Entered CNET Catalog: 06/27/2009
SKU: ENA-7000
Manufacturer: EZNEX
Manufacturer description
Ultra mini wireless handsfree & FM Transmitter Enjoy live stereo music of mobile phone & MP3 player without wire through car audio speaker & FM radio speaker Have a hands free call conversation even though when you are drivingProduct summary
The good: The EzCube FM transmitter provides a clear and strong signal in a supercompact package that's compatible with any MP3 player.
The bad: The EzCube FM transmitter has no mounting option, making for a messy setup. It doesn't charge the device connected to it.
The bottom line: The Eznex ENA7000 EzCube FM transmitter is a great performer in a teeny, tiny package, and is a good choice if you don't mind the messy setup.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/26/2009
Photo gallery:
Eznex ENA7000 EzCube
Digital music aficionados who are constantly behind the wheel are often faced with the dilemma of how to connect their MP3 players to their car stereos. The lucky ones have head units with direct line-in ports, and a few may even be driving around in vehicles old enough to sport the good-old cassette deck. Either instance requires a simple wired attachment, but for those who aren't blessed with such accoutrements, playing MP3 audio in the car is a little more challenging. Two options remain: custom install a hardwire connection or play music over often-spotty FM transmitters. Thankfully, there are a handful of transmitters on the market with solid performance, including the Eznex EzCube, a tiny device that connects to any MP3 player and will set you back about $50.
The EzCube is by far the smallest FM transmitter we've had our hands on, measuring just 1 inch cubed. Most MP3 players will dwarf the device, with the exception of the MobiBlu Cube, which strongly resembles it. The EzCube features a small, monochrome screen with a backlight; it displays radio frequency along with preset information. On the top edge of the device you'll find a power button and an M key, which stands for memory and allows you to set up to four presets. The left side of the transmitter features tuner buttons, and the right has two ports: one for connecting the included cigarette lighter charger and another for attaching an MP3 player via the packaged line-in cable.
The overall design is among the most compact for an FM transmitter, but it's also slightly messy, with the two cables and a lack of any console-mounting system. During testing, the whole setup was piled haphazardly into the ashtray of the car--not ideal. Also, because the EzCube is made for any MP3 player (not iPod-specific, for example), it won't charge your device while in use. These are both fairly minor gripes, however.
The considerable plus is that the EzCube is a very solid little performer. We're pretty shocked that Eznex managed to cram such a strong transmitter into such a tiny package, actually. The unit pushed out to every open frequency in San Francisco fairly clearly, which is rare. It wasn't able to keep a strong connection with many of them as we drove around the city, but we found at least one station that kept a clear signal as we moved around a 4-mile radius. Audio quality for music isn't the best--bass in particular is lacking--but this is a weakness with every FM transmitter we've tested. The important thing is to get clear playback, and this device definitely delivers there.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Has not worked since we received it :(
Pros: We bought this based on all of the ravingly good reviews. We liked that it was small and portable and the reviews indicated it would be a snap to set up with great reception.
Cons: We plugged it in to charge per instructions ... the front screen flashed a number very briefly, then never again. We've read through the instructions, tried rebooting and nothing worked. No response from their online or email support.
out of 6 user reviews
Exceeded my expectations
Pros: Belies the product reviews that say that FM transmitters are a poor option for auto use.
Cons: I do sometimes need to reposition the unit a bit to establish a clear signal to the car antenna.
As for the complaint I read about messy wires with the Eznex, it may seem that way because the unit is really really small. A light one-inch cube that I leave dangling from the audio output jack on my Blackberry in its hip holster. And since I recharge it instead of using the 12-volt power cord, I have only a couple inches of my thin ?dangle cord.?
out of 6 user reviews
HORRIBLE - DOESN'T WORK
Pros: It's little.
Cons: Doesn't work at all. Not on a single station. Not in the car. Not in the house. What product did YOU review because it wasn't the one "I" bought.
out of 6 user reviews
WHERE TO BUY THE EZCUBE(AMAZON)
Pros: THE MOST COMPACT SIZE AND ITS QUALITY IS AMAZING ENOUGH .. I EXPREIENCED CRYSTAL SOUND WITH THIS , STRONGLY RECOMMEND .
Cons: NOTHING..PERFECT TO USE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM AS LONG AS I HAVE NOT CONCERNED ALOT ABOUT INSTALLATION OF IT.
IPOD DEMO : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VRPRRmdhcQ&feature=related
iPHONE : Http://www.buymeaniphone.com/2009/01/14/review-ezcube-fm-transmitter-speaker-phone/
AMAZON LINK : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ILWCI8
Updated on Jul 12, 2009DIRECT LINK TO AMAZON SITE
AMAZON LINK : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ILWCI8
out of 6 user reviews
Incredible innovation
Pros: I have never seen such a unbelievable FM transmitter.. very small size on cubic shape.. It is awesome gadget ! When I try to use with my iPhone and Blackberry Storm , it worked perfectly without any static sound..
Cons: Actually , EzCube's charging cable seems to be a little short but the internal batter
is enough to remove the issue fully.
out of 6 user reviews
EzCube storms into Asia...
Pros: The range is amazing as I have tested it up to 20 meters. The best thing about EzCube is that it is a universal FM Transmitter. It can cater for all media players, notebooks, mobile phones etc.
Cons: I agree with the fact that there is no "proper" mounting option. However, in every box, there is a piece of velcro that enables you to stick it on the car's dashboard.