First, there are two versions of this portable speaker (the further from me referred to as device). A version with display (I) and a version without display. The main differences between the two versions are:
+ Monochrome display (only with MusicMan MA with display)
+ Replaceable battery (only with MusicMan MA with display)
+ Support folder structures when playing USB or Micro SD (only when MusicMan MA with display)
Scope of supply:
+ MusicMan MA Soundstation
+ USB charging cable for charging via USB connection (power plug for the socket is not with it)
+ Audio cable or line-in cable. Has two functions: connection to mobile phone or MP3 player and antenna for radio reception.
+ Instructions. This is, however, been very small in size. On the manufacturer's website, there is also the manual in PDF format. Instructions for MusicMan MA Display with: [...] instructions for MusicMan MA without display: [...]
My review refers to the version with display.
Appearance / processing (5 out of 5 stars)
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The device is small and light. The six buttons on the front and have a good tactile feedback. The display on the top is bright enough. If the device is switched on, lights up the used as a base, a few millimeters above standing, battery compartment. One sees the device the most reasonable price not to.
The sound and volume (4 out of 5 stars)
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For the small size of the device, the sound quality is quite good. The volume is completely sufficient for a room. More I will not dwell on the subject, because each person that feels different and has different requirements. But for my purposes, as kitchen radio, for travel, the device is more than adequate.
Operation (4 out of 5 stars)
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Granted the service appears on the first not just use user-friendly. But one has to set time 10 minutes the device apart, then it appears that the wait staff is well thought out and makes sense.
Controlled the portable speaker on the six buttons on the front. "Menu", "Play, Pause, Stop", "quiet", "High", "Back" and "Forward" (key arrangement of the left). On the back is still a separate on-off switch is located lever.
Depending on which menu or in the status of the unit is, the buttons have different functions. Except for the "Loud" and "Soft" keys. These are only valid for the volume there.
"Menu" button: Call menu or OK / Confirm
"Play, Pause, Stop" button: play and pause or exit (exit menu)
"Back" button: Jump back song, radio frequency switch down or menu navigation up or left
"Forward" button: Song projecting, change the radio frequency up or down or right navigation menu
Radio (5 out of 5 stars)
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The first time you turn on the radio, you get to hear anything except noise. Is logical, since the radio at first has no antenna. This shortcoming can be solved by plugging the included audio cable into the headphone port and thus equip the device with a radio antenna. After that, the radio reception is as good as any other radio.
The radio frequency is changed on the "Forward" and "Back" buttons. (Press menu button) via the menu, an automatic channel scan to be started, or you can save the currently tuned radio station manually. About the "Play, Pause, Stop" button you can switch between the individual radio stations.
USB and Micro-SD (5 out of 5 stars)
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Micro-SD card, I have not tested it, but playback from USB sticks. It supports only USB sticks that have the FAT32 format. NFTS is not supported!
I have both a no-name 4GB USB flash drive and a 16 GB USB flash drive from SanDisk is used. On both USB sticks I have been playing more folders with a total of about 400 songs. Both sticks are immediately detected after plugging (reading after plugging took me about 5 seconds) and work without problems. The music is played back without interruption and without any noise.
Was the USB stick before inserted before, then playback continues at the last played music file.
In the menu there is now a special feature. If you press the "Menu" button, you get depending on whether a music file is currently playing or paused, different menus to view.
When the music plays and you pressing the "Menu" button then you have the following options: Switch between USB and micro SD, equalizer settings, playback options (All, Random or only the first 10 seconds of each song), Back (all out in the main menu), Exit (Return to the Music Play).
If the music is paused and you press the "Menu" button then you have the following options: Switch between all folders on the USB stick, individual music files or delete delete all music files in a folder.
The navigation through the menus works as described above. So the "Menu" button is the OK / confirmation button and the "Play, Pause, Stop" button is the Exit button.
What's left to say. About a settings menu you can choose whether the display should light up constantly or whether it (is interval adjustable) after few seconds to go out. A Bluetooth to stream music from your phone, for example, to the speaker, there is not. But you can connect his cell phone or MP3 player via the line-in jack. Thus, the playback from the mobile phone or MP3 player is also given. A cable for this is supplied already attending. For battery life I can not say much, but I will add still here in the next few weeks.
Conclusion (5 out of 5 stars)
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The MusicMan MA is a great, small, portable speaker, which also provides a good sound. Radio reception and playback from USB sticks or micro SD cards will work without any complaints and have enough to fill a large room noisy. Who like me, a nice and small MP3 radio with speakers examined which can be conveniently packed to travel, which is also happy with the MusicMan MA. At a price of just 20 Euros, you will probably not find better.
Should you still have any questions about the device, please let me a comment :-)
