RCA RD2800 10 GB Lyra Jukebox

Wow wow wow!!! I am utterly amazed at this piece of gear! This is my third hard-disk based mp3 player. I owned both the Archos Jukebox Recorder and the Treo 10, both of which had to be returned do to a whole host of issues including sound quality, lack of playlist support on the treo etc. The Lyra Jukebox smokes these two players, no comparison.

Construction:

The RCA Lyra Jukebox is very different than the other two players I have owned. The first thing I noticed was how this device's construction is flawless, even upon close inspection the build quality is far far better than either the archos or treo. Grade: 100

Sound Quality:

I loaded 500 megs of mp3s on the Lyra in 9 minutes and plugged in the headphones Wow! The sound quality is way better than either archos or treo. Also unlike those two other players there is no hiss or other unwanted noises during operation, It is a true pleasure listening to my Mp3s with this outstanding sound quality. Grade:...Read more

Well, having tried over 4 different mp3 players over the past 2 months, there's a lot that I can say about the RCA Lyra Jukebox.

Over all, it has impressed me in many ways. Sound quality is spectacular, battery life and recharge time is awesome, size and weight are great, and the DSP Equlization (5-band) is terrific. And since it comes with virtually ever adapter and cable you would need to hook it up, either in the car or at home, it leaves very little for you to need to buy as an accessory. So as far as the essentials, RCA definitly has it covered well.

But when it comes down to details, there are many little things that the Lyra Jukebox lacks. For example, there is no battery life indicator on the unit! Come on now! Also, the case that comes with the unit is pretty horrendous. Doesn't offer anything in terms of protection. Another little feature that might be bothersome to many (especially myself) is the fact that the LCD backlight will not stay on when the unit is plugged into...Read more

I think this jukebox is the best out there. I did extensive research before I bought it and even though it does not have a 20GB drive like some out there; it does have MP3Pro capability that lets you download a lot of music.
Yes, with USB1.1 it is not the speediest but that is why it has 10GB drive. You download a lot of music once and then just update it once in a while instead of using 64 or 128MB player that you have to update every day.
One thing that I really did not like about it is the case it comes with. It is horrible. It does not fit perfectly and really offers no protection to the most of the unit. Only back side is protected. No cover for the screen, buttons, or connector plugs. I think that RCA should offer a leather pouch type case that has clear plastic windows for screen and buttons and easily removable belt clip. Something like some of the cell phone cases. That way screen is protected and you can still press buttons and control the unit.