The Grace GDI-IRDT200 is a wireless music device that streams AM & FM Radio, internet radio, and all the music files on your home network and delivers them to your home stereo system. With the tuner, you can listen to over 16,000 internet radio stations, including popular channels like Pandora, NPR, BBC, ESPN, and Sirius.
Sound Quality
The Grace Digital Radio is technically a tuner, so it does not come with any built-in speakers. However, it does have both digital and analog outputs that are capable of delivering high quality sound to your speakers. Most users find that the tuner buffers quickly and that there are no problems with noise or jitters. You should have no problem getting smooth signals through your home’s Wi-Fi, but you can also connect the tuner via Ethernet cord to your router if you want a more stable internet connection. If you are a true audiophile and have a very high quality stereo system, you may prefer a higher end tuner, but for the price, the Grace offers exceptional sound.
Aesthetics and Build
The tuner is a low-profile device that looks very similar to a DVD or Blu-ray player. It is about 12 X 17 inches and nicely matches the size and dimensions of other home theater devices. It is solidly built out of metal, unlike many modern electronics which are made of plastic, and it is trimmed with an aluminum faceplate. It has large, easy to use controls on the front of the unit and a blue LCD display screen that is reminiscent of old radio players. Check it out here.
Some have complained about the size of the Grace saying that it is too large and cannot fit everywhere. But, the tuner is not meant to be a stand-alone device and is really meant to sit on a shelf or in an entertainment center to complement the rest of your stereo system. Those who are looking for uniformity in their components, or the “rack” look will not be disappointed.
Ease of Use
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the tuner is the sheer number of radio stations that it offers. The huge variety of stations provides endless entertainment and will leave you wondering how you ever listened to traditional FM radio. Although the Grace Digital Radio has access to thousands of internet radio stations, it is clearly designed with Pandora fans in mind. You can control your Pandora songs through the device on the Reciva website and then use the unit’s dedicated Pandora controls to navigate the station. If Pandora is not your preferred station, then you can also save a list of your favorite stations with the Grace’s “My Stuff” folder. Besides using the radio features and getting music off your wireless network, the tuner also has a USB port on the back and an SD card slot on the front so you can play other music files not on your network. The device supports Real Audio, WMA, MP3, WAV, AAC, and AIFF files. The Grace has a large tuner/selection wheel on its front which is the device’s main control button, and it also comes with a remote control which operates all the tuner’s functions. Other notable features are the headphone jack on the front and the built-in alarm clock.
The biggest downside mentioned in this Grace GDI-IRDT200 review is the tuner’s interface. Those who have been spoiled by the usability and intuitiveness of newer technology, like iPods and other touch devices, may be disappointed by the tuner’s sometimes cumbersome navigation. To search for stations, find artists, and enter passwords you have to use the onscreen keyboard, which can be a tedious process. However, if you already have an iPod, iPhone, or iPad, you can simply download the free remote app which virtually eliminates this problem altogether.
Grace Digital GDI-IRDT200 Review Summary
The Grace Digital Wireless Internet Radio does what it advertises and is a great device for those who already have a stereo system and just want to add internet radio and access to their network’s music files. The tuner’s navigation does seem a bit archaic, but this feature can be considered somewhat of a compromise when you consider that the price is a good deal cheaper than comparable wireless internet players. With its wireless capabilities, it offers a great opportunity to step away from your computer and start enjoying music through your home stereo system.
Click Here To Buy The Grace Digital GDI-IRDT200 Wireless Internet Radio
Dimensions
11.5 x 17.2 x 1.9 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
What Buyers Are Saying
“Awesome”
“Strong Performer”
“The World At Your Ears”
