Balthazar2k4's stats
- Review count157
- Helpfulness votes354
- First reviewJune 13, 2014
- Last reviewMay 13, 2024
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.1
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes6
- First review commentOctober 23, 2013
- Last review commentOctober 23, 2013
- Featured review comments0
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- First questionNone
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- Featured questions0
- Answer count11
- Helpfulness votes8
- First answerSeptember 22, 2016
- Last answerOctober 26, 2020
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Keep enjoying your favorite sound equipment without an expensive component update. SOUNDFORM CONNECT Audio Adapter with AirPlay 2 turns your stereo into an AirPlay 2-enabled speaker to stream the music that you love from iOS and Mac devices. Our adapter is equipped with optical and 3.5mm output that brings signal from your devices to any speaker or receiver with an audio input.
Customer Rating
5
Easy AirPlay 2 Solution fro Existing Systems
on December 2, 2021
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
Belkin's SoundForm Connect is an easy way to bring AirPlay 2 capability to an existing audio system. In my situation I added the SoundForm Connect to my high end system in my listening room. Most high end audio gear does not include AirPlay 2 (or any streaming) capability at all. I plugged the adapter into my PS Audio DirectStream DAC via an optical cable. Setup was a cinch thought the HomeKit app on my phone and we were off to the races in just a couple minutes. I did try Belkin's app for setup, but never could get the app to see the adapter. Once the SoundForm Connect was active on my network I sent some music from Apple Music to the DAC to check it out. The adapter worked without a hitch. Audio sounded great from the optical connection. Not much one can say other than I experienced no audio dropouts or network issues over the course of the album I streamed.
My biggest wish would be true bit perfect audio from the device, but I believe this is a limitation of AirPlay 2 itself. As it stands, everything sent is output at 16-bit/48Khz regardless of what the source material is. Does it matter? Well, depends on what you are using for playback. When I playback a song via Roon at even CD bandwidth (16-bit/44.1Khz) I do notice the audio loses some of the artificial 'edge' the resampled version gets via the SoundForm Connect. I hope Apple brings native playback to the table at some point, but that will probably be AirPlay 3 if ever. For now, the SoundForm Connect brings AirPlay 2 to my system in a compact convenient package. That is all it is supposed to do and Belkin did a great job (minus the flaky app) bringing that convince to market.
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Introducing the MagGo Magnetic 2-in-1 charger, featuring magnetic precision for effortless alignment during charging. Compatible with iPhone 12 and beyond, this sleek design offers secure charging for your phone, AirPods, and AirPods Pro. With a versatile free-standing design, you can adjust your iPhone's viewing angle for convenience and comfort. Plus, enjoy an illuminating charging experience with a beautiful ambient light glow.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
Anker's MagGo wireless charger is the first official entry of MagSafe products from the company. The new 2-in-1 charger brings dual wireless charging to a pretty crowded space.
The top charger surface flips up to reveal a second wireless charging pad. I used the charger with an iPhone 13 Pro Max and a set of AirPods Pro. The flip up charging surface had enough grip to hold the phone without issue and charged the phone seemingly at the same rate my MagSafe Duo does. The charging spot in the back is pretty small aside from charging headphones I am not sure what else it could really be used for. The AirPods Pro case fit just right and charged without issue. The unit is very compact and offers dual charging in a vertical form that eliminates the amount of space needed on a desk or nightstand. For a stationary device it works well and is a pretty easy recommend.
So why only four stars? Well, this comes down to the on-the-go aspect Anker is marketing this device for. While the unit is compact (though no where near as compact as my MagSafe Duo) it is pretty heavy. Heavy enough that I can't see myself ever wanting to throw this in my backup for trips. I think much of the weight is added to allow stability holding the phone when flipped open. So, it is really just a desktop charger in my mind. The biggest plus it has is price. Anker brought this 'travel' charger to market at a very competitive price.
If you need a compact, desktop charger for some wireless charging earbuds and an iPhone 12/13 then the Anker MagGo 2-iin-1 wireless charger should be on your shortlist. If you want something for travel I recommend you check out some alternatives including Apple's own MagSafe Duo (which also can charge the Apple Watch), but at a much higher price.
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Rewire the rules with the Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma—a sleek, customizable hub that ushers in a new era of connectivity for your ideal setup. Packed with 10 ports, lightning-fast data transfer rates, and dual 4K or single 8K video output, you’ll always be primed to make the right connections.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
I am using the Razer Thunderbolt 4 dock with my MacBook Pro M1 Max. I am using it to charge the MacBook Pro and provide USB-C connections to an external UHD BD drive, 10GBe adapter, and my 4K/144hz HDR monitor via USB-C to DP cable. Works flawlessly and have had no issues with charging or dropped connections. I do wish it had more USB-C inputs, but the inclusion of the three USB-A 3.1 ports help to make up for it. The HDMI port is limited to 4K/60, but I got around that using a USB-C to DP cable. It would have also been nice if the ethernet port was 10GBe to make it a bit more future proof, but that is pretty rare in any dock. The Razer Thunderbolt 4 dock is an easy recommend if you are using a laptop (especially an M1 based MacBook) as your primary machine with external devices.
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The new Philips Sonicare Power Flosser creates an X-shaped stream of water that reaches deep between teeth for a gentle, thorough clean. This X-shaped water stream, known as Quad-Stream technology, covers more surface area for a faster, deeper clean versus manual floss. Because of Quad-Steam technology, Philips Sonicare Power Flosser enables you to improve your gum health by 50% in just 1 minute per day!
Customer Rating
5
Teeth Never Felt So Clean
on November 12, 2021
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
Philips Sonicare Power Flosser 3000 is a must have for dental hygiene. It is my first foray in an electric flosser and what a great experience it has been. My teeth and gums feels so much cleaner after using it that I am not sure how I have lived without it. For me the biggest struggle was deciding the best way to use it to minimize the mess. I found closing my mouth around it while flossing my teeth in sections and then spitting was the best way to do it. So I split my teeth into quadrants and complete a quadrant and spit out the water collected. I started off on the lowest setting and have found I am running it now at about half full power now that I have used it a week or so. It can definitely hurt to use if you have very sensitive teeth or gums, but thankfully it can be turned way down to allow just about anyone but the most sensitive to use. My only real complaint is that I wish the water reservoir was a bit a bigger. I am finding I have to fill it about every third use. While it is super easy and quick to fill it would still be nice if it were a bit bigger. Overall, I love the Power Flosser 3000 and can easily recommend it.
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The JAXJOX Dumbbell is a digital dumbbell set offering two adjustable dumbbells ranging from 8-50 pounds each. Select your weight with a touch of a button.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
I have been using the JaxJox Dumbbell Connect for just over two weeks now. It is an interesting idea, but I can't figure out who exactly this is for. It is a well built and offers bluetooth controlled weight adjustment. It has fast adjustment up to 50lbs of maximum weight.
I signed up for the 30 day trial of JaxJox premium service which includes video guided workout routines. What I quickly realized is that trying to execute many of these workouts while using your phone is difficult in many cases. The app will show you your repetitions while the video is being displayed which is great on the one hand, but often difficult to maintain sight of when performing workouts. I didn't feel there was a compelling enough number of workouts offered to warrant the subscription and cancelled. I have started doing my own workouts and using my phone to count the reps while I continue to count them myself. This allows for me to capture the data which does tie into Apple Health on iOS. If this could somehow tie into Apple Fitness+ I would be far more excited about the digital aspect of this weight set.
The overall quality of the weights themselves seems great, but the fact that you have to keep the pair of dumbbells charged adds a certain inconvenience in placement. Battery life though does seem great so it may not be a big issue.
As it stands for me now, it is nothing more than a connected set of free weights that I can use in a more conventional style, but can track the data. I keep my own log of what routines and reps I perform daily on the side. It would be nice if the app allowed me to enter my own routines and schedule so that I could better track what I am doing. I am only capturing the aggregate of my workouts which is great for the calorie count and total weight exercised, but little benefit beyond that. Clearly JaxJox wants you to buy into the premium subscriptions and use their workouts.
Might be worth a try for those that are weight lifting novices or just plain curious. For advanced body builders this is probably not what you are looking for.
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Create, control, and champion your playstyle with the new Razer Basilisk V3—the quintessential ergonomic gaming mouse for customized performance. With 10+1 programmable buttons, a dual-mode tilt scroll wheel, and a heavy dose of Razer Chroma RGB, it's time to light up the competition your way.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
The new Basilisk v3 from Razer represents a great value in wired gaming mice.
Pros
- Superb feel and craftsmanship
- Responsive optical sensor with 26K DPI resolution (adjustable)
- Scroll wheel offers tilt control
- Cable is incredibly flexible and does not impede movement
- Lightweight design
- Tasteful RGB lighting cues
- Highly customizable buttons and lighting via Synapse software
- Superb feel and craftsmanship
- Responsive optical sensor with 26K DPI resolution (adjustable)
- Scroll wheel offers tilt control
- Cable is incredibly flexible and does not impede movement
- Lightweight design
- Tasteful RGB lighting cues
- Highly customizable buttons and lighting via Synapse software
Cons
- No weight adjustments or thumb rest adjustments
- Synapse software has keyboard recording limit around Windows key. I usually map my switch desktop controls to the mouse buttons, but Synapse will not recognize the Windows key.
- No weight adjustments or thumb rest adjustments
- Synapse software has keyboard recording limit around Windows key. I usually map my switch desktop controls to the mouse buttons, but Synapse will not recognize the Windows key.
Having used Corsair and Logitech gaming mice for years the Razer Basilisk v3 is easily on par with those. It is now my main gaming mouse and might be for some time. Definitely give it a look if you are in the market for a great, wired gaming mouse that doesn't break the bank.
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The minute you put on Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, you feel it — the iconic quiet that allows you to concentrate on your music or work on your passion projects. Plus, with these wireless headphones, you can experience the comfort and crystal-clear sound that can only come from Bose headphones. The soft, plush cushions of these Bose over ear wireless headphones seal you in. Then you flip the switch and whoosh — the world fades. The music starts. It’s love at first listen. The original Bluetooth headphones are back, now with signature active noise cancelling technology and premium comfort. Plus proprietary technology for deep, clear sound, and adjustable EQ so you can tune your music to your liking. Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones. An icon reborn.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
Bose has a pretty solid foot hold on noise cancelling wireless headphones and for good reason. The new QC45 represent the next iteration in the QC line and while not revolutionary are a nice evolutionary step forward for the brand.
Pros:
- Seemingly better built than the outgoing QC35 II
- Slightly improved noise cancelling. On par with Sony's WH1000XM4.
- Improved sound quality. Better balance with less bass push. Sounds more refined than its predecessor
- Still super comfortable for long listening periods
- Better battery life than the QC35 II
- Improved call quality and new audio transparency mode to allow outside sounds to passthrough
- Compact travel case and comes with supplied 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable for wired use
- Seemingly better built than the outgoing QC35 II
- Slightly improved noise cancelling. On par with Sony's WH1000XM4.
- Improved sound quality. Better balance with less bass push. Sounds more refined than its predecessor
- Still super comfortable for long listening periods
- Better battery life than the QC35 II
- Improved call quality and new audio transparency mode to allow outside sounds to passthrough
- Compact travel case and comes with supplied 2.5mm to 3.5mm cable for wired use
Cons
- A tad heavier than the QC35 II
- Battery life still falls short of the Sony XM4
- Transparency mode could use some work. Audio sounds a tad muffled/quiet.
- A tad heavier than the QC35 II
- Battery life still falls short of the Sony XM4
- Transparency mode could use some work. Audio sounds a tad muffled/quiet.
Other
- Bose Music app works well, but doesn't provide in really value aside from making sure the QC45 are up-to-date. Does offer music controls, but I really don't know why one would use this app for that purpose.
- Bose Music app works well, but doesn't provide in really value aside from making sure the QC45 are up-to-date. Does offer music controls, but I really don't know why one would use this app for that purpose.
Overall, the QC45 is a more refined and capable version of the QC35 II which itself was outstanding by most standards. Bose finds itself in an ever growing pool of competitors, but fends most off with a complete overall package. They are a traveler's best friend for a reason.
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If all-out advantage is more your speed, arm yourself with responsiveness that’s second to none. Meet the Razer Huntsman V2—an optical gaming keyboard with near-zero input latency and fully geared out with other high-end features to make it the complete package.
Customer Rating
4
Great Gaming Keyboard
on September 30, 2021
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
The new Huntsman v2 is another excellent gaming keyboard from Razer. It possesses all the hallmarks of a great keyboard: solid build, great keycaps, and wonderfully tactile response.
Pros:
- Well built
- Responsive linear optical switches
- Media controls with volume dial
- Individual key lighting and highly customizable through Synapse software
- Well built
- Responsive linear optical switches
- Media controls with volume dial
- Individual key lighting and highly customizable through Synapse software
Cons
- Key lighting is uneven
- Key actuation is a bit stiff and has a soft bottom stop
- Key lighting is uneven
- Key actuation is a bit stiff and has a soft bottom stop
Other
- Pretty quiet key action for a gaming keyboard due to foam dampening
- Pretty quiet key action for a gaming keyboard due to foam dampening
Overall, the Razer Huntsman v2 is a solid, top tier gaming keyboard. The key actuation might take some getting used to though as it is very different from the popular Cherry MX switch feel. That said it easily competes among the best from competing brands and should be on your short list of gaming keyboards especially if you are looking for something with a little quieter click.
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The Ninja CREAMi transforms frozen solid bases into ice cream, sorbets, milkshakes, and more at the touch of a button. From healthy to indulgent, the Ninja CREAMi can create frozen treats as unique as you are!
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
The new Ninja CREAMi makes some great ice cream and milkshakes. Everyone in my house agrees it makes fantastic ice cream. Using the included recipes I went to town on making some dark chocolate ice cream and now it is all my kids want. It is dead simple to use and easy to clean-up. It has all the hallmarks of a quality Ninja product. Why the 4 stars then? Well, the product leaves me scratching my head. First, once you mix the ingredients they must sit in the small mixing cups for 24 hours in the freezer first. So you need to preplan your ice cream. Generally, I want my ice cream the day I'm thinking about it and not plan for it the day before. When you couple the pre-planning with the fact that it makes 16oz batches at a time I am confounded by who exactly this product is for. It makes great, smooth, and creamy ice cream, but not enough for a family of 5 without making making multiple batches in advance. The milkshake option I get. I can throw some ice cream and milk in one of the mixing cups, throw the CREAMi into milkshake mode, and 'Voila!' an awesome thick milkshake. That said, my blender does a pretty bang up job too so I am not sure one would buy this with the express intent of just making milkshakes.
Overall, I like it, but I can't say that I love it no matter how good the end product it makes is. Ninja might consider something scaled up in size a bit with someway to freeze the product on the fly. Maybe I just want my ice cream and eat it too. For a smaller family with patience the Ninja CREAMi is calling you.
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The CORSAIR VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT delivers a high-fidelity audio experience for the most discerning players, combining uncompromising sound quality with all-day, all-night comfort from its premium memory foam earpads and headband. Connect wirelessly to virtually any device with simultaneous SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS and Qualcomm® aptX™ HD Bluetooth®, or wired via 3.5mm or USB. Make yourself heard with superb vocal clarity thanks to a broadcast-grade, omnidirectional detachable microphone with wide dynamic range. Lightweight aluminum construction ensures long-term durability, while up to 15 hours of wireless battery life and 60ft of range give you absolute listening freedom. Micro-perforated aluminum on each ear cup allows RGB lighting to shine through for visual flair. With immersive Dolby Atmos® and CORSAIR iCUE software to enable custom audio equalizer settings, RGB lighting control, and more, you can be the maestro of your gaming experience.
Posted by: Balthazar2k4
from Frisco, TX
Let me begin by saying that I would consider myself an audiophile which for better or worse raises my critical review of anything labeled high-fidelity. So Corsair has made the conscious decision to label this headset expressly as high-fidelity despite being designed for primarily gaming purposes. Let me get the gaming out of the way first. They are lightweight, reasonably well-built, and offer nice clamping force to provide a snug fit. They have a removable mic that has above average audio and are tastefully RGB lit and controllable via Corsair's iCue software. They also include Dolby Atmos capability via wireless and USB which works reasonably well, but is also on the verge of almost being a gimmick. My AirPods Max and Pro spatial audio are far superior which is ironic as neither is a gaming headset. For gaming they are punchy and dynamic which definitely help pull you into the game. Battery life is also pretty decent and can take you through some pretty long 12hr+ marathon gaming sessions. So from a gaming perspective these are great.
Now I will talk about the high-fidelity aspect of these purported Hi-Fi headphones. First off, they are wireless and do support Apt-X which is really the only way to get lossless CD quality audio wirelessly as standard bluetooth won't cut it. Of course that is for standard 16/44.1 audio and if you want to step up you will need to go USB or 3.5mm and bypass the wireless aspect altogether. This is all fine, well, and good, but the problem is that the actual drivers don't do any of it justice. Maybe I am being overly critical, but I said from the beginning that this is one area I take seriously if you are trying to move upmarket based on audio quality. As you can probably guess based on my numerous disclaimers I am not impressed. These are in a price class similar to Sony WH-1000MX4 and are not even in the same ballpark. The Virtuoso do not sound markedly better than most $100 headphones. They are marketed around their extended high frequency capability which is funny as the human ear struggles above 16khz for most people. Yes, 20khz and above do provide some 'air' or space that while you can't hear it you can tell a difference. That said highs are pronounced and mids are masked by the bass. Overall imaging is pretty average and can be done as well for less. The do have good dynamic range which can help to make up for some of the other deficiencies. As a reference, my headphones for critical listening are Focal Clear Mg and to be clear I was not expecting anything like that. What I was expecting is something that could compete against the Sony or even Bose QC considering the cost. Long story short, do not buy these thinking they are going to be equivalent to other dedicated headphones in this price class. They are not as they are not neutral or balanced in any way.
The bottom line is simple, Corsair makes other great wireless headsets for far less. The value proposition is the biggest problem here. They are trying to sell you on something it simply can only pretend to be.
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No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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Balthazar2k4's Review Comments
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Tablet: More capable than your average tablet but lighter and smaller than a laptop, the Surface Pro 2 features hands-on productivity with the ability to fully support Microsoft Office (sold separately). Multitask with side-by-side apps, prop up your tablet with the built-in kickstand, or connect accessories via the USB and display ports for a work-efficient desktop setup.
Overall5 out of 5
5 out of 5Best tablet for work and play
By jb78
from Woodland Hills, CA
Microsoft shows why its preferred over mac for business and productivity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Balthazar2k4
Pointless
October 23, 2013
Thank you for the hollow, non-review of an unreleased (at the time) product.
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Balthazar2k4's Questions
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Orbi Whole Home WiFi System delivers up to 3.0Gbps high-performance WiFi. Sleek, modern design with high-gain internal antennas for up to 5,000 square feet of coverage. FastLane3 Technology creates a dedicated Tri-Band WiFi for seamless 4K streaming and gaming everywhere in your home. Keep a single WiFi name for uninterrupted connections as you move from room-to-room. Circle Smart Parental Controls runs on Orbi Routers for a smart way for families to manage content and time online, on any connected device. Provide internet access to guests without sharing your personal network password. Orbi is ready right out of the box and compatible with your ISP. Just use the Orbi app to get started with better WiFi, everywhere in minutes.
I currently have the Netgear NightHawk router. Will this be better than that, and should I get rid of that one?
I previously owned a Nighthawk X6 and more recently a Linksys EA9500 (which was a vast improvement over the Nighthawk). I have been using the Orbi system for about a week now and I can say that in a two story home I have noticed significant improvement in signal strength and throughput over the EA9500. If you have some weak or dead zones in your house now, the Orbi system could most likely fix them.
7 years, 7 months ago
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