Customer Reviews

Altec Lansing M402SR Moondance Glow Speaker System with Clock Radio, Snooze Remote, and iPod Dock (Black)

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

All in all, this is a great unit. It combines ipod docking station, radio with digital tuner and clock radio all together. Before I bought this, the potentially negative things I wish I had known are the following:
- There are not a lot of buttons so it can be complicated to execute simple tasks. For example, to activate the alarm you have to scroll through all of the various alarm settings - there is no simple on/off button for the alarm.
- The remote control is really small. I worry that it will be lost or I'll fall asleep with it in bed and never find it in the sheets. It also takes a really tiny battery - kind of a large watch battery. It's too new for me to comment on whether the battery life is good.
- The remote snooze button is a really good feature if you don't want your docking station right next to your bed. Again, it has a small battery.
- It's kind of hard to read the time on the display - tougher than would be the case for a more traditional clock radio. And it's impossible if you (like me) have bought this unit because the remote snooze button allows you to keep the docking station in a more convenient place than beside the bed.
- There are only 4 radio presets and I think you can scroll through the presets only with the remote control (not the main unit).
- Sound quality is fine. Not as good as the Bose docking station but about what you would expect from a decent clock radio.
- There are only three volume settings for the alarm - low, medium and loud. I tried medium and it was quite loud so I've had to go with low. Fortunately, low is adquately loud, but you should know that there aren't a ton of volume choices to suit all tastes.
Although I really like having the features of this item, because of it is inconvenient to make on the fly changes to alarm settings and because of the difficulty reading the display I haven't got rid of my old clock radio (which I use just to read the time and if I want to set a one-off alarm).
Sorry for the long review, but this is the info I would have like to have known before making my purchase decision. I likely still would have picked this item, but with my eyes more open.

Length:: 6:07 Mins

I also have the Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime Premium Alarm Clock, so I'll be comparing it with that. Although this speaker costs more, you get what you pay for. The sound is easily better in clarity, range, bass AND this alarm clock also has a lot more features.

First of all, I like how the AC is not a huge brick (I don't know what Logitech was thinking with their Pure-Fi!)

I also like that the radio antenna (it's the wired kind) can be removed from the speakers if you never plan on using it (for the Logitech, it's permanently attached. However, Logitech has AM radio that can be attached -- but it's big and pretty ugly.)

If you plan on putting the speakers away from your bed, or fear hitting your iPod instead when waking up, the extra wireless snooze button will make a great addition.

However, the wireless snooze receiver must be attached on the back (it would have been nice if it was built-in). I thought the wireless snooze button was touch sensitive too, but it's actually just a plastic triggering the button on the bottom, so you'll need to have that on a flat surface (or press the button on the back).

* Actually displays the full date or the scrolling of song title.
* Button on the top is much more reasonably placed. (The Pure-Fi's button placement is a bit confusing)
* Save up to 4 favorite radio stations (only 3 with the Logitech, but you can select them through the speaker. The Altec requires the remote, so if you lose it, you're pretty much screwed.)
* Set two alarms and it will tell you exactly on the LCD.
* Wake up to the iPod, radio, or the clock alarm buzz (which can get really loud!)

If you set the sleep timer, the LCD displays "SWEET DREAMS... (and the minutes left until shutdown)". 5 minutes is the lowest that you can set it and up to 90 minutes. (to cancel the sleep timer, you have to power off and turn on again)

I think the "mood" feature, where you can choose from 17 different color backlight is pretty cool, but it would have been much cooler if it alternated by itself or flashed with the beat of the music!

I don't know what's the deal with all these alarm clock speakers, but it's not the most user-friendly to set the time, alarm, settings. You'll definitely have to sit down and read the manual and really get accustomed to it. To the set the time, it's actually a small button on the back of the speakers. For setting most of the options, you'll often have to be holding on to the button for a few seconds.

The buttons on the top are touch sensitive (or more like pressure sensitive), but that's another thing you have to get used to it. I think it could be a bit more sensitive to the touch. Sometimes you're holding down the button, but it's hard to tell if it's actually going to go through to the certain mode or not.

The remote could have used some tiny bumps or different feel on some buttons to be able to tell them apart in the dark.

Out of the Logitech Pure-Fi and iHome iH36, the Altec speakers definitely win in the amount of bass.

Pros:
- Good bass for its size
- LCD display (tells you sleep timer/alarm/etc.)
- Displays the day/month/date/year, time, or song title
- Backlight
- iPod cradle can close in if you end up using other audio devices via AUX.
- Set alarm to go off once, or everyday, or just weekdays or weekends.
- Wireless Snooze Button
- AC size/detachable radio antenna
- Set the brightness of the LCD and mood lights.

Cons:
- It's not too intuitive. Lots of holding buttons to set options. In other words, this clock is definitely not for your grandma (unless you want to constantly help her out on how to set things. Sometimes you'll have to refer back to the manual).
- Need to point the remote directly at the remote sensor.
- Generic remote.
- Touch sensitive could be more sensitive.
- Display will not be easy to read from across the room.
- FM station presets only accessible through remote (no buttons on the actual speaker!)
- No "mood" (light) button on the remote!
- Can't set sleep timer/alarm through remote.

Nevertheless, this is a solid 4-star speaker. However, if sound is your priority then, you really should be looking for speakers that doesn't have all the fancy extra stuff like radio/alarm.

If you're really picky with sound, you're just not going to get that full surround sound depth with speakers that only have two drivers and only 5" or so apart. However, that being said, these speakers sound pretty good for what it is. I can say that it sounds better than Logitech's Pure-Fi Anytime Alarm speakers. I think the bass is pretty strong for its size.

As long as if you're not expecting 5.1 surround sound-like miracle, you'll be quite pleased with these speakers. If you're looking for an alarm clock for the iPod, these speakers are definitely worth checking out. Altec Lansing is a reputable speaker brand too.

This is a fine unit. It does everything advertised and does it well. The sound quality is fine, the production of the unit is sleek and attractive. The mood lighting works as advertised and has lots of colors. The remote works fine.

I guess I do have to point out the fact that there are other ipod clock radio's on amazon that are cheaper and better. Sony and iHome both have superb units that have better features and better sound that this one. If altec drops the price on this to below $99, then I would say its a much better bargain.

The mood lighting is surprisingly fun & my kids love it. The remote snooze however, seemed very over designed and I didn't even bother with it. I just don't know why I'd want a wireless snooze remote, isn't the point of an alarm to get your butt up in the morning? A wireless snooze seems, over kill, assuming most people will keep this bedside anyway?

EDIT:

I previously said this didn't work well with the iphone. Maybe I needed to restart the iphone but the next day and since then it has worked great with the iphone. The remote controls it nicely, but yes it is susceptible to cell phone noise but thats why its not rated for the iphone.

I was looking to purchase a speaker/docking station for my sister for Christmas but was having a hard time finding one that was compatible with the new 5th generation Nano. I purchased this from an alternate Warehouse Store and it is compatible with the Nano. The sound is great and is fairly easy to use from what I could tell. I'm mainly posting this to those doing the same search I am!

First, I'm always skeptical of reviewers that don't state whether they have a relationship with either the manufacturer or product being reviewed or a competing manufacturer. So, let me say I have no relationship with Altec Lansing, or any other manufacturer of any kind. I bought this ipod player/clock for my college-aged daughter for Christmas, after reading internet reviews. Unwrapping it today, I was not disappointed. My daughter, who had not seen it previously, thought it was "cool." The unit has plenty of volume and pleasant sound without distortion. Its not going to replace a home audio system, but its more than adequate for a dorm or bedroom application. The clock display is not the biggest in the ipod/clock market, but the display is plenty bright (and adjustable) even in bright light. The display is clearly readable from at least 15 ft. away. The operating "buttons" on the top of the unit are touch activated and work smoothly. The unit comes with a small remote that uses a lithium battery, and works well from at least 15 ft. The unit also comes with a wireless snooze remote that allows one to activate the normal snooze function found on clocks, as well as to pause the music or turn the unit off. There are 2 separate alarms that can be programed for everyday, weekdays, once, etc. It comes with four ipod adapters, but frankly I don't think they are necessary or really secure the ipod any better. I used ipod nanos gen 1 & 2 with no problems. An FM antenna that plugs into the back is included, and the stations in my area were easily located and sounded as good if not better than the ipod. The mood glow function, which allows for a selectable color to be displayed out the back of the unit, worked but was not terribly impressive. From a seated position, and viewing the unit head-on the color was nearly impossible to see because it is displayed on the rear-side of the unit. No big deal, I didn't buy the thing for the mood glow.

I love the Moondance Glow! Who doesn't dread that annoying beeping sound most alarm clocks make? Well, Moondance has that function too, if that's your thing. But above and beyond, you can wake up to the radio, your ipod or any player you hook up to the auxiliary input; a very nice feature in itself. Moondance has a host of standard features likely already covered in most other reviews, so I'll just stick to a few high points that set the Moondance apart:

Mood lighting - this feature allows you to set the mood with different colored lighting that comes out of the back of the unit. Sounds useless? It isn't! It's actually very cool! Select from 17 different colors and set the perfect mood or use it just as a nightlight. Or even use it during a spa treatment with gentle music for an extra deep relaxation experience. Love this feature!

Remote control - full function remote controls all the functions of the main unit. Excellent if you want to place the Moondance off in the corner or wherever needed for the best sound, yet keep the remote in any convenient place.


Auxiliary Input - a lot of products accommodate ipod but little else. This one will charge your ipod, but even better, I like that the Moondance has the extra input. I've used it both with a CD player and another MP3 player and it works well. Actually, I even tried it with my cell phone and the music sounded great.

Remote Snooze Button - I mounted the remote snooze button under a shelf on my headboard using Velcro. That way it's conveniently placed for use while in bed. Pretty straightforward - if you wanna snooze a few extra minutes, hit the remote snooze button and get a little extra shut eye without having to get out of be just to hit the button. By that point, I may as well get up! Just like the standard remote that controls the entire unit, this snooze remote allows you to place the main alarm clock unit anywhere in the room, yet still turn off the alarm from bed.

Amber Digital Display - this is actually very important to me. I've never liked red digital displays. They seem to glow way too bright late at night, even when dimmed. The amber color of the Moondance is much more pleasing and not stark late at night. A classy addition to this well rounded product.

All and all, I think this is a great product.

I haven't come to a decision if it is a reflection of my age or commentary on the present state of technological overload when I am obligated to emphasize how important RTFM is to efficient operation of a device that in its' essence is an alarmclock radio. Even with that caveat, it took me about an hour to input all desired settings, although fifteen of those minutes were consumed trying to restore power to the device after I unplugged it to check to see if the required battery served a really useful purpose, but more about that later. Anyway, there's a distinct chance the moondance glow feature doesn't always play nice when left at the highest brightness setting.

Overview

The M402SR is a moderately priced iPod docking speaker system with 2 alarms featuring a wireless remote snooze feature, FM radio, auxiliary input for other MP3 or CD players and 5 -90 minute sleep timer. This model is positioned to serve as a replacement for less sophisticated bedroom clock radios. The package includes an Infrared frequency remote control for convenient operation of most device features. Unlike many competitive products, this unit also offers 17 color user adjustable nightlight some consumers may find beneficial.

Basic Unit

About the size of standard legal pad with around 3" in depth, the M402SR can be placed conveniently in most settings. Of sturdy plastic and metallic construction, the unit features a top positioned amber illuminated touch sensitive control panel where the owner can program two individual alarm settings, music source (iPod, FM radio or Auxiliary), control input device tracking, volume control, play/pause/snooze, mood lighting button, and power on/off. The face panel has amber toned LCD display of time/date and device status. Display options and backlighting are variable. I found the display to be comfortably visible and distinguishable from nearly 30 feet away without glasses and I'm near-sighted. A spring operated iPod docking station is centered at the bottom of the front panel. Four docking adapters are included for use with most iPod versions. It should be noted 1st/2nd generation classic versions as well as the iPod shuffle are not supported. Personal idiosyncracy: unlike other manufacturers like iSymphony , Altec Lansing does not specify which adapter is to be used with specific iPod units. While the adapters do have numeric differentiation, it is primarily trial and error to find the correct adapter. I realize it's basically a one- time inconvenience but it's an inconvenience nevertheless. Some users may elect to dock the iPod without use of an adapter but that tends to increase the likelihood of connector damage. As is generally the practice, any protective cases or skins must be removed to dock a unit. Docked IPod units will charge regardless of base unit power selection.

The back panel includes the clock settings control button, battery compartment and has input jacks for: AC power, Aux, Snooze remote receiver, FM antenna. Operation of the device requires a 9-volt battery (not included) that stores settings but is not sufficient to power the device in the event of unintended disconnection or power outages. The Power supply transformer is somewhat bulky so it is possible that access other outlets on a single duplex outlet or surge protector could be impacted. Additionally, the corded snooze receiver (requires included camera type battery) is free standing. It would have been convenient to include Velcro adhesive strips or to have built recessed slots on the back panel to facilitate this 2" x 2" signal receiver.

The base unit houses two three inch mid-range speakers. Sound quality is very good for a consolidated box and volume seems quite sufficient most single room settings with average acoustics. I think in terms of clarity and absence of distortion at higher volume settings, this unit compares favorably with more expense units. Some users may be dissatisfied with bass response but it should be remembered this is a clock radio, not a 2.1 speaker system ( I also have an Altec Lansing 2.1 computer speaker system and I think this unit sounds better).

Enhanced Remote Control

I can only assume this IR remote is considered "enhanced" in comparison to other A/L remotes for similar products. The remote features 12 function buttons in addition to the device power button. As an IR device line of sight to the base unit is incumbent. It seems to work rather effectively for distances up to about 30 feet. I didn't find the function buttons particularly sensitive and as the remote itself is only about 1" by 2" in size, it may present some difficulties for users with dexterity issues. As it stands, the amount of pressure required to operate the function keys means my remote buttons are now festooned with permanent fingernail indentations. The key choices are non-intuitive. Although the plus/minus keys are most accessible, most function operations use the forward/reverse buttons instead. Neither the remote nor the base unit includes a mute feature although nearly the same purpose can be met with the pause key. Alarm settings may be adjusted via the remote however access to alarm options must be initiated at the base unit control panel.

Among the 12 function buttons four are intended for FM station presets and do double duty for iPod navigation (shuffle, repeat, previous or next playlist). However, in my opinion it is easier to get up and walk over to the docked ipod and use the touch wheel than trying to scroll through via the remote. Radio frequency tune/seek functions can also be controlled.

The snooze button is non-selective. Unlike the snooze pad, whichever alarm is activated will be controlled. There is a separate alarm clock button that will completely deactivate the alarm. Neither the remote nor the snooze pad are illuminated.

Alarm and remote snooze pad

The 2 individual alarms can be programmed for: Everyday, weekdays, weekends or single instance. While alarm settings can be adjusted by the remote control or base unit, initiation of the alarm options must be first activated on the base unit control panel. Optional alarm sources are: iPod, radio or buzzer. The buzzer is a progressive fade-in with escalating pulse and three volume choices. The snooze pad can be used to control either preset alarm (the snooze pad can also be used to continue/pause iPod tracks) but before use it has to be programmed for a learning session with the receiver. Snooze options can be set for anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes.

Another minor annoyance is the inability to back navigate when setting the alarms. In each instance, the user is required to completely scroll through the full menu to make any adjustments or cancel an alarm setting. If a mistake occurs and with the sensitivity issues of the remote, input mistakes are quite likely, it is necessary to scroll out and start from the beginning.

Moondance Glow

Essentially, an ambient nightlight feature rear directed from the base unit. It has 17 available shades and 17 intensity settings that are definable from the base unit control panel, or completely disabled. I encountered intermittent cut-off at the brightest setting when I first set-up the unit but the symptom has not reoccurred. The value, naturally, is dependent on consumer preferences. I prefer a completely dark room.

Personal Impressions

Overall, I found this unit to be a good value for anyone looking to replace a bedroom clock/radio but for maximal utilization it is definitely not just a plug in and forget it unit. The operational quirks, while at times annoying, should not result in the exclusion of this unit from purchase considerations. For consumers who may have slightly different objectives, the following devices are also worthy of consideration.

iSymphony W2 120-Watt Wireless Micro Speaker System with Built-in Universal Dock for iPod (Black)
Logitech 930-000054 Squeezebox Boom All-In-One Network Music Player with Integrated Speakers (Black)
Logitech Pure-Fi Anytime Premium Alarm Clock for iPod and iPhone

I purchased this for my 13-year-old daughter, and it has been great. Setup took about 15 minutes, and my daughter has no problem accessing all the features. It charges her iPod Touch, plays all her music, has just enough FM presets (4) for my radio-challenged market, and is an alarm clock that she loves. She wakes to a buzzer, but could wake to iPod or FM if she chose. She loves the ability to be able to set the alarm for weekdays only, and the remote snooze button is handy. The unit remote works well from across the room when she's doing her homework. Oh, and the sound is perfect for a bedroom (or dorm room), too. It's not a home theater, but blows every clock/radio I've ever heard out of the water. And she loves the glow from the unit when she's going to bed. This is one of the best electronics purchases I've made in a while. Thanks to Altec Lansing for making a great, innovative product. And to Amazon for pricing it fairly.

This is a fine ipod clock radio paired with a so-so speaker and even more so-so amplifier. I really like the control and how the unit operates. But the big let down is the audio quality and the hiss from the amplifier that is the deal breaker for me.

Good

- Digital FM reception is crystal clear! I also like being able to see what the station is playing!

- Functional LCD, it is a bit small, but does what it does well. Displays both alarm clock time/mode right there on the LCD! The yellow amber color is nice.

- The nicest buzzing sound of any radio clock I've owned. It's actually a tick tick of various rhythms.

- I like the touch controls. Feel very high tech. Some may say this unit is hard to program or use, but I don't have any issue setting the various controls. In fact I kind of like the control.

- unit is silent when off, no hissing/buzzing/humming electronic noise. You may wonder why I even put this down, but I briefly owned a Sony CD clock radio that have an annoying hum when the unit is plugged in!! And this is supposed to be something next to your bed while you sleep! Lack of any of these noise indicates quality components.

Bad

- noticeable hiss from the unit/amp. It's not terrible, but definitely noticeable, especially with the ipod input and quiet musics. This is poor amplifier design, and a major let down of an otherwise perfectly designed unit.

- OK sound quality. I don't like the bass. It sounds very boxy (perhaps the speaker needs to be broken in, but I doubt it will improve too much.) I get the feeling this is an artifact of too much bass push. There's no bass/tremble control, so you are stuck with how it sounds. At low to medium sound levels, sometimes I can hear distortion in voices (very slight breakup by heavy speakers), probably coming from the speakers. It happens rarely but is there.

- Nit pick: The volume increment is slightly too big. It only takes about 2-3 clicks to go from a bit low to a bit high (for me). At 50% volume it is too loud for my taste. Good amplifiers usually provide a very precise and large range in the comfortable listening range.

Overall I feel like this is a unit designed by a computer company, not an audio company, as the cons I've pointed out generally do not happen with good audio equipment. I really want to keep this unit, got it for a steal at Costco comparing to amazon prices. But the deal breaker for me is the hiss from the amplifier, I can live with everything else, but the hiss is really annoying, especially on a quiet night in the bedroom which is what it is designed for. The electronics and design and control are very good, in fact light years ahead of any clock radio I've owned. But they cheaped out on the amplifier and the speakers a bit. I think the audio quality would've been a little better had there been less of a bass push.

As I read through all the reviews before buying this, I was surprised to see how many people discuss it as an audio system and compare it to other docking/audio systems. I was looking for a clock radio with iPod docking. If you are looking for an audio system, I think you should look at audio systems if you're trying to upgrade from another and want super audio quality; and plan on paying much more.

That said, this is an awesome clock radio that has iPod docking and really, really good sound. We needed a clock radio that would support playing an iPod for my daughter to fall to sleep by. This thing fills the need plus some. It's replaced her night light and clock radio and is easier to set the sleep timer for her relaxing ambient sounds/music to fall asleep by, without hassling with batteries for a small speaker and hoping the iPod is still charged. Each night she selects a different mood glow color to replace her night light and sleep by. I was more impressed than I thought I would be with that feature.

All in all, I was worried about the complexity of controls that I'd read about but it sounded like it fit the need. I was very surprised to find the controls very easy. The touch controls are simple and similar menu tree driven making set up a breeze. It really is "set it and forget it" in our case. Our daughter is 11 and she picked it up just by watching me set a few things up. The hardest thing is for her to see on the touch controls on top of the unit to hit the right ones as it's up just over her head on a dresser.

The display, in our case on low, is easy to see without being too bright. The orange color is great and without the annoying "glow" most LED's have. Alarm volume on medium is perfect. It starts out low and escalates louder which is nice to eliminate the "shock" of a loud alarm hitting you in the face.

The FM antenna just dropped out of sight behind the dresser is surprisingly good; much better than most.

If I were to come up with things I'd like to see better, it's a short list.

-I'd like to see alarm settings per specific day in addition to the "weekday only", "weekend only" or "1 time only" It would allow setting for 1 weekend day even simpler as it too would be "set and forget"

-I"d like to see more iPod adapters. It came with 4 of which none was for a Nano. It works fine without an adapter, but it's much safer to have the support. I used an adapter that came with the iPod which snapped perfectly into place, although it's white, not black. It's not really noticeable since it fits so well. If you have the larger iPod's, iPhone, iTouch etc. you're probably good.

-I guess more FM presets would be nice, but in our case, FM is hardly used and tuning is easy anyway.

-It would be nice to be able to set the sleep timer with the remote. As it is, you must use the power button on the unit to go into the sleep timer mode, then the remote can control everything from there if you need to change anything form the previous usage, which we rarely do.

I'm really reaching for the negatives but that's about it.

1 thing I haven't figured out a need for yet is the remote snooze control. I set it up but can't figure out why we need it. It'll go into a box I suppose. The regular remote has a snooze button already so having a 2nd one is not necessary. Turning the alarm off is also simple. Contrary to some reviews, you just tap the appropriate alarm (1 or 2) button or better yet, the Alarm button on the remote which turns off whichever alarm is going off with 1 press.

Again, the reviews citing complexity of control and set up I just don't get. The unit has all the controls you need and they're easy to use, and almost intuitive enough that you may not need the instructions. I started reading and when I realized how it's set up, I figured the rest out easily. And the remote can do just about everything you need for operation including changing source, turning the alarm off, snooze, volume, changing songs on the iPod or presets on the radio, most sleep timer settings etc.

As for sound, it's far superior to most inexpensive to mid range "boom boxes" and clock radio's. We can turn the volume up to a point that is way too loud for the room and it's still clear and has very respectable sound quality.

Whether you want to call this a clock radio with some advanced features or an iPod docking audio station with extras, this is a great unit and more than well worth the sub $100 (watch the price as it does go up and down, but Amazon is great about refunding the difference is the price drops after you've bought an item).

I wish I could give it a 4 1/2 stars but whole stars is all we can do. The few very minor negatives would keep it from a true 5 star, but it's more worthy than 4.

I'm so impressed, I'm considering buying another one.