Share StlBlues's profile
StlBlues
StlBlues's stats
- Review count25
- Helpfulness votes202
- First reviewOctober 7, 2009
- Last reviewJanuary 7, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.4
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentNovember 20, 2011
- Last review commentNovember 20, 2011
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count3
- Helpfulness votes1
- First answerNovember 27, 2009
- Last answerJuly 26, 2010
- Featured answers0
- Best answers1
PowerDuo combines micro form-factor PowerBlock AC charger and PowerJolt 12 volt auto charger in one convenient bundle. Both chargers take up minimal space during use or while traveling. But don't let the size fool you; each delivers a full 5 watts of fast charging power for your iPod or iPhone.
Customer Rating
5
Nice! Does what it's supposed to do
on January 7, 2012
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
This was the one good item in a "package" with the ipod 4G touch (the case was a different story!). Both the wall and car chargers are nice and compact, easy to toss in a laptop bag when traveling -- both charge quickly, and the charge "holds" pretty well, unlike some other "quick chargers" -- the car charger is flexible with the 2 USBs, so if one (or two) of your devices needs more than the "trickle charge" when connected to a car receiver, have more flexibility.
Very happy with this item!
What's great about it: does its job, quick charge, compact size
What's not so great: no real limitations
I would recommend this to a friend!
Quality
5
Ease of Use
5
Design
5
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
The 2nd generation Apple TV® allows you to stream movies, TV shows, photos and music from your computer to a compatible HDTV or home theater system via the built-in 802.11a/b/g/n wireless LAN connection. Smart Set-Top Box Get a world of instant entertainment with this smart set-top box. Connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music and access a wide variety of other content on your HDTV. Learn more about smart products. Netflix YouTube Flickr
Customer Rating
5
Simple -- what it does, it does well
on January 7, 2012
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
I use it in...:Small home
I'm heavily into music, have multiple systems throughout my house, for the patio, etc. Wanted to get into the world of streaming for a while, to tie it all togeher a bit, but couldn't decide which way to go with it, read MANY reviews and blogs. When I got a Denon 3311 AVR with Airplay for the living room, decided to give the Apple/itunes option a go, figured a much cheaper trial run than Sonos, for example.
So I got two Apple TVs, one for the basement and one for the master bedroom, where I'm using older AVRs -- have the ATVs wired via Ethernet, use iPod touch and iPhone as controllers. Airplay works great, better and easier than I expected, actually. I use Apple Lossless music files, and that does make a difference.
An unexpected side benefit, for me, is with Netflix. It's awesome being able to get 5.1 surround when streaming an HD movie. And the picture is actually a bit better than even via my Oppo 93 BluRay player. One note: you may need to upgrade your router to make this work seamlessly -- i.e., don't expect a cheapo router to be able to handle the heavier bandwidth, especially if other users are competing simultaneously.
For the price, this is one of the best add-ons that I've ever bought for my AV systems. While it might be nice to have an "all-in-one" player for music (of course, Apple restricts file types!), I couldn't justify the price of poker for Sonos when I wasn't really sure how I wanted to go with this. For now, being able to stream high-quality music and HD 5.1 Netflix all around the house, using i-devices that are in my pocket anyway, made this a great bang-for-the-buck purchase.
What's great about it: Ease of setup, ease of use, quality streaming audio & video
What's not so great: Limited file types
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Performance
5
Share this review:
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
The iPhone 4S features a powerful dual-core A5 chip with faster graphics for browsing the Web, switching between apps, gaming and more. The 8.0MP camera boasts advanced optics and shoots 1080p HD video. Ask Siri, a voice-activated intelligent assistant, to make calls, send texts, set reminders and more. Features the iOS 5 operating system with its easy-to-use interface, rock-solid stability and extended battery life. Use with iCloud to store your digital content and wirelessly push it to all your devices.Sprint Easy Pay option available in store. Learn more ›Requires a Simply Everything or Everything Data plan and a $10 Premium Data add-on.The Early Termination Fee is prorated and is calculated by taking the months remaining on your Service Agreement times $20 for Advanced Devices, with a maximum of $350, and minimum of $100.
Customer Rating
5
Worth the Wait!
on December 10, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
This review is for those who, like me, had not made the move to "smartphones" yet, living quite contently with basic call & text functionality. My old phone was starting to fall apart, and I was at a fork in the road. What got me to cross over, and "drink the Kool Aid", was actually related to the audio side -- as an Airplay controller. I have a Denon AVR with Airplay, and 2 Apple TVs in other rooms -- but nothing was tying them together. With this phone and the Remote app, I have iTunes controlled for the entire house, including the patio, with a device which is usually in my pocket anyway!
I was not prepared for how cool all of the other features would be -- and wonder how/why I waited so long to check these out! This is truly an amazing device -- an excellent camera, very slick texting (not going to miss waiting a few seconds to click a number key 3 times to get one letter!!), the built-in ipod, and the apps...incredible! Even itunes sounds better than with my ipod Classic, must be a better DAC?
I haven't done much yet with Siri -- too many other features to get comfortable with first, but it may have some merit down the line. Only negative seems to be that the battery needs to be charged way too fast -- might be because I have too much turned on, but seems to be a common theme in reviews. BTW, I got an OtterBox after seeing a friend's phone after a drop!
Great product -- and though I'd resisted going "all in" with Apple over the years, I must admit that they make really good stuff. I'm a believer now!
What's great about it: Apps, Camera, Text Screens, itunes sound, Airplay Remote
What's not so great: Battery life, a bit fragile without a solid case
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
OtterBox - Defender Series Case for Apple® iPhone® 4S - Yellow/Gray
(15)Share this review:
+5points
8of 11voted this as helpful.
Bring your 17-inch laptop on the road with this Ibex backpack. The multiple front-facing compartments offer easy organization, while the dual front zippers allow for quick access to your belongings. This SwissGear Ibex backpack has a 23L capacity and provides ample room for a variety of daily essentials.
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
Got a new laptop at work, came along with a backpack case -- was heading out on a trip, and I realized that the provided bag wasn't quite big enough for the larger-than-expected laptop (16") -- the top two corners had basically no cushion. Grabbed this at a Best Buy after trying out several others, and this has worked out well -- good options with the pockets, can hold a lot of files/folders, and very adequate cushions.
Would recommend this for any 15-16" laptop, has all you need.
What's great about it: protection and pockets are more than adequate, even on planes
What's not so great: price a bit hefty, but I was in a hurry and couldn't shop around
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
4
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Learn moreabout Magnolia PremiumInstallation Enjoy your music privately with these in-ear headphones that feature 3 pairs of soft ear pads for a comfortable fit. The soft carrying case delivers easy portability, so you can take your headphones with you wherever you go.
Customer Rating
4
Almost perfect...
on August 14, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
Wanted a relatively cheap but decent quality set of ear buds for travel, as well as to use around the house -- I have several Denon receivers and other components, so decided to give them a try -- sound is excellent, I was impressed.
works well if ipod is in a shirt pocket or if you're holding the ipod while seated, but the cord length was an issue if you like to have the ipod in your pants pocket or in an arm band -- base cord just barely too short without the extension (buds pop out), but with the extension attached you then have 1.5'+ of extra cable to roll up -- clip kinda works, but made me cringe every time I clipped the really thin cables, seemed like they were going to break.
I returned these and got the higher-end Denons with the 31" cords, because the sound of Denon buds is great, just an annoyance for me with the cable length on this particular model. If this is part of Denon strategy to get people to buy the more expensive models, worked on me lol :) might be OK for many users, depending how you use your ipod
What's great about it: sound is really excellent for the price
What's not so great: cord lengths not usable for some situations
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
With 5 isolated and filtered outlet banks and connectivity for cable boxes, LAN, telephones and DSL modems, this power conditioner ensures that your home theater system and other electronic components remain protected from voltage fluctuation.
Customer Rating
5
Excellent
on July 4, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
Using this for a component rack that's in a corner, away from TV & front speakers. Have Denon AVR-3311CI, Sony BluRay, CD Jukebox, Cable Box, Zone 2 Yamaha Receiver, and Network Switch plugged in to the 5300. Also run cable coax and ethernet thru it straight from the source, so no back-door risk.
Quite confident that protection is good, based on the build quality and all reviews I read before buying this. "Level and Stage" ratings seemed a bit more marketing-related than real world, but nonetheless...
So that leaves the age-old question about improved performance. I've always been skeptical and figured that people saw/heard what they wanted to see/hear when they spent their money on new toys, I know I do sometimes.
Well, I can assure you that (at least for audio) there is a definite improvement, noticed it right away -- more clarity, bass is cleaner and tighter, both for 2-channel music and movie surround sound (Def Tech 7004's, CLR 2002, SM350's) . Surprisingly, also noticed significant depth with Polk Atrium speakers on the patio, never expected that...
Because of my setup, with the TV using a separate power conditioner, I can't really judge the full extent of video improvements, but I did notice ever-so-slightly sharper BluRay, CATV and Netflix picture -- might be my imagination, but makes sense if it's receiving cleaner source material from receiver, bluray player and cable box. I use a 16' Monster 1000 HDMI cable.
I'm so impressed with this unit that I'm strongly considering getting another one, or maybe a 5100, just for the TV/Def Tech 7004's.
What's great about it: Solidly built, quality component, improves performance
What's not so great: price, but in this case, you DO get what you pay for
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Monster - 1000HDX 16' HDMI Cable
Share this review:
+26points
30of 34voted this as helpful.
Expand the soundscape of your computer's sound system with this multimedia speaker system that features TruSpace® surround digital processing circuitry for an immersive listening experience from just 2 speakers.
Customer Rating
3
Good but not Great - Some Limitations
on April 17, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
Got these a few years ago, based on the controlled demo thought they were a pretty good bang for the buck purchase -- but over time it became clear that they are just mid-frequency speakers, as the bass is very weak and highs not clear or accurate. Bass-heavy songs will bottom out even at low volumes.
I gave them the benefit of the doubt for a while, thinking that the issues were related to the X-Fi card in my Dell Studio XPS i7 desktop, and its low-end DAC, but I recently got an external USB DAC and everything improved significantly -- except for the Bose bottoming out issue, which is still with me. My Audio-Technica ATH-M50s headphones sound perfect now, no background noise, much better clarity and separation, lows are solid. So the Boses were exposed as the weak link, brand name snobbery notwithstanding...
If your music is mid-range oriented, or your files are highly compressed, these might be OK. The sound is rich and full in the mid-frequency ranges. But if you use lossless audio files and your music varies, these are like $20 tires on an Audi R8...
What's great about it: Mid-frequency sound is full
What's not so great: Bass is awful, even at low volume - highs are so-so
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Sound Quality
3
Share this review:
+6points
10of 14voted this as helpful.
The PowerCenter HTS 1000 MKIII Surge Suppressor provides surge protection that goes far beyond competing surge protectors, with microprocessor controlled T2 circuitry, a Monster Power exclusive, not only protects your AV equipment, but protects surge suppressor as well. Clean Power Circuitry Stage 2 filters provide excellent AC power line noise rejection and isolation of audio and video equipment for component-generated noise rejection. Monster's Tri-Mode protection circuitry incorporates an audible alarm that will tell you when your surge suppressor has protected your AV system from damage. built-in precision Digital LED Voltmeter continuously displays the incoming line voltage. It also has patented color-coded outlets that are specially labeled for home theater components.
Customer Rating
4
A Necessary Evil, but this is a Pretty Good One
on February 13, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
I think we'd all rather spend our money on toys which actually "did something", and not on an item which hopefully will never be needed...but yeah, unfortunately, it's pretty dumb to not address this issue...this unit is right in the middle between cheap strips and rack models, with some characteristics of both -- it is well built, has very good outlet spacing, ethernet and coax -- the voltage display is nice, but mine is hidden behind a TV stand anyway.
does it help the picture or sound? not a lot, so don't buy it expecting a huge improvement unless you live where the power is especially dirty, but there are some subtle differences -- apples to apples, picture seems a tad brighter, more stable with TW cable boxes.
It is pretty expensive, at the high end of non-rack units -- but in reality it does a lot of what the lower end rack units do -- so only for that reason would I say it's a pretty good bang for the buck -- I've had mine for about 2 years and though I'm occasionally tempted to upgrade to the pretty rack units with their blue or red displays, I keep coming back to the realization that this unit is OK -- and there are other toys I'd rather buy :)
What's great about it: Good Outlet Spacing, Well Built
What's not so great: necessary to spend money on this stuff :)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+12points
12of 12voted this as helpful.
Protect your electronic components from damaging electric surges with this surge protector that offers a protected phone/network connection.
Customer Rating
4
Couldn't resist for the price...
on February 13, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
I have this surge protector's "big brother" in the living room, the one with the voltage display that I can't see because it's behind the TV stand :) -- these may not be in the league of the rack systems, but appear to be functional at least for spikes, though we'll never know till we actually need them, will we? -- when this model went on sale, I grabbed two of them for bedroom & basement, where I had cheaper strips and have recently upgraded components -- yeah, these are a "stage" lower than the other model, for what that's really worth, but seem to be well built and have the necessities, i.e., ethernet & coax -- I have a mostly wired network, and was a bit lax in the remote rooms, definitely exposed -- this is purely for comfort of mind, as every time I looked at the cheap Dynex strip, I cringed :) bottom line: a good deal at $100, bit of a push at $150, where the competition is the Panamax strip with the high current-specific outlets
What's great about it: well-built, includes coax & ethernet, excellent outlet spacing
What's not so great: unknown until a power surge hits
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
APC Back-UPS XS 1300 VA Tower UPS - 1300VA/780W - 4.2 Minute Full Load - 5 x NEMA 5-15R - Battery Backup System, 5 x NEMA 5-15R - Surge-protected
Customer Rating
4
Believe the warnings...
on February 13, 2011
Posted by: StlBlues
from Rochester NY
I'd done some homework re: other APC/Cyber models before heading to BB, but after chatting with a sales guy about my setup, he recommended the 1300VA because of the amps. So no, I didn't read the reviews BEFORE getting this home. Gave it a go anyway, because it seemed to be pretty comprehensive, I liked the software, display, etc. -- but yeah, my Dell i7 just shut off in self-tests -- and yeah, the reason was that the power from the battery wasn't clean enough for Dell. Took it back and reduced the variables, got a quality surge protector with coax/ethernet, will deal with this again later -- life's too short :) If you don't have the Dell issue, I think this could be an excellent unit. I rated good-average based on how it seemed it would work if compatible.
What's great about it: Quality piece of equipment, software, display
What's not so great: outlet spacing, doesn't work with some Dells
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
4
Share this review:
+2points
7of 12voted this as helpful.
StlBlues's Review Comments
Only @ Best BuyThese banana plugs feature 24K gold-plated connectors that minimize corrosion and ensure maximum signal transfer. The Centerpin technology allows for easy installation with no wire stripping.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5There must be a better way.
By PainfullySearching4Name
from Eagle River, AK
I read the other 12 reviews first and agree with many of the one star comments. I will give it 3 stars because it appears tight. But I do not believe this banana plug is the best way to connect your speakers. I did not strip the wire (12awg) but instead just pushed the wire on to the center of the pin. The collar fit tightly around the wire and appeared secure. The key word is "appeared" and I am not sure. I purchased another brand and found the set screw too small for the wire. If you can connect your equipment without using banana plugs then do so or find a review where the words "tight" and/or "secure" are used.
StlBlues
Rochester NY
you are correct
November 20, 2011
the center pin approach is awful -- get monster quick lock banana plugs -- I've tried half a dozen other options over time, and the quick locks are the only way to go -- self-crimping, very secure -- once I found them I've replaced every connection in all 3 systems in my house -- expensive, but worth it
+1point
1of 1voted this comment as helpful.
StlBlues's Questions
StlBlues has not submitted any questions.
StlBlues's Answers
From the Sanus Euro Foundations line, these distinctive speaker stands are as sleek and stylish as they are functional. Stable adjustable design is ideal for satellite and surround speakers.
what is the weight limit for the speakers these stands hold??
Not a lot of weight -- I have Def Tech ProMonitor 1000s on them and that's about as far as you'd want to go without wobble -- would guess 10 lbs max, and only that if a flat-bottomed speaker with some width/depth, certainly not tall and thin
13 years, 8 months ago
by
StlBlues
Rochester NY
Speaker & Subwoofer Cables
Speaker & Subwoofer Cables
can you connect 2 subwoofer cables?
I need to run a subwoofer cable 25+ feet. I know 25 feet that you sell will be to short, can you connect 2 cables to make it work?
yes there are adaptors available with 2 female plugs -- check an audio shop -- note: while it will work OK, 25 feet may yield some dropoff of signal, so best to go with quality cables
13 years, 11 months ago
by
StlBlues
Rochester NY
Speaker & Subwoofer Cables
Speaker & Subwoofer Cables
is there really any difference between subwoofer cables
depends on the quality of the sub, but generally YES!! better the cable, tighter the sound -- some monster cable is overkill, but not for subs
14 years, 4 months ago
by
StlBlues
Rochester NY