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- Review count108
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- First reviewJanuary 20, 2014
- Last reviewApril 28, 2024
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- First answerFebruary 13, 2018
- Last answerDecember 29, 2021
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The adrenaline-pumping DJI Avata 2 delivers an immersive FPV drone experience with improved imaging, safety, and battery life. Amp up the fun when you pair Avata 2 with the new DJI Goggles 3 and DJI RC Motion 3.
Posted by: MTCowboy
DJI's refreshed Avata 2 FPV drone is a total blast! I am a total FPV newbie and frankly was skeptical about being able to get my money's worth out of this style of drone. All the on-line videos I'd ever seen were impressive but seemed totally beyond my piloting skills. But, somehow, DJI has created the perfect product for me! I've rediscovered that initial thrill of flying drones again!
The package is comprised of three discrete but interconnected devices that sync seamlessly and provide an integrated and totally immersive experience. As with their other "Fly More" bundles DJI provides sensible additional components to protect your investment and to keep you flying longer. I highly recommend you buy it.
Getting started is quite simple. After unpacking the batteries, goggles, controller and drone you plug everything in to get started with charging. The unit does NOT include a USB-C charger so make sure you've got one (or more) handy. One quick bit of advice - if you use a standard cellphone charger it will work but it charges VERY slowly. I found a 65 watt brick and the difference is impressive!
After charging you will load the latest DJI fly app on your phone, connect the goggles to the phone and activate the units and update the firmware on all three devices. I found the process to run without a hitch although it does take some time.
I was apprehensive about using the goggles. I'm at an age where I need reading glasses and I wasn't sure I'd be able to dial the goggle's lenses in. NO PROBLEM! There are a number of adjustments that you can make on the fly and I was immediately able to dial in a reasonably sharp image. The ergonomics on these is amazing. DJI has obviously given some serious thought to design including padded adjustments for distributing the weight on your head and adjusting the strap tension and fit. The controls mounted on the goggles themselves offer a comprehensive suite of actions and the entire product has a quality feel that reduces any fatigue while wearing them.
Another issue that seems to be solved with the Avata 2 is syncing the devices. It just WORKS! I had no trouble getting everything to recognize each other and was flying almost instantly.
The controller was a brand new experience for me. I've never been a video game guy and I was curious to see how long it was going to take for me to understand this interface. Good news, DJI ships the drone in a "Beginners Mode" that slows everything way down and allows you to practice flying and controlling the drone. So much so that I was confident doing my initial flights indoors! Something I would have never dared with any other drone.
The drone itself has been designed to acknowledge the higher likelihood of crashing since a product like this is flown way differently than traditional drones. High speed, sharp turns, flying through small spaces all pretty much eliminate any effective obstacle avoidance so bumping into things is inevitable. Fortunately this little drone is SOLID! It has ducted propellers, a latching battery and a rugged camera mount. So, though there may be a few scuffs, everything is surviving my learning curve! The drone also offers an impressive amount of on-board storage for recording video so you don't immediately need an SD card.
Flight time is impressive - I am finding a real-world time in excess of 15 minutes, and the recharging station is a gem! In addition to the smart sequential charging scheme the unit offers the ability to have other batteries accumulate their charges into a single battery to give you that one-last-flight option that you wouldn't have been able to enjoy.
In summary, don't let your apprehensions about FPV keep you away from rediscovering the delight of drone flying. Buy the Avata 2 and go have some fun!!!
The package is comprised of three discrete but interconnected devices that sync seamlessly and provide an integrated and totally immersive experience. As with their other "Fly More" bundles DJI provides sensible additional components to protect your investment and to keep you flying longer. I highly recommend you buy it.
Getting started is quite simple. After unpacking the batteries, goggles, controller and drone you plug everything in to get started with charging. The unit does NOT include a USB-C charger so make sure you've got one (or more) handy. One quick bit of advice - if you use a standard cellphone charger it will work but it charges VERY slowly. I found a 65 watt brick and the difference is impressive!
After charging you will load the latest DJI fly app on your phone, connect the goggles to the phone and activate the units and update the firmware on all three devices. I found the process to run without a hitch although it does take some time.
I was apprehensive about using the goggles. I'm at an age where I need reading glasses and I wasn't sure I'd be able to dial the goggle's lenses in. NO PROBLEM! There are a number of adjustments that you can make on the fly and I was immediately able to dial in a reasonably sharp image. The ergonomics on these is amazing. DJI has obviously given some serious thought to design including padded adjustments for distributing the weight on your head and adjusting the strap tension and fit. The controls mounted on the goggles themselves offer a comprehensive suite of actions and the entire product has a quality feel that reduces any fatigue while wearing them.
Another issue that seems to be solved with the Avata 2 is syncing the devices. It just WORKS! I had no trouble getting everything to recognize each other and was flying almost instantly.
The controller was a brand new experience for me. I've never been a video game guy and I was curious to see how long it was going to take for me to understand this interface. Good news, DJI ships the drone in a "Beginners Mode" that slows everything way down and allows you to practice flying and controlling the drone. So much so that I was confident doing my initial flights indoors! Something I would have never dared with any other drone.
The drone itself has been designed to acknowledge the higher likelihood of crashing since a product like this is flown way differently than traditional drones. High speed, sharp turns, flying through small spaces all pretty much eliminate any effective obstacle avoidance so bumping into things is inevitable. Fortunately this little drone is SOLID! It has ducted propellers, a latching battery and a rugged camera mount. So, though there may be a few scuffs, everything is surviving my learning curve! The drone also offers an impressive amount of on-board storage for recording video so you don't immediately need an SD card.
Flight time is impressive - I am finding a real-world time in excess of 15 minutes, and the recharging station is a gem! In addition to the smart sequential charging scheme the unit offers the ability to have other batteries accumulate their charges into a single battery to give you that one-last-flight option that you wouldn't have been able to enjoy.
In summary, don't let your apprehensions about FPV keep you away from rediscovering the delight of drone flying. Buy the Avata 2 and go have some fun!!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Press ULT and feel the incredible power of sound and bass. ULT1 delivers deep low frequency, and ULT2 brings ultra-bass. Set the vibe with 360 Reality Audio, personalized EQs, and premium noise canceling sound-technologies for the ultimate audio experience. Find yourself at the center of your music wherever you are.
Posted by: MTCowboy
SONY's ULT headphones are the latest offering in their bass-enhanced product line which currently also includes some speakers. The hook is that you can choose the extent of the enhancement with the push of a button. This can be a welcome addition to some audio streams that are otherwise too "thin" but can also sound bloated or otherwise prove distracting.
The headphones have a quality feel to their construction and come with a rugged case. I appreciated their origami like folding that allows them to nestle into that case for storage. It makes it easy to toss them in my carry on.
The head strap is adjustable and the padded cans make for a comfortable fit. They also were able to fit in larger drivers and still keep the unit lightweight.
The feature set is rich and includes the ability to mate the phones to two devices at the same time. Handy for taking a call while your listening on another device. Blu tooth connectivity was flawless and solid (no dropouts). You can also elect to use the headphones wired as the necessary cable is provided in the case. Battery life is excellent and you can add hours of listening time with just minutes of charging.
Another positive with SONY's headphones is their control app. There is a very deep list of features that allow you to do some fine tuning so that you can truly make the phones fit your personal preferences.
On the not-so-good side - I found the noise cancelling feature to be only fair. And I encountered choppy audio using it in ambient mode while having a phone conversation. Also, as mentioned earlier, I found the ULT function to be only modestly useful for me and in fact I mostly listen with it disabled.
I still think the product is worthy of your consideration (especially if you like over-the-top bass) and I believe that SONY will address some of the other issues with firmware upgrades in the future!
The headphones have a quality feel to their construction and come with a rugged case. I appreciated their origami like folding that allows them to nestle into that case for storage. It makes it easy to toss them in my carry on.
The head strap is adjustable and the padded cans make for a comfortable fit. They also were able to fit in larger drivers and still keep the unit lightweight.
The feature set is rich and includes the ability to mate the phones to two devices at the same time. Handy for taking a call while your listening on another device. Blu tooth connectivity was flawless and solid (no dropouts). You can also elect to use the headphones wired as the necessary cable is provided in the case. Battery life is excellent and you can add hours of listening time with just minutes of charging.
Another positive with SONY's headphones is their control app. There is a very deep list of features that allow you to do some fine tuning so that you can truly make the phones fit your personal preferences.
On the not-so-good side - I found the noise cancelling feature to be only fair. And I encountered choppy audio using it in ambient mode while having a phone conversation. Also, as mentioned earlier, I found the ULT function to be only modestly useful for me and in fact I mostly listen with it disabled.
I still think the product is worthy of your consideration (especially if you like over-the-top bass) and I believe that SONY will address some of the other issues with firmware upgrades in the future!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Take performance anywhere with the sleek, powerful and ultra-portable Dell XPS 13, our thinnest and lightest XPS.
Posted by: MTCowboy
Dell has produced another winner! The XPS 13 Laptop features the newest Intel Core Ultra 7 – Evo processor and packs a punch!
The mini laptop arrives in premium, recyclable packaging and is well protected. The unpacking experience is minimalist (to say the least) with the only "documentation" being some printing on the screen protective foam insert that labels the power button and offers an outline of the mouse pad area. Printed documentation is limited to safety info, a figure of how to plug in the power and a QR code for access to the on-line user's manual. Sort of a chicken-and-egg dilemma if you have questions before startup! Setup follows the familiar standard Windows process. My advice is to plug in the power, pour yourself a cup of coffee and prepare for a lengthy update regimine as virtually everything will need a download, update and reboot cycle.
The unit is solidly built. The screen hinge, the keyboard and even the fit of the USB-C sockets reflects quality construction. The keys have good travel but but don't offer much tactile distinction. I love the backlit, chameleon-like row of function "keys" - really just touch sensitive areas that can change their functions and labels on the fly! The mousepad size is generous and it is quite sensitive. I found myself clicking without meaning to several times!
Performance is very good. Battery life is respectable and the screen is bright and crystal clear.
In addition to the Evo processor the unit has 16GB Memory and a 512GB SSD.
There are a few improvements that I would have liked to see. Please silk screen a logo of some kind on the power button and print an outline around the active area of the mousepad.
Overall, I like this laptop a lot! It's compact size and weight are achieved without compromising its physical integrity. I feel quite confident tossing it in my bag when travelling.
Add the Dell XPS13 to your short list if your looking for a compact laptop in 2024!
The mini laptop arrives in premium, recyclable packaging and is well protected. The unpacking experience is minimalist (to say the least) with the only "documentation" being some printing on the screen protective foam insert that labels the power button and offers an outline of the mouse pad area. Printed documentation is limited to safety info, a figure of how to plug in the power and a QR code for access to the on-line user's manual. Sort of a chicken-and-egg dilemma if you have questions before startup! Setup follows the familiar standard Windows process. My advice is to plug in the power, pour yourself a cup of coffee and prepare for a lengthy update regimine as virtually everything will need a download, update and reboot cycle.
The unit is solidly built. The screen hinge, the keyboard and even the fit of the USB-C sockets reflects quality construction. The keys have good travel but but don't offer much tactile distinction. I love the backlit, chameleon-like row of function "keys" - really just touch sensitive areas that can change their functions and labels on the fly! The mousepad size is generous and it is quite sensitive. I found myself clicking without meaning to several times!
Performance is very good. Battery life is respectable and the screen is bright and crystal clear.
In addition to the Evo processor the unit has 16GB Memory and a 512GB SSD.
There are a few improvements that I would have liked to see. Please silk screen a logo of some kind on the power button and print an outline around the active area of the mousepad.
Overall, I like this laptop a lot! It's compact size and weight are achieved without compromising its physical integrity. I feel quite confident tossing it in my bag when travelling.
Add the Dell XPS13 to your short list if your looking for a compact laptop in 2024!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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This awesome bundle comes with everything you need to capture and share amazing GoPro footage. It includes the GoPro HERO12 Black—a tough, lightweight camera with incredible image quality, even better HyperSmooth video stabilization and a huge boost in battery life. Thanks to its improved power management, it delivers 2x longer continuous recording at 5.3K60 (70 minutes). After recording, simply charge your GoPro and your footage will auto-upload to the cloud and a highlight video will be automatically sent to you. This bundle also includes The Handler (Floating Hand Grip), Head Strap 2.0, an extra Enduro battery and a case.
Customer Rating
4
Solid camera now with useful accessories included!
on December 11, 2023
Posted by: MTCowboy
The GoPro - HERO12 Black Action Camera Bundle is a comprehensive collection for the action camera user and should be on your shortlist.
The Hero12 Black camera itself represents a modest improvement from the earlier version but probably offers worthwhile evolutionary tweaks. I wasn't bowled over by any specific improvement but appreciate GoPro's continual refinements.
The real "hero" in this offering is the second battery! Like it's predecessors this camera suffers from relatively brief battery life so the inclusion of the second battery can be a life saver! This is particularly relevant since charging the batteries is an in-camera arrangement and takes about 90 minutes per battery! (You can purchase an external charger if this gets to be too annoying!)
Like its older siblings this camera runs hot if you are shooting extended hi-res videos. Like all lithium batteries the life is also affected by cold weather. If you can you should tuck the camera into an interior pocket when you are not using it.
Another annoying issue is related to the Quik app. This has happened to me before on initial setup and firmware upgrades. The connectivity is very spotty and it may require multiple attempts to get the process to complete. Once completed things seem to be relatively stable.
The positive features of the bundle are many. The camera itself shoots excellent quality video and there is a rich set of advanced features that allow you to control framing, exposure, resolution, stabilization and much more. Mercifully the default operation is run under an "Easy" button that sets all of these to reasonable values to get you running out of the box.
Once setup, the app is pretty intuitive and comprehensive and you can do virtually anything from the app that you can do on the camera itself. This is a blessing since I find the phone to be easier to navigate than the tiny screen on the back of the camera.
One last thing - the good folks at GoPro have decided to put a number of features behind a subscription paywall. Their marketing folks are quite aggressive and you will get hounded to buy the offerings.
In conclusion - this camera takes stellar video and is light and rugged. And now that it is bundled with an extra battery and some useful mounts it definitely deserves your consideration.
The Hero12 Black camera itself represents a modest improvement from the earlier version but probably offers worthwhile evolutionary tweaks. I wasn't bowled over by any specific improvement but appreciate GoPro's continual refinements.
The real "hero" in this offering is the second battery! Like it's predecessors this camera suffers from relatively brief battery life so the inclusion of the second battery can be a life saver! This is particularly relevant since charging the batteries is an in-camera arrangement and takes about 90 minutes per battery! (You can purchase an external charger if this gets to be too annoying!)
Like its older siblings this camera runs hot if you are shooting extended hi-res videos. Like all lithium batteries the life is also affected by cold weather. If you can you should tuck the camera into an interior pocket when you are not using it.
Another annoying issue is related to the Quik app. This has happened to me before on initial setup and firmware upgrades. The connectivity is very spotty and it may require multiple attempts to get the process to complete. Once completed things seem to be relatively stable.
The positive features of the bundle are many. The camera itself shoots excellent quality video and there is a rich set of advanced features that allow you to control framing, exposure, resolution, stabilization and much more. Mercifully the default operation is run under an "Easy" button that sets all of these to reasonable values to get you running out of the box.
Once setup, the app is pretty intuitive and comprehensive and you can do virtually anything from the app that you can do on the camera itself. This is a blessing since I find the phone to be easier to navigate than the tiny screen on the back of the camera.
One last thing - the good folks at GoPro have decided to put a number of features behind a subscription paywall. Their marketing folks are quite aggressive and you will get hounded to buy the offerings.
In conclusion - this camera takes stellar video and is light and rugged. And now that it is bundled with an extra battery and some useful mounts it definitely deserves your consideration.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Skylight Calendar is an innovative touchscreen display for all your calendar events, to-do’s, grocery list, and chores to help you organize your family’s busy schedule. It has a 15” touch screen that displays your family’s schedule in HD clarity making it a beautiful centerpiece for your home. It is the perfect size for a kitchen counter or can be mounted on a wall. High-quality metal stand and wall mount included.
Posted by: MTCowboy
The 15" Skylight calendar is an outstanding product that addresses the need for a shared family information center. Although the unit comes at a premium price this is a case of getting what you pay for!
The first thing that you will notice is the satisfying heft of the device. The unit includes hardware for mounting either on a wall or on a countertop. The "kickstand" style mount is composed of two heavy metal parts and assembles easily. It provides a rock solid, stable base for the unit.
The frame itself is solidly built with attractive functional buttons that provide basic on/off and volume controls. The unit only runs in landscape mode (for now) however the software is optimized to take advantage of that orientation. The touchscreen is very satisfying with none of the "twitchiness" that some devices exhibit.
Hardware aside, this device's software is what really impresses me. The app downloaded and functioned for me with ZERO issues. It is concise and logically laid out. Defining and synchronizing multiple calendars was dead easy and worked flawlessly. The screen layout is intuitive and flexible. You have a number of options to customizing the layout and function of the calendar and the addition of "chores" and "lists" functions truly turns this into a hub for coordinating family activities, not just a calendar!
I have been completely satisfied with the Skylight and it now has a prominent place in my home! The unit can also act as a digital picture frame which acts as a screensaver however that capability is only available as a premium "Photo Plus Plan" that requires a paid subscription and so I have chosen not to pay for that for now.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this product. It does command a premium price but you'll appreciate the quality and functionality every day!
The first thing that you will notice is the satisfying heft of the device. The unit includes hardware for mounting either on a wall or on a countertop. The "kickstand" style mount is composed of two heavy metal parts and assembles easily. It provides a rock solid, stable base for the unit.
The frame itself is solidly built with attractive functional buttons that provide basic on/off and volume controls. The unit only runs in landscape mode (for now) however the software is optimized to take advantage of that orientation. The touchscreen is very satisfying with none of the "twitchiness" that some devices exhibit.
Hardware aside, this device's software is what really impresses me. The app downloaded and functioned for me with ZERO issues. It is concise and logically laid out. Defining and synchronizing multiple calendars was dead easy and worked flawlessly. The screen layout is intuitive and flexible. You have a number of options to customizing the layout and function of the calendar and the addition of "chores" and "lists" functions truly turns this into a hub for coordinating family activities, not just a calendar!
I have been completely satisfied with the Skylight and it now has a prominent place in my home! The unit can also act as a digital picture frame which acts as a screensaver however that capability is only available as a premium "Photo Plus Plan" that requires a paid subscription and so I have chosen not to pay for that for now.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this product. It does command a premium price but you'll appreciate the quality and functionality every day!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Mini – the immersive sound from just one compact device for movie and music lovers. AMBEO Soundbar Mini delivers a cinema-grade sound experience from one sleek unit, with no more cables and speakers cluttering your precious space. Developed with the German research organization Fraunhofer IIS Institute, the AMBEO virtualization technology creates a virtual speaker setup that delivers the maximum possible 3D immersion a single compact device can offer. Designed with Sennheiser’s audiophile expertise, AMBEO Soundbar Mini brings music to life and automatically adjusts the sound to the type of content. AMBEO can even upmix stereo and 5.1 content to make you feel like you are in a concert hall. Enjoy the best of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H audio. Set up is easy. The self-calibration feature adapts to your room’s acoustics, positioning virtual speakers around the room. The intuitive app provides easy control for audio settings, equalizer, voice comprehension, and more. AMBEO Soundbar Mini’s modern design, elegantly crafted to fit any room, hides a feature-loaded digital soul. AMBEO|OS supports all major audio streaming services, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, granting access to powerful features. Upgrade your audio experience with Sennheiser’s AMBEO Soundbar Mini.
Posted by: MTCowboy
Sennheiser has a great reputation for superior sound quality and so I was excited to try the newest AMBEO Soundbar mini. However, after extensive listening, I have come to the conclusion that in an effort to create a product in the "affordable" space they have compromised a little too much.
The product itself is compact and has a satisfying heft to it. Everything is packaged well and Sennheiser provides you with everything you need to get started. The remote feels solid. Button depressions are shallow but provide sufficient feedback. The remote is not backlit.
The downloadable app did an admirable job of getting the WiFi elements setup and actually adds some additional functionality. You can use your phone in lieu of the remote. I had to use the buttons on the soundbar to get Blue Tooth connectivity working. The app determined that the firmware needed to be updated and the process did finally complete after three attempts.
I then begin testing the audio performance. The app includes some sample clips and initially they sounded very good. In spite of the limited number of speakers (none of which provide upfiring) and the lack of a subwoofer the DSPs did quite a good job of widening and slightly elevating the soundstage. However, there was little to no height effect and I found the unit to be severally lacking in bass. Furthermore, the audio begins to break up at higher volume levels.
The remote features a number of equalizing presets - Movie, Music, News, Sports, Neutral and something called "Adaptive". I found the difference between these to be subtle and finally settled on the Adaptive setting as my default.
I listened to a variety of audio sources and found that, aside from the DSP enhancements, the sound was slightly "thin". Also, I believe that you will want to buy the optional subwoofer to truly fill out the soundstage.
Sennheiser makes excellent equipment and I believe that this soundbar is a bit of an anomaly. However, it may work for you in a very small spaces.
The product itself is compact and has a satisfying heft to it. Everything is packaged well and Sennheiser provides you with everything you need to get started. The remote feels solid. Button depressions are shallow but provide sufficient feedback. The remote is not backlit.
The downloadable app did an admirable job of getting the WiFi elements setup and actually adds some additional functionality. You can use your phone in lieu of the remote. I had to use the buttons on the soundbar to get Blue Tooth connectivity working. The app determined that the firmware needed to be updated and the process did finally complete after three attempts.
I then begin testing the audio performance. The app includes some sample clips and initially they sounded very good. In spite of the limited number of speakers (none of which provide upfiring) and the lack of a subwoofer the DSPs did quite a good job of widening and slightly elevating the soundstage. However, there was little to no height effect and I found the unit to be severally lacking in bass. Furthermore, the audio begins to break up at higher volume levels.
The remote features a number of equalizing presets - Movie, Music, News, Sports, Neutral and something called "Adaptive". I found the difference between these to be subtle and finally settled on the Adaptive setting as my default.
I listened to a variety of audio sources and found that, aside from the DSP enhancements, the sound was slightly "thin". Also, I believe that you will want to buy the optional subwoofer to truly fill out the soundstage.
Sennheiser makes excellent equipment and I believe that this soundbar is a bit of an anomaly. However, it may work for you in a very small spaces.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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A definitive living room audio center that enables seamless enjoyment of video, audio, and music, the Technics SU-GX70 is a heavily featured streaming amplifier that combines the sonic genes of Technics Grand Class components with a wealth of source functions. Abundant input options let you choose how you want to listen to your favorite movies, music and more, whether you’re connecting directly to the source with multiple connection options, or streaming wirelessly in high resolution playback. The premium design makes the SU-GX70 a welcome addition to any home cinema or audio set-up.
Customer Rating
5
Extremely solid network streamer and more!
on October 24, 2023
Posted by: MTCowboy
Technics has created a diamond of product with the SU-GX70 Grand Class Network Integrated Audio Amplifier. In a time when everyone seems to be flooding the market with inexpensive streamers the SU-GX70 reminds us that there is a reason that audiophile products exist.
The unit has very solid build quality with a satisfying heft to it. The front panel sports a minimalist design and in fact I would argue that the front display panel is too small to be useful if you're sitting more than a few feet away. However, the Technics Audio Center app can fill in by offering a comprehensive set of (text only) screens on your phone.
Setup was easy and I experienced none of the usual glitches using an app. The amplifier integrates with the Google Home app and automatically sets up your WiFi connection.
I paired the SU-GX70 with a pair of Bowers and Wilkens bookshelf speakers, connected the included FM antenna, plugged in the AC power and was off and running! The included remote control is not backlit but that is the only criticism I can think of. It is comprehensive and has a good feel. Again, because the display is so small, you will find that you effectively navigate blind. However the button assignments are intuitive and after a few hours I was comfortable.
I put the amplifier through its paces with multiple sources. Started with Spotify from my phone, switched to FM radio, tested casting from multiple apps, everything worked flawlessly and sounded good. Then I really pushed the boundaries expecting to expose any rough edges. I loaded a USB thumb drive with HD FLAC files and started critical listening. Guess what? Everything played! No dropouts, lockups or hiccups! So I switched over to my NAS library and once again everything just worked! Navigating with the remote was flawless and I've enjoyed rediscovering some of my library that was buried several folders deep!
In summary - this device deserves its "audiophile" designation and would be a great addition to anyone's system. Highly recommended.
The unit has very solid build quality with a satisfying heft to it. The front panel sports a minimalist design and in fact I would argue that the front display panel is too small to be useful if you're sitting more than a few feet away. However, the Technics Audio Center app can fill in by offering a comprehensive set of (text only) screens on your phone.
Setup was easy and I experienced none of the usual glitches using an app. The amplifier integrates with the Google Home app and automatically sets up your WiFi connection.
I paired the SU-GX70 with a pair of Bowers and Wilkens bookshelf speakers, connected the included FM antenna, plugged in the AC power and was off and running! The included remote control is not backlit but that is the only criticism I can think of. It is comprehensive and has a good feel. Again, because the display is so small, you will find that you effectively navigate blind. However the button assignments are intuitive and after a few hours I was comfortable.
I put the amplifier through its paces with multiple sources. Started with Spotify from my phone, switched to FM radio, tested casting from multiple apps, everything worked flawlessly and sounded good. Then I really pushed the boundaries expecting to expose any rough edges. I loaded a USB thumb drive with HD FLAC files and started critical listening. Guess what? Everything played! No dropouts, lockups or hiccups! So I switched over to my NAS library and once again everything just worked! Navigating with the remote was flawless and I've enjoyed rediscovering some of my library that was buried several folders deep!
In summary - this device deserves its "audiophile" designation and would be a great addition to anyone's system. Highly recommended.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Meet Pixel 8. The helpful phone engineered by Google, with an amazing camera, powerful security, and an all-day battery. [1] With Google AI, you can do more, even faster – like fix photos, screen calls, and get answers. [2] And Pixel 8 has personal safety features for added peace of mind. [3]
Posted by: MTCowboy
I ordered the Google Pixel 8 to update my existing Pixel 6 and am pretty happy with my decision. The new phone is very lightweight, rugged and sports an improvement in battery life. The functionality improvements are more evolutionary than revolutionary but the real potential here lies in the inclusion of AI to a number of the features. This is exciting to me because it promises the potential for extremely powerful enhancements that could never be matched by mere hardware updates.
The most apparent benefit of adding AI is with the camera and the image enhancement tools. These apps are rapidly eliminating the need for expensive and complicated external programs to produce professional level photography. The improvements often require no more from the user than choosing which version of a photo they prefer! The results are constantly delightful and will encourage you to experiment with taking pictures that you would have not considered in the past.
The AI is also apparent in everything from customization of your phone's interface to security. Even battery management is improved. There is also a full suite of home life and health apps in order to fold your healthcare management into the phone.
In retrospect, the only thing I might have done differently is to strongly consider the Pro model. I believe now that the larger screen and camera enhancements might have been worth the increased cost.
Do yourself a favor and consider Google's Pixel family. You can own a piece of future-proofing that may save you a hardware update with some of the competition!
The most apparent benefit of adding AI is with the camera and the image enhancement tools. These apps are rapidly eliminating the need for expensive and complicated external programs to produce professional level photography. The improvements often require no more from the user than choosing which version of a photo they prefer! The results are constantly delightful and will encourage you to experiment with taking pictures that you would have not considered in the past.
The AI is also apparent in everything from customization of your phone's interface to security. Even battery management is improved. There is also a full suite of home life and health apps in order to fold your healthcare management into the phone.
In retrospect, the only thing I might have done differently is to strongly consider the Pro model. I believe now that the larger screen and camera enhancements might have been worth the increased cost.
Do yourself a favor and consider Google's Pixel family. You can own a piece of future-proofing that may save you a hardware update with some of the competition!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The SL-1500C inherits Technic’s high-end sound quality concept and adds a host of original Technics technologies, such as a coreless direct drive motor and high-sensitivity tonearm. To simplify the playing of analog records, the built-in Phono EQ connects to a wide variety of devices. The SL-1500C also comes equipped with a high-quality Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge. The SL-1500C is a complete turntable system designed for a wide range of users, even outside of strictly dedicated audio enthusiasts.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent plug-and-play near audiophile spinner
on September 12, 2023
Posted by: MTCowboy
The Technics SL-1500C direct drive turntable system is an excellent choice for someone looking to fall in love all over again with their vinyl collection! This unit is solidly built, weighing in at over 20 pounds. Aesthetically, it looks like it was chiseled from a solid block of metal and sports a minimalist look. It offers all of the basic controls that you need and nothing "blingy".
The "plug-and-play" and "system" references are more than hyperbole. The product requires some basic assembly out of the box but the included printed(!) manual is comprehensive and easy to follow. The product has one important "system" feature and that is the inclusion of a switchable integrated phono pre-amp. This means that regardless of your choice of external amplification your table will be up and running in moments. Technics even includes a phono cable and even an earth lead (for use if you choose to bypass the integrated pre-amp).
Operation is dead simple. You have a power button, a large start/stop button and two speed select buttons. That's it! You have a cue lever that will gently lower the stylus to the record surface and even a switchable auto-lift function that will lift your tone arm when you reach the end of the record!
The sound from the pre-mounted Ortofon Red cartridge is crisp and, to my ear, neutral. That is not a criticism, the attack and dynamics are very crisp and I am enjoying listening to everything from Beetles to Anya!
In summary - the 1500C continues the excellent lineage of Technics turntable lore and I highly recommend that you give it a listen!
The "plug-and-play" and "system" references are more than hyperbole. The product requires some basic assembly out of the box but the included printed(!) manual is comprehensive and easy to follow. The product has one important "system" feature and that is the inclusion of a switchable integrated phono pre-amp. This means that regardless of your choice of external amplification your table will be up and running in moments. Technics even includes a phono cable and even an earth lead (for use if you choose to bypass the integrated pre-amp).
Operation is dead simple. You have a power button, a large start/stop button and two speed select buttons. That's it! You have a cue lever that will gently lower the stylus to the record surface and even a switchable auto-lift function that will lift your tone arm when you reach the end of the record!
The sound from the pre-mounted Ortofon Red cartridge is crisp and, to my ear, neutral. That is not a criticism, the attack and dynamics are very crisp and I am enjoying listening to everything from Beetles to Anya!
In summary - the 1500C continues the excellent lineage of Technics turntable lore and I highly recommend that you give it a listen!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro with BlendSense Technology allows you to toss in any ingredients, press the dial, and watch them transform into a perfectly smooth output. Whether blending or chopping in the 72 oz. full-size pitcher, Ninja Detect makes live decisions on the amount of power, speed, and time needed to get you to a perfectly smooth outcome every time. The blender that automatically adjusts speed & time for perfectly smooth results.
Posted by: MTCowboy
The Ninja Detect Duo Power Blender Pro + Single Serve is a brilliant device from one of my favorite brands! We have come to respect and enjoy the Ninja branded products. They truly "build 'em like they used to"!
The product packaging is sturdy and organized in a logical way that almost allows assembly without even referring to the manual. There is both a large carafe and two rugged single serving glasses so that you always have the option of blending for yourself or for a crowd!
The product is solidly built with minimal controls that are very intuitive. Thoughtful features like front mounted suction cup feet assure that the blender will stay put while operating. A good feature given how powerful the motor is on this thing! Ninja even throws in a recipe booklet to get your creative juices flowing! (see what I did there?)
But, the true magic in this device is intelligent tech that allows the blender to determine important info about the ingredients themselves! No more having to press multiple buttons to tell the blender that some of your contents are frozen or extra thick! You just layer your ingredients and press a single button! The blender will determine the optimum processing and time for you automatically!
We have been primarily using it for smoothies, malts and milkshakes but it is fully capable of chopping vegetables, blending soups or making fresh salsa.
I highly recommend this product!
The product packaging is sturdy and organized in a logical way that almost allows assembly without even referring to the manual. There is both a large carafe and two rugged single serving glasses so that you always have the option of blending for yourself or for a crowd!
The product is solidly built with minimal controls that are very intuitive. Thoughtful features like front mounted suction cup feet assure that the blender will stay put while operating. A good feature given how powerful the motor is on this thing! Ninja even throws in a recipe booklet to get your creative juices flowing! (see what I did there?)
But, the true magic in this device is intelligent tech that allows the blender to determine important info about the ingredients themselves! No more having to press multiple buttons to tell the blender that some of your contents are frozen or extra thick! You just layer your ingredients and press a single button! The blender will determine the optimum processing and time for you automatically!
We have been primarily using it for smoothies, malts and milkshakes but it is fully capable of chopping vegetables, blending soups or making fresh salsa.
I highly recommend this product!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Maintain the pristine condition of your rugs and furniture with this Hoover PowerDash GO portable carpet cleaner. The multiple attachments let you take care of stubborn stains and dirt, while the lightweight, compact design enables easy carrying. This Hoover PowerDash GO portable carpet cleaner features dual tank technology that keeps the cleaning solution and dirty water separate for effortless rinses and fills.
Does this heat the water to clean?
It does not heat the water/solution.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
MTCowboy
Maintain the pristine condition of your rugs and furniture with this Hoover PowerDash GO portable carpet cleaner. The multiple attachments let you take care of stubborn stains and dirt, while the lightweight, compact design enables easy carrying. This Hoover PowerDash GO portable carpet cleaner features dual tank technology that keeps the cleaning solution and dirty water separate for effortless rinses and fills.
Does this plug in?
Yes. It is wall powered.
3 years, 6 months ago
by
MTCowboy
Fry up tater tots, meats and other foods without oil using this BELLA Pro Series air fry combo unit. An integrated pressure cooker produces rapid results, and removable parts ensure cleanup is simple, even in the dishwasher. This BELLA Pro Series air fry combo unit has a host of preprogrammed settings, including slow-cooking, that let you cook an array of dishes conveniently.
Can you air fry after pressure cooking to get food crispy with just changing the lids or do you have to change the pots
I think it depends on what you are going for. There is a "basket" and a trivet included to get your food up so that the air can circulate around and crisp up everything. We have not tried pressure cooking with either of these already in the machine.
4 years, 2 months ago
by
MTCowboy
Improve your music-listening experience with this Insignia 2.0-Channel Mini Soundbar. The Optical (does not include cable), RCA or 3.5mm audio supports seamless connection to your television, while Bluetooth technology lets you wirelessly stream audio from a smartphone or tablet. This Insignia 2.0-Channel Mini Soundbar has a remote control for easy use, and the digital amplifier improves audio quality.
will this work with an insignia roku tv?
The unit does NOT have an HDMI input but does offer a digital optical input which your Roku TV should have. Be advised - the unit doesn't offer a lot of volume and has limited bass response. Your TV's built in speakers might sound just as good.
4 years, 6 months ago
by
MTCowboy
Make media more fun with this HP Spectre Folio convertible laptop. Three possible screen positions let you watch videos or edit photos in comfort, and its powerful Intel Core i7 processor is ideal for gaming. This HP Spectre Folio convertible laptop has a 256GB M.2 solid-state drive, ensuring speed and ample storage.
Does the pen included ?
Yes. And a leather loop for mounting the pen to the side of the laptop is also provided in the box.
5 years, 5 months ago
by
MTCowboy
Work and play harder with this Asus Zen all-in-one computer. Its 12GB of RAM and hexa-core Intel Core processor keep up with intense multitasking, and its NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card produces stunning, dynamic visuals. This Asus Zen all-in-one computer has 1TB hard-disk and 128GB solid-state drives for ample storage, and its 23.8-inch Full HD touch display provides smooth navigation.
Does this computer have built-in wifi or do you have to add it via USB? When I saw it on display in a store, it was not online and I was told that it does not support wifi out of the box, but the online description seems to contradict that.
The Polk MagniFi MAX maximum-performance home theater sound bar and wireless subwoofer system provides bigger, more dynamic sound than traditional sound bars—and is optimized to make movies, TV, sports and music come alive. It features patented SDA surround technology for a wider, more immersive listening experience and Voice Adjust technology for crystal clear dialogue—and it’s equipped with Polk Smart Remote technology, so it works with your TV’s remote control right out of the box. Includes HDMI and optical cables for quick and easy setup. Includes Google Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth technologies let you stream all of your favorite music. Compatible with most major TV manufacturers.
Is there any other equipment needed to make this work
Probably not. The unit includes a high speed HDMI cable, optical cable and an analog audio cable with 3.5" jacks.
You will need either a mobile phone or a tablet to load the Google Home app in order to configure the soundbar.
You will need either a mobile phone or a tablet to load the Google Home app in order to configure the soundbar.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
MTCowboy
The Polk MagniFi MAX maximum-performance home theater sound bar and wireless subwoofer system provides bigger, more dynamic sound than traditional sound bars—and is optimized to make movies, TV, sports and music come alive. It features patented SDA surround technology for a wider, more immersive listening experience and Voice Adjust technology for crystal clear dialogue—and it’s equipped with Polk Smart Remote technology, so it works with your TV’s remote control right out of the box. Includes HDMI and optical cables for quick and easy setup. Includes Google Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth technologies let you stream all of your favorite music. Compatible with most major TV manufacturers.
Can this hang off a wall mounted tv, or do I need a special mount?
The unit includes wall mounting hardware and a template.
6 years, 2 months ago
by
MTCowboy
The Polk MagniFi MAX maximum-performance home theater sound bar and wireless subwoofer system provides bigger, more dynamic sound than traditional sound bars—and is optimized to make movies, TV, sports and music come alive. It features patented SDA surround technology for a wider, more immersive listening experience and Voice Adjust technology for crystal clear dialogue—and it’s equipped with Polk Smart Remote technology, so it works with your TV’s remote control right out of the box. Includes HDMI and optical cables for quick and easy setup. Includes Google Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth technologies let you stream all of your favorite music. Compatible with most major TV manufacturers.
Can you use this soundbar with an external amp or do you have to use the built in amp?
The unit has only "line level" inputs; HDMI, optical and a 3.5" audio jack. All of the amplification and DSP effects are internal. The subwoofer is also self-amplified (this is pretty common for subs).
6 years, 2 months ago
by
MTCowboy