Ottava All-in-One Music System SC-C65

This is a very unique product. I wasn't aware of anything like it currently in the tech market. CDs are behind vinyl in gaining a lot of nostalgia, so when I came across this "enhanced CD player," I was intrigued to learn more. I was a massive fan of "boom boxes" as a kid, so I felt like this may be a modernized version of one (even though you can't put this on your shoulder and walk around the neighborhood).This is not only a CD player, though, it also streams from your phone or other devices - even though its CD tray is the center point. If you remember the units from the 90s and early 2000s, you'd have the CD tray in the middle of built-in speakers on either side. Those were large and awkward but worked well for bedrooms or on shelves or counters in offices. This Technics Premium Class Ottava CD player is a fantastic device for those who still have CDs. But even without CDs, this streaming product sounds much better than expected.This is a very stylish player. As soon as I unpacked it, I knew that it was quality. Technics have been in the game since 1965 and their stuff. They've designed some of the most admirable devices within the last few years. They have a very modern look but somehow look timeless in doing so. They don't look "futuristic" or overly complicated. I love the look of these things.As with most modern devices, this one comes with an accompanying app that will help dig into the settings of this device. You won't need it for most of it because it comes with a remote, and you can dig into settings directly on the LED screen and touch buttons. However, you'll want to download the app to set it up and use "Space Tune," which "measures test tones played through a built-in mic to analyze the distance to walls and the effect of reflections, and automatically optimizes the sound field." This works well if you're placing it near a wall or on a shelf where it may be surrounded by other obstructions. I love that they added this software because it allows you to place it anywhere without worrying about the sound quality.Speaking of the sound quality, this thing sounds excellent.It will stream Spotify and Tidal "directly" but will play anything from your phone once paired with Bluetooth. It also has "high-quality audio playback via LAN, 3.5mm AUX, Optical, USB-A, and HP," so you can connect this to many different sources. Google Assistant is on board, too, so you can use your voice for commands.This unit is going in my son's bedroom. He's always wanted his own way of playing music and, up until now, has only had a Google Home Mini, which doesn't exactly wow in the sound department. He has tablets and computers that can stream Spotify to this device, so he'll use the streaming more than the CD player. However, the older he gets, the more he'll get into my CD collection.This product is quality, sleek, modern, and sounds very nice for its compactness. I just want it to be priced accordingly. That could be due to the uniqueness. If you're one to consider this product before others, you're probably using it as a CD player, in which case, this is a unique product that you won't find anywhere else. It sounds great, looks excellent, and puts use to your old CD collection.

Short of it is that the sound is pretty good and looks very good. Maybe a little too much form over function. Headphone jack is a little anemic. Better options are there unless you want a built in CD player.Additional thoughts: I wanted a desktop all in one system that could stream as well as play CDs and look classy. I considered Cambridge Audio Evo One and the McIntosh RS250. Neither of those has a built in CD player. I debated whether I should get an external player but, in the end, just decided to go with the single unit for simplicity. The wired 3.5mm headphone jack was nice but, sounded thin. I didn't have any issues setting it up, it updated itself with the firmware and I was able to use the Technics app. The remote control is very light, large and feels cheap for such a nice unit. The power plug juts out the back a little too much... until I realized the rotating CD cover needs more space in the back to fully open making the plug issue irrelevant. Wish I could've pushed it back to the wall a little further.Overall, I am happy with it.Update: Well, it's really grown on me and I'd add another 1/2 star if I could. Just really easy to listen to a cd. I will say that the front slats, the side edges are a little sharp. Not like it will cut you, but if you grab the unit near them, it will poke your hand.

This system is really nice looking and was hoping to use it, however it was dead on arrival. Plugged in and no response on the screen, no lights lighting up, nor anything happening when I press buttons. Tried the remote as well and no dice. Outlet I was using is working as I tried a cell phone charger and it worked fine. Sad I couldn't try it.

The media could not be loaded. This is the first Hi-Fi product I have. But my impression is mostly positive. So, there are some points I want to share:Sound Quality: I tried different genres without changing the equalizer settings of the Technics app. I only used the app's location setting (wall, corner, etc.) setting. My first impression is that the sound is clear, but the bass makes the real difference. It is deep, providing you with an immersive experience like a good club sound system. I played a CD as well, but my Spotify sound quality (always downloading/streaming at the highest quality) was better than my CD quality. It can be due to CD recording quality from a decade ago. I am not an audiophile, but I can say it provides an excellent listening experience. The sound surrounds you if you sit not too far from the unit.Dimensions: The product is not very small, nor a huge unit that will take up too much space. It is well made with a metal (I assume aluminum) frame and brushed surface. It is sleek; even touch buttons only look like laser marks, but they are functional. It weighs around 17 lbs (not superlight), so when you move it around, beware of its weight.Set-up: Basic set-up is easy. Plug the power cord, and turn-on the unit, search Bluetooth device to connect. It can be the quickest way to play your music. But, I connected the unit to my Wi-Fi through Google Home. Unfortunately, the unit does not support Apple Home. The instructions explain how to set up the Wi-Fi connection, but it failed me on the Google Home app a couple of times. It worked, finally. Google Home can be used on iOS devices, and setting up this Wi-Fi is the only way to use the Technics app and to get updates for the device (it automatically updates once you set up the Wi-Fi). So, briefly, setting up a Wi-Fi connection is a bit tricky and may take some time.So, I still highly recommend this unit if you truly love listening to music from one source with multiple playing options. Its design and material quality are also exceptional.