Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black)

• 135 Watts per Channel at 8 ohms, 20 Hz?20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
• HDMI (Version 1.4a to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel)
• HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
• Certified with Windows 7 and DLNA Version 1.5
• Front-Panel USB Input for Memory Devices and iPhone/ iPod Models (Enables Display of Album Artwork)

I previously bought a 1120k receiver and returned it for this one. Please see my companion 1120k review and the LSI15 review (right speaker even though I bought both) if you're curious.

I used this amplifier to drive 4 ohms speakers. Most audiophiles will tell you to get external amplification to drive them. I am usually skeptical of these claims.

Myth: You will need external amplifiers to drive 4 ohm speakers. False. I pushed these with an Onkyo 808 135 watts at 8ohms, not sure about the 4 ohms spec as Onkyo doesn't advertise it. There was absolutely no clipping at ear blistering level. No harshness whatsoever from the LSI15 that I heard from the C-5. At high volume, the Energy C-5 gave me a headache. However, the LSI were still extremely smooth. Those speakers (LSI15) are 89db efficiency at 1 watt, so if I push it to 110db, it would require only 128 watts to push. 110db is far louder than comfortable for most living rooms. I guess if you like listen to it louder, then external amplification would be needed. Most normal people wouldn't. Tip: Don't set the receiver to 4 ohm mode. Leave it at 8 ohms. The 4 ohm mode only serve to cut the power output to protect the receiver. My receiver has two fans that I never noticed turning on. Onkyo got smart by inserting fans. Previously, they were hot enough to cook eggs. Would external amplification improve sound quality? I have my doubts. I am a firm believer in amplifiers used for extreme volume only. Normal listening level does not require an amplifier to improve quality (relative to this receiver, lesser receiver may have issues). However, if anyone has an amplifier and wants to prove me wrong, I'm ready to be a believer.

The Onkyo 808 is a huge beast with a very hefty heat sink with dual fans. It has every single high-end adjustable settings you can think of. The only thing I discovered is that the noise correction caused my Netflix stream to ghost. However, that may be due to the noise correction algorithm coupled with the 120hz mode on my TV. Turning off the noise correction fixed the ghosting for me. The quality of the up conversion is good but perhaps a little soft for SD. I do not have an A to B comparison with the Pioneer so I can't be sure which is better. If the Marvell is better, I didn't notice it. However, I would not suggest buying an audio receiver for the video processing chip. Most SD look bad regardless of up conversion, and most high def source look best at native resolution of your TV. I've been reading on the Internet that the Marvell chip is so much better than the Faroudja. There is definitely an improvement on up conversion for either chips, but you can't make SD look HD no matter how hard you try. At least for me, DVD's looked like crap (in comparison to HD) on both the Pioneer and the Onkyo receivers. Therefore, I chalk up conversion as tie for both = equally crappy.

The HDMI is good. My PC picked up the receiver as an output source quickly.

PROS:

135 Watts

Drive 4ohms speakers well

OSD for volume

Excellent Internet radio functionality

Regular cable for IPOD

Dual fans to cool heat sink

Per input level gain

Per speakers cross-over

Dual subwoofer output

Trigger

Firmware upgradeable (make sure you update right away)

CONS:

Warmer than the Pioneer

Update 12/10/10: No dialogue enhancement

No Iphone App

This receiver is actually very good. I returned the Pioneer even though I got an extremely good deal for it. If you don't need the 135 watts, I recommend the 708 instead. However, at the current $70 online price difference between the 708 and 808, I would get the 808 for insurance. Who knows, you may want to buy 4ohm speakers later on =) and you'll save yourself the upgradeitis agony. The Pioneer 1120k is currently about $100 cheaper than the 708 street price. It's an excellent receiver if you only need 110 watts and no trigger. However, if you want Internet radio functionality, volume OSD, and per input volume gain, per speaker cross-over, pick the 708 or 808 instead.

Update (11/15/10): After having used it a few weeks, I have not discovered anything wrong with it since I updated the firmware immediately when I received it. The firmware updated pretty easily over the Internet (make sure its in USB mode first or you'll get an error). The Internet radio is very cool and works flawlessly. You do not need conventional radio with this option since most radios networks have an Internet versions online. I found some online Internet radio with 256k quality as well as radios from around the world.

I had to adjust my input to +6db to my UVerse box and +3 to my HTPC to make it the same level as the PS3 (which is always louder for some reason). I don't suggest anyone purchase any receiver that lack this feature. My old Denon had it and this one has it. I missed it immediately when I bought the Pioneer. The online display shows both volume level as well as the input label as well so I don't have to look at the receiver through the glass door which is a plus. I have not heard the fan come on yet so I believe the dual fans may be installed as a precaution rather than a necessity (then again, it's not Summer right now).

All in all, I'm very happy with this receiver. I originally wanted a Denon 3111 as a replacement but Denon is not budging on MSRP right now which means it would have cost me almost twice as much as this one. There are currently no other receivers on the market that has the comparable features as this one at this price range.

Update 12/10/10: Added the two Cons. I do miss the dialogue enhancement and the Iphone app was very cool on the Pioneer.

Buy Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black) Now

I bought the ONKYO TX-NR808 to replace my aging 10 year old Lexicon DC-2 pre-amp and Carver Professional amps. The Onkyo powering Miller and Kreisel THX 750 5.1 speaker system.

I figured that after 10 years I could use a audio update even though the Lexicon is still a amazing piece of equipment but I didn't want to spend $6500 this time around.

I wanted a receiver that had all of the newer DTS and Dolby surround formats and could power the 4 ohm M&K speakers (8 vs 4 ohm setting in the setup menus).

It sounds great I love the video switching and the great on screen display of settings.

I have a Netgear 9150 Digital entertainer Elite hooked to it with only one HDMI cable. Being able to use the HDMI really cleans up the cabling since it can also send the audio over the same cable. Same thing goes for my HD cable box, HDMI no seperate audio cable needed.

I haven't had any problems with the Ethernet not connecting, even though I did let it update via the internet. The streaming off connected networked computer is nice also, without any problems. Pandora works flawlessly.

For the price and features it cannot be beat.

Also Amazon has it for the lowest price.

UPDATE: 07-02-11

Still no problems. I now have a HTPC hooked up running WMC and Boxee.

Awesome product for the money.

Read Best Reviews of Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black) Here

So I purchased the TX-NR808 to replace my Onkyo TX-SR800 mainly just for the Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, but man was I blown away by the overall sound quality improvement with standard DD, DTS, and stereo as well! I am a very expianced home theater installer, and I am ashamed to say that I didn't realize how much of a difference 35 watts per channel would make. I have a 7.1 speaker setup featuring Polk Audio RTi10 tower speakers and a Velodyne 10" powered sub, which have always sounded great, but let me tell you that these speakers have never sounded so amazing as they do now with this receiver! WOW! Any source that i've run through it(CD, DVD, iPod, or Blu-ray) has resulted in a sonic explosion! Highs, mids and lows all are perfectly represented by the 808. So.... the real question most people want to know the answer to is.... "Does Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD sound better then standard DD and DTS?" The answer is ABSOLUTELY YES! I watched Kung Fu Panda to compare the difference and it was immediately obvious that the Dolby TrueHD trumped the DD track in every way. Then I put in "Crank 2" to hear what a DTS-MA HD 7.1 mix could do. Let me say that once the DTS logo started I was left absolutely speechless until the credits ended! Sonic power and clarity is all I can say. With either format you get improved ambiance, harder hitting bass, and amazing dynamic range which creates an unequalled movie watching experiance! No movie theater can even come close the the sound quality I now have in my home theater!

I will now list some of the other improvements that this receiver does that my old one didn't.

1. I now have the volume displayed on my screen via the HDMI out on the receiver. Very handy since my components are in the room behind my theater room!

2. I can connect it to my home network and play all my music from my computer instantly!

3. The receiver programs the remote for you after you tell it what components you have. Awesome!

4. It takes any video input whether it's composite, s-video, or component and sends it to your TV, upconverted to HD through the HDMI out!

To summarize. . . with all the features that this receiver has for the low price that I paid through Amazon I couldn't be happier with the TX-NR808! This is bar none the best receiver that I have ever heard for under $1,500!

Want Onkyo TX-NR808 7.2-Channel Network Home Theater Receiver (Black) Discount?

I bought this 135W A/V receiver to power a 5.1 set up with JBL speakers including 890's for the fronts and 830's for the surrounds. I needed the 1.4 HDMI capability to connect with a Samsung 46C8000 and I wanted more power than my prior A/V, a 100W Sony, was capable of delivering because, even though the JBL's are great, they need a lot of juice to bring them in to full blossom.

The set up was easy and the sound clarity, accuracy and other performance criteria were met superbly. The receiver's 1.4 HDMI's 3D performance (Monsters and Aliens) was excellent. On 2D, I ran the first 15 minutes of a BD Master & Commander through the initial battle scene. Holy cow, the cannon balls were hitting me in the chest, my deck (floor) was shaking and shrapnel was flying from every corner of the room.

The Onkyo is pretty big and heavy though, measure your expected positioning carefully.

All things considered, it does a great job and you could spend a lot more and get no better performance.

For a $1099 product, Onkyo needs to hire a bunch testers instead of taking advantage of consumers for testing.

1. Network connection issue keep initializing forever

2. Not working with iPhone 3G OS4.0

3. Not working with iTune m4a files

4. Picky USB connection ok with Seagate Freeagent Go 500gb drive, but not working with WD Element Portable 500gb drive

Above is my free bug report. For details, go to avsforum. (This is definitely my last time being a free beta tester for Onkyo. I quit.)

Edit: After 08/13/2010 firmware update, the network "Now Initializing" issue is NOT fixed. I have to unplug and replug my network cable each time to workaround the "Now Initializing... Forever" bug. However, the sound quality is improved after firmware update though. Better image, deeper sound stage and tighter bass in stereo. More detail and alive in movie.

Edit: After 10/27/2010 firmware update, the network "Now Initializing" issue is finally fixed for my old Netgear router. Moreover, the sound quality seems getting even better on network streaming after update. The treble is more detail and alive. Very happy with this product today and will give it 4 stars.

"With a USB drive and bunch high quality flac files (or streaming over network), the sound beats $1000+ CD players in the old days."

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Sangean RCR-2 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio (Silver)

• Updates time automatically from US atomic clock
• Dual alarms
• Automatic preset station option
• Modern styling
• Gentle wake-up alarm
• Easy to read LCD display
• HWS (Humane Wake System)
• PLL tuner
• Radio Controlled clock available for DCF/WWVB/MSF/JJY
• Weekday selection; Time zone selector switch

I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect alarm clock for my bedroom and, as you can tell, I am still looking. The Sangean RCR-2 certainly has some attractive features like the atomic clock, which took a few hours to set itself, and the nice styling but it fails in so many areas as an alarm clock. First, and most importantly, the display is unreadable. It is very busy with lots of symbols and numbers but using very thin LCD numerals for the time and the off axis viewing angle is very small; you must basically face it head on. Worst of all, however, is the blindingly bright orange backlight with makes is impossible for night adjusted eyes to read the display if you want to check the time in the middle of the night. It is so bright as to cast shadows throughout the room. I keep it across the room but I can't imagine trying to sleep with this minor sun positioned on the nightstand. Sure, you can turn off the backlight but then the clock is invisible at night. Maybe LEDs are not cool but they make a lot more sense for an alarm clock. Also, it takes at least four button presses to turn on the alarm as opposed to one on my old alarm.

Buy Sangean RCR-2 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio (Silver) Now

I own several radios and clock radios, including CCrane's CCRadio (made by Sangean) and the GE SuperRadio. Some of the negatives given in reviews above have an element of truth, but are overblown, in my view.

Compared to the CCRadio (the several year old one, I don't have the more recent CCRadio Plus):

* The RCR-2 is noticeably smaller. It is somewhat narrower, and half the height. It is twice as deep. It feels solid, heavy, and polished.

* The extra buttons make it quite a bit easier to use. Sangean is still no Apple or Timex when it comes to making intuitive interfaces, so the interface will still confuse some. And while Sangean has improved on their translation of the instruction booklet, it still leaves much unsaid. But the function of each button is clearer and simpler, with less strange overloading of uses.

* The CCRadio used any button for Snooze, so I could not switch stations, or just turn the radio OFF in the morning, without pushing the ON/OFF button 3 times, to get it out of snooze mode, and just plain OFF. The RCR-2 only uses the one up/down big tuning button for snooze, so other buttons continue to function for their primary purpose in the morning. This is good.

* The front third of the RCR-2 is polished metal, with a closely fit clear face plate over the front. The buttons are a very solid feeling, smooth polished round metal nubs with strong spring loading. This is good for most of the buttons, though the snooze (big up/down bar) button requires more focused pressure than I like first thing in the morning.

* The CCRadio buttons are flimsier feeling plastic, and have some annoying delays -you have to hold them a major fraction of a second to take affect (debounce circuitry, I guess). You hold the CCRadio station selection buttons perhaps a half second to change station, but not more than two seconds, or you just reprogrammed the memory. This is an annoyingly small window between the times required for the two functions. I have not noticed any such timing problems with the RCR-2 -the station selection buttons take affect immediately, so far as I can tell.

* The 7-day programming, and display, is the first such I have used since a Sony model, many years ago. Each of the two alarms gets one programmable time, and can be enabled or disabled independently for each of the 7 days. Each of the seven days of the week gets its own button, and the status of each day is separately shown on the display. Nice.

* I haven't pushed the radio tuner yet, except to note that the one weak AM station I like, late at night, which only my best radios (the CCRadio and GE SuperRadio) can pick up, also came in just fine on the RCR-2. So I assume this is another fine Sangean AM frontend.

* The RCR-2 display is _much_ more readable than the CCRadio display. There is _no_ angle from which I can read the smaller details on the CCRadio display, except when I hold a flashlight just right and squint through my good eye. The RCR-2 display is crystal clear from a range of angles (and utterly invisible or unreadable, outside that range). You must view it from straight on or from above, looking down, but not more than about 20 or 30 degrees above the horizontal. If you are more than 5 or 10 degrees below the horizon, looking up, it is _completely_ invisible, with just an orange lit rectangle. You can look from the left or right of straight on by 20 degrees and see an excellent display, or perhaps 40 degrees to the left or right and still make out the numbers. The backlight is just from one side (the right), but covers the whole display fairly well, only mildly less bright on the left side. The backlight on my CCRadio is utterly dark on the opposite side, and only marginally useful. The orange backlight on the RCR-2 is almost bright enough to use for a night light, which some folks who like real darkness for sleeping will find way excessive they will have to turn the light off. Personally, I can sleep in broad daylight, and rather like the light.

* I have tried several atomic clocks that set using a radio signal from Boulder, Colorado. Only two of them were able to find any signal in my location -this RCR-2 and one other higher priced wall clock. The RCR-2 has a separate antenna for the clock setting signal, which can be hung off the back of the radio, or placed separately within the 3 foot range of the attaching wire. The cheaper atomic setting clocks that I have tried, $20 or less, have never worked for me. The RCR-2 still won't work for everyone, depending on signal strength, but it's good enough for me, and better than most.

* I have no comments on audio or speaker quality I am half deaf, and only listen to AM Talk Radio and Alarm Buzzes ;). The RCR-2 handles these two just fine, so far as I can tell.

* Unlike both the GE SuperRadio and CCRadio, the RCR-2 does not take a big heavy set of D cell batteries. So I suspect when I lose electric power, I won't be listening to the RCR-2 for long. It's no emergency radio. The backup power (internal capacitor) did last the couple of minutes it took me to move the radio between locations, as I tried out the atomic time setting reception. It kept time while unplugged, with the display light off, but the seconds still counting.

* And the RCR-2 is no DX long distance radio tuner. While the AM frontend seems to be quality, you don't get the fine tuning and antenna options required for DX'ing.

* The RCR-2 doesn't have the Weather channel that my CCRadio has -not that I care.

* The RCR-2 has no bass or treble controls just a volume control. Fine by me.

* The Nap function is the first I've seen of such that I will likely use. Just push the Nap button once for each 10 minutes you want. The display shows 10, 20, ... 120, OFF in sequence, for 10 to 120 minutes of nap time, and OFF. The only minor annoyance is that you have to push the button the remainder of the 12 times to turn it back OFF, but in normal usage, one doesn't need to do that often.

Read Best Reviews of Sangean RCR-2 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio (Silver) Here

I used to have an Emerson CKS2237 Dual Alarm Clock Radio (Silver) (it was a "smartset" that was supposed to be smart enough to "set itself"). After the new DST rules came into effect, the Emerson lost its smart and no longer set itself properly (it was not atomic as many had thought it was). I then found and purchased the Sangean RCR-2. The clock itself was excellent with the one exception that it was nearly impossible to read the clock at night (and also during the day at certain angles). I opted to return the clock and wait for the Sangean RCR-22 to come out.

Sangean RCR-22 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio

I waited for about 3 months for the RCR-22 to come out. It was really worth the wait. The RCR-22 is an excellent upgrade over the RCR-2. In addition to the features of the RCR-2, below are some of the upgrades that the RCR-22 offers over the RCR-2:

The display screen for the RCR-22 has a dark blue background with white text. It makes for a very easy read from a wide variety of angles (unlike the RCR-2).

The display screen for the RCR-22 has an adjustable display knob to make the background screen lighter or darker (the RCR-2 was lacking this).

The RCR-22 has a wider display screen than the RCR-2 (this keeps the clutter down when trying to read from a distance and at night).

The RCR-22 has aux input so that you can connect your mp3 or CD player.

The RCR-22 has a super capacitor that provides memory and alarm memories for up to 1 hour during power disruptions (the RCR-2 also provided a similar type of protection, however, Sangean never made a claim as to the length of memory time that it had).

The RCR-22 appears to have better atomic reception and better AM/FM radio reception than the RCR-2.

In appearance, the RCR-22 looks much cooler than the RCR-2.

Although I gave the RCR-2 3 stars, I give the RCR-22 a full 5 stars.

Want Sangean RCR-2 AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio (Silver) Discount?

I really like this alarmclock a lot! It got the highest rating for alarmclocks by the Dutch Consumer organisation (Consumentenbond) in 2005. So on this score i bought it because my old alarmclock had gotten a bit 'shifty' on me. And i must say i like it a lot. I think it is 'pretty' as far as alarmclocks can be called pretty. It sounds really good for such a small box. I actually like the display, despite other people calling it awful. Sure when i'm standing up next to my bed it becomes unreadable but when i'm lying down in bed on either side it is very clear. The dial has a warm yellow glow and the numbers are black and very clear.

It has a bunch of features, to much to name them all but for example: I can set the alarm for any time, any day of the week and any station that i want. It's time setting and keeping is radio controlled, so it always keeps perfect time, summer and winter. Reception on FM or AM is very clear and free of noise and distortion. The sound is clear and rich actually just plain good, even with classical music :-) Sofar i would call it the best alarmclock i've ever owned or heard before. I give it 5 stars!

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You will definately need the manual to learn this alarm clock. Setting the alarm without reading the manual would have been more difficult. I could not get the alarm to set to the station I wanted, until I figured it out by holding the (alarm 1 or alarm 2) button just like setting a pre-set station button.

I will agree with others about the display. It does fade if your not looking directly at it.

Here's the caution for deep sleepers. If you are like me and use the snooze button until you have to get up; beware, the alarm automatically turns off after 1 hour. I was late for work twice in the same week the week after I received the alarm clock. I've adjusted the time the alarm goes off, as well made the adjustment myself. Perhaps this is a good thing. I'm not waiting until the last minute to get up.

The sound quality is good. AM reception is impressive, and clear. FM music quality is good as well.

It took a couple hours initally for the time to set. Overall, I am very satisfied, even after being late for work twice.

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RCA RP4842 AM/FM Dual Wake Clock Radio

• AM/FM Dual Wake with Green LED display
• Graduwake - Ramp Up Alarm for a smooth transition from sleep to wake
• Nap Function
• Programmable Sleep Function
• Forward / Reverse Time and Alarm Setting

My trusty Sony ICF-C740 that got me through college was assimillated to my wife's side of the bed which worked for a while, but eventually I'd had enough and she's not so good at learning new gadgets so I found myself looking for an alarm clock radio. I'm a big researcher/try-er out-er of things and if there's something about a gadget that bugs me, it tends to grow worse until I take the thing back. So it was with clock radios. I had a few simple criteria: 1) had to be large (>0.9"), semi-bright green numerals (the night-time vision area of your eye is more sensitive to blue--that's why blue signs catch your eye at night--but much worse resolution-wise than the day-time portion which essentially makes your vision worse when reading blue text/numbers at night, so blue displays were a turn off) which were easily visible by day or night, and didn't provide a light distraction for me as I went to bed; 2) preferrably 2 alarm times; 3) had to have radio as the alarm; 4) had to pick up at minimum local NPR station and local classical station as a bonus (best gentle wake-up music & news in the morning); 5) extra bonus points for nicely variable snooze time and a 'nap' feature without messing up the alarms.

I looked at all the current Sonys (what happened to the simple design with nice features and good reception/sound quality?) and a whole slew of clock radios from Target, Walmart, Best Buy and others. Here are the main highlights of the ones that I ended up buying and taking back:

-Extra large display clock (can't remember if it was a Sony, RCA or other brand): In general, I find the extra large displays are rather dim, with the possible exception of the red ones (but I wasn't going for red). Even the variable ones start out dim and just go lower. Don't even get me started on the large blue displays. Try reading them from across the room at night, just big blue fuzzy letters (and before you start knocking my vision, I'm 20/14).

-RCA RP5640: wasn't too keen at first of the LCD display, but you could select green and it was bright enough (though the background brightness made me switch on the auto-dimmer which made it hard to read sometimes depending on the room lighting and my distance from the clock). All-around nice clock with all the features I wanted (including bonus points ones) but overall too many people complaining about broken CD doors (though I probably wouldn't have used that much) and the big kicker-generally poor reception. It could pick up NPR with a lot of background fuzz but not even a hint of the classical station. Also, the "instant weather" channels all picked up some local bad 40s country station...with a lot of background static. The alarm "off" button was pretty small too and in the corner, so not as user friendly as it could have been.

-Boston Receptor: Great sound but...though the audiophile in me wanted to keep it, it too couldn't pick up the classical station (NPR sounded great, though) despite it's advertising on picking up weak FM signals. In the end, I couldn't justify $150 for medium-level reception and entry-level dual alarm features.

As you can see, I was willing to pay a lot for a quality clock radio that did want I wanted it to: wake me up to radio of my choice, have some good features, and be easy to read & use. That's why I was surprised that my final purchase (the RP4842) I got for $7 on clearance at Walgreens. It's an RCA so it (somewhat surprisingly) had the "grad-u-wake" feature with the alert alarm (soft to loud in about 45 sec, though I never use that alarm setting), settable snooze time in 1 minute increments (no other clock radio I found besides the RCAs have that) and a nap button with 10 minute increments up to 2 hours. Contrary to other posts here, I didn't find turning off the alarm hard at all as the "on/off" button is in general fairly easy to feel with my fingers in the lower left corner and has no near neighbors. If you do happen to hit the nap button, all you have to do is hit it again and hold it for it to turn nap mode off. Add to the ease-of-use, feature-rich, and wallet-lite aspects the fact that it could do what neither the expensive RCA or the Boston could do: pick up NPR AND the classical station pretty clearly and it was clearly the winner. The nice hefty speaker also sounds pretty good and can go plenty loud if you like the radio on while you dress in the closet.

I don't know how it compares with the RP5400 (once you find perfection, you stick with it) which I guess seems to be the current revision of this clock, but it looks uglier to me with a worse layout of buttons. Apparently that's the normal current version that Walgreens/Walmart carries and I happened to go to a Walgreens that still had a few of the RP4842s left. So if you find one, pick one up. You won't be sorry. Heck, I might just go back to Walgreens and pick up the other one in the event this one ever beaks or gets fried from a lightning strike.

Buy RCA RP4842 AM/FM Dual Wake Clock Radio Now

As other reviewers have noted, this clock has an excellent list of features. The sound quality on the radio is surprisingly good. Having two separate alarms is handy, the alarm tone is not too obnoxious, and the gradual volume increase works nicely. Unfortunately the designers apparently paid no attention to usability whatsoever.

There should be one simple, clear way to turn an alarm off. It should be something you can do in the dark (if you have to get up while your spouse is still sleeping, you know what I'm talking about). For this clock there are actually two different ways to turn off the alarm (besides Snooze). If the alarm is sounding, you can press the "On/Off" button to turn it off. If it has not yet sounded (either you get up before it goes off, or you have hit the snooze button) you have to press "Cancel" then the specific alarm button. Good luck finding those tiny buttons in the dark! If you accidentally hit "Nap" instead, you've just put the clock into a mode where it ignores your cancel requests. If you forget and press "On/Off" as you would for the sounding alarm, you'll turn on the radio. Congratulations, you've just startled your spouse out of a sound sleep! There a total of 6 LED indicator lights. In the dark, it's hard to tell which indicator is for an alarm (as opposed to AM/PM and Nap function). All in all, very frustrating to operate.

Read Best Reviews of RCA RP4842 AM/FM Dual Wake Clock Radio Here

This clock radio has great features at a very modest price (about $15): two alarms, two-way time and alarm setting (so you don't have to go all the way around if you go slightly past the desired time or alarm setting), a pleasant green display (soothing compared to harsh red or blue), and easy-to-use, well-designed controls.

Unlike another reviewer, I have had no problems at all with radio reception.

The only negative is that the self-adjusting display (which is supposed to adjust to ambient light) gets too bright in the middle of the night. Certainly not enough to wake anyone up (and we are light sleepers), but a little jarring when coming back to bed after getting up for some other reason.

Overall, we are very pleased and would definitely buy this clock radio again.

Want RCA RP4842 AM/FM Dual Wake Clock Radio Discount?

It's a pretty good clock, but the fact that the alarm stays on for the next day is frustrating. I bought it for my wife and she doesn't need the alarm every morning. It'd be nice if once you turned the alarm off in the morning it wouldn't automatically be activated the next morning. I'm sure this is a nice feature for some people, but it'd be nice if there was an option.

What I like most about the clock radio is that the alarm starts off soft and gets louder gradually so you aren't awakened by a really loud alarm right away. Another feature I appreciate is that you can go backward with the time. That saves me time and irritation. Having two alarms and being able to choose between radio and buzzer are necessary items as well. I recommend this inexpensive, innovative item.

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Sylvania SIP286 Rotating Speakerphone Docking Station with Clock for iPhone/iPod (Black)

• Play and charge all iPhones and iPods
• Built in Clock for easy time viewing
• Auxiliary input for playback of all audio devices
• Digital Volume Control
• AC Adapter Included

My son chose this item for his ipod touch. He was very pleased with the way it looks and it's ease of use. His only complaint is the clock on the display is in a 24 hour mode and can't be changed to 12 hour. It plays pretty loud and has a good sound. I think it was a bargain price too.

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GPX HM102B Compact Home Music System with AM/FM Radio and MP3 Dock Connector

• Folding 3.5mm HP-type pin connector to connect compatible MP3 players
• Also connect via the 3.5mm line input
• Digital clock displays clearly on negative LCD display with white backlight
• Power adapter is included
• Battery backup requires 2 AA batteries (not included)

I like this little guy because he isn't your uber expensive Bose stereo, and he's not your cheap little junker stereo. Works great and produces good sound for it's price.

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Ordered from the Open Box department, but it did not work. Thanks to Amazons excellent return policy sent back, no questions asked.

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Bought this for my 13 year old son and it has great sound. Not to expensive and does the trick!

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Sounds good, not that loud but what would you expect for a dinky little bookshelf stereo. Good for background classical music in your home office.

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I purchased it for the radio and it works perfectly fine. no hassels, looks good. It clearly states it doesnt charge the iphone. I used it once with the iphone(just to check) and it plays the music just fine. But the pin does look a little flimsy.

Overall I'm happy for the radio that i bought it for. Range and sound quality are both OK... nothing to brag about but worth the $22-25.

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Edifier USA MF240BT Beige Tick Tock Bluetooth

• Bluetooth connectivity to any Bluetooth enabled device
• Front firing speaker driver Omni-directional tweeters
• LED display screen for FM/AUX/Time display
• Auxiliary 3.5mm input jack for additional audio connectivity
• FM radio function

The display and design of this clock radio are nicely done. But we've found that it's too difficult to snooze the alarm. A short press to any area of the rubber multi switch is supposed to trigger snooze, but it's too easy to turn on the radio instead. And while the volume has full range adjustability when listening to the radio or bluetooth, the alarm volume can't be set below a fixed level (10) that's too loud for our liking.

The instructions aren't as clear as they could be, and they fail to mention features like the fact that there are several alarms presets you can set. The controls are simple, but not intuitive to use so the lack of clear documentation means you'll likely forget how to program the alarm unless you need to change settings frequently.

Sound quality is reasonable for a clock radio, but it's not good enough that I can recommend this bluetooth model. I really don't see us using this radio for as a speaker for playing tunes. Look at the less expensive versions of the Tick Tock but only if you're enamored of the styling and don't mind a rather loud bedside alarm.

Update: The snooze issue is intolerable. My wife is the primary user and says she has to carefully press the center of the top button pad, and for just the right amount of time, in order to make snooze work. Obviously, when you're wanting to snooze you don't want to have to wake up enough to deal with a very fussy snooze button. We've gone back to an older, less stylish alarm clock radio.

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this product claims to sync and stream your music when your alarm goes off but that is a lie. I called the manufacturer who's customer service reps barely spoke englis but acknowledged that the alarm only plays FM radio. They could not understand that the amazon.com website says that the alarm will stream from any bluetooth device so you can "wake up to your favorite tunes". Thankfully, they are allowing a return. I would not recommend this device unless you are looking to wake up to FM radio to an $80 which you can do for less than $10 for an alarm clock that's for sure. And it doesn't look as cool as you think it might.

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This does not work with the Nokia Lumia 822 Bluetooth and it is way too bright and no way to dim the light.

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+Sounds good

+Looks nice (without tons of buttons cluttering up the back)

-Controls to turn the alarms on/off etc. are on the back and I keep forgetting what they each do. Helps make the unit look nice but its also a bit of a pain every time I go to change a setting.

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Loconet Super Throttle, Duplex Radio Equipped

The DT402 D is the top of the line throttle from Digitrax. It is radio equipped duplex throttle. The word "duplex" simply means that you can activate and start using the throttle without having to plug it in to UP5, UR92 or such. It has duplex, i.e. two way communication with the command station, DSC100 or any other. You do need a UR92, which is a radio transciever which acts as the interface between the throttle and the command station. This is handy particularly for large layouts run by train clubs for example. But it can be used on any layout. The one thing to be aware of is that the radio signal is pretty strong and may cause some interference with other devices. It can also operate on Infra Red mode with UR90 or UR91 transcievers.

The radio throttle has a very short cord that does allow for connecting to LocoNet panels or receivers but it's not well suited for tethered operation. It supports up to 30 functions, sound functions, has a black and white display, allows for controlling two trains at a time, supports programming and many other features. It includes all features that any Digitrax throttle has -hence the Super Throttle. It's narrow and long and fits nicely in your hand. I've used this one on many occasions at friend's house and it's a joy to use. As far as durability is concerned, my friend has several of them and they've been used and abused and dropped many times and they just keep running.

The only thing is that this is a bit pricier than other throttles, either the DT402 infrared or the UT4 throttles. Both of which are good alternatives if you're price sensitive and certainly cover the basic features. But if you have the option to buy this one, then you certainly won't regret it.

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RCA RCD30 Alarm Clock

• 1.4-Inch red LED display
• Easy to use control buttons
• Snooze functionality-large full width button to easily prolong your wake-up
• High/Low display brightness control
• 9V battery back-up (not included)

I'm pretty picky about my alarm clocks for several reasons: brightness, number size, and sound. I'm terribly nearsighted and the numbers were big and bright enough to be visible at 15 feet. I'm also sensitive to light in a dark bedroom and this clock doesn't create that nimbus of light around it that so many of my previous clocks have. Finally, it is loud enough to get me up at 3:30 AM but doesn't make the neighbor's dog howl (yes, this is actually a problem). Cheap, functional, compact, and one of the best I've ever owned.

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The bedside alarm clock I had for umpteen years recently died, and I spent hours searching for a new one. As a nearsighted insomniac, I couldn't buy a tiny clock and have any prayer of reading it, but I needed a dimmable clock whose glow wouldn't wake me up. At first I tried a "dimmable" Timex, but the dimmer switch didn't work, so back it went to Amazon. Then I tried a clock with "amber" lights whose dim setting was bright enough to read by (no joke!). Another return. Finally, desperately, I tried this. It's an excellent size, but still, unfortunately, bright enough to disturb. But then I came across what has proven to be a brilliant solution elsewhere on the web. I purchased a smoke-colored plastic report cover and cut out a piece of plastic the same size as the clock face. A light spritz of water & it adheres perfectly to the clock. I can read the clock easily even in bright sunlight, but its glow is dimmed satisfactorily at night, and the plastic cover isn't otherwise noticeable. Highly recommended fix!

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Happily, I don't actually need an alarm clock. What I do need, though, is a clock that both my husband and I can see from across the room in the middle of the night without our glasses ("Old age is not for sissies." --Bette Davis). Apparently that's a lot to ask from a clock, but the RCA RCD30 delivers. I also appreciate its compact size and that it does not have a stand-type base that is unstable or can easily break (yes, I've had experience with other brands...).

The RCD30 is pretty basic. It does exactly what I need it to do (keep time, be visible), it's competitively priced, and has a small footprint. I like it a lot.

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I was very satisfied with this alarm clock. The numbers are nice and big so you can see them from across the room easily. The numbers are bright but you can dim them a bit if you like. The time and alarm are easy to set. The snooze button is nice and large and easy to find when you are half asleep. It also has battery back up and uses a 9 volt battery. This is an alarm clock only. There is no radio. It is small enough that it would be easy to pack if you are a traveler. All in all, it is a very nice alarm clock!

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This actually keep time correctly, which from other reviews I've read of other clocks is a plus! Very simple design. Has a 2 settings for the brightness of the display. Has a snooze button which is very wide and the only button on the top. I wish it had an alarm reset button on the top or side though; to reset the alarm you have to slide the alarm on/off button on the back right side down and up again and that is a bit awkward. It's very light, so the cord wants to drag it off the dresser.. you have to bend the cord so it lays flat on the surface. How long will it last? I donno.

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Chestnut Hill Sound GEORGE Audio Speaker System for iPod

• Brilliant Sound. Drop in your iPod, select your favorite tune and hear it in a whole new light.GEORGE features 5 speakers in a bi-amplified configuration to deliver your audio the way it was meant to be heard.We call it TBSTM (Tonally Balanced Sonics)
• Ultimate Control. Navigate through your music faster and easier than any other system.In fact, only GEORGE allows you to navigate from Aimee Mann to Rolling Stones in one click.
• Smarter Radio - 24 Presets. Traditional presets are great, if you have a photographic memory.Using the high-resolution display, GEORGE actually displays your favorites.Why search when you already know what you want
• Advanced AM/FM alarm clock with BANDLESS Tuning
• Powers/charges iPod while docked

I brought one of these home and an HK Play+Go. I compared the SQ. I kept the HK and it looks like the George is going back.

The HK sounds somewhat better. Better bass, volume and soundstage. The George does, however, have clearer treble on some songs. (I import music to the IPOD at 320 kbps.) Moreover, the George has treble and bass controls. Don't get me wrong, the sound from the George is very good!

The George is a marvel --the unique remote, very good AM/FM, and a clock radio. Looks are ok. (Note: due to its features and intended use, a comparion with the Bose Wave --similarly priced and a CD player rather than IPOD dock --might be more appropriate but no one is doing that, not even Chestnut Hill.)

It's an excellent product, so why only three stars? Well, I gave the HK four stars --the George costs substantially more and the SQ is a bit weaker. I really do like the extra features (AM/FM radio, clock radio, unique remote). The problem --its very good sound quality does not justify the price. (It's high price is partly due to the special, detachable remote.) The remote is a marvel of engineering but I don't need it. I prefer to use the IPOD itself --the IPOD screen is in color and the George remote screen is black and white (sort of like the IPOD a few generations ago; moreover, the remote does not hold a charge for very long.) Videos --the George will not help you there.

So, no, it's not worth $499 to me. At $399 it would be very appropriately priced IMHO. It might even sell like hotcakes! Even then, I would get the HK because of the better SQ. Moreover, I like the portability of the HK and the ability to use batteries.

Should you buy it? If the extra features mean a lot to you, then a definite yes. (Especially if you would make extensive use of the remote and prefer it to the IPOD interface for some reason.) The sound is much more than adequate for a clock radio and compares well to the popular Bose Sound Dock.

It's actually a very well made product, set-up is very easy and SQ is very good.

My ratings:

George B (features partially offset high price)

HK Play+Go A(SQ is very good, price is lower)

Sound Dock B(SQ over-rated, pay for Bose name)

Sound Dock Portable C+ (very overpriced for SQ and weak battery)

Good luck!

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Had my George for a few days but have cycled different music -rock, jazz, classical through it. I would describe the sound as "comparable" to the Wave. The fact that the sound is so good sealed the deal for me because the features just kill. I love having a clockradio on steroids that can be across the bedroom filing the whole room with sound rather than right next to my head. Ditto the alarm. With the remote unit (remote control doesn't do it justice) my night table is tidy and the display is inches away while the music fills the room.

The lighted adjustable remote offers the ability to navigate the full Ipod menu. That means laying flat on my back in the dark I can scroll all my albums, playlists, even podcasts, Very James Bond. Very luxurious. Also the AM FM is on it with presets and it appears that other sources are going to be released.

I have a den next to my bedroom and even though the sound radiates I love the idea that I can take the remote in there and blah, blah, blah. Also the line output means I can add a pair of speakers in the den and still use the remote to access my full collection and the radio.

The alarms -there are 5 will couple with any source or tune and are easy to set and reset. This thing is the coolest device since the Kindle.

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I really like the interface on George. It's so easy to get around and view all my music. Plus it does everything else that you need and gives great sound. Pretty cool gadget. Not cheap feeling.

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Awesome! But... expensive? Maybe, but it sounds better than the rest by far and at least as good as its price!

the remote is cool for sure but the sound is what really makes it for me

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Lanzar SDN70U 7'' Double Din TFT Touch Screen DVD/VCD/CD/MP3/MP4/CD-R/USB/SD-MMC Card Slot /AM/FM

• 7-Inch TFT LCD Screen

i was amazed at how good this was especialy for the price every thing was a breeze to install i give it 4 outa 5

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iv never owned anything remotley like this and think its a front runner when it comes to installation, affordability and over all function...i recently installed this and am working through the many options...very impressed thus far, had to be a touch screen, so happy i didn't miss the opertunity, Awesome.

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first of all the touch screen is very responsive, i can shuffle through selections quickly and get the unit to work when i want and not when it wants. Touch screens are relatively new and some still need the bugs worked out.

Lanzer made this touch screen to work effortlessly.

as far as the picture and sound, i am very very pleased.

If someone else finds better i'd like to know where they got it, i truly love this touchscreen!

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A lot of options are included for a good price. A nice touch screen overall. This unit came on time, complete, and was not damaged.

Once it is installed with the aluminum sleeve that comes with it, it is secure,and functions as it should. I do not think I got lucky, I think it is a good product.

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Package came as it should. Removed the shipping screws and began installation. Early into the install I was stooped when I couldn't find the installation sleeve that fits on the outside of the player. This is the aluminum sleeve you press the tangs down on to keep the unit secure in the dash. I searched for about 20 minutes and finally resorted to calling Lanzar. It was 3 p.m. on a wed. Not a holiday or anything special. I got a machine which transferred me due to it being "after hours". The agent I was transferred to had a voicemail box that was full and I couldn't leave a message. Very angry I began my search online for info on the issue and found out the unit DOES NOT come with a sleeve. It has 2 little metal bars that bolt to the side and half ass hold it in. I was very upset with the poor quality but continued my install. The unit is now installed and shakes around in the dash every time I hit a bump. It also has a very outdated display with a blue backlit screen and simple text that resembles an 80's computer. The sound quality is fair and the features work as they are suppose to so far. It's o.k. at best. I think its not worth the purchase simply because it can't be installed correctly without the sleeve. I would not purchase this unit if I had it to do over again. You choose.

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