White Noise / Sound Machine Reviews / Ratings >>
Review & Ratings of Marpac Marsona 1288A Sound Conditioner -- Based on 20 Actual Owner Experiences
Page last updated: May 2010
What You Need To Know
71% of Marpac Marsona 1288A owners included in our research are satisfied with the product.
Pros
Good volume; variety of sounds; reliable
Cons
Questionable sound quality and value
More info
Detailed comparison grid
Summary: sound machine / white noise machine reviews & ratings
Why a sound / white noise machine?
About Our Research
Our findings are based on at least 20 actual owner experiences collected from diverse sources including online message boards, product review websites and product review sections on retailers' websites.
Ratings of Marpac Marsona 1288A
Sample size: 20+ owners
Effectiveness |
Good |
Sound quality |
Fair-Good |
Loops noticeable |
Somewhat |
Volume potential |
Good-Excellent |
Plays
nature sounds |
Yes |
Plays
white noise |
Yes |
Variety
of sounds |
Good |
Reliability |
Good |
Compact |
Fair-Good |
Light weight |
Fair-Good |
Can
run on batteries |
No |
Travel friendly |
Fair-Good |
Clock
/ alarm |
No |
Lights |
No |
Appearance |
Fair |
Timer |
Yes |
Value |
Fair |
Price |
$115 |
Glossary
The Marpac Marsona 1288A offers the following sounds: Surf I, Surf II, Waterfall, Country Eve, Train, Lakeshore, Brook, & Rain. In addition, it provides several programmable "overlay sounds" such as birds and frogs to provide the user with a variety of combinations. In other words, the Marpac allows you to create your own sound mixes, such as a waterfall with frogs croaking. It can operate continuously or there is a one-hour timer.
The quality and clarity of the recordings is about average, perhaps a little better, but nothing overly impressive. You may notice that the noises include a static hiss. The looping of the sounds is difficult to detect, but a person with a sensitive ear may notice the looping. If you seek pure white noise, you may be disappointed because even the more consistent noises, such as rain and waterfall, still have an occasional intrusive overlay.
The volume on this product can go quite high, enabling it to mask even fairly loud unwanted noises. However, the unit may vibrate and give off an accompanying noise if you put the volume too high.
The product is somewhat travel friendly given its size (5.85"W x 8.75"D x 3.12"H) and weight (two pounds). But it cannot run on batteries.
Durability and longevity for the Marpac should be above average.