ferrari's stats
- Review count158
- Helpfulness votes431
- First reviewOctober 18, 2012
- Last reviewDecember 12, 2025
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
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- Answer count13
- Helpfulness votes16
- First answerAugust 26, 2016
- Last answerSeptember 13, 2020
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Enjoy the rich sound of vinyl records with the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon turntable. Go wireless with best-in-class aptX Adaptive Bluetooth connectivity or wired with switchable preamp and standard RCA outs (RCA cables included), allowing you to listen to your favorite Vinyl records with stunning clarity. Stylish aesthetic and simple setup result from a purpose-built design focused on the listener experience. For the highest sonic clarity, the Hi-Res Carbon features an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnetic cartridge and a carbon fiber tonearm featuring a custom-designed, removable head shell. With the Victrola Hi-Res Carbon, you can effortlessly lower the tonearm and enjoy listening to your records with exceptional quality; Connect wirelessly to any Bluetooth or aptX enable speakers, headphones, or wired to your favorite amplifier or powered speakers.
Customer Rating
3
Could use some upgrades
on November 12, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
No novice here - I've had 50+ years of experience working with vinyl and turntables; my collection numbers in the thousands. I accepted this unit for review as I wanted to set up a turntable for casual listening in a room other than my audio/video center.
Upon unboxing, I did the assembly of the platter and began running tests on the unit. You can see some of these in the accompanying photos. After aligning the counterweight, I used an electronic gauge to check the stylus force; after a minute adjustment it was within the recommended setting with a reading of 1.76 grams.
Following this, I used my stroboscope to measure the speed accuracy of the unit both at 33 & 45 rpm. I found the speed to be slightly fast, albeit within acceptable tolerance. In my experience, I've found that new machinery and especially belts, need some "break in" time to settle down to their normal operation levels.
I was disappointed in what I couldn't do. The absolute first thing you do when setting up a turntable is to level the unit. The Carbon has no leveling mechanism. At the very least there should be adjustable legs at the bottom that screw in/out, much like you would do to your appliances. As my shelf was slightly off, I was forced to use shims to get the platter to level. The other device that is missing on this turntable is VTA or vertical tracking angle for the tonearm. To explain it simply, this is ensuring the tonearm itself is level. Depending whether it's too high or too low at the stylus, the tone will tend to go from bass to treble.
After completing the wiring connections, I was ready to play a record. On the first try, the stylus skated across the record, on every revolution of the platter, it would wander further towards the center. There is an anti-skate control on the Carbon; however it had no effect on solving the issue. After a battery of checks and procedures, I determined that the unit had a defective platter. If I slowly spun the platter by hand, I could see that the level of it would go up & down, thereby giving a "kick" to the stylus.
I called Victrola tech service the following day. After a 5 minute wait on the phone, I described the issue I was having; and without a problem they agreed to send me a replacement platter. I had the new platter within 10 days, and it did indeed solve the problem. So, kudos to Victrola for having a responsive tech department.
The unit does come with an Ortofon Red cartridge, which is an excellent choice for a turntable in this price range. The Carbon tonearm is also a nice touch, and the unit overall has a smart appearance. But my problem is that at this price level, these additions don't make up for the lack of a basic level adjustment or ability to make adjustments to the tonearm; these are functions that are crucial to any turntable from the mid-range. I would highly recommend they be included in any future model upgrades.
Upon unboxing, I did the assembly of the platter and began running tests on the unit. You can see some of these in the accompanying photos. After aligning the counterweight, I used an electronic gauge to check the stylus force; after a minute adjustment it was within the recommended setting with a reading of 1.76 grams.
Following this, I used my stroboscope to measure the speed accuracy of the unit both at 33 & 45 rpm. I found the speed to be slightly fast, albeit within acceptable tolerance. In my experience, I've found that new machinery and especially belts, need some "break in" time to settle down to their normal operation levels.
I was disappointed in what I couldn't do. The absolute first thing you do when setting up a turntable is to level the unit. The Carbon has no leveling mechanism. At the very least there should be adjustable legs at the bottom that screw in/out, much like you would do to your appliances. As my shelf was slightly off, I was forced to use shims to get the platter to level. The other device that is missing on this turntable is VTA or vertical tracking angle for the tonearm. To explain it simply, this is ensuring the tonearm itself is level. Depending whether it's too high or too low at the stylus, the tone will tend to go from bass to treble.
After completing the wiring connections, I was ready to play a record. On the first try, the stylus skated across the record, on every revolution of the platter, it would wander further towards the center. There is an anti-skate control on the Carbon; however it had no effect on solving the issue. After a battery of checks and procedures, I determined that the unit had a defective platter. If I slowly spun the platter by hand, I could see that the level of it would go up & down, thereby giving a "kick" to the stylus.
I called Victrola tech service the following day. After a 5 minute wait on the phone, I described the issue I was having; and without a problem they agreed to send me a replacement platter. I had the new platter within 10 days, and it did indeed solve the problem. So, kudos to Victrola for having a responsive tech department.
The unit does come with an Ortofon Red cartridge, which is an excellent choice for a turntable in this price range. The Carbon tonearm is also a nice touch, and the unit overall has a smart appearance. But my problem is that at this price level, these additions don't make up for the lack of a basic level adjustment or ability to make adjustments to the tonearm; these are functions that are crucial to any turntable from the mid-range. I would highly recommend they be included in any future model upgrades.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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From quick tweaks and trims to total transformations, Adobe Sensei AI* and automated options make editing easy, and you can learn tricks and techniques as you go with 88 step-by-step Guided Edits. Present your best pics and videos in beautiful templates for Photo Reels, video Highlight Reels, collages, slideshows, motion graphics, Quote Graphics, and animated social posts. Effortlessly organize everything. And do more on the go using web and mobile companion apps (English-only beta).
Customer Rating
5
The Leader in Photo Imaging
on October 29, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
We've been into personal PC's since their introduction in the 80's, but even prior to that, my wife has been the personal photographer for both families and friends. Her images, enlarged, grace the walls of many homes. She just has that "camera eye" that I can't even begin to duplicate. While she always wants the latest phone with the best digital qualities, she still totes her Nikon to events knowing that she will be asked to share her pics. And it's not long after we got our first pc that it was loaded with whatever the latest and greatest photo imaging programs. We've tried many contenders, which she invariably rejects, and always returns to Photoshop as her go-to program.
Upon installation, which went smoothly, the first choice she made was the switch to dark mode. I noticed with our OLED tv, she had switched to "filmaker" mode due to eye strain from the brightness, so dark mode was a natural. Since we have 2 new grandkids, there are thousands of images we have stored to begin with.
Her home base is in the "before and after" side by side mode. From there you can quickly adjust the lighting, exposure, color, balance and compare the effects. Importantly, the user interface is familiar and intuitive, it's not like a new version of Windows where you have to relearn how to use a computer. Features like background replacement are available for photos that are either too bland, too busy, or contain an unwanted photobomb.
The included modes of Quick, Guided, or Advanced mode allow you to choose your level of sophistication. Since we have familiarity with Adobe products, the usual choice is quick; however if you're having difficulty switch to guided, and, of course advanced for the expert - which we're not!
We will be taking advantage of the guided much more as we delve into Premiere, as we also have quite the collection of video files which we would like to convert into highlight reels as the children progress in age.
Photoshop has been documenting our family for decades now, we're happy that the "new" version comes across as an old friend - he just has some new tricks!
Upon installation, which went smoothly, the first choice she made was the switch to dark mode. I noticed with our OLED tv, she had switched to "filmaker" mode due to eye strain from the brightness, so dark mode was a natural. Since we have 2 new grandkids, there are thousands of images we have stored to begin with.
Her home base is in the "before and after" side by side mode. From there you can quickly adjust the lighting, exposure, color, balance and compare the effects. Importantly, the user interface is familiar and intuitive, it's not like a new version of Windows where you have to relearn how to use a computer. Features like background replacement are available for photos that are either too bland, too busy, or contain an unwanted photobomb.
The included modes of Quick, Guided, or Advanced mode allow you to choose your level of sophistication. Since we have familiarity with Adobe products, the usual choice is quick; however if you're having difficulty switch to guided, and, of course advanced for the expert - which we're not!
We will be taking advantage of the guided much more as we delve into Premiere, as we also have quite the collection of video files which we would like to convert into highlight reels as the children progress in age.
Photoshop has been documenting our family for decades now, we're happy that the "new" version comes across as an old friend - he just has some new tricks!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Discover next-level home security with the eufy Video Doorbell E340. Enjoy door-to-floor full color views with dual 2K HD cameras and with the industry-first dual-light system, it activates upon detecting motion eliminating blind spots, day and night. It provides 8GB of local storage (about 60 days worth of recordings) with advanced encryption to keep your data secure. Say goodbye to monthly cloud storage fees and save an estimated $47.88 per year! Stay connected with the eufy App or an optional door chime that alerts you when visitors arrive and can expand storage up to 128GB with a microSD card (not included). Installation is a breeze as the hybrid-powered doorbell works with existing doorbell wiring or can run on battery power for up to 6 months on a single charge. Plus, it is IP65 weatherproof rating, so it keeps working come rain, snow or shine.
Customer Rating
5
Terrific improvement over their single lens model
on October 29, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
This is now the eighth piece of Eufy equipment I have protecting my home, both inside and outside, so pretty familiar with the installation and operation of their products. The E340 now replaces their original single lens doorbell at my front door which has served my faithfully for about two years now. It's not dead though, I have doorbell wiring at the rear of the house, so it will just be getting a new job!
Installation is straightforward and provided in the package, also duplicated in the app to guide you through. Using existing doorbell wiring is the best option, as you don't have to be concerned about charging the unit every 3-6 months. I also have the Eufy Home Base which connects all my products and provides a ring tone; however, you have a choice of using your existing doorbell chime. I had a small issue with the install; the mounting holes for the screws didn't line up with the previous model, so I had to drill one new hole. One other issue, there is a QR code printed on the back of the unit which you scan with the app to activate it. On the unit I got, the scan failed, looking closer I saw there was some type of slight smudge defect on the code itself which prevented it from being read. Luckily, they provide a printed code number below it, so I just had to enter the digits manually, and it popped right up.
Picture quality is excellent, both day & night. It didn't take long to test it out, shortly after installation I received a delivery, and a notification popped up informing me of that. After retrieving it, got another notification that package had been picked up.
There are multiple adjustments that can be made via the app. One in particular I like is "Familiar Faces" where you can tag facial recognition for your friends/family which will skip notifications. Motion detection has multiple choices for all motion or human only, you can modify the activity zone; for instance, my camera will catch part of the street, I don't need notifications for every car passing by. Likewise, you can also adjust the camera's sensitivity. Put it on high, and you'll be notified of every insect passing by! I learned that the hard way after getting multiple "moth alerts" at night.
There are also "response settings", you can customize auto responses to doorbell rings. However, after being a Eufy customer for at least 3 years now, I can tell you the best feature - there's no subscription! Everything I've ever gotten from them is still in service, and I can say the few times I've called them I've spoken to a responsive help team. Very glad to have received this product, and will continue to support the company in the future (as long as it remains subscription free! - lol)
Installation is straightforward and provided in the package, also duplicated in the app to guide you through. Using existing doorbell wiring is the best option, as you don't have to be concerned about charging the unit every 3-6 months. I also have the Eufy Home Base which connects all my products and provides a ring tone; however, you have a choice of using your existing doorbell chime. I had a small issue with the install; the mounting holes for the screws didn't line up with the previous model, so I had to drill one new hole. One other issue, there is a QR code printed on the back of the unit which you scan with the app to activate it. On the unit I got, the scan failed, looking closer I saw there was some type of slight smudge defect on the code itself which prevented it from being read. Luckily, they provide a printed code number below it, so I just had to enter the digits manually, and it popped right up.
Picture quality is excellent, both day & night. It didn't take long to test it out, shortly after installation I received a delivery, and a notification popped up informing me of that. After retrieving it, got another notification that package had been picked up.
There are multiple adjustments that can be made via the app. One in particular I like is "Familiar Faces" where you can tag facial recognition for your friends/family which will skip notifications. Motion detection has multiple choices for all motion or human only, you can modify the activity zone; for instance, my camera will catch part of the street, I don't need notifications for every car passing by. Likewise, you can also adjust the camera's sensitivity. Put it on high, and you'll be notified of every insect passing by! I learned that the hard way after getting multiple "moth alerts" at night.
There are also "response settings", you can customize auto responses to doorbell rings. However, after being a Eufy customer for at least 3 years now, I can tell you the best feature - there's no subscription! Everything I've ever gotten from them is still in service, and I can say the few times I've called them I've spoken to a responsive help team. Very glad to have received this product, and will continue to support the company in the future (as long as it remains subscription free! - lol)
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Engineered for performance and style, the LG Sound Bar SE6 delivers powerful sound in a compact design. Delivers big and impressive bass with 4 passive radiators, so there is no need for a subwoofer. Transform your room with a Dolby Atmos~ and DTS:X~ sound bar made with premium fabric and 12% recycled material~.
Customer Rating
5
An excellent submission to a crowded field
on October 21, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
Over the past 10-12 years, I must've gone through 10-12 soundbars spread over 3 tv's in the house. Can't say any of them have been perfect. It's either mediocre sound, excessive bulk from subwoofers, or, worst of all, connection issues. I thought getting tv's with Arc and Earc would solve the issue, but I still encountered problems.
So, I was pleasantly surprised with the out of the box experience with the Eclair (why the name?!) First off, don't think I've ever received a product that provided it's own HDMI cable. Yeah, it's a small thing, but saves you from hunting down a cable or having to buy one. Even provides wall mounting brackets - that's a trip to the store and a 10 buck saving right there.
Taking the unit out of the box, it had a nice solid feel to it. It's no lightweight at near 8lbs. The design is also minimalist, a fine mesh grill with no logo, and near invisible touch buttons along the top.
Hooking it up to the Earc output of the tv, and given some of my prior experiences, I was ready to start arguing with it. No such issue - turned the tv on, and it was immediately recognized. Right behind the grill, I noticed a small Led lit up. Referring to the manual, I see it has a total of 3 Leds, which, based on the function the soundbar is performing can light up in a different sequence or color - red for power, white for wifi or HDMI, blue for bluetooth, or purple for USB.
I downloaded the LG Soundbar app, and got another surprise - it didn't ask me for a login or to sign up, it only wanted to be logged in to my Wifi so it could talk to the soundbar. Another minimalist feature. If you were wondering about the Leds I mentioned being on all the time, there's a feature in the app to have them turn off after a 10 second delay. The app will also initialize, at your preference, AI room calibration to best make use of the sound in your available space.There are also settings for sports, game, movie, or AI sound pro which will make its own choices based on content. Should you choose, it's optimized for Google Assistant or Alexa.
The sound quality is excellent, I'm using it in a 12'x18' room, and there's power to spare. I found the bass response more than adequate, however, if you're into earth moving, this unit is also sold with a subwoofer.
So, I was pleasantly surprised with the out of the box experience with the Eclair (why the name?!) First off, don't think I've ever received a product that provided it's own HDMI cable. Yeah, it's a small thing, but saves you from hunting down a cable or having to buy one. Even provides wall mounting brackets - that's a trip to the store and a 10 buck saving right there.
Taking the unit out of the box, it had a nice solid feel to it. It's no lightweight at near 8lbs. The design is also minimalist, a fine mesh grill with no logo, and near invisible touch buttons along the top.
Hooking it up to the Earc output of the tv, and given some of my prior experiences, I was ready to start arguing with it. No such issue - turned the tv on, and it was immediately recognized. Right behind the grill, I noticed a small Led lit up. Referring to the manual, I see it has a total of 3 Leds, which, based on the function the soundbar is performing can light up in a different sequence or color - red for power, white for wifi or HDMI, blue for bluetooth, or purple for USB.
I downloaded the LG Soundbar app, and got another surprise - it didn't ask me for a login or to sign up, it only wanted to be logged in to my Wifi so it could talk to the soundbar. Another minimalist feature. If you were wondering about the Leds I mentioned being on all the time, there's a feature in the app to have them turn off after a 10 second delay. The app will also initialize, at your preference, AI room calibration to best make use of the sound in your available space.There are also settings for sports, game, movie, or AI sound pro which will make its own choices based on content. Should you choose, it's optimized for Google Assistant or Alexa.
The sound quality is excellent, I'm using it in a 12'x18' room, and there's power to spare. I found the bass response more than adequate, however, if you're into earth moving, this unit is also sold with a subwoofer.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Prepare to be captivated. Whether you prefer dramatic thrillers or fantasy football, lose yourself in the viewing adventure with a contrast rich picture. Let your picture do the talking with the sleek and thin Laser Slim design. You~ll see pure blacks, bright whites and dramatic color, while the audio pulls you into the action thanks to Dolby Atmos built in and Object Tracking Sound Lite. The Samsung OLED experience doesn~t stop there shifting adventures is a breeze with access to the latest Smart TV apps and Samsung Gaming Hub.
Customer Rating
5
Outstanding performance
on October 15, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
I've already had experience with two 70"+ tv's (One of them a Samsung), so was not expecting any big surprises. I wasn't ready for the difference the OLED technology delivers. But right out of the box, this Class S89C 4K is a stunner. And speaking of out of the box, you won't only be getting a Smart TV, the box it comes in is smart! I cut the tie wraps, and started lifting the box off, and my wife, reading the setup guide says to me "Now put on the legs", and I'm saying "How? You need to turn this on its side first." But the genius of the package is there are styrofoam supports that easily pull out allowing you room to insert the legs. Very smart indeed.
On to installation. Samsung provides a snap on panel in the rear that neatly guides all cabling to one exit. This provides a nice clean installation and also protects the inputs/outputs from dust & debris. I had prepared the installation space beforehand; knowing that this tv was on the order of 80lbs, so I made sure that all the cabling would reach down to the floor, so that I could lift it in place in one shot without worrying about cable hookup.
Since I have other Samsung devices, I already had a Samsung account, so the setup went quick & easy. While I do have a soundbar, before plugging it in, I did notice that the audio from the built in speakers was actually pretty good - certainly the best I've ever heard from a flat panel tv. When I did turn on the soundbar, it was recognized immediately even though it wasn't a Samsung, no setup required. That was another pleasant surprise, I've had nightmares before trying to get a soundbar working right, but the Samsung took it in stride.
On to the picture - without taking a deep dive into the settings, you can choose from Standard, Dynamic, and Film Maker mode (basically for movies, tv dramas.) I've had this in my other tv's, and for the most part, kept the setting at Dynamic. After a day or two of watching, I noticed that my wife had changed the setting to Film Maker. She said that the picture was "too bright" and was straining her eyes. That's just a small indication of how "different" this screen is. For me, the Dynamic picture is just stunning, especially for sports.
However, the feature of this set that just blew me away was how it handled the blacks. Finally, I own a tv that can correctly distinguish between dark gray and black. You know all those complaints about the Game of Thrones finale, and how you couldn't make out what was going on? Well, what you need is an OLED tv to correct all the mush. I read up on it, and on a standard LED screen, the picture is "backlit", so that you'll never really get a true black on it. With OLED, there's no backlight, and the individual pixels have the ability to turn off completely, and that's how you get a true black. I'm not an electronics engineer, but all I can say is, it gets the job done.
As for voice control, you're given a choice to use Bixby or Alexa, since we're an Android family, we chose the Bixby. The remote is actually rechargeable via a USB C input, but on the backside of it there's a solar panel. The instructions tell you to place the remote face down so it can charge itself when not in use. It says that it charges off regular room light, which I found surprising, so we'll see how that goes.
Tried the streaming services, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Paramount; all worked well, most of the top ones are built in, think I only had to download Peacock. Used Bixby voice command to switch between services, no problems encountered.
All in all, found setting up and using this set to be a very pleasant experience.
On to installation. Samsung provides a snap on panel in the rear that neatly guides all cabling to one exit. This provides a nice clean installation and also protects the inputs/outputs from dust & debris. I had prepared the installation space beforehand; knowing that this tv was on the order of 80lbs, so I made sure that all the cabling would reach down to the floor, so that I could lift it in place in one shot without worrying about cable hookup.
Since I have other Samsung devices, I already had a Samsung account, so the setup went quick & easy. While I do have a soundbar, before plugging it in, I did notice that the audio from the built in speakers was actually pretty good - certainly the best I've ever heard from a flat panel tv. When I did turn on the soundbar, it was recognized immediately even though it wasn't a Samsung, no setup required. That was another pleasant surprise, I've had nightmares before trying to get a soundbar working right, but the Samsung took it in stride.
On to the picture - without taking a deep dive into the settings, you can choose from Standard, Dynamic, and Film Maker mode (basically for movies, tv dramas.) I've had this in my other tv's, and for the most part, kept the setting at Dynamic. After a day or two of watching, I noticed that my wife had changed the setting to Film Maker. She said that the picture was "too bright" and was straining her eyes. That's just a small indication of how "different" this screen is. For me, the Dynamic picture is just stunning, especially for sports.
However, the feature of this set that just blew me away was how it handled the blacks. Finally, I own a tv that can correctly distinguish between dark gray and black. You know all those complaints about the Game of Thrones finale, and how you couldn't make out what was going on? Well, what you need is an OLED tv to correct all the mush. I read up on it, and on a standard LED screen, the picture is "backlit", so that you'll never really get a true black on it. With OLED, there's no backlight, and the individual pixels have the ability to turn off completely, and that's how you get a true black. I'm not an electronics engineer, but all I can say is, it gets the job done.
As for voice control, you're given a choice to use Bixby or Alexa, since we're an Android family, we chose the Bixby. The remote is actually rechargeable via a USB C input, but on the backside of it there's a solar panel. The instructions tell you to place the remote face down so it can charge itself when not in use. It says that it charges off regular room light, which I found surprising, so we'll see how that goes.
Tried the streaming services, Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Paramount; all worked well, most of the top ones are built in, think I only had to download Peacock. Used Bixby voice command to switch between services, no problems encountered.
All in all, found setting up and using this set to be a very pleasant experience.
I would 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
Converting an audiophile to the world of streaming
on October 14, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
I've been a supporter of Technics products since their early days. My first turntable was a Technics belt drive; about a dozen years ago I upgraded to one of their world renowned SL-1200 turntables which has served me flawlessly; last year I became the proud owner of a 1210 Grand Class turntable; which makes a perfect companion to this Grand Class Network Receiver. With a collection of vinyl records numbering in the thousands, I suppose one would slap the "audiophile" moniker on me. I do hunt out the "best" copies of my favorite recordings, and of course, want to play them on equipment that will deliver the best performance.
All the specs for this device are laid out quite clearly, so I will not be telling you that it has X number of inputs/outputs or detailing the power specifications. What matters to me is the "experience." The product came nicely packaged, the first thing I appreciated is it had a full paper manual, not the nonsense or pictograms that come with most electronic devices today. While it was comprehensive, it contained a notation that a "full" manual could be downloaded. I did follow the download, the full manual amounted to 129 pages.
As I said, I'm a vinyl addict and probably what could be called a purist. What that means is my vinyl system is completely separate and autonomous from my other devices. It's not connected to any 5 channel receiver, soundbar, or any device that could interfere with the quality of the sound. That said, the first thing that struck me in reading the manual was that there was a pure amplification setting that segregated the amplifier from any extraneous inputs such as HDMI, Bluetooth that could possibly degrade the amplification process.
That said, the GX70 is going to open a new world for me. I subscribe and follow various audio websites and blogs. I read reviews of new vinyl recordings, and I see enthusiasts that detail their reviews with spectograms, and discuss comparisons of the vinyl with 192 khz 24 bit audio downloads. To be specific, Steely Dan has had recent remasterings of their recordings, Aja being by far the most popular. Now I have the ability to dowload these recordings via Qobuz, perform my own comparisons, and be able to join in the conversations.
I've connected the GX70 via wired ethernet and Wifi, connected an SACD player, downloaded the Technics Audio app, connected it to my Sirius/XM app, and have used it to access the hundreds if not thousands of titles in my personal catalog. I'll now start my new adventure into the world of streaming audio.
If there's any disappointment with the GX70, I do see streaming players that will display an image of the item being played, the simple monochrome display is not capable of that; however, maybe that would take away from the simple elegance of the unit. I will say however, that the Technics app, while functional, has a kind of dull appearance - it really could use a touch from the design folks.
On a performance note, I just wanted to say that for amplification purposes, the GX70 is replacing my vintage McIntosh power amp. Do I feel that I've taken a downgrade in audio performance? Absolutely not - but I do miss those big VU meters pulsing away!
All the specs for this device are laid out quite clearly, so I will not be telling you that it has X number of inputs/outputs or detailing the power specifications. What matters to me is the "experience." The product came nicely packaged, the first thing I appreciated is it had a full paper manual, not the nonsense or pictograms that come with most electronic devices today. While it was comprehensive, it contained a notation that a "full" manual could be downloaded. I did follow the download, the full manual amounted to 129 pages.
As I said, I'm a vinyl addict and probably what could be called a purist. What that means is my vinyl system is completely separate and autonomous from my other devices. It's not connected to any 5 channel receiver, soundbar, or any device that could interfere with the quality of the sound. That said, the first thing that struck me in reading the manual was that there was a pure amplification setting that segregated the amplifier from any extraneous inputs such as HDMI, Bluetooth that could possibly degrade the amplification process.
That said, the GX70 is going to open a new world for me. I subscribe and follow various audio websites and blogs. I read reviews of new vinyl recordings, and I see enthusiasts that detail their reviews with spectograms, and discuss comparisons of the vinyl with 192 khz 24 bit audio downloads. To be specific, Steely Dan has had recent remasterings of their recordings, Aja being by far the most popular. Now I have the ability to dowload these recordings via Qobuz, perform my own comparisons, and be able to join in the conversations.
I've connected the GX70 via wired ethernet and Wifi, connected an SACD player, downloaded the Technics Audio app, connected it to my Sirius/XM app, and have used it to access the hundreds if not thousands of titles in my personal catalog. I'll now start my new adventure into the world of streaming audio.
If there's any disappointment with the GX70, I do see streaming players that will display an image of the item being played, the simple monochrome display is not capable of that; however, maybe that would take away from the simple elegance of the unit. I will say however, that the Technics app, while functional, has a kind of dull appearance - it really could use a touch from the design folks.
On a performance note, I just wanted to say that for amplification purposes, the GX70 is replacing my vintage McIntosh power amp. Do I feel that I've taken a downgrade in audio performance? Absolutely not - but I do miss those big VU meters pulsing away!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Defy Boring with Pebble Keys 2 K380s minimalist keyboard made with recycled plastic. Its minimalist, streamlined shape and sleek curves make it as iconic as you and super portable. Hop across 3 devices with the Easy-Switch buttons on the Bluetooth keyboard and work faster with the Fn shortcut keys like screen capture, search, and more. Customize the 10 keyboard Fn shortcut keys to work how you want and save time with shortcuts in Logi Options+ App.
Customer Rating
4
Solid offering from Logitech
on September 10, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
Been a long time user and fan of Logitech, all of my desktop & laptop devices are paired with their keyboards and mice/trackballs. While the Pebble Keys is promoted as a replacement for laptops/Ipads/tablets, etc; the reason I wanted it was for its ability to connect with a Smart TV. Using a full size keyboard while sitting in a lounge chair is kind of cumbersome, the Pebble handles this job much more comfortably. While I personally don't need a keyboard paired to my tv, the need found me once I started having 2 year old grandchildren over. When they want to see firetrucks on Youtube, much easier to type that into the search box instead of an extended series of clicks.
I had a good out of the box experience with the Pebble, I first connected with a desktop and installed the app, which allows you to program the special keys. (all the F keys can be programmed to special functions.) The Pebble will pair to 3 separate devices; I appreciate that Logitech incorporated this as switch as opposed to a command sequence to switch between devices.
I have 3 Smart Tv's that the children could possibly watch, 2 Samsungs and a Vizio. I tried all of them, once I turned on Bluetooth, the Pebble was quickly recognized and connected (Whew! I've had my share of Bluetooth pairing problems!)
Given the success I had with the device, I wondered why Logitech made no mention of this possible use of the Pebble, either on the box, in advertising, or in their product support area. It certainly does the job, and as I've noted, is much more comfortable than using a standard keyboard.
The only downside I've noted is the lack of backlighting, as I'm usually utilizing this in a darkened room. Other than that, if like me, you're looking for a device to control your Smart Tv, this works!
I had a good out of the box experience with the Pebble, I first connected with a desktop and installed the app, which allows you to program the special keys. (all the F keys can be programmed to special functions.) The Pebble will pair to 3 separate devices; I appreciate that Logitech incorporated this as switch as opposed to a command sequence to switch between devices.
I have 3 Smart Tv's that the children could possibly watch, 2 Samsungs and a Vizio. I tried all of them, once I turned on Bluetooth, the Pebble was quickly recognized and connected (Whew! I've had my share of Bluetooth pairing problems!)
Given the success I had with the device, I wondered why Logitech made no mention of this possible use of the Pebble, either on the box, in advertising, or in their product support area. It certainly does the job, and as I've noted, is much more comfortable than using a standard keyboard.
The only downside I've noted is the lack of backlighting, as I'm usually utilizing this in a darkened room. Other than that, if like me, you're looking for a device to control your Smart Tv, this works!
I would recommend this to a friend!
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LG - gram 17 Laptop - Intel Evo Platform 13th Gen Intel Core i7 with 16GB RAM - 1TB NVMe SSD - Black
LG gram Z90R series laptop is an ultra-lightweight powerhouse of productivity that gives you what you need to get it all done~wherever your hustle takes you. The 17~, anti-glare IPS display delivers vivid color and resolution that makes what you see on screen come to life. On the inside, LG gram runs Windows 11 Home, while the Intel Evo 13th Gen Intel Core Processor and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics deliver the performance to accomplish daily demands from crunching numbers, to editing a masterpiece, or streaming your favorite content with nimble responsiveness and power.
Customer Rating
5
Amazingly thin & light with power to spare
on July 6, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
This is quite the piece of technology. Upon unboxing, I had to marvel at the thinness and super light weight, it's really more in the category of a pad rather than a laptop. Yet, it has all the goodies of a modern laptop - 1TB SSD, 16 gig memory, multiple ports, full keyboard and num pad, and of course that gorgeous 17" screen. What's truly amazing is they managed to package an 80WH battery inside - where is it???!!!. My overall impression is that while I was sleeping laptop technology jumped ahead 5 years!
It does have its drawbacks however - this is not the laptop if you're expecting to play the latest 3D shooter with amazing frame rates. But for everyday use, it's more than capable, and if you're on the go, the battery life is as good as it gets nowadays. One way you can tell is that it doesn't generate heat, and is super quiet - no fans blasting out on high speed. Seems LG has spent some time on power management. This is reinforced when you look at the charger - it's relatively tiny as opposed to the "bricks" that come with most laptops.
One feature I do appreciate is the full size keyboard with separate number pad. I've looked at a few 17" laptops, some manufacturers have chosen to do away with the num pad; or even more annoying is changing the spacing on the keyboard - I do enough mistyping on my own, I don't need help from an oddly spaced keyboard! I'm also a fan of the full 5" touchpad. You've got all this extra space on a 17" laptop, use it!
There is one thing of concern to me; I've included a photo of just how flexible the screen frame is. Just the simple act of opening or closing the lid induces some flex. I'm not deducting for that, I'm going to assume that the screen material is tolerant of some flex and will not suffer in the long run. Was the weight such a consideration that a stiffer aluminum frame couldn't be allowed? We'll see.
Overall, I'm very happy with the package, and would recommend to those in the market for something less than a 6 or 7 lb laptop, but more than the pad they're currently moving about with. It's a very good travel companion.
It does have its drawbacks however - this is not the laptop if you're expecting to play the latest 3D shooter with amazing frame rates. But for everyday use, it's more than capable, and if you're on the go, the battery life is as good as it gets nowadays. One way you can tell is that it doesn't generate heat, and is super quiet - no fans blasting out on high speed. Seems LG has spent some time on power management. This is reinforced when you look at the charger - it's relatively tiny as opposed to the "bricks" that come with most laptops.
One feature I do appreciate is the full size keyboard with separate number pad. I've looked at a few 17" laptops, some manufacturers have chosen to do away with the num pad; or even more annoying is changing the spacing on the keyboard - I do enough mistyping on my own, I don't need help from an oddly spaced keyboard! I'm also a fan of the full 5" touchpad. You've got all this extra space on a 17" laptop, use it!
There is one thing of concern to me; I've included a photo of just how flexible the screen frame is. Just the simple act of opening or closing the lid induces some flex. I'm not deducting for that, I'm going to assume that the screen material is tolerant of some flex and will not suffer in the long run. Was the weight such a consideration that a stiffer aluminum frame couldn't be allowed? We'll see.
Overall, I'm very happy with the package, and would recommend to those in the market for something less than a 6 or 7 lb laptop, but more than the pad they're currently moving about with. It's a very good travel companion.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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The new, redesigned Revolve60 packs enough USB-C power to charge a full-size laptop. Nowadays, most smartphones need up to 30 watts and most laptops require a minimum of 45 watts with Power Delivery (PD). Yet most surge protectors with USB-C offer only 20 watts or less. The new Revolve60 kicks out a full 60 watts of PD-enabled charging through dual USB-C ports. Armed with super conducting Gallium Nitride (GaN), Revolve60 achieves high wattages safely and more efficiently than standard silicon. For added capability, four industry-exclusive rotating outlets help you customize your setup and guard your tech against power surges and spikes.
Customer Rating
5
How many times have you wanted a product like this
on June 26, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
I can never have enough surge protection. We've lost a refrigerator, a tv, (both blown electronic boards) and my outdoor lighting. So having another quality piece that plugs directly into an outlet as opposed to having it's own cord is well appreciated.
Yes, I've owned plug-in type surge protectors like this, but they're mostly cheaply made, and the warning lights on them start blinking or go off altogether. I often wonder whether I'm really protected. Just by the heft alone you can tell this is built to last.
The specs on this are first class. 60 watts of Type C charging power, which is more than enough to do your phone, Ipad, or laptop. I haven't seen anything else like this on the market.
It also provides 1000+ Jules of surge protection, which again, is superior to any similar plug in device. Many don't even share the level of protection offered.
But the real attraction of the Revolve is - yes, it revolves! How many times have you tried to plug in a power supply only to see it won't fit. I've got surge strips plugged into surge strips just to get enough space. Problem solved.
I'm very happy to have received the Revolve, and while I heartily recommend, I probably shouldn't need to; this product will sell itself.
Yes, I've owned plug-in type surge protectors like this, but they're mostly cheaply made, and the warning lights on them start blinking or go off altogether. I often wonder whether I'm really protected. Just by the heft alone you can tell this is built to last.
The specs on this are first class. 60 watts of Type C charging power, which is more than enough to do your phone, Ipad, or laptop. I haven't seen anything else like this on the market.
It also provides 1000+ Jules of surge protection, which again, is superior to any similar plug in device. Many don't even share the level of protection offered.
But the real attraction of the Revolve is - yes, it revolves! How many times have you tried to plug in a power supply only to see it won't fit. I've got surge strips plugged into surge strips just to get enough space. Problem solved.
I'm very happy to have received the Revolve, and while I heartily recommend, I probably shouldn't need to; this product will sell itself.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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It's never been easier to deep clean carpets with BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam carpet cleaner. It's the ONLY upright deep cleaner with the power of HydroSteam Technology to remove the toughest stuck-on and sticky messes. Each machine comes with three distinct modes of cleaning - Steam Pretreat Mode, SteamWash Max Clean Mode and Quick Dry Mode. Break up sticky, stuck-on messes with Steam Pretreat Mode. SteamWash Max Clean Mode offers 2X Better cleaning.1 And carpets dry fast in about 30 minutes using Quick Dry Mode.2 Plus, each machine comes with two tools: 2-in-1 Pet Upholstery Tool for cleaning both wet and dry messes without steam and a 6" Tough Stain Tool great for cleaning larger furniture and stairs, without steam.
Customer Rating
5
This beats the rental machines hands down!
on June 23, 2023
Posted by: ferrari
Upon receiving this machine for review, decided to go for the gold. I had just replaced the carpet on half the lower level which was almost 20 years old. The other half, just as old, has patio doors leading out to the back yard. As animal lovers, we've always had 2 dogs, currently both Golden Retrievers. Going in & out 5-6 or more times every day, through rain, snow, mud, there's literally a brown path you can follow through you can follow from the door. The carpet is filthy, matted, and on its last leg. We were ready to go for a change-out, but decided to see what the Bissell could do for it.
After a quick assembly (not bad at all, similar to an upright vacuum), set the machine to Steamwash Max Clean Mode, filled the tank with the provided cleaning solution, and set to work. While this is a heavy unit, in operation it glides effortlessly and is easy to use. I thought it would take some time to warm up, but it was pumping steam in under 30 seconds.
This is not our first carpet cleaner, we've had 2 or 3 units before this, but we could tell right away this machine was different just via the amount of filth that was collecting in the dirty tank. At the conclusion it was pretty evident that the Bissell had given the carpet a new lease on life, no doubt due to the Hydrosteam function of the unit.
The unit also comes with a pet upholstery tool and a tough stain tool - very handy for those "oops" moments with the pet. The hose is 8 ft, as opposed to the usual 6 ft, so kudos on that. The tools also come with a nice carry bag that you can hang on the machine. Ever take out the vacuum and wonder what you did with the tools? Thoughtful feature.
I was very pleased with the operation and results, and would strongly recommend the Hydrosteam to anyone looking for professional results.
After a quick assembly (not bad at all, similar to an upright vacuum), set the machine to Steamwash Max Clean Mode, filled the tank with the provided cleaning solution, and set to work. While this is a heavy unit, in operation it glides effortlessly and is easy to use. I thought it would take some time to warm up, but it was pumping steam in under 30 seconds.
This is not our first carpet cleaner, we've had 2 or 3 units before this, but we could tell right away this machine was different just via the amount of filth that was collecting in the dirty tank. At the conclusion it was pretty evident that the Bissell had given the carpet a new lease on life, no doubt due to the Hydrosteam function of the unit.
The unit also comes with a pet upholstery tool and a tough stain tool - very handy for those "oops" moments with the pet. The hose is 8 ft, as opposed to the usual 6 ft, so kudos on that. The tools also come with a nice carry bag that you can hang on the machine. Ever take out the vacuum and wonder what you did with the tools? Thoughtful feature.
I was very pleased with the operation and results, and would strongly recommend the Hydrosteam to anyone looking for professional results.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds~ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don~t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep ~ and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they~re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
Can you listen to music or not? One answer says only the sounds from the app and another answer says yes you can listen to music. I want to listen to music from Youtube? Can I do this?
No - there is no input from anything other than the Bose App it comes with. Maybe on a future update, for now all you get is the built in soundscapes.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
ferrari
Sleep better. Cover unwanted noise with soothing sounds. Bose noise-masking sleepbuds~ are uniquely designed for sleep. They don~t stream music or have acoustic noise cancellation. Instead, these tiny, wireless earbuds use pre-loaded, soothing sounds to cover up unwanted noises, so you can get to sleep ~ and stay asleep. Plus, unlike traditional earplugs, they~re super comfortable and made to stay in place all night long, even if you sleep on your side. 1. Choose your sound, 2. Set an alarm, 3. Fall asleep without unwanted noise.
Can you use these at work to drown out a loud talkative coworker?
No - these don't have noise cancellation built in - I could clearly hear a tv on medium volume while i wore these. Get true noise cancelling headphones instead.
7 years, 5 months ago
by
ferrari
Nothing puts a vacuum to the test quite like a home with pets. That's why the BISSELL~ Pet Hair Eraser~ was developed from the ground up by pet parents for pet parents. Whether it's shedding season for your dog or your cat tracks kitty litter all over the house, this revolutionary vacuum is designed to make cleaning up after pets and the people who love them a breeze~from beginning to end. Say goodbye to hair wrap with its Tangle-Free Brush Roll, remove embedded hair everywhere with specialized pet tools, help capture allergens and eliminate odors with the SmartSeal~ Allergen System, and when you're finished cleaning, enjoy a hands-free tank empty with our patented Cyclonic Spooling System~.BR>
How load is it? I've used an Oreck XL upright and a Eureka Mighty Mite and would hope it's no louder as those. I prefer bagged vacuums but want to try the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser because of its claims of not getting hair tangled on the roller.
I don't own the units you mentioned, I have a Miele canister, and it's no louder than that. I was surprised at it, as it does have great suction, and would have thought it should've been louder for the power it has. So far happy with the unit.
9 years, 3 months ago
by
ferrari