Ultra Cool Gadgets » Music

Sonos ZonePlayer ZP90 Add-On Player

ashish — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:47:29 +0000

The reason Sonos works so flawlessly all over the house is because Sonos has designed a complete multi-room music system from the ground up. From the flexibility of the ZonePlayers to the ubiquity of the handheld and desktop Controller, no other company gets multi-room music like Sonos. The Sonos system lets you play the same song in different rooms with perfect synchronicity. Or you can play different songs in different rooms and please everyone in the house.
The Sonos ZonePlayer 90 lets you play all the music you want, all over your house, on all the audio equipment you already own — your home theater receiver, stereo system, powered speakers, and more. Just connect the ZP90 to any amplified audio device in any room and it’s instantly part of the wireless Sonos system. The ZP90’s digital and analog outputs deliver superior sound to every room. And with the ZP90’s superior wireless range, no room is out of reach. The ZP90 is super small, so it will fit just about anywhere. Plus, every ZP90 includes the Sonos Desktop Controller software for the ultimate in control and convenience.

Technical Details

- Connects to all your favorite audio equipment.
- Best-in-class wireless technology for multi-room music.
- Instant access to endless music.
- Simple setup.
- New features and music services with automatic updates.

Customer Feedback

Overall, I did feel the Sonos setup offered the best usability. The setup was a breeze, the software very use-friendly and easy to quickly find what you want and play it on the appropriate player(s). Another real treat was the iPhone application, which lets me use my phone as the remote and eliminates the need for the costly and bulky controller. Rhapsody, Pandora, and Last.fm are the 3 major music services offered, and all work very well.
However, there were two shortcomings when compared to the Squeezebox. The first is the requirement that at least one of the Sonos players be hard-wired in to the network. The Second was not having support for the Slacker music service.

Sonos S5 All-In-One Wireless Music System (Black)

ashish — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:34:45 +0000

The Sonos S5 All-In-One Wireless Music System is a high-performance wireless music system with 5 speakers powered by 5 dedicated digital amplifiers, all in a compact single cabinet. With 2 tweeters, 2 mid-range drivers and 1 subwoofer, the S5 delivers crystal-clear, room-filling sound that rivals much larger, more complicated audio equipment. Plus, the all-digital sound architecture provides precise sound reproduction, just as the artist intended. With the S5 you can quickly add a room of music anywhere you want — simply plug it in and enjoy. And thanks to the S5’s superior wireless range, no room is out of reach.
The S5 Wireless Music System is an easy and affordable way to start sending music all over your home. Add it to your existing Sonos system, or simply purchase a Sonos ZoneBridge to use as a sending unit with the S5 and you’ll be ready to go almost instantly.
- Crystal-Clear, Room-Filling Sound.
- Convenient, All-in-One Solution.
- Instant Access to Endless Music.
- Control It All from Your iPhone and More.
- Best-in-Class Wireless Technology for Multi-Room Music.
- Simple Setup and Expansion.
- New Features and Music Services with Automatic Updates.

Technical Details

- Room-filling, ear-impressing sound with 5 speakers powered by 5 dedicated digital amplifiers.
- Internet connected for unlimited music.
- Control with your iPhone or iPod touch with a free App Store download.
- Expandable system makes it easy to add more S5 players without wires.
- Simple to set up and easy to use.

Customer Feedback

This is my 4th Zone player (see my other gushing review of the Sonos system on the Sonos bundle page), and anytime my wife asks, “how many of these white boxes you really need?”, the answer is always “one more”.
Portability is the key feature of S5. Moving it from Kitchen to backdeck is just a matter of unplugging the power cord and replugging at the new location. It’s all in one box. And the sound quality is not bad either. With all 4 zone players on party mode – some connected to very expensive Klipsch towers – I have ran around to compare the sound quality at various locations. The verdict – this little guy stacks up nicely against the big boys.

Logitech Squeezebox Radio Music Player with Color Screen (Black)

ashish — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:27:09 +0000

Starting now, you can listen to music, news and sports from every corner of the globe, all without a computer. It’s easy with the Logitech Squeezebox Radio. Just turn it on and tune in to thousands of free Internet radio stations, the hottest online music services, even your own personal music collection. Your listening options are as limitless as the Internet—in any room where you have a Wi-Fi connection.
- Your all-in-one Wi-Fi music player—no computer, no clutter, and no limits.
- High-quality audio with built-in premium speakers—big sound in a small package.
- Vivid color screen for easy browsing at the turn of a dial.
- Free SqueezeNetwork for direct access to a world of Internet stations and music services.
- Connects to Facebook for sharing music recommendations with friends.
- Easy setup connects you to Internet stations in minutes.
- Line-in cord lets you plug in your iPod.
- Convenient seven-day alarm and auto-dimming display.

Customer Feedback

As far as sound quality goes, it is far better than expected. There is virtually no distortion even at maximum volume. I even plugged a set of Computer Speakers into the Headphone Jack and it didn’t make that much of a difference. The Base levels aren’t that deep, but they are there.
I haven’t tested the Wireless strength extensively yet, but I was able to hook it up in the garage (1 Floor below and 50 feet from the router) and the signal strength was near full.

Technical Details

- Listen to infinite music, news and sports from every corner of the globe with this easy-to-use, all-in-one Wi-Fi music player–all without a computer.
- Start listening to free Internet radio stations, online music services, and your personal iTunes collection in minutes–connects easily to your home network via Wi-Fi.
- Bring full, high-quality sound to any room with an ultra-compact design that fits easily on your night table or kitchen counter.
- Just turn the dial to browse radio stations, music tracks and even album art, displayed on the full-color screen.
- Recommend music to Facebook friends instantly right from your Squeezebox.

Toshiba Gigabeat FM Transmitter

ashish — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 12:25:17 +0000

The Toshiba FM transmitter broadcasts music from your Gigabeat over any FM radio frequency from 88.1 to 107.9, allowing you to listen to music on your car stereo system. It is completely ready out of the box without any installation needed; just plug it into your vehicle’s power outlet. The included 4-foot removable USB charge-and-sync cable is great for use at home or on the go, and it automatically charges your mobile media player when plugged in.
The built-in auxiliary input port allows you to connect the transmitter to any other MP3 player or device with an audio-out, such as laptops, Sony PSP systems, or travel DVD players. With a stylish black-and-white color that complements any car interior, the transmitter also features a bright, dash-based LCD readout and four programmable preset stations. The transmitter is compatible with Toshiba Gigabeat T-Series and U-Series players and comes with a 90-day standard limited warranty.
The Toshiba FM Transmitter transmits your Gigabeat music over your car stereo system and broadcasts your Gigabeat music to any FM radio frequency from 88.1 to 107.9 while charging your mobile media player. No installation is required, so you’re ready to go right out of the box. It features a removable USB charge and sync cable that can be used at home or on the road. Its modern black-and-white color scheme complements any car’s interior as well as your Gigabeat.

Technical Details

- Broadcast your Gigabeat music to any FM frequency in your car.
- Removable charge-and-sync cables to charge at home or on the road.
- Bright, dash-based LCD readout with up to 4 programmable preset stations.
- 4-foot dock cable allows flexible, easy access to your Gigabeat.
- Compatible with Toshiba Gigabeat T-Series and U-Series Mobile Media Player.

Customer Feedback

I have enjoyed listening to my Gigabeat at home and at work where I could plug in to power often enough to charge the unit. Now I can play it on the road through my radio instead of ear phones and not worry about the battery dying. The FM Transmitter is easy to use and reliable. As I have travelled to different areas the only problem I have encountered is the transmitter being over-powered by a local FM station, which is easy to counter by switching frequencies by the push of a button. I have no regrets about purchasing this unit.