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Review on AUNA Connect 150 Black 2.1 Wi-Fi Internet Radio Music Player With MP3 USB Port, AUX & Remote Control - Black by Brian Rogers

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Great deal: Sounds, works, and looks great!

I was returning this on day 29 because of its weaknesses for me as an alarm clock -actually, mostly the display; BUT, I had a change of HEART because of its musical performance and other features. I actually prepared a return that morning, but cancelled it later that day or the next. Essentially, IT SOUNDS GREAT, works great (Wi-Fi, etc.), and looks great. I use it on a wood desktop, mostly for its Spotify Connect feature. It connects immediately, even automatically, and then runs flawlessly. Spotify will even keep playing if I shut down my computer. I also use it for internet radio -again, it works flawlessly. Many will wonder about volume (and boom-capacity): it is plentiful, truly. It has a volume scale to 20, and I use it between 12-14: 12 for radio, and 12-14 or 15 for music, and I do like to crank up my music, mostly jazz and Latin pop. I use the auna 150 in a 14 x 17-foot room with two open doorways, and it will absolutely fill a large space. By 13 or 14, the base starts making my thick, solid-wood desk vibrate beautifully, and I can start feeling it down to my carpeted wood floor. Purists may consider it a little boomy at the upper volume levels, but this is not a stereo system, yet this auna 150's musicality is quite impressive and lovely. Yes, a keeper, nevertheless.As an alarm clock, the main limitation for me is the small size of the time display, because I do not like any electronics anywhere near my head when I sleep. It would or could probably be fine, or significantly better, if it used all or significantly more of its little screen. ALTHOUGH, even its (buried-in-the-menus) brightest setting is not bright at all; plus, it dims automatically when the device is off. This cannot be adjusted. Thus, I've had to keep relying on my TEAC clock radio for alarm.NB: This is a wi-fi-dependent device. I would guess that the strong performance of this auna 150 is, in part, a result of how well my Wi-Fi system works. I haven't even needed the 150's nice antenna. Without this, I might have needed the network cable connection.For Auna, as well: The screen includes the date on top, which for me is useless, and that space could be utilized. BUT, the brightness also needs a spike. The only other weakness is that the alarm setting and controls are in menus. They probably work fine, but it's not as convenient as physical buttons and knobs. ON THE OTHER HAND, I am satisfied using this as I do and I love the clean design without buttons or knobs. Thus, I'd definitely want any controls on the back, or I'd leave it without.----------------EDIT: I tried the auna 150's line out feature today, connecting with a nice Y RCA cable into my stereo. It works great; it allows me to use the 150's Spotify Connect feature and get the sweet sound out through my Cyrus One integrated amp and Martin Logan LX16 speakers. It connected as easily and immediately as from my desktop. Unfortunately for me, my Cyrus One does not have a remote control, and the volume cannot be adjusted with the 150's remote, nor my Surface tablet's volume control. Line out is pure direct, as is common with line out functions, so only your stereo's controls will work.EDIT 2: The remote control of the auna has become a valued feature. It works from at least 30' feet away, although you do have to point it right at the unit. Still, it's especially helpful when the auna is playing from my Intel NUC which has no remote control.

Pros
  • The Connect 150 is an excellent value for its high-quality audio, design, and connectivity options
Cons
  • The product has a high failure rate