Sirius Soloist Sound System Review

November 9, 2006

We recently received the new award winning Sirius Soloist from the guys at TSS Radio for a review. Priced at under $150, this is one versatile unit.

VERSATILITY

One key feature to the Soloist is how versatile the device is. This one device is capable of working with seven Sirius Plug and Play receivers that feature the Universal Dock, as well as many of Apples I-Pods. It also features an AUX IN (1 in front and 1 in back), AUX OUT, and a USB jack. These features actually allow the unit to be utilized with even more devices such as MP3 Players, etc.

The Soloist is also a fully functioning alarm clock complete with a snooze button. The snooze button is a bit small and undefined for my taste, but it does function very well.

Whether at your bedside or at the office, this unit is capable of fitting the function of delivering high quality sound.

FIT – FINISH – DESIGN

Overall the Soloist is well constructed and a lot of thought went into the design. Being a Monday morning quarterback is easy, but one drawback is the lack of a “home” for the remote control. Personally, I tend to always be in a search for remotes, and a clip of some nature to house the remote would have been a great addition to the Soloist.

The black high gloss finish on the Soloist is very eye catching and appealing. The drawback of course is that fingerprints show up much easier.

The way that the Soloists high gloss black finish is designed around the gray patented NXT flat panel speaker has the added benefit of “framing” whatever device is mounted in the dock. The buttons and controls are functional yet well placed on the unit so as to keep the sleek look of the device in tact. The simplicity of the look of the device in my opinion is a high point. You do not have tacky knobs, bright lights, etc. to grab attention. The Soloist almost resembles a simple piece of sculpture rather than an audio device. Because of the looks and design, this device would not seem out of place on the desk of a corporate officer, whereas a typical “boombox” might raise an eyebrow or two.

Another item to note is the display of the Soloist. Personally I feel that the display could have been a bit bigger with better definition for readability. Across the desk, the display on the Soloist is easy to read, but from 5 feet away, it becomes harder to see. Thankfully, such a device is more4 about great sound than about a display.

The remote control itself is well thought out and easy to use. It has the capability to function for the devices that dock to the Soloist. If you are using an AUX in to connect a different device (such as an MP3 player), you will have more basic controls such as volume.

Simply stated, the Soloist has a look and feel of quality, yet does not jump out and call attention to itself.

SOUND QUALITY

Impressive. When first looking at the flat panel speaker, I was unsure of what kind of sound quality it would deliver. I can say that I was quite impressed with the dynamic rich sound and full spectrum audio of the 20 AMP Soloist. Features include customizable equalization and DBBS Dynamic Bass Boost.

There is something to be said for great sound quality, and the Soloist delivers. Users will see a stark difference as compared to a regular boombox, or computer speakers.

OVERALL RATING

Overall, the Soloist delivers value to a consumer in the sound quality and with the number of items than can easily dock to it. A drawback it that it can not be powered off of batteries, and thus is not a device you will be bringing to the beach. That being said, it would appear that the Soloist was not designed with that type of function in mind. The Soloist is more of a “fixture” piece that that is classy enough to look like it belongs in whatever setting you decide to place it. Users that shudder at the thought of having a boombox on the kitchen counter, a mantle, or the office desk will flock to this device simply for the look and feel of it alone.

The price point of just under $150 may seem a bit steep at first blush, but once you hear this unit you will be noticeably impressed. There is a reason that the Soloist won awards for 2007 CES.

The Soloist is available from TSS Radio, and the knowledgeable folks there are more than happy to answer any questions regarding the Soloist or any other products they sell.

11/09/2006 12:10:00 PM

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