Echo Dot (2nd Generation) Review
A quick review of Amazon's new Echo Dot 2 (2nd Generation) with a comparison to the Amazon Echo and some home automation. I have the Echo and Echo Dot working with Samsung SmartThings and Nest Thermostat. I also compare the Echo Dot 2nd Gen to the Echo. The New Echo Dot works very well for playing music since it has an aux port. If you ask Alexa to play music, by default it will play from Amazon Prime Music but it also works with Spotify, Tune-in and a few other music services.
Amazon Echo Review
This is a quick review of the Amazon Echo and an overview for use in home automation. I use it in combination with Samsung SmartThings and the Logitech Harmony Smart Control/Home Hub to control my lights, TVs, garage door, Nest thermostats, and house alarm. By default, the Echo plays music from Amazon Prime Music but it also supports Spotify, Tune-In, and other music services. Installation and setup is easy. Download the Alexa App, and walk through the setup process. It links with smart hubs such as Samsung SmartThings, Wink Hub, and the Logitech Harmony Hub.
JBL LSR308 Review
A quick review of the JBL LSR308 Reference Monitor. This is a great budget-friendly studio monitor and compares to the very popular Yamaha HS8 and KRK Rokit 8 monitors. The LSR308 sounds more appealing than the Yamaha HS8 but the Yamaha is more flat, which is usually preferred from a high quality reference monitor. The KRK Rokit 8 sounds kind of muddy. The instruments aren't as clear as the JBL and the Yamaha and the bass is hyped. This may be preferred for certain types of music but overall not ideal for a studio monitor.