Sony Dream Machine ICF-CD843V CD Clock Radio with Digital Tuner by Sony
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Our Price: $129.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Sony Dream Machine ICF-CD843V CD Clock Radio with Digital Tuner
Digital camera Review: Good Value But Not Perfect
Summary: 4 Stars
At this price point I can't complain too much about the Sony 843: Excellent AM reception. Slightly above average FM but bear in mind hard-to-get stations could give you trouble since the 843, like 99% of clock radios, relies on a little coiled plastic antenna in the back. Where I live in Los Angeles, KPCC 89.3 sometimes gives the Sony 843 problems, which I can only rectify by holding the tip of the wire antenna during my entire listening session. Needless to say, this is annoying and not practical. But the most glaring weakness is the CD player. It is so noisy that listening to music on it is too distracting so I quit playing CDs a long time ago.
But still if you can pick one up for fifty dollars or less it's worth it just for the radio and easy alarm functions. If you want a high-end clock radio with a telescopic antenna, there's only one that I know of, the Tivoli Songbook, but realize the Songbook costs nearly three times as much.
Update: I personally don't use my Songbook by my bed because it tips over. I use my best reception radio performer ever--my Grundig G4000, which I got on Amazon for $99, a very good price. It has a clock and alarm function but the clock digits may be too small for many. If you want a real clock radio by your bed and don't mind spending 99 dollars, you might check out the Sonido (made by Sangean). It's sleek and attractive, it has AM, FM, TV, and Weather bands, and it boasts a high-performance speaker, like its more expensive brother the WR-2, but even better than the WR-2, it has a telescopic antenna and it's 60 dollars less than its only competition, the Tivoli Songbook.
Update 1-29-07: If you want an attractive retro-modern clock radio with remote control, high-grade speaker and excellent reception, check out the Eton Sound 100. It retails for 150 bucks or so but can be found on sale on Amazon through other vendors. If you don't need a headphone jack or remote, the Boston Acoustics Receptor can be found on Amazon on sale between 100-120 dollars even though it retails for about 149. For bright sound, the Boston Acoustics is my very favorite.
Digital camera Review: Good deal, good sound!
Summary: 4 Stars
Was pleased with the amount of options available on this dream machine. I know that I will not use half of them, but some are pretty cool. It has amazing sound and the alarm features are cool. The nap function is GREAT! I haven't had that before. This was a good deal for all the features you get with this little machine.Digital camera Review: Good features-not so good sound
Summary: 3 Stars
I found this radio rich in features which are useful, but I was disappointed in the sound quality. I have not tried the Mega-bass feature yet so the sound might be better with that on. Also be aware if you have the radio above eye-level, such as on a high dresser, the time display disappears.Digital camera Review: Good morning!
Summary: 4 Stars
I just bought this after my old Sony clock radio conked out after 18 years. So far, I haven't had any problems with this model. The CD alarm feature has worked every morning, there's a backup radio alarm available, and the digital tuning is very welcome (my cat used to step on and move the manual tuner on the old radio, shifting the stations and sometimes causing static in the morning). I enjoy waking up to CDs of my own choosing rather than screaming disk jockeys or commercials.
There are really only two downsides to this item. First, it's not terribly attractive. It looks like a helmet a Star Wars character would wear, or like the Jet Jaguar space robot from the old Godzilla movies. I wouldn't want it on my desk or where a lot of people could see it.
Secondly, the display is difficult for me to see at night. I wear contact lenses and take them out when I sleep, thus my night vision isn't good in the first place. The numbers on the display are black, and are lit from the back, rather than vice versa. White or lit up numbers on a dark background would be easier to see.
Overall, this was a good purchase. Sony is a good quality brand - although I don't think this will last 18 years.
Digital camera Review: Good overall-Great price
Summary: 4 Stars
I am generally happy with my purchase. The unit is a bit large and the shape is clumbsy.
The Good-Clear sound, well lit display with dimmer & nap feature is GREAT.
The Bad-No 2-5-7 feature. The different alarm times have to be turned on/off as needed ie weekday, weekend. I prefer the set it and forget it perk of a 2-5-7 (Timex). Alarm on/off is a little tricky/complex
The Ugly- the volume dial is located near the back-When I picked it up to change the time for Daylight Saving time last week I accidently turned the volume off. My carpool showed up at 6:30 and I was sound asleep!!!