Pioneer X-SMC11DAB-S

Music is quite a big part of my life, always has been, whether it is going to a gig, listening on my iPhone, listening to the radio or playing old skool CD's at home.  The one issue I currently have is that having upgraded my iPhone, where most of my music is stored, my old music system which was an iPod docking station has become obsolete due to the change in charging mechanism.  So I wanted something other than a mug to use as a speaker (I am sure you are all aware of the mug trick, if not ask!).

So when Pioneer asked if people would be interested in reviewing one of their products, I jumped at the chance, firstly because I miss playing music and secondly because I have never owned anything my Pioneer.  So the X-SMC11DAB was duly dispatched to me on loan to have a play with it and see what my thoughts were.

My first reaction was how small, slim and stylish it was in comparison to my old docking system which looked more like a brick and took up quite a lot of room.  Its main features is that I could connect it to my iPhone 5, it has a DAB radio, the ability to play CD's plus a USB port so I could my iPad into it to play back MP3's.  This device is also wall mountable and has a remote control that you can use to control everything from playing a CD, music from your iPod, setting the sleep timer and turning it all off.

No sooner had I got this item in my possession it was unwrapped and set up, literally within minutes, no need to read the handbook that comes with it, for me, everything I needed to know was on the box in front of me.  It has two speakers and two passive radiators they are called and that simply means they produce more bass than regular ported systems.  All I can say is that it can be very loud, infact I am sure my neighbours loved a bit of Queen blasting out from this, well I couldn't have it and not test the sound right?  No matter how loud you have the sound, there is no distinctive rattling or vibrating and I tested it out using different types of music from Metallica and Queen to Cheesy 80's and 90's music whether on CD or via my iPhone, it sounded brilliant.

If you prefer the radio then tuning it is also an easy task, simply press the 'Tune' button on the top and it searches for you, coming up with a lot of different options in seconds and I came across some radio stations like ABBA FM that I only wish I could get all of the time.

I also liked being able to play one of my de-stressing CD's before going to sleep and being able to set the timer to go off, a function that I never thought I would use, but did during the whole time the device was with me.  You can also use it to come on in a morning and again for this is an absolute dream, no having to get out of a warm bed to switch something on as you listen to the news before you get up

I am not too good with the techy stuff, so for a full list of specs you can find them all HERE. This device retails at around £220 and if money wasn't an object I wouldn't hesitate to buy it.

Christmas Gift Ideas - What To Buy For Him?

Yes we all have a 'HIM' to buy for, whether it be Dad, Husband, Boyfriend, Brother or Nephew, I find the 'HIM' quite difficult at times. However, after some searching, reading and dropping subtle hints, this is my ideas list.

01. Bvlgari Man Extreme - A personal favourite choice of aftershave for my Mister is something from Bvlgari and this is one he is yet to have within his collection. Described as being "A fresh and sophisticated Eau de Toilette with top notes of pink grapefruit and Mediterranean cactus. Freesia combines with the intense warmth of amber and cardamom in the heart notes and balsa wood and vetiver give an addictive dry down" this is one I know he will like.

02. Gap Jumper - Almost, well most years, there is a new item of clothing or two on the pile of presents to open and it is usually from Gap. This particular Jumper is a Shawlneck Cable knit jumper which can be dressed up or down.

03. Tabletop Mini CD Digital Jukebox - available from Home Wet Bar, a US Based website, this is something that would look great anywhere and I am more than sure my other half would love an actual Jukebox at home. A 21st-century, miniature version of the adored diner's music maker, this digital jukebox updates everything but the poodle skirts! Designed in a classic, fox hop inspired 1950's style finished cabinet, completely cool with a vibrant glow, this Crosley jukebox lets you throw in a CD for an easy jam! Boasting a single-CD player, great sounding stereo speakers, and an AM/FM radio, this digital jukebox home entertainment system is an unheard of way to hear your favorites!

04. Breaking Bad DVD Collection - No doubt most of you will have heard about this TV show or have watched it, seen bits of it and so on. In short the complete series of the blackly comic drama starring Bryan Cranston as a high school chemistry teacher who discovers that he is dying from inoperable lung cancer and decides to raise money for his family by embarking on a new career as a crystal meth dealer.  A must have for any man.

05. PS Vita - As we have an Xbox, Wii and a PS3, I am not sure we need an Xbox One or PS4, however, something to use when travelling around London or on holiday is always quite useful and a nice break from reading a book.  Something like a PS Vita appeals because it means the Hubby can play his games to his hearts content and I am free to have the TV to myself.

What have you bought for the man in your life?