A Premium Audio Solution for Small/Medium Rooms
Written: Sep 23 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ultra-Sleek Styling, Intuitive Operation, Ample Audio Output, Selectable Color Display, RDS
Cons: Poor AM Selectivity, Potentially Confusing Remote Control Layout, Small Display Characters
The Bottom Line: The Grundig Ovation delivers rich sound from a beautifully styled box that bundles some innovative technical and aesthetic features. It is an attractive solution where space is limited.
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| rkirki's Full Review: Grundig Ovation CD Shelf System |
I first encountered the Grundig Ovation "Micro-CD Station" at the famed KaDeWe department store while on vacation in Berlin, Germany. The compact size and sexy Euro styling immediately captured my attention, but unfortunately I was not able to carry yet another souvenir back to the U.S. So I made a mental note to try and find this product when I returned home.
Overview and Competitive Set
As a tabletop CD player and radio receiver that features premium audio, the Ovation fits into a couple of different niches. Some might splurge in utilizing it as a premium "clock radio" for the bedroom. Others might purchase it for rooms where they want big sound from a small box--places like a home office or den.
Shoppers might compare the Grundig Ovation to better-known competitive products such as the Bose Wave Radio/CD, Teac SR-L50, or the Cambridge SoundWorks CD 740. Since I already own and enjoy the CD 740, that is my benchmark of comparison for this review.
As of September 2005, the Grundig Ovation was available through only a few retailers in the U.S., and its market price was $499. Fortunately, however, I was able to locate a new unit on eBay and was the successful bidder at $289.
Initial Impressions
Included in the package with the Grundig Ovation are a remote control with stand, batteries, an AC cord, and owner's manual. On the table, I have to say this unit exudes quality with its simple but refined styling.
While some controls were intuitive, it was necessary to consult the manual to set the clock and assign radio stations to memories. The manual is sufficiently detailed and easy to follow.
Following are highlights of my experience with various features:
- Remote Control - In keeping with the simplicity of design, the buttons on the remote control are uniform. Instead, I would recommend some variation in button shape and color for ease of operation.
- Display - The display window on the front of the Ovation provides a great variety of information. What is unique is the ability to select one of eight beautiful background colors, as well as brightness level. The illumination also dims in response to ambient light. My only criticisms entail the small size of the display (such that info cannot be seen from across the room), and the inability to access time of day while the CD player is in use.
- Clock - The time can be manually set, but there is also an option to have the clock auto-update based on RDS signals transmitted by various radio stations. In testing the latter option, I found that these signals are not always accurate, sometimes varying from the correct time by three minutes. I am inclined to believe that manually set time is more accurate. A variety of alarm options are also available.
- Station Memorization - Upon initial power-up, the Ovation will automatically scan the FM and AM bands to assign strong stations to memory; however, marginally audible stations are bypassed. After the automatic scan, the user can add or delete stations, as well as modify memory locations. A total of 40 slots are available, and interestingly, FM and AM frequencies can be intermingled in this series as desired. The preset stations can then be navigated using the forward/backward controls.
- FM Reception - Living approximately 30 miles from downtown Chicago, I am on the fringe of the primary service area. Using the supplied wire antenna, I am able to receive virtually all of the stations I can pick up on other radios, albeit with drift or static on weaker signals. Frequent FM listeners would benefit from an outdoor antenna for static-free reception. As an alternative, stereo reception can be switched to monaural.
- AM/MW Reception - Reception of the primary AM/MW stations is extremely strong. Audio quality is pleasant and powerful. However, selectivity is very poor. For example, a clear-channel station transmitting on 670 kHz "bleeds" and can be heard anywhere from 650 to 690 kHz. So this becomes an issue if one is interested in tuning frequencies adjacent to stronger stations.
- RDS - Another innovative feature of the Ovation is the ability to display Radio Data System information transmitted by some stations. This might include the station "name," format, or even current musical selection. However, the ability to capture the data is subject to reception quality.
- CD Player - The entire front panel, which contains the display, folds down to expose the single-disk CD player. The disk is mounted upright on the spindle, and then the front panel is returned to enclose the CD. I like this design, but I hope that the hinge will remain sturdy after repeated use. The system allows for a variety of CD playback options, including programmed, random, and repeat play.
- Equalizer - A number of pre-configured equalizer profiles are available for selection with names such as "Classic" and "Jazz." Personally I prefer to select the "User" option, which allows individual control of bass, middle, and treble frequencies.
- Bass Boost - The user can turn the "UBS" bass boost on or off. Generally this feature provides a fuller, perhaps even aggressive sound and should be left on. However, some might wish to cancel it when listening to speech format.
The Verdict
Overall I am quite pleased with this unit, and despite the imperfections listed above, I would heartily recommend the Grundig Ovation for consideration.
Grundig's three-channel "Magic Fidelity" sound system is rich and generally satisfying. Audio quality is superior to most other small systems on the market, though true audiophiles likely will find faults. The Ovation boasts two middle/treble speakers plus a bass speaker, all of which have separate amplifiers. Listening to various types of music, as well as speech radio, I found the audio consistently very good. However, those with a need for intensity and projection might find the Cambridge Soundworks CD 740 more impressive.
In terms of overall appearance, the Grundig generates more of a premium, Euro-styled, and even futuristic impression. My CD 740 also looks very sharp though a little more conservative.
The Ovation's multicolor display is a point of difference that allows for variety depending on one's mood. However, I find the large-character display of the CD 740 significantly more legible. Again, the Grundig comes across as sexy, while the Cambridge is smart.
I am proud to own both of these products, as they fulfill my desire for decent sound, innovative design, and compactness. Ultimately the audio and display characteristics lead me to suggest the Grundig Ovation especially for smaller to medium-sized locations in the home. I intend to keep my Ovation in the living room for daily enjoyment and entertaining.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rkirki
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Reviews written: 2
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