Customer Reviews

Zlive Speaker System and Docking Station for Zune (Black)

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(66)
3 star:		(34)
2 star:		(27)
1 star:		(35)

 

 

I received a Zune for Christmas, which is what I wanted (I'm not an 'Apple' person), and bought this to use my mp3 player at work. Essentially, the unit sounds and looks good, but it doesn't connect 100% to the Zune and has to be plugged and replugged until it works. The most frustrating thing is that the remote only works when it chooses to, which is about half the time! I put a new battery into it, hoping to alleviate the problem, but it didn't. Now, I simply don't use the remote; I get too frustrated wondering whether or not it's going to work this time!

The sound quality is good. I use it in an office, so I don't have it cranked up to maximum, but it does what I bought it for. I just wish they hadn't even included a remote it the darn thing wasn't dependable.

WELL, (Jan. 30) it's been sent back to the company for a week now. It is completely unusable. If the unit is repaired or replaced and sent back to me in a timely manner, I will raise my rating to a five, because costumer service counts for something. If I don't get a response or satisfaction, I'll drop the rating to a 1 for the small consolation that will provide. At least it will serve as a warning to others. We'll see what they do.

OKAY! I received a NEW Zlive Speaker System to replace the malfunctioning one I returned and this one works exactly as I hoped! It's a very nice system! I might've gotten a lemon the first time around, but I'm impressed with how this thing functions now that I have a good one! The remote is simple to use (don't put a Pepsi can between it and the system) and works every time. The sound is not gigantic, fill-the-room-with-wall-to-wall-music bold, but it's simply perfect for the office environment in which I use it. I tried to change the rating from 3 stars to 5 because of the prompt, courteous service the company exhibited in making things right, but it won't let me. In any case, even with my false start, I recommend the Zline.

Zlive's first speaker, the NS108B is really a Zune version of the iLive IS208B ipod/touch speaker dock tailored, of course for Zune devices. I bought this from Amazon.com for $59.99, presumably retail, seeing as it's not available anywhere, not even on Amazon for 1-2 months or on the Zlive website. The ipod version maxes out at $51.99 (average $40).
Unboxing: Nice package, all the standards. Just plugging it in lights up the clock display.
What's included: Clips for different Zune sizes, the remote (with button battery already installed), warranty and manual.
Operation: Pretty simple, plug it in, clip in your clip for your Zune device and slide in your Zune to start playing.
Sound quality: Given its size, the Zlive NS108B gets very good volume considering it's size. It's not a full sound and sounds kind of confined, or rather restrained in the bass section and even a bit in the highs; but it's not meant to be a boombox (we're waiting on Zlive's 2nd entry for that). It has an EQ but it's not documented what the settings are - use your own ear for the best setting. Even at what I deemed the flat setting, which is how it starts, the sound is clear and never distorts even at max volume - which is pretty nice. It seems as though the mid range gets the most boost.
Treble - ok and clear; mid-range - good, clear;bass - present, not powerful.
The dock also has an aux in for other devices, an aux out and a video out (assuming your device can send video out) - pretty standard; the video out worked without a hitch.
Also, it's worth noting the remote is just great. Not only is there a back button (finally), but also a Menu button, which jumps straight to the menu - neat. You can do everything from the remote you would be able to on the device/speaker dock except fast-forward/rewind songs. Cool.
Pros: Even though the ipod version is cheaper by $20 on average, it's still the next to cheapest Zune speaker dock on the market, (iHome's first Zune dock has that honor @ $49.99 retail) and the least expensive 2 speaker stereo portable dock with a clock. Great remote control.
Cons: Although there is a clock, it isn't an alarm clock - not really a con. It's small, but constrained to AC power; there's a panel for 2 AAA batteries, but it's really for backup and not for real playing. Strangely enough, as I'm writing this review the sound in the right speaker goes out. I'll have to return it - dang! This t could just be a bad unit - it happens sometimes.
Ratings:
Price - 4.0/5.0 (Could be $50, which would still be $10 more than the ipod version, but still be a good value)
Quality (hardware) - 3.0/5.0 (I reduced my score from a 4.5 because my right speaker just went dead 20 minutes into steady use - what the hey?)
Quality (sound) - 4.0/5.0 - Not high end sound, but you should expect that from a small form portable dock like this. It could be better, because the mid-range is so nice.
Others - 4.5/5.0 - Excellent remote, intuitive design, ease to use
Overall 4/5 - Recommended

After looking all over for a Docking Station for the new Zunes I just bought my two girls for Christmas, I finally found this through Amazon (everything is for I-Pods ... oyyyy). I did find another type of docking station at Best Buy, which was $99, but read bad reviews on the Internet. I was pleasantly surprised at the sound and volume for such a little box. As other people have mentioned, it is not a Bose stereo that you will use for a large party, but definately will serve your purpose for a kitchen or bedroom. My girls absolutely loved them. I actually paid $59.99 right before Christmas, but now see they are $47.99, which I am bummed since I can't return since they are open, being used and would spend the difference of savings on shipping back. However, I think they are worth the price - $59.99 or $47.99.

Good luck and Happy New Year!

I have the 120G Zune and purchased the Altec Lansing speakers system from Best Buy and never got it to work. I looked on Amazon and purchsed this unit and am VERY satified. It works beautifully with my 120G Zune and the sound is very nice. All of the buttons actually control the Zune which was my problem with the other unit. I would highly recommend this model if you have the 120G.

I am very pleased with this speaker dock. I found it at Amazon for amazing price of $34.99 after seeing it listed as an accessory for the new Zune HD on [...]. The sound is great for price. All the features work with my Zune HD. You should note that to listen to HD Radio on the Zune HD you will need to use an accessory input wire (not included) and the input jack on the back of the Zlive speaker dock to connect it because that wire serves as an HD Radio antenna (like it does when you use your earbuds.) I love HD radio and the sound is crystal clear on this speaker dock. This is a very inexpensive way to get get your HD radio amplified for a good sized room. It also has video out to connect to a monitor or tv. The extra input on the back also works with my Ipod Shuffle.

I had the player for a couple months and it worked great, I used it all the time. Then one day... it no longer worked. It would charge, but that's it. No music. No functionality other than charging the device. So I hit it. Hit it like the Fonz hits a jukebox. Wouldn't you know it... it worked! But the same problem continues. Sometimes I have to bash it to get it going.

Pros:
-Price
-Sound quality is higher than average
-Comes with remote
-Video output is great for podcast & video
-Aux output is great for other people's devices, such as awful ipods.

Cons:
-Fonzie bumps required
-The clock is awful.
It's tedious to set.
It doesn't keep accurate time. It seems to lose a few minutes every week.

I ordered this Friday March 13th and I received it March 17th with free shipping! Excellent job thanks Amazon!

Out of the box the dock itself is beautiful to look at. I plugged it to the outlet and docked my 80g Zune and it started charging right away, the remote wasn't working at first but i took out the battery then replaced it and it started working just fine.

The Sound is great nice and loud but not too loud, as with other reviews there isn't that much bass but the med's and hi's sound fantastic. The LED displaying the clock is nice and bright so if you enjoy having a night light this is for you. So far I'm extremely happy with my purchase.

If there was something negative i would have to say it would be the EQ, the unit seems to have different EQ settings but unfortunately there's no onscreen image letting you know what EQ setting your placing it in. You're just going to have to play it by ear. Which I don't have a problem doing.

All in all good product we'll see how it last with daily use.

I was a little skeptical after reading some of the reviews and I wasn't sure if it would work with Zune HD. I am glad I went ahead and ordered this docking unit. It DOES work with the Zune HD. The unit has performed flawlessly in all ways. The sound quality is more than adequate. I would recommed this unit to anyone without hesitation. Two thumbs up!

Length:: 9:28 Mins

1-30-2010 update

I'm still amazed at the variety of the reviews in this forum on this product. I believe everyone... Apparently I was one of the lucky ones since the product has been working perfectly up to the date. I will certainly update this review the moment this unit fails in any way since its durability/quality is still in question and consumers should help each other this way. Kudos to Amazon.com that allows these reviews openly... Amazon understands this activity enhances Amazon's credibility as an open no-nonsense business outfit.

THE REMOTE CONTROL: As I said before, it works 80% of the time. It seems to work perfectly when you use it "normally." Meaning, when you're listening and use the remote occasionally to skip a song, or change the volume or pause the unit. It seems to "jam" when you are pushing too many buttons in a rapid manner - as when you are testing it. In any event, if the remote jams, simply put it down for about 20 seconds and the unit will clean itself out and be ready to work.

CLOCK BLINKING WHEN UNIT IS UNPLUGGED: Also, notice that when you unplug the unit to move it to a difference outlet, you may get the clock to flash between time and date (or some kind of unusual behavior), when this happens all you have to is "cycle through the clock fields". In other words, pretend you want to update your clock set up. So 1- turn unit off, 2-click the EQ button TWICE: That will place you in the MONTH field, keep pushing EQ (FRONT button) through fields DAY, HOUR and MINUTES, one more EQ Click and the clock should be running normally. (i.e. 4:20: showing Hour and minutes, and the dots between them should be blinking).
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He everyone,


I bought this unit; finally, after thinking about it for a long time, mainly because of the poor reviews people gave this product here in this forum. Considering that there isn't much for the zune - at least at this moderate price point - I decided to give it a try anyway, after all, the reviews were all over the place... some very good ones and some very bad ones

LOOKS & FEEL OF THE UNIT: The unit feels 4 or 5 lbs heavy, solid (nothing rattles, shakes of feels loose inside). The plastic lines are smooth and contrast nicely with the silver color of the front panel. I did not find any detractable characteristics (defects) on the unit, nothing flimsy or shoddy with the product, on the contrary... it just feels and looks great.

I received the product about 5 days ago (1-17-10) and so you can imagine my SURPRISE, when I found this product so incredily good - for the money - (I paid under $44.00 with everything and that is simply a very good price for it). The CLOCK is running perfectly amost to the second for the past three days... the problem is that the instructions in the guide have an error that makes the whole process even more confusing (Hint: replace the word "date" with "day" and it will be easier to set it up.)

Most important of all, the SOUND: The sound is LOUD!... and CLEAN (DISTORTION FREE practically) even when loud, which was amazing to me! The Remote-control works 80% of the time... (Details later).

All in all, a FANTASTIC deal for the money I paid. I do notice the price keeps changing in Amazon, I wonder why....

Now, Durability is an open question... This unit could stop working in a month from now... Who knows?

The warranty is only 90 days, which does not encourages confidence for the product, we'll see

I really love the Zlive it has very nice sound for the price. it was very easy to set up. the only problem is the remote does tend to get stuck or zune does not respond quickly at times other then that its very nice