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 | Title : RioVolt SP250 Portable MP3-CD Player with FM Tuner and 8 Minutes Anti-Skip
Author : SONICblue
Release Date : 20011016
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $179.99
Amazon.com Price : $146.94
(18
%)
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Editorial Reviews :
Taking portable CD players to new extremes, the RioVolt SP250 lets you play both standard music CDs and CDs containing MP3 and Windows Media Audio (WMA) files--making it possible to store up to 350 songs on a single CD. Designed for the serious music enthusiast, the SP250 is one of the most advanced multifunction CD players on the market.
Building on the award-winning features of the original RioVolt SP100, the SP250 adds:
* 8-minute shock protection that stores multiple songs in memory and stops the disc from spinning, protecting music from skipping, regardless of conditions.
* An integrated FM tuner with custom programs that make it easy to find the right station.
A highly customizable user interface based on the award-winning Rio 800 solid-state MP3 player that gives you absolute control over how you listen to your music.
* Rechargeable batteries that grant more than 15 hours of playback with quick recharging capabilities. An AC adapter is also included for nonstop music.
* 2 styles of headphones--folding headphones and earphones--for freedom of choice and comfort.
* A convenient inline remote control for using the player while it's tucked in a backpack or briefcase.
* The same high-resolution backlit LCD as that on the award-winning Rio 800 for a large, clear display.
* Support for firmware upgrades via downloading (wherein you'd burn the updates onto a CD to be read by the player, ensuring that the SP250 is always up-to-date).
* Adjustable EQ, repeat, and shuffle play modes, and programmable playlists.
* Simple PC and Macintosh audio-management software that lets you organize music and rip CDs.
* Support for ID3 tags and CD Text title display to recognize audio and data CDs that have built-in song titles and display them on the * SP250's large LCD for better navigation.
* A newly designed carrying case with functional access to the unit's controls.
Buyer Reviews :
I don't have much experience to base my opinion on, but I have a hard time finding fault with the RioVolt SP250 CD Player. Previously, my experience with portable CD players was limited to the one I occasionally managed to pry away from my pre-teen daughter. I have a long distance bicycle event coming, so I decided I needed one of my own.
In addition to playing CDs, I did not want to give up the FM tuner my present venerable Walkman Sports offers. That immediately cut the selections down quite a bit. At present, only a handful of portable CD players offer a radio tuner. My selection was narrowed even farther by my desire to have a wide range of formats available, including compressed formats.
For openers, SonicBlue has produced a CD player supporting store bought audio CDs and copies produced on popular recordable disc formats. It also supports MP3 and WMA formatted tracks enabling you to pack multiple conventional discs onto a single CD. The SP250 has a built in FM tuner that allows up to 20 preset channels.
I'm still in the learning mode with his toy, so I'll just highlight the big plusses I've discovered. In as few words as possible, reproduction quality is evident. I had thought digital music is digital music, so there should be no difference. Not so. The same CD played on my daughter's player sounds good, no doubt about it, but it sounds great through the SP250, even when using the same headphones on both players. Conclusion: There are quality components inside. A set of rechargeable batteries are included, which is nice, but I'd still keep a set of AA batteries handy for a long weekend. The unit also came with an AC adapter / charger, a very nice plus as I intend to use this as a stationary personal player as well as a mobile music source. There is a remote control that you can clip in a convenient spot while the player is in a fanny pack or the provided carrying case. The remote allows access to all the functions provided on the surface mounted interface. Real sweet. Also a nice touch is the inclusion of two styles of headphones: earbuds and classic over the head style.
On the negative side, there are a few things that really irritate me, but in no way detract from the technical performance of the SP250. There is a carrying case included, but holds only the player. There is no place to store the remote or a set of headphones. Given a choice, I'd sacrifice the included rechargeable batteries for better designed case. Setting the FM tuner's presets is a breeze... unfortunately, the directions don't match the actual process. Once you realize it's automatic, you get over it. If you're buying a portable CD player, you're not buying the tuner as a primary music source, so this is a minor quibble.
I have not opened the software that came bundled with the SP250, so I have no opinion of it. I'm using my existing CD burning software to create music CDs by copying existing CDs and creating my own mixes with either WMA or MP3 files. There are no apparent compatibility problems.
The last factor is the price. I consider this a very good price / performance ratio in that it appears to be very well made, it does provide excellent sound and the cost is in the upper mid range, but not really excessive. I saw a lot of units advertised that offered fewer technical features for more than the...MSRP of the RioVolt 250. Nonetheless, I do consider the RioVolt SP250 to be slightly overpriced because of my complaints about the carrying case. Technically, I find it very hard to fault and I highly recommend it to portable audiophiles. Shop around for the best price you can find.
As a side issue, if you want to hear how good your recorded music can really sound, hook the SP250 up to a set of high end headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort Headset. You won't believe it!
Addendum to my report (6/12/2002)
Over the weekend of 6/8 - 6/9/2002, I spent 150 miles on a bicycle with my SP250. All I can say is the trip rein back
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