Entered CNET Catalog: 05/11/2002
SKU: IMP 150
Manufacturer: iRiver America
Manufacturer description
IRiver's iMP-150 ChromeX player with remote control supports multiple standards of digital audio format, music CD, homemade CDR/RW with MP3, WMA and even ASF format. This affordable CD player features Shock-Free to give you more enjoyment and freedom as well as Graphic LCD supporting multiple languages. The player provides the latest updated features via firmware upgrade. New formats such as AAC, MP3 Pro and so on can be supported in the future with a simple upgrade method. The player's features such as add on, modification, and continuous improvement of disk recognition are always provided. In addition, the iMP-150 can support Winamp Playlist as long as it has the filename extension.m3u (maximum 20 lists).Product summary
The good: Inexpensive; compatible with wide range of files and discs; good antiskip protection; remote control.
The bad: Large; some parts feel flimsy; remote can come unplugged.
The bottom line: The ChromeX is an attractive MP3 CD option for the listener on a budget.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 06/19/2002
Large, modern design
The ChromeX isn't nearly as thin as its pricier counterpart. In fact, at 5.4 by 5.8 by 1.2 inches, it's on the large side, but it does have a nice gray-and-black-matte finish and a smooth, round shape. We weren't thrilled that we could slightly jiggle the top of the unit from side to side, and we were disappointed that the battery door exhibits a similar flimsiness. But we should note that these small design flaws didn't cause any problems during our two-week evaluation period.
You get an in-line remote to handle all playback functions, but you'll have to take the ChromeX out of your bag to access more complicated features since the remote lacks its own LCD. As far as the interface goes, it's not quite as intuitive as it should be, even though the unit's display lists lots of song and settings information. We found ourselves wishing that there were a jog dial for navigating the menus, and we weren't crazy about the idea that many of the buttons have two functions depending on the length of time that they're pressed.
Manual is mandatory reading
After a bit of button experimentation and some studying of the manual, we found that it wasn't too difficult to locate songs by directory or playlist, set Shuffle/Repeat modes, change the EQ settings, and program new playlists on the fly. Holding down the Navi/Function button brings up the Settings menu, where you can make all sorts of tweaks, including choosing from 35 languages; activating Resume and Fade-In modes; and selecting among scores of other superfluous options that select users may find useful.
Like the SlimX, the ChromeX offers comprehensive disc and format compatibility, supporting different brands of data CD-Rs and CD-RWs that can be filled with MP3, WMA, and ASF files burned in the ISO 9660 formats. Future formats and file types will be supported through firmware upgrades.
Clean sound, no skips
When it comes to performance, the ChromeX does quite well. Our MP3s and WMAs sounded crisp, full, and free of hiss over our reference headphones. (iRiver includes a set of mediocre earbuds, but you can swap in your own pair and still use the in-line remote.) The company rates the player's antiskip protection at 120 seconds for MP3s and 40 seconds for regular CDs. These figures jibe with our test results, as we didn't encounter any skipping. iRiver should have included rechargeable batteries, but two AAs offer an impressive 16 hours of MP3 playback, though you'll get only 7 hours when playing audio CDs. However, the company did throw in an AC adapter for when you happen to be near an outlet. Our only performance quibble was that like the , the ChromeX's remote connects to the unit via a small, round plug that can come loose easier than the slotted remote connections that we prefer.
When all is said and done, probably the most attractive aspect of the ChromeX is its affordable price tag, which largely offsets the less than slick construction and interface. At $99, this MP3 CD player may not be a steal, but it's priced right, and if you don't mind reading a manual, you won't be disappointed. If you're working with a bigger budget, consider one of .
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21out of 21 user reviews
Great player if you are interested in carrying your music in CDs
Pros: Very stylish, never skips, great sound
Cons: A little bit big, no accesories available that i know
out of 21 user reviews
Upgradable firmware
Pros: Can upgrade firmware to add some new features.
Cons: From my experience easy to get familiar with functions.
out of 21 user reviews
Its worth gett'n for features it has
Pros: I liek the fact that you can download firmware to your PC, and load it into the player, does have a variety of features, that you can adjust, plus being able to use different music formats
Cons: The thing I dislike about the unit, is it can eat up batteries, well mine does , and no diplay on the remote, to prevent taking unit out to change folders or tracks, but even though you can adjust the EQ no actual bass boost
out of 21 user reviews
Good price, but you get what you pay for.
Pros: Worked beautifully for first month or so. Really had no problems with it. Cool remote, good headphones (kinda), nice functionality. The custom EQ was a nice touch, but wasn't very effective.
Cons: The headphones it comes with are the only ones that are even semi-loud. I forget the reason (I think I saw it in another review), but all other headphones I used were very quiet. If you barely nudge the AC adapter, it turns off. Incredibly low battery
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Get it, it does what it should.
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Can't beat the value
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You will NOT get a better $59 MP3 player!!!
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The earbud phones felt cheap, but who the heck gives out earphones of any quality nowadays? I'm using my Sony Studio Monitors, and they're just great. (This baby has six different EQ settings, for gosh sake!) In about two years, when I can afford an IPod, I'll realize how inferior portable CD MP3 players are. But for now, I've found nirvana in the form of an IRiver IMP ChromeX 150. COST: $79 (J&R Music World) REBATE: $20 (mail-in) FINAL COST: $59. That's fifty-freakin'nine dollars. You have NO excuse not to buy one! out of 21 user reviews
Don't listen to any complainer!
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At last a good player!!
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great player at a great price
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Good product for a small price
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Excellent Player at Great Price
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A great deal for a great player
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The best CD-Mp3 Players Under 100$
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Great Player in a bad Package
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Good budget player
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nice to have it
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May be good for PC users
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Feels cheap.. even at the low price
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I won't believe media's review from now on.
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Great for the value!
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