resolution and support for up to 16.7 million colors. This razor sharp display is packaged in a device that weighs just 2.1 ounces and measures 3.26 x 2.16 x .44 inches (W x H x D). The internal battery powers the Zen for up to 25 hours of continuous audio playback and up to five hours of continuous video playback. Use the Zen's SD slot to expand your portable media library with music, photos and videos stored on your SD card. There's also a handy built-in microphone for capturing notes on the go.
Features
Load up up your favorite songs, as well as your album art, and get going with the Zen. The device supports iTunes Plus tracks from the iTunes store and MP3 and WMA tracks. Subscription and pay-per-download music services are supported, as well. Discover, save, and play millions of songs when subscribing to services such as Yahoo Music Unlimited and Napster To Go. You can even tune into your favorite stations with the Zen's FM radio. The radio allows you to save up to 34 presets.
The Zen has you covered when it comes to video, too. The device supports MJPEG, WMV9 and--with transcoding--MPEG1 and 2, MPEG4-SP, DivX 4 and 5, and XviD. Enjoy purchased or rented movies and TV shows from online services such as Amazon Unbox and Walmart.com. Watch home videos. Even load your Tivo To Go movies and TV shows onto your Zen.
Additional features include a clock and alarm function, volume restriction, eight equalizer settings, and a USB hard drive mode, which allows you to drag and drop files directly to and from your Zen. The Zen can also function as a handy organizer, allowing you to synchronize with Microsoft Outlook and display your contacts, calendar, and tasks.
What's in the Box
Zen player, earphones, USB 2.0 cable, installation CD, and quick start guide.

A slick user interface makes it a snap to enjoy your media.

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Samsung P3 Palm Theatre Plus 32 GB MP3 Player (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Best sound quality in an MP3 player. Better than my ipod touch 32gb.
Excellent video and image quality. Easy navigation. Once you can feel the touch, you will never go back to the ipod.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Samsung P3 Palm Theatre Plus 32 GB MP3 Player (Black)

Product Description:
mfr: Samsung
3" high-resolution display and the full 16:9 aspect ratio
HAPTIC reaction control sensor gives user a touch back when using touch screen
Sync the vibration to music and videos by turning on the Vibe WooferÖ
EmoTureÖ 2.0 technology allows user to choose between 3 customizable desk screensn++dragtap or flick icons in place
DNSeÖ 3.0 technology restores the songn++s natural highs and lows
Built-in mono speaker and FM radio
Rugged aluminum casing is rugged with scratch-resistant glass screen
Wirelessly stream between music and incoming callsn++transfer photosfiles and music
Zoomrotate or create slideshowsn++add text and adjust font size
Compatible with music: MP3WMAOGGAACFLACWAVASFvideo: MPEG4WMVH.264ASFRMVB and photo: JPEGBMPPNG
Up to 30 hours audio and 5 hours video playback
Compliant with Bluetooth« v2.1 + EDR devices
2 1/16n++ W x 4 1/64n++ H x 3/8n++ D
Includes earphones and USB cable L 7.2500 W 4.7500 H 2.2500 This item cannot be shipped to APO/FPO addresses. Please accept our apologies

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