Grace Wifi Radio (ITC-IR1000B)
by Grace Digital
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Our Price: $199.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $74.99 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Grace Wifi Radio (ITC-IR1000B)
Customer Review: Through the price barrier
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been listening to internet radio for more than 5 years, and have been exploring the purchase of a stand-alone wifi radio for the last two. The market has either been high-end ($300+ for the Roku Soundbridge or the Revo Pico), products with flaws (check the reviews for the Torian InFusion) or not a true standalone device (requiring that your computer be on, works only with open networks, etc.).
When I saw the Grace Wifi Radio at the $170 pricepoint, I decided to give it a try. I opened the box about an hour ago, and within 10 minutes had it set up, working with my WPA protected AirPort network. Sound is good; this isn't hifi, but like 90% of internet listeners I'm no high-end audiophile. The stations available through the Reciva server simply blow my mind (think thousands instead of the hundreds I normally look through on iTunes). I can see myself playing with this for weeks, cranking the dial like a kid with his first shortwave.
Note this is a very simple radio; only 5 presets, no equalizer, no dancing visuals, no ipod dock..... And I haven't tested its capability to play audiofiles sent by iTunes (that's not what I bought it for). But all in all I'm very pleased, and while decent wifi radios will probably be available below $100 before the year is out, I'm glad I didn't wait.
Customer Review: Opens you to an Ocean of Music and Radio Broadcasts
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally, after years, my timex clock radio died and I had the excuse for a new tabletop clock radio I was looking for. The Grace WiFi radio has all of the standard alarm features plus WORLD WIDE streaming radio for free. Not since I was a boy with my shortwave radio, have I experienced the thrill of exploring distant broadcasts. A huge plus is the seamless integration with Pandora- a unique music programming site [...].
I read reviews of other radios and initially wanted the Sangean for about $100 more but I am glad I chose the Grace because of the integration with Pandora. The unit is easy to use, especially in conjunction with the reciva site [...] and Pandora. I LIKE the fact that the controls are simple. You can also connect the unit with your full size stereo for better sound quality. Did I mention that it can stream music from your PCs?
This is my COOL TECHNOLOGY PURCHASE for the year.
P.S. The only negative- a major annoyance is the stickers that are pasted all over the radio when you get it out of the box. They are completely unnecessary and put on with nasty glue and are difficult to remove without scratching the radio. Pay attention Grace Radio- product manager, this sticker problem is a real pain!
Customer Review: Excellent WiFi Receiver
Summary: 5 Stars
For those who don't want to wait for the next generation WiFi receivers, try the Grace Internet Radio.
It is very intuitive and easy to set up, and I've found that it handles most Reciva stations very well. I haven't used it yet for Pandora or playing PC files. The reviews here on what to expect were very accurate. The unit also seems to work well on less than full strength Wifi signal.
The provided manuel is brief and well written, be sure to use it when starting up.
You can just plug it in and scan through genre or location to play stations. Or, go online with Reciva and register, select some favorites for 'My Stations' and play them. It's easy to register the radio there too, your radio will give you the information to do so.
Some notes: Use the large knob to scroll (turn right or left) whatever station you want to select, or for configuring, wifi strength, upgrade firmware, or set time, sleep timer etc. When you want to make a selection push in on the large knob.
The radio 'holds' stations very well. And I believe soon 'Clear Channel' stations will be available.
Customer Review: Nice Radio, excellent audio.
Summary: 5 Stars
Easy setup and great sound!
This is my second wifi radio. The first, an Acoustic Energy, did a fine job at working with my wifi, but the ergonomics (and the fact that it looked like a bedside air purifier), was only slightly better than the poor sound. The Grace wifi, on the other, with it's 4.5 watt amp and rear bass port really brings a richness to the audio that was unexpected, even for me, a dyed-in-the-wool audio snob. I was going to hook the output up to a set of high-end computer speakers, but (aside from missing out on the stereo output), the PC speakers actually sounded worse.
Two minor annoyances: (1) the radio tends to slide backwards when pressing the front buttons, so you need to hold onto the top of the radio while punching the controls, and this leaves (2) fingerprints, everywhere!
Perhaps I should have chose the white version of this radio, because the black model is a fingerprint magnet.
The price is right, the sound is great, the interface (with a little bit of effort) is a joy to use.
Customer Review: These features have to be in BOLD on the first page of the manual
Summary: 5 Stars
But they are not, and this is the only disappointment.
Now the features that make this radio a winner (firmware update adds some of them):
1) based on reciva.com
2) I can add my own URL's (not listed on reciva.com) through web interface on reciva.com
3) Plays my Pandora stations
4) Supports not only WPA, but WPA2-PSK as well (tested with SSID up to 15 symbols and key up to 63 symbols)
5) Works with hidden SSID
6) Supports 5 (five!) alarms with very flexible settings
7) Stays connected to access point in standby mode - results in very fast start-up time (activated in "Settings" menu)
8) In "Settings" I can check Wi-Fi signal strength.
If your radio has old firmware, it can be easily upgraded over the air. I've got much better interface and functionality after upgrade. Sound quality of internet broadcast mostly depends on station bit-rate. Sound of Sirius channels is good for this little box. Sorry, no comments on PC connectivity, I was looking for radio :)