TEAC SR-80i-S Hi-fi AM/FM Radio with iPod Dock (Silver)

• iPod/iPhone/iTouch, USB, FM and AUX functions
• Full Digital Amplifier Circuit from i/pod to seakers
• Super Bass DSP Powered by MAXXBASS
• MP3 File Playback from USB Memory Device
• Video Output to TV for Movie and Slide Show

This product exceeded my expectations in almost every respect. I initially purchased this because it was one of the few portable stereos on the market with a 110/220V and 50/60Hz power adapter that allows it to be used worldwide (I spend most of my career overseas). The design is unique and cool looking the grey and silver contrast beautifully and give it modern, tasteful, and expensive look. The sound is rich, loud, booming, and clear. And the USB port is tastefully and discreetly hidden in the back of the product. Also, a/v cables are included. I liked this so much I purchased another one.

2 Week Update

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So I've used this radio for a couple weeks, and knocking down the rating to 4 stars for a few reasons: 1) Turning on the radio with the remote is strangely difficult. 2) The eco-power mode automatically shuts down the clock display after several minutes, rendering the radio not so useful as a clock. The mfg should have given an option to turn off eco-power modes. 3) The display is a little too small to use this device as a clock.

Buy TEAC SR-80i-S Hi-fi AM/FM Radio with iPod Dock (Silver) Now

I posted this same review for the black model. I paid $60 for the black version and found it to be a remarkable value. This model is different only in that the speaker cloth is grey. I did a lot of research before buying and had to rely on articles from the UK where this unit is apparently more popular (they charge 95 pounds on Amazon UKroughly $140 USD). I expected good sound, but didnt expect sound this good for $60! I think even $125 would be reasonable, though it would have more competition at that price range. But for the small size and low price, I'm thrilled with this purchase.

It's only about the size of a football, but kicks out smooth, surprisingly deep bass and plays loud enough to fill a medium sized room with full sound. It doesn't really impress with quiet background music; the sound is thinner at low volume. But when you turn it up, the bass comes to life. This unit employs DSP (digital signal processing). DSP tends to emphasize deep bass and high frequencies. On this unit, the highs are detailed, though a bit overly crisp. You can, however, alleviate this by adjusting the treble all the way down. On the other end of the spectrum, I actually increased the bass setting because it sounds good and the speakers can handle it. This does make male voices unnaturally bassy; not an incurable problemjust lower the bass for talk radio. So far, the unit sounds good with every kind of music. I even tested rap; for something so small, it did a pretty good job with the bass.

A few complaints people have about this unit:

1) With the unit off, the display goes to sleep after a few minutes, so you can't see the clock without pressing the clock button on the remote. This is a possible concern for those wanting to use it primarily as an alarm clock. Luckily, I found the display does not go to sleep with my iPod docked. And my iPod will always be docked.

2) Your bass and treble settings don't save when you turn it off. Slightly annoying. However, like with the first problem, keeping the iPod docked also prevents this issue. So not a problem for me.

3) Much of the functionality is only available via the remote, such as clock/alarm control, bass/treble settings, and radio tuning. This is common of most docks these days, and at least this has a nicer remote. It's not one of those tiny credit card remotes. But if it breaks . . .

4) The silver trim is susceptible to finger prints, and the black speaker cloth collects dust.

Overall, this is an unquestionable 5 stars from me, a serious bargain.