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Creative Labs NOMAD 6 GB MP3 Player Silver Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $349.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review One of our biggest frustrations with MP3 players has been their limitedstorage capacity. You'll typically get 64 MB via internal memory or memorycards, which provides just a little over an hour of near CD-quality MP3 audio.So when we heard that Creative was releasing a 6 GB player that can hold over100 hours of music, it sounded perfect. Soon we'd be rifling through a massivecatalog of tunes on our little player, from Elvis Costello to LL Cool J to MilesDavis, whenever the whim struck. The Nomad Jukebox is essentially a portable hard drive with software that willplay MP3 audio. Since hard drives include spinning and moving parts, this playeris not ideal for active MP3 users from joggers to snowboarders. We cracked open the box, inserted the rechargeable batteries (two sets of fourAAs are included), plugged in the AC adapter, and waited the recommended 12hours for them to charge initially. This is a very important step. This was oursecond set of batteries--we didn't bother to heed Creative's initial chargingdirections when we first got the product, and our first set of batteries soonlost the capacity to be recharged. After installing the included software (we tested the Jukebox on a Macintosh G4using SoundJam MP; for PCs, Creative includes PlayCenter 2) and connecting theUSB cable, we quickly deleted 2 GB of starter MP3 and audiobook files andstarted loading our own music. We started with about 500 songs, but noticedafter the load had finished that not all the songs made it onto the Jukebox.Also, the SoundJam software didn't like us doing any other work on our Mac G4,stalling out the load whenever we switched to another program. We found it was best to load in smaller numbers and to keep SoundJam up as theactive application (unfortunately, not the most efficient use of computer time).The transfer rate is about 6 minutes per 100 MB, which translates to around 25songs. (So far, we've loaded 861 songs and we still have over 2.3 GB left ofstorage.) Once music has been transferred to the Jukebox, you need to create an activeplaying list by navigating one of three lists--artists, albums, and genres--thenadding songs to the queue. (This points out the need for creating thorough ID3tags, an electronic label that can include song title, track number, year, andmore. ID3 tags can be created via the PlayCenter and SoundJam software manuallyor be imported from the online CDDB database. For more information abouttagging, see the Amazon.comMaking MP3s Guide.) Playlists canbe saved in the Jukebox, though it can be a bit tedious (there's no keyboard),and you can't add songs to an existing playlist. The Jukebox also sports some nice additions. It has a line-in recordingcapability (using an external microphone) that records WAV files that can beadjusted for optimal (or low-end) sound quality, and it can play audiobooks. The biggest downside to the Nomad Jukebox is its portability. As noted, it doesrun on rechargeable batteries, but they'll last far less than the advertised twohours. Also, this isn't the device to take jogging; its internal hard drive,though somewhat shock and motion resistant, just won't take that kind ofactivity. It's really made for stationary play using its included AC adapter. It also has a few playback glitches, the biggest being that you can't fast- forward or rewind within a song. Also, there's no bookmark feature for audiobooklistening--a necessity for long files. Ultimately, the Creative Nomad Jukebox isn't perfect and isn't suited foreveryone's MP3 needs. But it has become a staple of our gadget life--it travelswith us daily to the office and hooks in nicely into stereo systems, both athome and at friends' houses. Someday, we'll all wonder what we did without anMP3 jukebox. --Agen G.N. Schmitz Pros:
Features Reviews (113)
One more thing, to the person who said that his jukebox would not even turn on with and without the batteries.You need to stick a pin or paper clip into the reset hole in the back while turning it on or off [if it is hung in the off position].I read how you bought all those accessories and feel for you.
Asin: B00004XO1V |
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First Generation Jukebox, functional but has quirks
Serious QC Problems
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Weber 825020 22 Performer Charcoal Grill with Propane Ignition, Light Blue Average Customer Review:  Lawn & Patio list price: $499.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review If you like cooking on charcoal but also want the quick-start convenience of a gas grill, Weber's Performer may be just what you're looking for. The gas ignition system--which cannot be used for gas grilling--lights your fire at the push of a button. The cooking surface (22-1/2 inches in diameter) is big enough to accommodate six large steaks, twice as many burgers, or up to a dozen kebabs, and the grill's classic kettle shape keeps flare-ups to a minimum. The grill is durable, too. The porcelain-coated steel bowl and lid are exceptionally strong and designed never to rust, fade, or peel. The grill's aluminum vents and ash catcher won't rust either, and the tripod base, nylon handles, and all-weather wheels--besides being exceptionally sturdy--make the grill remarkably easy to maneuver. Weber's patented One-Touch cleaning system--a clever setup of lever-activated blades--sifts ash out of the kettle and into a cooking-pot-shaped ash catcher. You never have to get your hands dirty--and emptying the kettle takes only a few seconds. The Performer also includes a dual-purpose thermometer, which monitors the cooking temperature inside the grill and doubles as a traditional meat thermometer. A sizeable stainless-steel work surface conveniently covers a charcoal storage bin large enough to hold up to 20 pounds of charcoal. The sturdy steel cart is sealed in a weather-resistant polyurethane enamel coating. A wire bottom shelf provides extra storage space. Crackproof, rugged all-weather wheels and locking casters make the grilling center easy to move and easy to park. This grill comes partially assembled with clear step-by-step instructions. Even inexperienced grill mechanics can put it together in about an hour. Editor's Choice: For grillers who love the taste of charcoal but crave the convenience of gas, we recommend Weber's Performer Grill. Simply lift the hinged cooking grate, add briquettes, and push one button to ignite the briquettes. Handy extras include a stainless-steel work space, a thermometer to check food for doneness, a steel shelf, rugged wheels, and a storage container to keep charcoal dry. When you're finished grilling, cleanup is a snap with the One-Touch cleaning system that includes a removable ash catcher. ... Read more Features Reviews (61)
Asin: B00004RAKU |
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Memorex MPD8505CP Personal CD/MP3 Player with 45 Seconds of Anti-Skip Protection Average Customer Review:  Electronics list price: $89.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review This shiny little unit is not your garden-variety cigarette-lighter-powered portable CD player, however much it resembles one. No, this player gives you something more: the ability to listen to MP3-encoded CDs, which, when you do the math, works out to far more megabytes for the buck than you'd get in a dedicated MP3 player. Accommodating standard CDs as well as CD-Rs or CD-RWs brimming with MP3 or .WAV audio files, the Memorex MPD8505CP MP3-CD player packs high technology into a low-lying music player, giving you beck-and-call access to literally hours of music from a single MP3-encoded CD. And did we mention that it's far cheaper than any of its name-brand competition? Each of the player's multifunction control buttons is used for standard CD controls like Play, Pause, Skip, or Stop, as well as programming functions such as File/Directory, File Search, Display, and the numbers and letters of the alphabet. That's right--unlike other MP3 CD players, this one shows track and artist information, and lets you add it as well. Unfortunately, the buttons aren't clustered together for ready access, but configured in an eleven-button semi-circle to memorize. Imperceptive controls with multiple functions demand a good study of the manual to guide you through searching and programming. You'll also need to spend some time learning and remembering things like stop" also means "off", and other such hidden functions. It also seems that due to the MP3 chip, start-up time is slower than on standard CD players. After loading a CD, we had to wait at least 10 seconds to be able to play, search, or adjust any of the controls. Meanwhile, the dark LCD display screen remains blank while you wonder if the unit is on or if the CD has been loaded correctly. Then, it takes an additional 10 to 15 seconds for it to play.While not a huge inconvenience, a portable unit for car use should react quickly to minimize the time spent fiddling with it. The DBBS (Dynamic Bass Boost System) offers impressive bass reinforcement. The high end is bright and clear, although you'll hear some hiss with quieter tracks or during music featuring a soloist. A 45-second "electronic skip protection" feature lets you use the Memorex on road trips, bus rides, or brisk walks, though we did experience occasional skips even on relatively sedate bus rides. Memorex includes a complete car kit, a nice convenience. But despite its quirks (and despite its bulky and awkward design), this Memorex piece can be a good way to take music along any journey, long or short--especially when used with a good set of headphones. --Zoe Knight Pros:
Cons: Features Reviews (176)
The car kit that came with mine, though, is a little weird. At times the volume will be too soft for no reason, but mostly they all worked great. The only things I really don't like about this unit are 1) the display LCD isn't backlit, making reading practically impossible at night, and 2) the search option is not very user friendly, and the unit doesn't seem to respond too well to it. Over all, I give it 4 stars, for its price, and that it hadn't died on me yet.
However the skip protection was disappointing from the beginning. Walking caused several skips per song and it would sometimes skip in the car. Don't even think about doing anything more than that with this player; it'll skip like crazy and drive you crazy. The worst thing, though, was that a few months after I started listening to it frequently it broke to the point where it now skips every few seconds when it's just sitting on my desk (with both regular and mp3 CDs). This happened after I had taken it on a few plane rides, so maybe that had something to do with it, although I'm not really sure how. Whatever happened, it's too annoying to listen to now. Despite the nifty search function, I wouldn't recommend this CD player. It's got a lot of flaws and you can probably find something much better.
Asin: B000051WW9 |
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Panasonic DVD-RV65 DVD Player Average Customer Review: Electronics US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The Panasonic DVD-RV65 is a DVD player that will also play video CDs and regular format audio CDs. It has a built-in Dolby Digital decoder with DTS digital output and a 24-bit/96 kHz converter for amazing home theater sound. The Advanced V.S.S. surround sound feature allows for a remarkable surround effect even when only two speakers are used, and the dialogue enhancer feature ensures that dialogue is clearly heard above other sounds that may be present on the movie soundtrack. Video features include a 10-bit video digital-to-audio converter for sharp picture quality; digital cinema mode for cinema-like luminance and color with improved detail even in dark scenes; and still-picture display, which freezes an image to allow for precise picture-quality adjustments. The RV65 also has five-speed smooth motion scan, which provides crystal-clear scans while locating desired locations on a disc. A chapter preview shows you the first three seconds of each previously viewed chapter. Or, use the title/chapter search with marker function to return to favorite sections quickly. Dual digital-audio outputs (coaxial and optical) lend enhanced system flexibility, allowing for digital connection to Dolby Digital receivers. A component-video output allows for transmission of digital video with compatible video equipment for the clearest, sharpest playback possible. Other convenient functions include frame advance (forward and reverse), onscreen menu icons to help guide operation, auto power off/resume play, quick-start helps to reduce waiting time for movies to begin, and a shuttle dial with command over reverse and fast-forward functions. To make the DVD player easy to control in even darkened rooms, a backlit remote control is provided. Panasonic offers a warranty of one year on parts and 90 days on labor. ... Read more Features Reviews (5)
This machine has been superb.Pictures are just as crystal clear as the Philips, the additional play speeds are extremely useful, there is no longer any of the freeze-frame I occasionally had with the Philips, and it starts up the movie extremely quickly.The remote is extremely intuitive to use, albeit a little small.The unit itself feels extremely well built.To top all this off, the price of this player is only a few dollars more than the base DVD Player from Panasonic, making it a great deal. This DVD Player is a great introductory DVD Player or one for someone looking to replace an aging DVD Player for not a lot of money.It's worth it. ... Read more Asin: B00004YC3T |
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RCA PROSCAN PS52800 52" Digital High-Resolution Projection TV Monitor/Receiver Electronics list price: $2,499.00 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Features Asin: B00005AXG9 |
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Panasonic SC-HT80 5-DVD Home Theater System Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $699.95 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Perhaps we're merely growing more cynical as time goes by, but we tendto look askance at manufacturers claiming to sell "complete" anythings thesedays. Look really closely at the fine print and you'll find that "complete"means "all but..." (fill in the blank). So you can imagine how surprised wewere to open Panasonic's SC-HT80 "complete home theater" and discover thateverything we needed was there. All the wires, all the speakers, a subwoofer, asurround processor--even a five-disc DVD/CD player. (Panasonic does assume youhave a TV and a room to put it all in.) Heightening both our surprise and ourpleasure, the system is also easy to assemble. Even neglecting the instructionmanual, we had the whole shebang up and running within 10 minutes. Wires areclearly marked, as are all connections. Assembly just doesn't get easier. (Andkudos to Panasonic for including a high-quality S-Video connection on the SC- HT80's processor/receiver.) The identical front (left/right) and rear speakersare small--so small that we wondered if they would be up to their job, but theyproved impressive performers. It's possible to overload them, but with goodplacement and sensible listening levels you can get impressively large soundwithout compromising quality. We were also happy to see that the centerchannel is a larger speaker than the others. Despite the fact that manymanufacturers still treat the center channel as an afterthought, it's still thecase that the center channel provides up to 80 percent of a film's soundtrackand about 100 percent of the dialogue, which, for obvious reasons, iscritical. The SC-HT80's subwoofer pumps a lot of bass from an 8-inch driver,though we'd call it a woofer rather than a true subwoofer, given its 41 Hz roll- off (that's low, but still a good octave above the region of deepest bass).Still, it gives reasonable body to the sound from the other speakers. Thesubwoofer is controllable from the remote, and this helps tune it to both theroom and its position. We like the subwoofer best when placed near the listeningposition, and we don't recommend the maximum bass-boost setting, which makeseverything sound tubby. We also appreciated the SC-HT80's flexibility. It hasaudio and video inputs for a VCR as well as a tape deck, and its built-in AM/FMtuner works well. The unit did what it was supposed to do and we found it easyto use. It's hard to complain about a product that does all that for less than$700. We give the Panasonic SC-HT80 two big thumbs up. --L.V. Phillips Pros:
Features Reviews (12)
Asin: B00004T1Y4 |
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Kodak Advantix Preview APS Camera Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $349.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Features Reviews (44)
Asin: B00004XP73 |
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SeaLife SL511 ReefMaster RC Underwater Photo Set 35mm Camera Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $249.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The SeaLife ReefMaster RC underwater photo set includes a SeaLife ReefMaster RC camera and an array of accessories developed by divers for divers. The camera offers automatic operations and point-and-shoot ease while handling depths up to 164 feet. The large shutter lever requires only light pressure, even at 164 feet. There's no need to focus--the Reefmaster takes pictures from 4 feet to infinity. Other features include a large sports-style viewfinder and a built-in flash. The SeaLife ReefMaster RC can also take shots on land. It uses standard 35mm film and AA batteries. The airtight, unbreakable travel accessory case provided will keep your camera and accessories clean, dry, and well organized. The kit also includes a SeaLife macro 3x close-up lens/underwater filter; a SeaLife care kit; SeaLife Moisture Muncher antifog desiccant; and a SeaLife color booklet, Great Pictures Made Easy. ... Read more Features Reviews (8)
Asin: B00004RG7E |
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Briel ES35AF Chamonix Pump Espresso Machine With Auto Espresso Flow Average Customer Review: Kitchen list price: $239.99 -- our price: $154.54 (price subject to change: see help) US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review This compact 1,200-watt machine automatically produces espresso with the push of a button. Easy-to-understand controls put espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes a fingertip away, and the stainless-steel boiler produces two cups of espresso in just seconds. An electronic control lets you select the amount of espresso brewed each time, from 2 to 8 ounces. Other noteworthy features include a removable 30-serving water tank with an intake water filter and water-level display, an antidrip system, a patented filter for thick crema, a die-cast filter holder for minimum heat loss, and a frothing attachment on the steam nozzle for cappuccino foam and lattes. A coffee tamper and measuring spoon accompany the 11-3/4-by-8-3/4-by-8-inch machine, which is clad in hard, bright plastic. --Fred Brack Editor's note: This item may arrive with water inside from the manufacturer's pressure test. This is a normal occurrence and doesn't point to a problem with the machine. ... Read more Features Reviews (126)
Asin: B00004RHQA |
$154.54 |
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Calphalon Commercial Nonstick 8-Piece Cookware Set Average Customer Review:  Kitchen list price: $548.00 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Any cook would happily welcome this cookware set. Four pans and a big stockpot, three of which have domed lids, cover nearly every cooking task. Every piece goes into the oven up to 450 degrees, adding vdding versatility to the set. The big stockpot alone can simmer stocks and soups, cook chili and boil pasta, stew, and braise. The saucepans can do all that, too, plus make sauces and cook vegetables. The thick-bottomed omelet pans can sear and sauté as well as cook omelets and frittatas. Calphalon's Commercial Nonstick cookware is coated with an especially durable, multilayered nonstick material. Use only plastic, nylon, and wood utensils. Heavy, domed, stainless-steel lids return moisture to food. Pans are anodized for hardness. Polished, cast-stainless-steel handles are triple-riveted for durability and balance and stay cooler on stovetops. Heavy aluminum pans cook without hot spots or warping. The set comes with a lifetime warranty against defects. --Fred Brack What's in the Box Features Reviews (3)
Asin: B00004SY72 |
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Handspring Visor Platinum (Silver) Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $199.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review One of Handspring's two new Visors running with the faster 33 MHzMotorola Dragonball VZ processor, the Visor Platinum offers a competitive optionto the Palm V series. Although it doesn't sport a color display like its newsibling, the Visor Prism, the Platinum offers 16 shades of gray, outputtingsharper graphics in games and applications. It also features 8 MB of memory likethe Visor Deluxe, providing plenty of room for storing contacts, notes, and e-mails. But the Visor Platinum's selling point is its new processor, which performsfaster than other Visors or Palm handhelds (Handspring claims up to a 50 percentincrease in speed). While we didn't put a radar gun to the Platinum, itcertainly felt speedier than the Visor Deluxe--tapping on an application openedit almost instantaneously. Using a USB cradle, our desktop synchronizations sped along nicely, usuallycompleted in just a few seconds unless we were adding applications.Additionally, since the Platinum uses the Palm OS, most third-party programswritten for Palm handhelds will work for the Platinum. One difference between the Visor Platinum and the Palm V series that Handspringmost likely won't boast about is its size. Where the sleek Palm V series sportsa depth of only 0.4 inches, the Platinum retains the standard Visor form factorof 0.7 inches. But when you've got the expandability that the Handspring's Springboard moduleslot offers--allowing you to add a digital camera, a cell phone, a Tiger Woodsgolf game, or an MP3 player--you don't need to quibble over slimness. Also, likeother Visors, the Platinum features a built-in microphone (though you'll need toadd a module, such as a voice recorder or the phone module, to use it). If you're already a Palm or Handspring user, there may not be enough about thePlatinum to sway you to pick up this new product. But if you're looking for thecutting edge of handheld speed, the Platinum is ready and raring to go. --J.Curtis Pros:
Features Reviews (77)
Thanks, Handspring, I've explored my options--and I'm switching to Sony.
This is my first PDA, so have no idea if this is just a fact of life with all PDAs or what. Other than that this PDA is more than enough for my needs, no need to blow $300-500 for some fancy schmancy full-color 400 MHz (same as an old Pentium II desktop!) HP or Sony running Pocket Windows, which is actually not as easy to use as Palm OS. ... Read more Asin: B00004Y7TC |
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VTech 1511 900 MHz Digital Cordless Headset Phone Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $69.99 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review The VT 1511 wireless headset is a revolution in cordless telephones. Unlike most other digital 900 MHz cordless phones, the VT 1511 is a completely wireless headset telephone--and one with a very unique space-age design. When using the headset, you have complete freedom of movement. There are no cords or cables to worry about, so your hands will be free to keep working. In addition to the headset, the VT 1511 comes with a corded desk set with a keypad, from which you can access the 20-number speed dial and intercom feature between base unit and headset. It also comes with an infrared remote-control dial card, which you can use to dial numbers when away from the base unit. The VT 1511 digitizes your voice using advanced ADPCM digital voice encoding to provide noise- and distortion-free performance. In most conditions, you will not be able to tell you are using a cordless phone. The VT 1511 informs you when another extension is currently in use on the same phone line. It also has an out-of-range alert, even when you're not on the phone. Other features include tone/pulse dialing, 10-channel operation with auto channel selection, spare battery charger in base unit, and a hearing aid compatible receiver. The VT 1511 uses special memory that is not susceptible to power failures. This provides permanent storage of all memory dial numbers and security codes. With an optional battery pack installed in the base unit, the VT 1511 can provide full operational backup in case of power failure. Calls can still be placed and received on the headset without interruption. With a fully charged battery pack in the base unit, you'll have up to five hours of backup usage time. ... Read more Features Reviews (21)
It's true that they are a weird configuration where all of the stuff sits on your head, but I think it's more than worth it to not have wires everywhere.Reception is good, for me it worked flawlessly to about 50 feet through interior & exterior walls. The boom mike can break off if flexed by pulling on it repeatedly.That's a problem.But otherwise, this is some very good engineering from what I see as a usually [...] vendor (vtech).[...], but in the case of the 1511 it's really a [nice] unit. The charger for the headset is inductively coupled; no metal contacts to corrode.VERY COOL! The small box hides the fact that in addition to the headset, charging stand, and dial pad, you get a full-on desk unit with intelligently done speed dials (unfortunately not in true executive phone style [extra buttons] but intuitively programmable).It's missing a speakerphone, however. I worked out of a home office for a year doing a lot of phone consultation and sales, and this thing was great.Unfortunately, one of the units' mikes has broken (due to flexion) and now I don't know whether I should scrounge used units or what.I hope they come out with a very slightly refined version of this great product.
Asin: B00004U8JT |
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JVC FS-SD5 Executive Microsystem Average Customer Review: Electronics list price: $330.00 US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France Editorial Review Elegant. That's the best way to describe JVC's FS-SD5 ExecutiveMicrosystem. The brushed-aluminum main unit houses a 1-bit CD player, FM/AMradio with 45 presets, and a 19-watts-per-channel amplifier that drives a pairof seriously good little speakers--and that's just the basics. Power up theFS-SD5 and its striking glass top plate slides back to unveil controls forvolume, source, CD, preset tuning, clock/timer, and JVC's Active Hyper Bass PROcircuit (bass boost, essentially). Press CD, and the top plate performs yetanother contortion, raising itself on motorized hinges to reveal the CD itself.When a disc is set in place, the drawer returns to the closed position andplayback begins. The FS-SD5 sounds as elegant as it looks. Although eachported speaker enclosure contains just a single 3.2-inch full-range driver (madeof dense olefin fiber), they produce a clear midrange, with particularly strongvocal and instrumental reproduction. The bass is surprisingly full for suchsmall speakers, especially once Active Hyper Bass PRO has been engaged. Thehigh-frequency response is good, but not quite as airy as we hear with speakersthat have separate tweeters. Overall this system delivers a clean, warm soundthat can easily fill a small- to medium-sized listening space. Othernoteworthy features include an optical digital output (for direct digitalrecording to minidisc or CD), stereo minijack input and output (for looping inan external source), electronic bass and treble controls, a dimmable florescentdisplay, and a subwoofer output that lets you hook up a powered subwoofer tobeef up the low end. With a combination of great looks and fine sound, JVC'ssleek little FS-SD5 not only electrifies any room, it also outclasses most ofthe competition. --Wayne Garcia Pros:
Cons:
Features Reviews (11)
Asin: B00004SD8V |
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OK, but I wouldn't buy it again| 1-13 of 13 1 |
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