Electronics Gadget Reviews

Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Add on Speaker Black SPK VELO2

This single add-on wireless speaker is the perfect addition to your current audio unlimited wireless speaker system. With this add-on speaker you can create a multi-room sound system and have the freedom to listen to music just about anywhere in your house or yard, without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wires!

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Pretty good value
These speakers are my 3rd attempt at finding something I’m happy with. For the price, I would recommend these. They’re not perfect, but I am happy with them. They are weatherproof and have decent sound quality and decent volume. They have a/c adapters and they take 12 C batteries and this can get expensive I suppose. I like the auto-off and auto-on feature. I’m not happy with the remote; it doesn’t always turn the speaker on after they’ve been off for a period of time. I also wish it had a “mute” button. Anyway, good value.

5 Stars Pretty cool. Great value.
This speaker system works. Set up was easy. The sound is good. I added a third speaker to the two that come with the system, and it worked without issues. I have not tried the speakers out on battery, nor have I tested the waterproofness of them. Recommended.

5 Stars GREAT, but weak bass.
If you have your own or separate woofer, then these add ons work excellently as portable speakers.

5 Stars Happy camper
I have music playlists from Napster on my computer that I want to listen to in other rooms but running speaker wires would be impossible. These wireless speakers solve the problem very nicely.

I connected the transmitter to the computer, plugged the speakers into an AC outlet and turned on the music. Real easy. I’m no audiophile but I like what I’m hearing.

The only problem I’m finding is that the transmitter doesn’t pick up all audio signals. Napster and various online am/fm stations play fine but I can’t get signals from others such as AOL Radio or Pandora.

Still, a thumbs up from me

5 Stars great addition to the garage
I am able to listen to on-line music in the garage. I was able to hang the speaker high up out of the way.

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Yamaha RX V863BL 735 Watt 7 1 Channel Home Theater Receiver

105 watts x 7 into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.06% THD * Dolby?True HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby?Digital Plus, DTS-HD High Resolution Audio, Dolby?Digital EX, DTS-ES, Pro Logic?IIx, and DTS Neo:6 decoding * improved YPAO sound optimization for more precise automatic speaker setup (microphone included) * SIRIUS satellite radio capable (requires SIRIUS subscription and optional SiriusConnect home tuner kit) * iPod integration (requires optional Yamaha YDS-11) * dual-room/dual-source audio (powered and line-level stereo audio output for 2nd room) *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great bang for the buck
I bought this along with the Yamaha 3900. I put the 3900 in my family room and the 863 in the bedroom. Personally, I like the 863 better.

Just as some background, I have a Sony 550 Blu Ray and a Directv HD receiver hooked up to it. It has outputs to a 5.1 speaker system in Zone 1 and a simple 2 speaker system in Zone 2 (in our bathroom so we can listen to the radio in the morning). Video is thru a Samsung 7 series 52″ LCD TV.

Great sound. The upscaling of DVDs is tremendous. It can turn a DVD into (almost) a Blu Ray. Easily does 2 zones. It has 3 HDMI inputs and 1 output. Can handle 2 subs. If you don’t do HDMI, has tons of other inputs which can easily be seen on the pictures. It also has all the capabilities of more expensive receivers. HD Radio, Sirius, XM, ipod dock and all the acronyms.

So, why would you pay more (for the 3900 for example)? The 3900 is a network receiver, which the 863 is not. The 3900 has 4 HDMI inputs and 2 HDMI outputs (vs 3/1 for the 863). The 3900 is a little more powerful (140W/channel vs 105 for the 863).

However, after buying both, I wish I had just bought 2 863s. In fact for the cost of the 3900, I could have.

Great receiver. Great price. Incredible value.

4 Stars Yamaha RX-V863 Review
I have been using this receiver for the past three weeks, and although it takes some time to properly customise at the end I am very impress with the sound Quality and overall performance of this unit

4 Stars Nice Receiver
This is my 3rd Yamaha receiver I like to up grade. This one has the hd radio and hdmi hook ups that my old one didn’t. I do wish they would have impoved the remote control. I like my old one better with the lcd screen on it.

4 Stars Formerly owned the venerable RXV-659…
Got this receiver when I got the Panasonic Blu-ray player. Easy setup, many soundfields, a few changes from the RXV-659. I really wanted this unit for its analog video upconversion and ability to perform lossless PCM and the upgraded Dolby and DTS audio from Blu-rays.

Only gripe: relatively expensive, although I got mine (new in box!)from a clearance sale.

I’ve always enjoyed listening to music on Yamaha receivers, and with this unit’s ability to play my DVD-Audio discs, I am pretty pleased.

4 Stars Yamaha RX-V863
I’ve been a long time Onkyo listener. I went with Yamaha this time for it’s price and loyal customers. Plus I heard the competing Onkyo unit had a video issue in 1080P. I am very pleased with the Yamaha, it delivers very clean sound, plenty of HDMI hook ups, and an easy to set up interface. Prior Onkyo users will not like the rear hookups for anything other than HDMI. They are split up by type of input unlike the Onkyo where you could define what input the different video modes used. This somewhat constrains you in hooking up VCR’s, Wii’s, Ipod (without the onkyo dock). Overall though this is a great unit and I recommend it to anyone.

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Onkyo HT S3100 5 1 Channel Home Entertainment System Set of Seven Black

The HT-S3100 covers today’s key entertainment options. The HT-S3100 has a trademark amplification design that puts power and precision before all else. Onkyo’s High Current Power Supply (H.C.P.S.) concept ensures that you will always have the power to respond to the wide dynamics of surround sound. When the sound is attenuated in a conventional amplifier, the audio signal drops close to the noise floor at low volumes, thereby tainting the signal. Onkyo’s Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry adjusts the gain so that less than half the standard amount of attenuation is necessary. The gloss finish of the speakers accentuates the minimalist styling of today’s displays. An equivalent technology from Dolby Digital, Pro Logic II, also brings you multichannel sound from regular stereo, for a more expansive home cinema experience. CinemaFILTER restores the correct tonal balance for playing a movie soundtrack in the smaller confines of your home theater. CinemaFILTER can be used with DTS and Dolby listening modes, and is easily activated from your remote control. If you use the OR-EQ equalizer button, you’ll get a more powerful, direct sound from movie sources. Color-Coded Speaker Terminals Easy-Set Speaker Configuration Crossover Adjustment (40/50/60/80/100/120/150/200 Hz) Compatible with RI (Remote Interactive) Dock for the iPod A/V Sync Control Function (Fixed at 0/20/40 ms) Full-Function RI (Remote Interactive) Remote Control HTP-360 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker System Tuning Frequency Range – FM 87.5 MHz-107.9 MHz and AM 530 kHz-1710 kHz Front Speaker – 4 x 10-3/4 x 4-3/4 (101×273x121mm), 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg) Center Speaker – 10-3/4 x 4 x 4-3/16 (273×101x106mm), 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg) Surround Speaker – 4 x 10-3/4 x 4-3/4 (101×273x121mm), 1.5 pounds (0.8 kg) Subwoofer Speaker – 9-5/8 x 16-1/8 x 14-5/8 (245×410x372mm), 14.6 pounds (6.6 kg)

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Onkyo is junk, and they don’t care
I purchased Onkyo’s HT-S3100 home theater system on February 6, 2009. On May 15 the receiver failed. After being put on standby mode for about two days, to save electricity, all of many attempts to turn it back on to use it have been unsuccessful. It’s apparently “fried.” The Onkyo web site offers a telephone number to call for technical assistance. I’ve called it 5 times in the last eight days (through 5/29/2009) and am each time invited by their recording, since alive person never comes to the phone, to leave a telephone number at which to be called back. Onkyo has not called back once. Their stuff is junk, they know it, and apparently they have no intention of honoring their warranty. Anyone know if Bernie Madoff owns them?

5 Stars Great Deal for the Money
I have owned this system for about 4 months now and I feel that is an adequate length of time to give an accurate review.

I read reviews and did in store tests for just under a month before buying this. I originally was interested in the base Sony model, but after testing it at the now discontinued Circuit City, I saw the Sony was no match for this Onkyo. The Sony wattage is always over-exaggerated, with it being extremely evident when doing a side by side comparison.

Here is a quick breakdown on the pro’s + con’s.

Pro’s:

Amazing sound for the money

-Blu-Ray live concerts will blow you away

Above average bass (but not the best for the $)

Extremely easy setup

Lengthy wire cords (Have to buy extra wire w/ the Sony)

Easy to use remote

Con’s:

No HDMI’s

-This can be overcome by using HDMI from your source (PS3 or cable box) to your TV and optical cable from there to the console. I have it set up this way and no signal quality is lost, guaranteed…a optical cable does carry Dolby Digital and DTS signals.

Large main console (You may face placement issues)

I am very pleased with my purchase and have 0 regrets to this day. I know you won’t either.

5 Stars Sweet Surround Sound on the Cheap
First things first. This is a great surround sound system in a box! Plus, it was pretty inexpensive. Onkyo is known for their great surround sound systems, and this one is no exception. I have an HDTV, but this system does not have an HDMI connection, but I knew that when purchasing. I simply bought a really inexpensive optical cable from here at Amazon to connect the system to my TV. The audio quality is excellent, and the system has plenty of settings to mess with. I have an Xbox-360 and PS3, and the 5.1 sound pumped out of this thing really puts you in the game. I can’t recommend this unit enough! You still reading? Buy this thing already!

5 Stars Good deal
It comes with a decent price and all the ins and outs you want for your home theater needs. The A/B speaker controls allows you to set up that extra set of speakers outside for the afternoon bbq. Clean and clear sound as expected. Very happy consumer.

Josef

Audio engineer

5 Stars Great System
We needed a new speaker system when my DVD surround sound system kicked the bucket after 5 years. The speakers wouldn ‘t work with any other system, so we decided to buy something that we could plug everything into. This system is great. It ’s nice to be able to hear our Playstation, VCR, and DVD’s all in surround sound. Easy to assemble. I did a lot of shopping around before buying. I found that Onkyo is the best low-end system around here and what I paid was lower than average price for a refurb system. Works great. We’re very happy with it. Delivery was within 7 business days.

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JBL CS6100BG Complete 6 Piece Home Theater Speaker System Black Gloss

Got your widescreen HDTV for your living room? That’s only part of the experience. HDTV sound goes beyond 2-channel stereo, dividing sound into 5 channels. Get yourself a 5.1 channel surround receiver and add these speakers and you’ve got home theater to enjoy and love! JBL’s CS6100 6-Piece Home Cinema Speaker Package is a high-performance home-theater speaker system that beautifully complements your living room. The four satellites, matching horizontal center, and 300-watt (peak) subwoofer deliver unbelievable sound. The satellites and center channel feature JBL’s advanced titanium-laminate dome tweeters and dual 3-1/2″ drivers for unsurpassed power and realism. The voice-matched center channel speaker uses components that are identical to those used in the satellites for seamless pans. The black, high-gloss finish brings a touch of attractive contemporary design to your home and complements any flat-panel television. Wall brackets are included for the satellites and center channel.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Clear Concise Sound
I purchased these speakers as my previous system rendered the spoken word on TV, and in movies, inaudible. I first paired the speakers with my existing Onkyo HT R330 receiver and noticed a significant improvement in sound quality and clarity.

I then replaced the Onkyo with a Harman Kardon AVR254 and it’s like night and day. These speakers do exactly what I wanted them to, and paired with a quality receiver the sound quality from Blu-Ray movies and even just Dolby Digital from DVD is awesome.

5 Stars Money Well Spent
I purchased the CS6100BG JBL speaker system in Jan. 09 and I can tell you that it was money well spent. I had just purchased a Sony XBR6 52″ LCD and a Sony STR DG920 A/V receiver. These speakers are great! I had no idea what spending a little more money can get you. They even come with 16 gauge speaker wire and mounting brackets. I am now in the process of ordering two more matching sattelite speakers so I will have the option of Dolby 7.1 sound. If you want good looking speakers that have great sound, then look no further. Of course, the name “JBL” should tell you that!

5 Stars Fantastic system
This is an amazing system for the price and should probably cost closer to the suggested retail price – the fact that it’s half price on Amazon is awesome! The sub is seriously loud, I mean it bangs hard! You could have a serious house party with just this sub and a good receiver.

This is the best audio setup under $1000 bar none. I did tons of research before buying this and you won’t find better sound for under 1k.

I plugged these in and ran the auto sound setup on my Onkyo 674 and it was love at first hear. These look beautiful too but the finish is extremely delicate and will rub off with very light use. I brushed one of these up against the wall and the black gloss was all gone in that spot. I didn’t buy these for looks anyway so I don’t really care.

They include TONS of speaker wire in the box also which is awesome. And the box it comes in is packed really well which helps because FedEx and UPS treat packages with about as much care as someone who just burglarized their house.

Buy this system and smile that you didn’t waste $1400 on a Bose system and have speakers that sound just as good for under half the cost.

5 Stars These are great.
These speakers (JBL CS6100BG) JBL CS6100BG Complete 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System (Black Gloss)sound great. Price is good. They look good. Only problem is finding speaker stands for these speakers. You can get stands made for these speakers but they aren’t cheap, about $200 a pair. Here is where you can get them.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=CSSTANDSBK

I’m happy I got these speakers and would buy them again. What more can I say.

5 Stars great speakers
impressive sound ,good clean looks ,great mounting hardware for all of the speakers[ multiple applications]

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Audio Unlimited 900MHz Wireless Rock Speaker System SPK ROCK

Enjoy the great outdoors with your 900 MHz wireless Rock speaker system that seamlessly blend into your landscaping allowing you to listen to music just about anywhere, without the hassle of running unsightly speaker wires. The powerful transmitter uses 900 MHz technology to send music through walls and floors to the wireless speaker over 150 feet away.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Very Disappointing
I received this as a birthday present just shy of one year ago. The speaker sounded good, a bit hollow, but not bad for a single speaker. We used this for four months, then I put it away in the basement for the winter (to keep the battery from draining).

Pulled this out over the weekend, charged it overnight, and then…nothing. The battery would not hold the charge. I contacted Cables Unlimited and was told they do not make a replacement battery for this. Also, since it was 5 days over the one-year warranty period, they would not replace the speaker. So basically, we have a very plastic-looking rock that now works only when plugged into a power outlet.

I highly recommend everyone stay away from this product, unless they want to throw their money away for something with far-too short of a lifespan.

2 Stars Good sound, VERY inconvenient.
I bought two of these speakers for the area around my pool, thinking “Oh Boy! No more carrying a boom box out!” They are driven by a radio that is on my deck…a perfect setup, I thought.

The sound is ok (for a wireless rock, I guess).

But, the user manual states in the specs that they are auto on/off, and in another place in the manual it states that they will turn off after four minutes of getting no signal in order to conserve power, but it also states that they will turn on again when they get a signal again. So both spots in the manual agree that they are AUTO ON/OFF.

They do turn off automatically, but they do NOT turn back on automatically. Even if they are plugged into AC power 24/7, which mine are.

So, every time I want to listen to music I must turn on the radio on the deck, and then go down to EACH rock speaker individually and turn it on, and then go back and forth between the various rocks until I think the balance is correct. (They don’t retain your last volume setting, so I have to turn them on and then adjust the volumes again among the various rocks that I have).

If you only wanted to use these on special occasions and kept them in a closet charging the rest of the time, then turning them on manually is no big deal as you would have to visit each rock speaker as you carried it to its location anyway. But for someone who wants to leave them out most of the time (as I do), then they are not useful.

5 Stars Better Than Expected
After reading the previous reviews, I was ready for anything. How surprised I was at the great sound quality, especially the bass. The speaker is about 35ft from the transmitter. Setup was easy. Recevied it UPS in two days. I just ordered an “add-on” speaker. The only question mark will be durability since it’s outside. But only time will tell.

5 Stars Much better than expected.
I expected this speaker to be good, but it was much better than even my high expectations. Having had several sets of outdoor speakers, this one beats them all. Very clear sound wherever you take it.

The best thing is the rechargeable batteries! Can place it virtually anywhere. Guests are amazed.

4 Stars Satisfied
I bought this rock speaker based on other reviews. I had to send the first one back because it broke when installing it the first time. Things got better with the second one. Amazon made a quick exchange and I was back in business. The reviewers did not lie. Speaker has crisp, clear reception even when not in clear view of transmitter. Sound is about what I expected for a single speaker. Not great, but more than adequate for what we need it for which is piped in stereo sound on our deck. As long as you don’t expect bose type sound, you should be satisfied.

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