Timex T617S Nature Sounds Auto Set CD Clock Radio with Smart Knob Tuning and MP3 Line In (Silver)
by Timex
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: TimexModel: T617S
Color: Silver
Product features:
- 2-alarm CD clock radio with 90-minute sleep timer; auto-set feature adjusts itself, including Daylight Savings and leap years
- Auxiliary audio input accommodates an MP3 player, DVD player, cassette player, or other device
- Sleep to radio, CD, nature sounds; wake to radio, CD, nature sounds, or buzzer
- Stereo speakers, CD repeat and random play
- Measures 8.1 x 6.7 x 5 inches (W x H x D)
- Energizer L91BP-8 Lithium AA Photo Battery (8-Pack)
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargable Batteries with Charger - 4 Pack
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries - 8 Pack
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Timex T617S Nature Sounds Auto Set CD Clock Radio with Smart Knob Tuning and MP3 Line In (Silver)
Customer Review: CD player DOA, but everything else works well
Summary: 3 Stars
I just received this unit yesterday, so this is my initial review of the product. I purchased it to replace a working, but obsolete alarm clock radio with cassette player (I'll let you all just guess at how long I've had that). I wanted a similar alarm clock radio, but with a CD player. My overall assessment of this unit is that it is very nice and would meet all of my basic criteria...if the CD player had worked. Tech support was quit helpful, but the unit needs to be replaced.
My evaluation criteria:
*Clock: easy to set/change, auto daylight savings
*Alarm: dual set, wake to alarm/radio/CD/etc.
*Battery back-up that keeps alarm function without power
*Radio: good sound quality, digital tuner, preset buttons, can pick up 6 local stations (my old radio picks up 3/6 stations, while my car picks up all six in the driveway)
*CD player: good sound quality, track skip
*Appearance: space-saving/vertical, classic color(s)
*Bonuses: multiple CD, MP3 line-in, etc.
*Cost
Review of Timex T617:
The clock feature is quite nice on this unit. It comes auto set to Eastern Standard Time, and you can easily switch to another North American time zone. I did find it to be a few minutes off my cell phone's time (auto set to network), but it was pretty easy to adjust the time. You could easily set this clock manually to be a few minutes fast if you wanted to make sure you're on time to appointments.
This unit comes with two alarms that you can independently set to play an alarm, the radio, a CD, or one of four nature sounds. My only issue with the alarms is that you can only adjust by the minute. Even my old clock radio allowed me to adjust the hour and minutes separately. But, the "smart" dial and scan buttons make adjusting go fairly quickly. I would have liked to see an AM indicator on the display, instead of only a PM indicator. I do like that there is a battery back-up on the clock, so it will remember your alarm settings even if there is a power outage.
The sound quality on the radio is pretty good. It picks up 4 out of the 6 local stations with great quality. The other two stations have a lot of static, but come through. The scan feature on the digital tuner is a bit flaky. It will skip over a station, and then pick it up fine when I go back. I do like that there are six preset buttons that are easy to set, so you won't have to mess with the scan and tuner after the initial set-up.
The vertical CD player is a nice idea for conserving space. Unfortunately, it doesn't work on the unit I was sent. The person I spoke with at Timex tech support was very competent and helpful. In a few minutes, she determined that it could not be easily repaired and would need to be returned or sent in for repairs/replacement. She also said that this model has not been produced for several years now, so my unit has likely been sitting on a shelf somewhere for awhile and that is something to keep in mind if you are looking at buying one of these. I also wasn't fond of there being no stop feature for the CD. You pause it, open the player, and have to stop of spinning CD with your fingertips.
I really like the look of this unit. It is vertical, so saves space. But, it doesn't seem cheap or flimsy. The black/silver color scheme is classic. The display is also quite big and the messages are very readable. As a bonus, this model has a line-in for an MP3 player, so you aren't limited to what you have on CD and what is playing on the radio. Cost-wise, $50 was a bit more than I wanted to spend on a clock radio, but was less than most of the other well-reviewed models I saw. Overall, if the CD player had worked, it would have been worth the money. As is, it is too expensive for a simple clock radio. I'll be returning it for a replacement and will update my review upon receiving the replacement unit.
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Description of Timex T617S Nature Sounds Auto Set CD Clock Radio with Smart Knob Tuning and MP3 Line In (Silver)
Timex Stereo CD Dual Alarm Clock Radio with Smart Knob Digital Tuning and Nature SoundsEqually suited to entertainment and utility, the Timex T617S is perfect for any bedroom or kitchen, offering accurate auto-set timekeeping, CD and radio playback, stereo speakers, onboard nature sounds, and an external audio input. The unit's stately silver finish and translucent CD door add visual touches of class, and its versatile CD playback modes include repeat and random play. Once plugged in, the clock will set itself, drawing on its factory-installed 100-year calendar (year/month/day, 2000 to 2099). The clock will even self-adjust for Daylight Savings time and leap years.
It features a programmable sleep mode with independent sleep volume, too (select 15, 30, 60, or 90 minutes), so you can drift to sleep or wake to your choice of a favorite radio station, a favorite CD track, or any of the unit's 4 nature sounds: ocean surf, rushing brook, forest spring, and wind chimes. The T617S's 2 alarms each function independently, so both can be set for either the same or different wake signals.
For radio listening, you'll enjoy drift-free digital PLL (phase-locked-loop) tuning with 12 preset stations for 1-touch tuning convenience for your favorites (6 FM, 6 AM). Use the clock's handy Smart Knob to quickly and easily adjust all settings and major functions.
Ideal for a portable MP3 player or cassette player, the T617S's auxiliary audio input broadens your listening options to include any source you deem appropriate. Hookup with portable audio devices is a snap using the supplied stereo minijack-to-minijack audio cable.
And, just to make sure you never miss an important appointment (if only some quality time with your shower or morning coffee), the clock also comes with Timex's Sure Alarm battery backup. Just install 3 AAA batteries (not included) to activate this feature. In the event of a power failure--or if you disconnect the AC power cord to move the clock--Sure Alarm will maintain your clock and alarm settings for the life of the batteries, ensuring that the alarms will sound at the appointed time (while operating on battery power, the alarms will sound only as buzzer).
What's in the Box
Clock, FM wire antenna, a stereo analog audio interconnect (minijack to minijack), and a user's manual with warranty information.