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#328285 - 25/12/2009 18:14 Almost a decade later...
benjammin
member

Registered: 11/08/2002
Posts: 188
Loc: Champaign, IL
I'm still using the Empeg Mk2 I bought in Feb 2001 as a present after working 320hrs in a month to close down a company where I was employee #1 after 5 years.

I installed my empeg during a standard Chicago winter where I'd be sitting out there in my Jeep trying to keep warm while crimping and soldering all the new cabling to handle installing my brand new Empeg.

I'm still driving the same Jeep and I'm still cranking my Empeg.

I've replaced the hard drive 1 time. (mostly to upgrade to 60GB)

I still find the Empeg to be a yet unduplicated unit. My friends who've seen it are all amazed at all it will do -- even TODAY.

Kinda interesting that so much time can go by and the functionality of a product has yet to be duplicated (and I mean ease of use as well as capability) even though current technology could easily provide such.

Anyway - I'm rambling.

Happy Holidays to all.

-Ben
_________________________
Empeg Mk2 in fabulous green! Green Face, Green BackLit Buttons... GREEN...

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#328287 - 25/12/2009 22:51 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: benjammin]
tfabris
carpal tunnel

Registered: 20/12/1999
Posts: 31563
Loc: Seattle, WA
Yup. smile

I still can't bear the idea of using an iPod to listen to my music. Just... not enough features for searching, sorting and organizing.
_________________________
Tony Fabris

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#328336 - 29/12/2009 21:40 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: tfabris]
canuckInOR
carpal tunnel

Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
Originally Posted By: tfabris
Yup. smile

I still can't bear the idea of using an iPod to listen to my music. Just... not enough features for searching, sorting and organizing.

Heh... I generally listen to the empeg on down-downn-down mode, and I hate the thought of using an iPod. Does it even do enqueue, yet?

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#328656 - 11/01/2010 20:09 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: canuckInOR]
jbauer
veteran

Registered: 08/05/2000
Posts: 1429
Loc: San Francisco, CA
This is kinda cool:

http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2010/01/ces2000.html

Empeg got a mention "Devices like Empeg Car put MP3 technology as near as your dashboard, with a portable player that provides immediate access to 600 hours of digital music. The voice-controlled, plug-in unit allows 10,000 songs to be sorted into various categories, after they've been downloaded from a PC--and the player can be hooked up to any home system, as well...."

- Jon

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#328796 - 16/01/2010 09:26 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: jbauer]
Aragon
member

Registered: 17/05/2002
Posts: 148
Loc: Cape Town, South Africa
Apple's iPod firmware isn't great, but if you selectively buy an older iPod you can run rockbox on it, which is much better.

But, yup, the empeg still has important features that set it apart from the rest.

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#329628 - 01/02/2010 13:41 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: Aragon]
jets
enthusiast

Registered: 08/07/2002
Posts: 237
Loc: Toronto, Canada
I've learned to deal with the iPod's shortcomings. I just really hate that it does not display the album year during playback.
_________________________
It seemed like a good idea at the time.

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#330320 - 22/02/2010 21:51 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: jets]
Taym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 18/06/2001
Posts: 2504
Loc: Roma, Italy
I've had an empeg since 2001. Last year I replaced it with an iPod+Apline. I've come to dislike the iPod and the Alpine interface both individually and combined. I am planning to go back to the empeg. I've not done so yet just because I've been using my car less.

I find it a bit sad that 10 years later noting better appeared in the market. And both my empegs have some issue here and there. Still, I can't use the Alpine (which at least sounds well) and the iPod (which, alone, just doesn't) any longer.
_________________________
= Taym =
MK2a #040103216 * 100Gb *All/Colors* Radio * 3.0a11 * Hijack = taympeg

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#330323 - 22/02/2010 22:02 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: Taym]
siberia37
old hand

Registered: 09/01/2002
Posts: 702
Loc: Tacoma,WA
Still using my Empeg in the older car now. I am going to try using a Zune in the new car but not expecting to like it. Mostly I don't like the idea of fiddling with it in the car- the Empeg is easy to use while driving Zune and iPod isn't.

I bought my Empeg in 2002 and still have never replaced the hard drive. I leave my Empeg in the car rountinely in temperatures I shouldn't too (cold nights, warm summer days etc etc..). I can't believe it hasn't died yet.

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#330349 - 23/02/2010 08:21 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: siberia37]
julf
veteran

Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Still using my MKII's in the Bristol and Morgan, and the MKI in the Land Rovers...

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#330352 - 23/02/2010 09:57 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: julf]
Roger
carpal tunnel

Registered: 18/01/2000
Posts: 5680
Loc: London, UK
Originally Posted By: julf
Still using my MKII's in the Bristol and Morgan, and the MKI in the Land Rovers...


Still using my mk2a in the Focus. I did have to replace one of the disks a couple of weeks ago, though. So I swapped out the pair of 30s for a 60 from my old laptop.
_________________________
-- roger

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#330353 - 23/02/2010 10:20 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: Roger]
andy
carpal tunnel

Registered: 10/06/1999
Posts: 5914
Loc: Wivenhoe, Essex, UK
Still using my Mk2a in the Scooby, still haven't wired up the rear speakers wink
_________________________
Remind me to change my signature to something more interesting someday

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#330360 - 23/02/2010 13:10 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: andy]
wfaulk
carpal tunnel

Registered: 25/12/2000
Posts: 16706
Loc: Raleigh, NC US
Still using (one of) mine in my Volvo. I could really stand to repair the knob, though.
_________________________
Bitt Faulk

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#330369 - 23/02/2010 13:58 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: wfaulk]
Robotic
pooh-bah

Registered: 06/04/2005
Posts: 2026
Loc: Seattle transplant
My 2x60 Mk2a is going strong and entertaining me in my Honda for an hour a day, every weekday.
The two spares will end up in cars one day.
_________________________
10101311 (20GB- backup empeg)
10101466 (2x60GB, Eutronix/GreenLights Blue) (Stolen!)

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#330373 - 23/02/2010 14:09 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: andy]
frog51
pooh-bah

Registered: 09/08/2000
Posts: 2091
Loc: Edinburgh, Scotland
Originally Posted By: andy
Still using my Mk2a in the Scooby, still haven't wired up the rear speakers wink


Took me ages to move the MkII from my Impreza to the Foz. there is always something else to do! So glad I did, although SWMBO seems to like the Sony unit I popped into the Impreza so I get to keep my spare in my music room.

Only changes over time have been updates to firmware, and bigger disks, as well as a lot of messing around with filesystems and other Unix playing
_________________________
Rory
MkIIa, blue lit buttons, memory upgrade, 1Tb in Subaru Forester STi
MkII, 240Gb in Mark Lord dock
MkII, 80Gb SSD in dock

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#332494 - 28/04/2010 00:26 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: frog51]
FireFox31
pooh-bah

Registered: 19/09/2002
Posts: 2494
Loc: East Coast, USA
Still using my empeg MKIIa in my Volvo and Benz, every day. However, since August 2008, I've almost entirely stopped listening to music. Now I use the empeg for podcasts, and am well served by the features. Bookmarking one to listen to another, marking podcasts I've heard for deletion, organizing related podcasts in nested playlists, etc. Unfortunately, an internet connected Android phone and the Google Listen app may replace this use of the empeg. When that happens, it will be a clear sign that I need to listen to more music and get back to the empeg.

Seven years of ownership, and many more to come.
_________________________
-
FireFox31
110gig MKIIa (30+80), Eutronix lights, 32 meg stacked RAM, Filener orange gel lens, Greenlights Lit Buttons green set

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#332778 - 05/05/2010 18:58 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: FireFox31]
edsmiata
addict

Registered: 18/08/2002
Posts: 544
Loc: New Jersey
i still have my riocar in my miata since 2002.

i also installed one last year in my ford escape

wonderful little gadget it is.....
_________________________
...One man gathers what another man spills

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#332785 - 06/05/2010 00:22 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: edsmiata]
tanstaafl.
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/07/1999
Posts: 5539
Loc: Ajijic, Mexico
Originally Posted By: edsmiata
i still have my riocar in my miata since 2002.

Were you ever able to solve the alternator noise problem?

tanstaafl.
_________________________
"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

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#333050 - 18/05/2010 06:28 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: tanstaafl.]
julf
veteran

Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Still a MKII in both the Bristol and the Morgan, and a MKI in "field box" for the Land Rovers. Haven't found anything as good.

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#343048 - 03/03/2011 02:18 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: Roger]
shapeless
journeyman

Registered: 09/08/2002
Posts: 50
Loc: Italy
I had the empeg in my fiat tipo in 2001, brought it in my fiat coupè in 2003, and last year, brought it to my volvo c70, stored in the glovebox and adapted to the factory head unit (SC-901 with surround) with the blitzsafe RCA-CD-Charger adapter. Even after a two-years long repair and a display replacement (from another empeg I bought on ebay two years ago) my 'peggy still sounds, and feel, good. I can't imagine listening music in car with anything else. I'll forever thank Taym for introducing me to the empeg world and every one of you to keep this world alive!
_________________________

shapeless

MK2a | #010101588 | 2x 120GB SSD  | Hijack v526 | v3.0a11 | > melpomene <
MK2   | #090000581 | 60 & 100GB HD | v2final.mk2 | v2.01 | > backup <
radio | all colors lens | greenlights LBSSK buttons | KCA-R6A + ERC-1A remotes | carry cases | empeg sticker!

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#343054 - 03/03/2011 09:26 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: shapeless]
crazyplums
member

Registered: 29/12/2006
Posts: 157
Loc: E.Sussex, UK
it's funny how we become attached to these little things, several people i knew with these were very geeky and have since moved on to other things (ipad installs and the like -yuk!), I'm a relative newcomer to empegs really, first seeing one about 5yrs ago and buying my first about 2/3yrs ago.

I just love the simplicity of the things, I have two 'workers' and a spares unit though I will always grab another 'bargain' if i see it, I can see me using this for as long as I am able to eep the players running, it's great to have the units in place of hundreds of cd's, people are always fascinated by it, especially when i tell them they're ten yrs old and still better than my iphone when it comes to playing music. I do need to use it more though as i've forgotten how to use most of the features, search etc!

I do use my ip4 for music in the van... cos i'm lazy and haven't installed the peg yet but, it'll never take over in the house!

I'm also extremely greatful for this forum and you guys for keeping it online, had you not been here i'd have two dead players which would most likely be consigned to the bin, the support is most welcomed!

Hugh
_________________________
www.dragon-signs.com

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#343064 - 03/03/2011 15:40 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: crazyplums]
canuckInOR
carpal tunnel

Registered: 13/02/2002
Posts: 3212
Loc: Portland, OR
Originally Posted By: crazyplums
i've forgotten how to use most of the features, search etc!
That's okay... I can't remember the last time I used anything but down, down, down. smile

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#343157 - 05/03/2011 18:52 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: canuckInOR]
jagorny
new poster

Registered: 02/06/2002
Posts: 16
I recently finally unplugged my empeg from the system when I installed subsonic on the home servers.

I would love to be able to install subsonic on the empeg though - alas it requires java and is a bit too hefty memory-wise to play nice. :-(

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#343160 - 06/03/2011 10:13 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: jagorny]
julf
veteran

Registered: 01/10/2001
Posts: 1307
Loc: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
How does subsonic compare to squeezeboxserver? I assume it does standard shoutcast streams, so I could use the rio receivers and the squeezeboxes in "dumb" mode...

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#343443 - 16/03/2011 18:53 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: shapeless]
Taym
carpal tunnel

Registered: 18/06/2001
Posts: 2504
Loc: Roma, Italy
Originally Posted By: shapeless
I'll forever thank Taym for introducing me to the empeg world and every one of you to keep this world alive!

You're welcome and it's good to see you're still around!
_________________________
= Taym =
MK2a #040103216 * 100Gb *All/Colors* Radio * 3.0a11 * Hijack = taympeg

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#344294 - 18/04/2011 11:49 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: Taym]
pedrohoon
enthusiast

Registered: 06/08/2002
Posts: 333
Loc: The Pilbara, Western Australia
A decade later (almost to the month) and my original 10GB IBM Travelstar (build date March 2001) has finally died after making some grating noises for a while then starting to come up with segfault errors. Something was rattling around inside when I pulled it out so I ripped it apart and found a small metal lever loose inside - looks like it had something to do with the actuator assembly. Now replaced with a 40GB Samsung and all is well again!
_________________________
Peter.

"I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted." - George Best

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#344298 - 18/04/2011 12:33 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: pedrohoon]
mlord
carpal tunnel

Registered: 29/08/2000
Posts: 14472
Loc: Canada
The rattling is normal in a lot of those drives.

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#344300 - 18/04/2011 13:02 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: pedrohoon]
tanstaafl.
carpal tunnel

Registered: 08/07/1999
Posts: 5539
Loc: Ajijic, Mexico
Originally Posted By: pedrohoon
Something was rattling around inside when I pulled it out so I ripped it apart and found a small metal lever loose inside
Uh-oh! I hope you realize that you just voided your warranty on that drive! smile

tanstaafl.
_________________________
"There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

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#344305 - 18/04/2011 14:09 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: tanstaafl.]
rob
carpal tunnel

Registered: 21/05/1999
Posts: 5335
Loc: Cambridge UK
I put my old car back on the road recently, complete with empeg installation. It's damn good to have it again, although it seems to need a new rotary encoder and either a disk or anj IDE header resolder (getting "hard drive not found" on cold mornings.

I've now pretty much concluded that nobody will ever come out with a better car stereo of the kind - the emphasis now is all about portable device integration, which is mostly done poorly.

Rob

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#344465 - 22/04/2011 13:44 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: mlord]
pedrohoon
enthusiast

Registered: 06/08/2002
Posts: 333
Loc: The Pilbara, Western Australia
Originally Posted By: mlord
The rattling is normal in a lot of those drives.


Yes, it went OK for a couple of years like that but then it must have become too loose and fell out of its locating socket. I think the lever had something to do with head parking. After it fell out I think the heads were able to swing freely across the platters when the disk was stopped hence the data loss and segfault errors.
_________________________
Peter.

"I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted." - George Best

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#344466 - 22/04/2011 13:48 Re: Almost a decade later... [Re: tanstaafl.]
pedrohoon
enthusiast

Registered: 06/08/2002
Posts: 333
Loc: The Pilbara, Western Australia
Originally Posted By: tanstaafl.
Uh-oh! I hope you realize that you just voided your warranty on that drive! smile

tanstaafl.


Damn! Have I? grin
_________________________
Peter.

"I spent 90% of my money on women, drink and fast cars. The rest I wasted." - George Best

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