7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Philips AJ 300D: bought it, then returned it
Date of Review: Feb 4, 2008
The Bottom Line: Buy this unit only if you're looking for a decent desk/office iPod speaker. As an alarm clock, however, it's just too bloody annoying. You lost a customer, Philips.
I recently purchased this product at a local Costco in Vancouver, Canada, and was looking forward to using it as a replacement clock radio. I was immediately impressed by the overall design of the unit – clean lines and quality construction. Sound quality was equally impressive, esp. the bass coming from the rear of the unit.
However, when I tested the alarm clock (set to radio), I noticed that when the alarm goes off, the radio volume starts as barely audible, then quickly escalates to such a high level that you're frantically slapping buttons to turn it down. I can't imagine waking up to that every morning (would make me want to toss the thing across the room). There is no apparent way to set the maximum volume for the alarm; even if you quickly hold down the Volume Down button, you have to keep it held down, or the volume just ramps up again to ear-splitting levels. Ridiculous! I can't believe a design flaw like this would make it past quality control. I've since read similar complaints on the Internet about this unit (wish I'd been forewarned before I bought it).
Teac makes an iPod-dockable clock radio (SR-L230i) that has the same type of escalating alarm clock setting, but at least you can control the maximum volume (it doesn't rise to ear-splitting levels).
It's a real shame; other than this one annoying flaw, I love the unit. It would make a fine office radio/iPod dock, but as a morning alarm clock, it's way too annoying (for me anyways). Perhaps Philips would do well to test their products more thoroughly before putting them on the market. I'm going to return mine tomorrow.
