- Adaptive Sound Technology listens and reacts to the environment - Adjusting the volume automatically if it gets noisier
- 10 high quality natural sound recordings create the most realistic and natural sleep environment possible
- Three richness settings control a broad range of additional sounds for optimal sleep conditions
- Optional sleep timer and display controls provide optimal night time operating environment
- Includes BONUS ultra-thin speakers that fit under your pillow so you can surround your head with sound for enhanced therapy
The first night I used the machine, it effectively masked the sound, but I wasn't used to it and didn't sleep very well. However, with each use I have found it more conducive to restful sleep, as well as extremely effective in masking unwelcome noise. I like all of the "SoundStories" except the "white noise," which just sounds like static. I don't find the "campfire" very restful, either, but that's because living in an old row house makes one rather wary of the sound of flames! I have found that, as the instructions say, a lower "richness" level is more calming for sleeping.
I opted for this model because it came with pillow speakers at the same cost as the model without them. I now see that the model without pillow speakers is being offered at a lower price. In my opinion, the pillow speakers are not very effective, and it makes sense to pay less and do without them. I like to use earphones with mine, which allows the SoundStories to even more completely mask the external ruckus. My little girl loves listening to the machine through its normal speakers.
In short, my recommendations:
1) Stick with the machine for a few tries and get used to it.
2) Enhance its effectiveness by using earphones.
3) Don't be put off by Ecotones' relatively higher price compared with other brands. Based on the consumer reviews I've read of the other types, it's worth paying more for something that's effective and pleasant to use.I have tried a couple of these machines in the last year. Most were pretty poor quality, with poor reproduction and a clear breakpoint where the recording recycles. Not so the Duet. It has long recordings with seamless overlap. I like the Ocean best for sleeping, and the Meditation setting actually helps concentration. Top quality, I recommend it.
We just moved into a new apartment in NYC and were quite dismayed by the noisy upstairs neighbors and the occasional street nuts keeping us awake at night. The sounds we were dealing with were: stomping feet, thumping base from a stereo, late night TV, children playing in the hallway, the occasional car alarm, etc. Ahhh, New York City!
After a bit of research (price vs. quality) we decided to take a chance on the Ecotones Duet. The first night we set it for "Brook" with complete sound stories and lo and behold, not only did it mask all the annoying sounds, but within 30 minutes, we were both fast asleep. The timer was set for 90 minutes...and while we did not hear it fade...it was definitely off when we woke. At last!!! We can sleep again!
The "Adaptive Sound Technology" is great. Except if you start chatting in bed. It gets louder to cover up your speech.
We tried a few of the different settings to see which one masked the sounds better and found that for us that "Brook" was the thing. My wife really didn't like "Ocean". And the crickets in the "Meadow" were a bit overwhelming for our purposes. (And we found "other pleasures" from the fireplace sound. Light a candle, for a little more atmosphere, guys, and off you go.)
But truly, this machine can deal with a large variety of different sound issues. It gives you a lovely sounds cape to listen to, with random sounds breaking the monotony of a simple repetitive sound. Occasionally one can imagine little pieces of wood sloshing past, or a bird or squirrel rustling near the water's edge...next thing you know...it's morning and you've had another blissful night of sleep.I definitely like the sound from this machine I thought I would use white noise because I am used to keeping a bathroom vent fan on, but I like the waterfall sound. I use it to drown out my husband's snoring. It has worked pretty well, not perfect. He still wakes me up sometimes :) I also can't get the automatic sound adjustment feature to work. I tried to test it by making noise and nothing happened. So I just set it for the night and as I was trying to fall asleep, it kept getting quieter when there was no noise in the room? So I turn that off and just leave it on a steady volume. It stinks because I paid the high price for this feature, but since I like the noise, I am keeping it anyway. Would recommend, but it is expensive.I originally purchased the Sound Therapy Machine to cover out subtle dog noises very unwelcomed by my non-dog loving partner. So-so with that, but I found I love it when I work on my dissertation at home. The sound quality is really nice and the sounds are well done. I'm partial to brook and ocean. Thank you and good luck. This is a nice product.
Pros:
* Small, but well made and solid.
* The sounds are high class. They sound great! My favorite is the bonfire, my wife's is the city.
* Options galore! Many sounds to choose from. You can keep it simple or juice the sounds up by adjusting the settings.
* The adaptive setting works well. I'm told that it still doesn't drown out my snoring however, but wifey just kicks me...problem solved.
Cons:
*Honestly, nothing yet. If I run into any problems, I'll update this review.
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