[jackman]

...or should I say, I just ordered one of these.  Needed something for the garage or to play when I paint a couple rooms this summer.  It's kind've cool looking, it has a remote which operates the iPod also, it charges the iPod, has USB hookup and it is on sale for $59 delivered.  At the original price of $300, I didn't bite, but couldn't pass it up for under sixty bucks.  Plus, it looks kind've cool.  Anyone ever hear one of these in person? 





If it's good, I may get another one for my guest room and keep an old iPod docked at all times.   I'll keep everyone posted if this is worth the $59 I paid.  My current boom-box is in sad shape so it wouldn't take much to make me happy. 

J

[Kenobi]

Hi Jackman,

Can you give us the source for this?  I believe my brother bought one not too longer ago for over $100.

Thanks in advance,

Kenobi

[jackman]

?????????

[jackman]

duplicate post

[jackman]

OK, it's time for an update.  I was going to wait until I purchased another one before posting any comments but what the heck.  The Omnivibe is far from perfect, however it exceeded my expectations in several areas, especially when you take into account the ridiculously cheap $59 price tag. 

Here are the pro's and cons in my humble opinion (which is worth pretty much what you are paying for it...unless you consider the value of your time, in which case...

Pros: 

Compact size -fits nicely on a countertop or small shelf
Build quality - surprisingly good build quality.  The base is solid wood or dense composite material and the construction is way better than I expected. 
Simple looks - I kind've like the bare bones utilitarian styling of this unit. 
Sound quality - the bass will not shake the pix off the walls but it's surprisingly good considering the diminutive size of the unit (that's what she said...).  Bass is at least as good, if not better than the offering from B*se.  It's tight and tuneful.  The omni-directional reflected sound (70% reflected) is kind've cool because it fills a moderately sized room nicely.  At first it sounds a bit strange because it's different than what I'm used to but I like it.  Very laid back sound with good details (remember this is relatively small player). 
Sound quantity - plays louder levels way better than I expected.  Sounds good cranked!  It's got a BASH amplifier that is clean and never harsh. 
Versatility - has hookup for video, and USB hookup to allow for use as a computer speaker system.  Very cool.  Plus, it has a nice compact remote that works well from pretty far away. 
Value - I heard this was originally priced at $300.  Not sure I'd be as happy if I paid full price but for $59 bucks, it's a steal. 


Cons:

Compatibility - Some functions don't work with my older first generation iPod.  It plays songs but doesn't allow you to switch songs or use any functions on the remote aside from volume.  Works with later generations (the last two at least). 
Looks - Although I like the overall look, the gloss black finish on bottom of base shows finger prints.  No big deal but I prefer matte.
No battery operation - This baby is plug in only.  Can't take it on the go unless you go somewhere with an outlet.  The unit was obviously not designed for on the go use because there is no handle and it's awkward to carry around. 
Availability - I believe these are being discontinued an closed out.  Not sure how long they will be around.
Low Volume Sound- I know I rate the sound quality as a strength but it sounds much better at higher volume levels.  At low levels, the bass can be a bit overpowering or unbalanced.  This could be adjusted by using he EQ on the iPod, unless you are lazy (I fall into the latter camp).  [/li]

Overall Rating -

Ease of use: 9/10 - plug in the iPod, turn up the volume, enjoy good sound.  Better make that 10/10.
Value; 10/10 - for $59 it sounds as good (IMO) as the $300 B*se and better than the other >$100 players I have tried.
Sound: 8/10 - one of the better sounding compact players I have tried.  The omni-direction speakers project a broad wall of sound and may not be your cup of joe (it sounds a bit strange at first) but I like it.  On some material, I'm a really shocked by how big this little Omnivibe sounds.  [/li]

Conclusion - get it if you can pick one up for the closeout price.  Even if you don't fall in love with the omni-directional sound, you will find a place to deploy the Omnivibe (dorm, garage, cottage, bedroom, van down by the river, etc.).  It looks cool and, although I haven't heard the B&W, this could be the poor man's Zepplin! 

Cheers,


J

[mca]

I think Kenobi was curious as to where you purchased it, as am I.

[jackman]

I think Kenobi was curious as to where you purchased it, as am I.

I got mine at Vanns.com.  First time I ever used the place but the Omnivibe arrived in 4 days, well packed and in perfect shape.  No tax or shipping charges.  I hope there isn't a run on these because I'm going to buy one for my office.  It sounds better than my computer speakers!

Cheers,

J

[nature boy]

Looks like Vanns has these for sale.

NB