Take computer-recorded music compilations everywhere you go with the compact, affordable PC300. The unit plays not only MP3 files burned to CD, but also mixed-mode CDs containing a combination of MP3 files and standard (PCM) CD tracks. Playback options include MP3 and CD track programming (up to 99 MP3 tracks), as well as repeat (single track, all tracks). An analog AM/FM stereo tuner lets you listen to your favorite radio stations as well. The boom box supports MP3 bit rates of 32, 64, 96, 128, 192, and 256 Kbps, as well as variable bit-rate recordings (MP3 format ISO 9660). Dynamic bass boost system (DBBS) heightens the impact of low frequencies. The player runs on six C batteries (not supplied) and includes an AC power cord.
1 Lose Radio Capabilities after a few days
I was able to use the radio functionality probably two week before it just STOPPED working. You could still select radio stations, just no sound comes out. And it only does it with the radio. The CD Player seems to play just fine. I packed up my boombox for about a month and then the radio started working again after I plugged it back in... then it stopped once again (about a week later). I can't say too much for the sound quality... can't complain too much about the price. Although, if I knew I would be limited to just a CD Player, I wouldn't have paid as much. BEWARE! I've heard nothing but bad things about GPX products.
2 Good value on bare bones MP3 boombox.
I bought this unit for my 10 year old daughter. Pulled it out of the box, plugged in a CD burned at 52X, played perfectly, impressive sound when extra bass button pushed. I was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality, much better than I expected considering the price. I tried several different CD's with MP3's, again it played them all flawlessly. I am very happy with this unit for the price. I've heard boomboxes for over $100.00 not sound as good as this. If you expect this to be your main portable player, get real, it's only $40.00. But for what it is and what it claims to be, it offers excellent value and performance. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to buy an inexpensive boombox for a child or for the RV or cottage. If this was lost or stolen, you won't feel too badly, just buy another.
3 Static, Motor sound, returns, headaches!
I purchased one of these on ebay. When it arrived, you could clearly hear the sound of the motor through the speakers (if you turn down the volume to zero, only the motor sound is left and it's QUITE loud. I complained and sent it back. They sent another. This time it not only has the SAME motor sound but ALSO static in the left speaker. This product is complete garbage, I've had two of them and they were both broken in the same way!
I don't know what causes the static. It sounds a little like the clipping you hear when an amplifier can't deal with the dynamic range of a song (the static is in the loud, exciting parts of music.) I would encourage EVERYONE to stay as far away from this product as possible. I'm sending this one back for a refund!
4 ... encoder users watch out!
Picked one of these up as a bit of retail therapy (impressed by the price), and quickly regretted it. Read the part in the description about "supports MP3 bit rates of 32, 64, 96, 128, 192, and 256 Kbps" carefully... it skips and pops if you present it with 320kbps, and also possibly with 224kbps, which you will frequently find in a ...-encoded ("--preset standard") mp3.
Everything else worked flawlessly on this unit, which I can't actually say about some other MP3 boomboxes I tried out... If only it could play ALL the mp3 bitrates... I'd happily pay 1.5-2x the cost for a unit that could play the MP3 CDRWs without the skipping or other problems!
Unfortunately, this one will be going back, and the hunt will go on...
