Q. The TEAC PD-301-X CD Player/FM Tuner looks like it just has FM radio. Is there no AM radio on the unit?
A. That is correct. Listening to AM seems to have fallen from favor in the hi-fi world, and the PD-301-X is meant as a serious hi-fi component more than just another option for listening to the radio. For AM you will need a separate tuner working in conjunction with the PD-301-X, or you can use an internet radio app to play AM channels on your sound system via Bluetooth. I recommend the latter.
An interesting thing about the PD-301-X is it sends out the tuner signal over the digital output as well as over the analog RCA connections. It is a very compelling product, and I will have more to say about it in the near future, especially because compact-sized audio components are experiencing a huge surge in popularity.
Missing CDs
Q. Is the Hott car CD player you recently mentioned compatible with a 2024 BMW? I would like to play my CDs through the car's sound system. The car does have USB ports for playback.
A. It seems that people are missing their car CD players. I received a ton of questions about this. There are several models but I recommend the Hott CD903TF, which creates a Bluetooth signal to stream CD music over the car's audio system just like your phone. It lists for $74.99, but I have seen it on Amazon for under $60. The listing says it is not compatible with the Bluetooth system in some vehicles. I am uncertain of which vehicles that is, but if it does not work in your car, the audio can be sent to an FM station on your car radio. (hottaudio.com)
As good as promised
I recently answered a question about a graduation party and recommended the $349 Klipsch Gig XXL speaker, on sale on Amazon for $161.49 with a checkbox coupon. I ended up ordering one and probably will be ordering a few more as gifts.
The Gig XXL is very solidly made. The sound quality is outstanding, and it fills a room easily, and impresses as a high-fidelity speaker rather than a boomy DJ speaker that shakes the room with loose, artificially boosted bass. Music lovers are sure to be very pleased by this. Though it plays loudly, if using the Gig XXL to cover a large dance floor, I think you would need two of them. The karaoke feature is fun, seamlessly integrated into the speaker and easy to use.
The speaker sounds so good that you will want to sing along, and that happened the first day I used it. I had guests visiting, and someone started singing along. I plugged in the microphone, starting an impromptu karaoke session. For $161.49, the Gig XXL is a smashing buy, sure to bring great fun and enjoyment to music lovers. Very highly recommended, especially at the discounted price.
Send questions to Don Lindich at donlindich@gmail.com. Get recommendations and read past columns at soundadvicenews.com.
