RandallFlagg's stats
- Review count318
- Helpfulness votes398
- First reviewMarch 14, 2014
- Last reviewSeptember 28, 2023
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.6
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count45
- Helpfulness votes54
- First answerNovember 3, 2015
- Last answerNovember 11, 2021
- Featured answers0
- Best answers8
The Ninja Professional Plus Kitchen System with Auto-iQ features a new modern design and more functionality than Ninja's original Professional Kitchen System.* Ninja Total Crushing Blades and Pro Extractor Blades Assembly give you perfectly crushed ice for your smoothies, frozen drinks, and nutrient extractions**. The 72 oz.† Total Crushing Pitcher is great for making large batches for the whole family with 1400 peak watts of professional power. Plus, its two 24 oz. single-serve cups with spout lids makes it easy to take delicious, nutrient-rich smoothies on the go. But don’t just stop at drinks—the 8-cup processor bowl provides precision processing for even chopping, smooth purees, and up to 2 lbs. of dough. Auto-iQ Technology provides preset programs that do the work for you, no guesswork required. *Versus BL770, based on the number of available blending programs **Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables †64 oz. max liquid capacity
Customer Rating
5
Great tool to add to my kitchen arsenal!
on May 9, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
Currently, I’ve been using a Blendtec Classic 575 to make my smoothies. That stops today. This Ninja Kitchen System is awesome. More on that in a second.
So, I unboxed this thing. It is very well packed and comes with several different tools. It includes the base motor, a 64oz processing bowl w/ both a chopping and dough mixing blade. Also, a 72oz. pitcher with a double-stacked blade, a quick start booklet, the manual, a short recipe section, and (2) 24oz. cups with (2) spout lids and (1) mixing blade attachment for the cups.
As I stated, the recipe guide is just about 10-12 recipes and I didn’t see one I wanted to try. So, I went to the Ninja recipe site and although they currently have zero recipes for this model, there are a ton of recipes for other Ninja blenders, ovens, mixers, etc. I found two that I wanted to try. One was Pico De Gallo and the other was and Island Avocado smoothie. I was able to use the processing bowl for the Pico and one of the mixing cups for the smoothie. First up was the Pico. I added the ingredients after thoroughly washing them. Everything was easy, except for the cilantro. Removing the stems took some time. The processing bowl made quick work of it. I should have stopped pulsing it around 12 times as the recipe stated. I went a few more and it made it a bit loose, but it still tasted great. For my first try at making Pico De Gallo, I’m happy with the results. Cleaning during prep made it easy to switch to the mixing cups. I didn’t have any expectations for the smoothie. I’m not a huge fan of Avocados, but I know they are a good source of fat and help fill you up so you can lose weight. I guess adding the mint leaves, banana, frozen pineapple and coconut water (1% sugar listed) helped make it pretty sweet. I downed the drink in about 5 swigs. To blend the smoothie, I did use the Auto IQ smoothie button and it did a great job. At first, I thought it wasn’t working. I pressed the button and it ran for a second, then stopped. So, I pressed it again and it did the same thing. I realized that it was the program when I hit it a third time. It ran, stopped again and I waited. Then it started up and ran. It had some stop/starts in the Auto IQ and by the time it finished (50seconds I believe) my smoothie was perfectly blended and ready for consumption. I didn’t try the ice crushing, but I imagine it’s just as great at doing the job that these two attachments did. Lastly, cleaning the parts is easy. Just be careful of the sharp blades and use hot water to rinse all the parts before any food dries. I let them drip dry before locking down the lids or locking them down on the base. And when I say lock down the lids, I mean it literally. The processing bowl and pitcher have a lockdown handle and release button to place and remove the lids. The single-use cups have the typical screw-on blade base and spout lids.
The base is laid out well, with easy to read timer, action choices (smoothie, ice crush, extract, chop, and dough. Then you have speed control (low, medium, high, and pulse. All the attachments lock easily to the base by setting them on it at a 45 degree and twisting clockwise to lock. I also like the suction base cups on the bottom of the base. At first, they seemed a nuisance, but once you start using the system, it’s nice to have it not move around without some effort by the user. Lifting up on one corner seems to release the base easier than lifting it straight up.
Well, that’s it for me. To sum it up, the two recipes I tried worked great. I’m going to try the dough blade next…well if I can find what I need at the store with what’s currently going on. If you do a lot of blending, mixing, making smoothies, and/or trying to eat less processed foods, I’d highly recommend looking at the Ninja Kitchen System.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Molekule Air features 360-degree air intake that replaces the air in a 600-square-foot room. The device uses two filters. The Pre-Filter captures larger particles like dust and pet hair. The PECO-Filter, coated with a proprietary light-activated catalyst, breaks down VOCs, bacteria, mold, viruses, allergens, and other pollutants at a molecular level. Molekule Air then releases clean air evenly across the entire room.
Customer Rating
5
Noticeable difference the first morning
on May 7, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
Unboxing the unit was straight forward. It is very well packed with plenty of cardboard spacers to keep it from shipping damage. It comes with a nice draw string canvas bag and an extra 3 month pre-filter.
I ran the unit on auto the first day and although it made enough sound that I could hear it in the other side of the house (1500sqft), it wasn't unpleasant. That night I placed the unit in my master bedroom and it asked me if I had moved it. Yes and it ask me to input the room size again. This time I chose 200-400, not the 600+ and in auto it was less noisy. I'm guessing it started of in low. It was running when I woke up and I immediately noticed I could breathe easier. I have a number of breathing issues and usually wake up stuffed up or needing to clear my nose with a neti pot. Not this morning! If that's all this thing does, then it's worth the price and the yearly investment for filters. It was the first night though and it will take many more mornings for me to fully believe this is what the doctor ordered.
There is an app that needs to be downloaded. I believe it's available for iOs and Android. I use Android and had no issue installing the app or connecting to the unit. Some electronics are very difficult to get connected, but the Molekule Air App took minutes to recognize the unit and saved what little hair I have left.
I can't think of much else to say about the unit. It seems to do exactly what it's designed to do. Run quiet and clean the air very well. On the downside..if there is one, the unit is rather tall and heavy. It has a great leather strap to lug it around, but if heft is any sign of quality, this thing is a beast and should last for a long time.
For anyone that suffers from allergies, asthma, bronchitis etc., I'd highly recommend trying the Molekule. I believe they offer a trial period from their site and Best Buy should have a return policy based on your elite level. If you get the results that I did, I'm sure you'll keep the Air!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Clean floors with this ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO vacuuming and mopping robot. The 240ml water tank supports simultaneous mopping and vacuuming, while the carpet detection feature prevents wetting carpets. This ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO vacuuming and mopping robot works with a mobile app that lets you customize cleaning schedules from your smartphone conveniently.
Customer Rating
5
Love the improvements over my 930
on April 26, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
I've been using the Ozmo 930 for just over 2 years. I love the Ecovac, but it usually takes a recharge to finish my 1500 sqft house. It tends to get stuck under the dining room table, around toilets and the bump/transition from flooring to carpet. That said, I just love what Ecovac's has done with the T8 AIVI.
Unboxing the unit, I see a slim down version of my 930. That makes it less likely to get stuck under my recliners. It comes with the base charger, the vacuum, manual, reusable and disposable cloths with plate, brushes and filter. I let the unit fully charge and then connected the T8 to the Android app (already installed on my phone). The unit operates very differently than my old Ecovac, that's a good thing. It outlines a room, sometimes cutting the room in half and then fills it in, like a child coloring. I love it because the old model didn't seem to vacuum the edges very well. It would hit and turn, back and forth down the hallway, where this one did along the baseboards and then went back and forth almost covering some areas twice. It had no problem finishing the house with one charge. I'm hoping that's improved battery life and not just my old one needed a new battery. That would mean the batteries only last a few years and then need a replacement. Also the T8 doesn't have any issues going over different threshold material. It climbs up onto my brick fireplace skirt as well as down to sheet vinyl and ceramic tile in my kitchen, entry and bathrooms. I paused the unit once and emptied the dust bin (it was full) and removed a dust bunny or two. The unit continued it's pattern with no problem after returning the dust bin and pressing the button on the unit.
I tried the mop feature with just water as I don't have very large areas that need wet mopped. The feature works as it should with no complaints. If I had large areas of hard surfaces, I'd gladly use the feature, but the bulk of my home has carpet, so I prefer to keep the unit dry.
So to sum it up, I love the new model and it's ability to operate the way I wanted the 930 to. The 930 fit perfectly in the new box and went into storage for a backup. I'd love to see Ecovacs update the firmware to operate more like the T8 if possible. If they do, I hope they email me so I can do the update on my backup vac! Lastly, I ask they don't update the T8 unless absolutely necessary. The update for the 930 is when my battery life dropped and the unit started to get stuck more than once during a cycle.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
GE Appliances is dedicated to providing the right solutions for rooms of any size. Our window air conditioners are designed to offer exceptional comfort while remaining quiet, and our latest connected technology makes these products versatile and easy to use.This 8,000 BTU smart window air conditioner cools medium rooms up to 350 square feet. Energy efficient cooling with 3 cooling and 3 fan speeds provide flexible and optimal home comfort. Integration with the SmartHQ app allows you to monitor, schedule, and control your connected air conditioner from anywhere, or use the electronic controls with included remote to easily to adjust and manage your settings. This AC installs easily in a double hung window with included EZ Mount window kit and fixed chassis. Additional features like eco mode, power interruption restart, 24-hour on/off timer, and removable filter offer ease of use and maintenance.
Customer Rating
5
Easy to use control pad, remote and phone app
on April 23, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
I installed the unit in my 120 sq.ft. work shed, so I didn't need the filler panels that come with the unit. I put it through the existing wall adding a few 2x4's.
That said, the unit comes with 2- side curtains (fillers) that accordion to fill the empty space on the sides as you lower the sash down. If you have sliders, you would probably need a couple of Lexan pieces to create a double pane filler above the unit, sliding the sash up against the side of the unit. It comes with a metal top rail and foam gasket, bottom and side seals and 2 foam side curtains (not sure what the foam curtains are used for). As I said, I only needed the seals and top rail for mounting the unit. Lastly, it comes with an easy to read remote, albeit a small and thin remote. It looks fairly easy to misplace.
After mounting the unit I scanned the QR code included on the quick start blue card. It linked me to the app on the Google Play Store. The app was easy to install and set up. You need the password that's on the right side of the unit for the app setup. It took just a few steps. Enter the password when it asks for it, open your phone WiFi setting and click the GE network. Press the WiFi button on the unit's front control pad. Go back to the app and it will ask you to click on your home network. Enter that password and it will be connected. The app turns the unit on, sets the location of your home with the current temp, allows you to lower/raise the air conditioner with the built in electronic thermostat. That will allow the unit to cycle on and off to keep it at the desired temp.
That's about it. It's got a filter that needs regular cleaning as do the fins outside. It's like a basic window unit, but it has smart features with the app and the built in thermostat so it's not constantly running. If I had one suggestion, I suggest they make the remote magnetic (like the Dyson fans) where the remote could stick to the unit or anything metal so it doesn't walk off.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Stream your favorite tunes from media servers, PCs and smart devices with this Yamaha sound bar. The built-in Alexa voice control lets you decide how your favorite content should play, and the preset modes provide different surround sound effects for your listening pleasure. Featuring clear voice technology, this Yamaha sound bar ensures clear dialog so you can keep up with critical scenes or plot twists.
Customer Rating
5
Nice sound from compact unit
on April 3, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
I wanted to upgrade the sound on my den PC. I don't use it much, but I stream itunes music to it, use the dvd player to watch older dvds and watch movies from streaming services like Vudu. I didn't know if a sound bar would work, but after reading the instructions and trying it out, tada, it works great. I ran the HDMI cable from the PC to the input on the sound bar and another HDMI cable from the output to the monitor. The screen went black and then fired up the splash/log in screen.
Next I wanted to get it to run WiFi. I saw the NIC jack in the back, but I haven't ran Cat6e to the den yet. I skimmed the quick start booklet a few times and didn't see WiFi. Then I saw that I needed to download an app from the Google Play Store (Or Apple store). I enter the search as instructed and it was the first option. I installed it and the app failed to see the sound bar. I know to try a 2nd and 3rd time, but then I chose the option "try a different way" and it worked. It used the phones WiFi settings and saw the sound bar. After that it checked for a firmware update (which of course it had) and it took about 8-10 minutes to update. I was able to get Alexa working as well as Spotify. It also has Tidal and Bluetooth. I really wish it had iHeartradio and tunein. I' live on the back side of the San Gabriel Mountains and the stations I grew up with broadcast on those two services. I'm able to listen to KLOS, KGB, KOLA and KCAL, 3 on IHeart and the last on tunein. Hopefully it will get added in a software or firmware update down the road.
The sound out of this is great. It's much narrower than my other soundbars, which works with this setup. It fits nicely behind the monitor and I can still see the controls. I also like that the remote has an Alexa button. I have an ASUS Alexa speaker in my kitchen and if I say Hey Alexa, they both answer. If I want to use the Yamaha sound bar, I just push the button and ask my question. No issue with both trying to answer. Back to the sound, it has a bit of bass, not much, but for this set up it's just fine. There is a subwoofer RCA jack in the back should you need additional bass. Just add your own and I'm sure it will sound wonderful.There is also an optical input jack should you not have HDMI ports on your source. Might be time to update the source, everything had HDMI now, lol. It's about time for those to be obsolete...ugh.
Lastly, the remote is small, but laid out pretty well. The volume and subwoofer buttons are different so they are easy to locate by feel. There are 6 sound options on the remote (movie, tv, music, sports, game, and stereo). 4 source buttons (HDMI, tv, Bluetooth, and net). A button for clear voice and another for 3D surround. Oh and a power button. I haven't tried those, but the quick start guide says the clear voice will make spoken words and sentences clearer to the listener. The 3d surround is supposed to use DTS Virtual X and let the listener hear sounds at varying heights. As with my other sound bars, the Yamaha can connect by Bluetooth to a source. Usually I connect with my Moto G7 and play music. Again, works as it should.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Easily scan paperwork, receipts, business cards, and plastic ID cards at home or on the go with this Brother mobile scanner. Bundled software lets you manage documents effortlessly and convert hard copy papers into editable Microsoft Word files. This Brother DS 640 mobile scanner handles a variety of documents up to 72 inches long and scans monochrome sheets at up to 16 ppm.
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
Opening the box, it contained the mobile scanner, MicroUSB 3.0 cable and a quick start guide. The guide instructed me to go to the Brother software support download page and download the full install pack for the scanner. I had to do a search for the model number and then it was a quick download.
I started the software and on step 3 or 4 it couldn't find the unit. I tried a few times, turning the unit off/on or checking the cable. Nothing worked. I was using a front panel USB port and I don't have any available in the rear, so I figured try one of the two on my Seagate external drive. Tada, the software skipped searching for the scanner and immediately saw it. That was the only hiccup I ran into. It breezed through the rest of the install and it was time to test it out. I ran a page of my bank statement through the scanner and the scan quality was very good. I like the software and the small pop up it generated. All it took was to insert the statement and hit the start/stop button easily found on the top of the unit. It took a number of seconds and then it did a fast scan. The pop up stated it was done and had a button to click if I wanted to open the file that it was saved in. Nice feature as some users get lost and don't know where they saved the file.
There are codes for Nuance Power PDF (Windows and OsX) on the bottom of the scanner.You can download the software on the same page as the full install. It installs very quickly and easily.
Oh, you can scan a number of sizes up to an A4. There's a movable guide on the feed with markings for A4, B5, A5, A6, and a symbol that looks like envelope (I'll have to check it out in the manual). The unit is very portable, 11.5 inches wide by 1 inch tall and 2 inches deep. It weighs under 1.5 lbs according to the box. I don't think it's that much, but it is hefty enough that it doesn't feel like it's not going to stay put. Overall a great portable scanning unit.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Remove dirt and spills with this Hoover Oxy tough stain remover. The fast-acting formula quickly loosens grime for easy removal and works on carpets, rugs, upholstery and car interiors for versatile use. This Hoover Oxy tough stain remover deodorizes carpets and breaks down stains, leaving the area smelling and looking clean.
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
I opened the box and the bottle was wrapped in a plastic bag. Opening the bag and I was met with a wet bottle. I rinsed and dried the bottle as well as my hands. I don't fault Hoover and didn't deduct any stars for the leakage as they clearly marked the box fragile, liquid and this end up.
I have beige carpet and I applied it to a few stains. The product works great. I have an upright shampoo machine and a few passes and the stains disappeared. On a few small ones, I blotted the area with a plain white paper towel and it worked very well. The only problem with the product is the smell. It is strong and smells of chemicals. I usually use Folex cleaner and it does the job without the odor. Given the choice, I'll stick to my original choice. If Hoover could reduce the odor, this would be a fine product. As is, I'd choose another cleaner. I'm hoping the smell dissipates, but as of now, it's still very noticeable. For that reason I wouldn't recommend the product.
Mobile Submission: False
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
The Logitech StreamCam premium webcam streams and records in full 1080p HD resolution at 60 fps, delivering professional-quality results for YouTube videos and Twitch streaming. Create sharp, natural video with smooth motion and crisp details thanks to a premium glass lens and smart features like autofocus. The external computer camera's glass lens delivers vibrant, true-to-life image quality with crisp details. A 78-degree field of view keeps you upfront and center, while autofocus intelligently adjusts the lens in real-time soyou always stay in focus, even when you move toward or away from the camera. The live streaming webcam's intelligent exposure system adjusts the aperture and ISO speed in real-time to ensure accurate skin tones for a more natural, healthy look —even in varying lighting conditions. With StreamCam, you can be confident that you’ll always look great.
Customer Rating
5
Great Camera, makes me want to create videos
on February 17, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
Included in the box is the camera...of course, a monitor mount, and a tripod mount. The camera can be mounted in portrait or landscape mode with just a quick pull. There are grooves on the sides of the camera and nubs on the mounts. It just pops into place. The camera uses USB-c 3.1 so make sure you have a port available. I have Logitech's Capture software already installed on my Ryzen 7 desktop as I have a couple of other Logitech cams. The software saw the camera with no issues, and it was up and running. Logitech also included a 3-month premium license for XSplit software. It too was easy to download, install and get the camera up and running. The camera is 1080p full HD and with the software can run 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps. The Capture software allows the camera to use image stabilization, backlight correction, autofocus and auto white balance. It has dual mics for stereo or dual-mono recording. I read that it offers facial-tracking and I think that works with the auto framing option. It was limited on side to side movement, but it works very quickly as I move around in my office chair. With the limit, it tends to chop my face off rather quickly, but for recording it would probably be okay as one doesn't move that much. The quick motion is very fluid and not like other cameras I've used. There really isn't much lag.
Somewhere it said the the minimum spec was an I5 processor, but I also tried it out on a Lenovo I3 entry level desktop and it ran without issue. I'm sure it will lag with heavy use, but it did very well for the minutes I was testing it out.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![H&R Block - Premium & Business Tax Software - Windows [Digital]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/6386/6386087_sd.jpg)
This H&R Block Premium & Business Tax software offers everything small business owners need to easily complete their personal and business federal and state taxes. It includes a free online chat with a tax professional, step-by-step guidance on hundreds of credits and deductions, and in-person representation in the unlikely event of an audit. The H&R Block Premium & Business Tax software provides assistance to small business owners, including creating payroll and employer (W-2 and 1099) forms and more.
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
Installation was painless. I was sent a link and downloaded a copy. It installed without a problem on my Windows 10 Home PC. Today when I opened the program, it notified me there was an update and after clicking OK, it installed in minutes and I was up and running.
I have a pretty simple return, but I do have a 1099 misc that I need to enter. I didn't use the software for last years return, nor did I have a PDF of my return, so I scanned the 6 pages. It took a few minutes for the upload/import of my PDF, but it worked. It said scans don't work, but mine did. FYI, I scanned it using a Brother MFC-J4620DW. I'd say about 80% of the return was completed with the import and the questions I had to fill out were quick and simple. I had a question on the 1099 misc because it didn't appear in the first set of choices. I clicked the help button and entered 1099 misc and it didn't actually say it, but it gave me enough info to realize hitting "next" would bring up additional choices. It was listed on the second list. It continued until it was finished and then asked me what state I needed to complete. It gives you 3 boxes for 3 different states. I just needed 1, so piece of cake. It does the basic pop up boxes asking you for permission to download then install the state software. Once installed, it fills in the information from the federal return. It gives you the opportunity to check any income/deductions for the state level and then it finishes as well.
All in all the software works very well and the help sections made it easy for me to advance to completion.
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Immerse yourself with booming audio using this Arcam SA20 Class G integrated amplifier. The ultra-low distortion lets sound flow cleanly, while the high-quality components provide the durability needed to last years of regular use. This Arcam SA20 Class G integrated amplifier runs 90W of power through each channel for rich audio.
Customer Rating
5
Wow, never heard my collection sound like this!
on January 12, 2020
Posted by: RandallFlagg
from Hi Desert, CA
First off, I’m no audiophile, but I enjoy music and have a decent collection. My current receiver is a Onkyo TX-NR676 with 5.1 surround. I know that’s not the best way to listen to music, but it works great for watching home theater. I run a pair of Sonance Magnolia 8” 2-way in-ceiling speakers with the system, so being the best pair of speakers, I have, I connected the Arcam SA20 to them.
Out of the box, this thing is heavy. I removed the remote, batteries and cord and then had to tilt the box over to remove the amp from the box. Make sure you have a place sturdy enough to hold this beast. The gold-plated speaker lugs are nice and big. I don’t have spade lugs and it was great that you can unscrew the connectors and insert a speaker wire into them and tighten it back down. I have a ton of Monster speaker cable that I purchased on clearance years ago for a few cents per foot, so that came in very handy for this install.
Being I know that a 2-channel receiver was going to sound better for music, I was ready for a better listening experience, but man, The SA20 ruined me for low-end equipment. Running the receiver through the Sonance speakers, the sound was amazing. I read a few reviews that said this receiver was great at low volumes, but not at high volumes. I didn’t find that to be the case. I think if you have speakers that are rated around the 80-90 watts, you’ll get clear sound at any volume. The Sonance pair are rated at 150 watts, so a pretty good match. I also tested them with an old cheap pair of KLH bookshelf speakers and I was still blown away.
I played a number of 20-year-old CDs that are stored in my old Sony 200 disc carousel, everything from the Metallica Black album to John Anderson’s Straight Tequila Night. Toss in Hal Ketchum’s Past the Point of Rescue, Garth Brooks Live CD set and a bunch of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and I think I gave the receiver a good break-in for CD’s. I tried it both analogue via an RCA cable as well as with an optical cable. There may have been a few notes I could hear via digital, but that’s probably my imagination. The CDs played very well, and I heard words and notes I never did in the last 20 years of playing them. In fact, via the optical cable, I could swear I heard a clicking noise that wasn’t present with the RCA’s. I’ve chosen to play CDs with the RCA’s unless I find out a reason not to. Then I fired up my old Technic’s turntable. It’s got a new stylus, but no matter what adapter I used or with the Onkyo that they put a phono setting in, I get a hiss like it needs a better ground. I can hear it as soon as I fire up the turntable…but not on the Arcam SA20. With both speakers, I heard nothing until the needle hit the vinyl. I played a number of albums that are 40+ years old. There was Three Dog Night – Joy to the World, Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive, Seal’s & Crofts – Greatest Hits, Chicago IX, Robin Trower – Bridge of Sighs, Neil Diamond – Hot August Nights, and Cat Stevens – Mathew and Son. The music never sounded better, the only issues were with the vinyl themselves. The vocals were clear as could be and the pops and hisses sounded warm like they did decades ago. If there’s anything missing, it’s the low-end bass. I think I’ve gotten so used to having a subwoofer in my car and home that without the drywall and stucco vibrating, it’s not turned up high enough, lol. That said, the music was clear, no distortion at any volume, it still has bass (just not earth-shattering) and actually reminds me of how I listened to music back when. Back when my huge living room speakers (1 in every corner) had a large passive woofer in the bottom and the music just sounded good.
All that said, I do find some issues with the unit. First off, the manual is a bit light and finding information on the website or 3rd party is tough. I’m not sure why this unit needs to be connected to the net. I find no Android apps or usable ways to stream audio from my PC or Mac to the receiver. Most listeners today keep a lot of their collections on hard drives in FLAC. Alac or MP3 and being able to stream it would be great. No, purchasing the additional server isn’t something I wish to do, I just like a simple way to connect Plex or a server to the unit. I was able to connect my PS3 to the optical port, but together Plex struggled to update the menu while a song was playing, making for a difficult listening session. I will say however that I played a DTS song via the PS3 through the SA20 and it sounded as wonderful as if I had been playing it on a physical medium. I imagine I’ll find a way to stream audio to it eventually. I also find it odd that no apps offer a way to use streaming services. I read I could easily add a Chromecast Audio dongle, but then I see that they have been discontinued and are getting very pricey on auction sites. If there is another way to use streaming services that isn’t too expensive, I’d love to know. That brings me to no HDMI. If there was an HDMI input, I could just connect a Roku or Firestick to the unit and most if not, all audio streaming services would be available. Like I did on the PS3, I set the audio to optical instead of HDMI and I can see the Plex menu on my tv, but the audio outputs to the SA20 via the optical cable. All in all, my issues with the unit are the lack of information available about how to use some of the features. I’d like to see different options on wiring the Digital in ports and what connecting the net port has to offer.
To conclude, this receiver is going to be a wonderful 2 speaker audio player. It sounds amazing and allows me to play old sources of music that I own. So far everything I’ve thrown at it sounds better and has additional vocals or sounds I’ve never heard before. I’ll continue to use my Onkyo for surround sound home theater, but not for music. Now Arcam just needs to shrink this thing down and make it fit and run on 12 volt for my car!
Mobile Submission: False
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+7points
7of 7voted this as helpful.
RandallFlagg's Review Comments
RandallFlagg has not submitted comments on any reviews.
RandallFlagg's Questions
RandallFlagg has not submitted any questions.
Wake up to a delicious cup of java with this Ninja Coffee Bar glass carafe system. The 10-cup pitcher holds 50 oz. of coffee when entertaining or brews a single cup at a time, prepared at the infusion level of your choice. This Ninja Coffee Bar glass carafe system has a built-in frother for hot and cold drink creations.
Does this have an automatic shut off after a period of time?
The manual states that the hot plate will auto shut down in 2 hours if you don't turn it off with the button.
7 years, 6 months ago
by
RandallFlagg
Add high-end performance to your everyday life with the Google Pixel XL. A quad-core processor, a 5.5-inch LED screen and 32GB of memory ensure this phone is able to handle daily life, and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protects the screen. Easy cloud storage ensures you never run out of space on the Google Pixel XL.
The phones that are sold as "Verizon" phones. Do they have Verizon branding on them?
I received the unit as a reviewer, so I got it before the release...I believe. I can say the the unit I have doesn't have any Verizon logos on the phone front or back. The only logo on mine is the Google "G" on the back. Hope that helps.
7 years, 8 months ago
by
RandallFlagg
Keep carpets clean with this Shark upright vacuum. It has anti-allergen technology and a HEPA filter to trap and contain 99.9 percent of particles, and it comes with pet tools for efficient removal of hair from floors and upholstery. This Shark upright vacuum has a motorized brush that you can use for heavy-duty jobs.
Does it has Brushroll Shutoff feature?
Yes, the power switch has two settings. One for bare floors with the roller brush stopped and the second setting for carpet with the roller brush spinning.
8 years, 2 months ago
by
RandallFlagg
.Audio 355 Stereo Headset is ideal for games, music, Internet talk, video conferencing, and PC voice applications with bass-boosting, full-range stereo resonance. The feather-light, flexible headband and soft, swivel-mounted ear cushions deliver acoustic precision and ensure all-day listening and gaming comfort. A noise-canceling microphone enhances speech recognition, while the Quick Adjust telescoping, bendable boom assures ideal microphone placement. Convenient in-line volume and mute give you full control over your listening and speaking experience. Compatible with popular PC sound cards for plug-and-play ease.
Can I plug this into myHP desktop computer to watch Webinars?
As long as you have the green mini jack on the front, top or back of your desktop you can. The headset isn't USB, it has a pink and green mini plug, the pink for microphone and the green for headset. Windows 10 switched it over from my Creative speakers to the headset automatically. If not you would right click on the speaker icon in the lower right of your screen and pick playback, scroll down to Headphones and chose it for default. Then when you are finished you might have to go back and switch default back to your speakers. Most likely Windows will do it all for you when you plug in the green jack. Good Luck.
8 years, 5 months ago
by
RandallFlagg
Hi Desert, CA
Complete a variety of office tasks with this Brother MFC-J4620DW all-in-one printer that lets you print, copy, scan and fax documents and images for versatility. Built-in Wi-Fi allows direct printing and scanning from select devices and Cloud services.
can you scan 11 x 17 docs? or is the scanning bed smaller than the printer?
No, the scanner is a standard 8.5 x 11
8 years, 8 months ago
by
RandallFlagg
Hi Desert, CA