Technology Archive: Grace Digital GDI-IRA500

Last updated on August 8th, 2018 at 05:08 pm

The Grace Digital GDI-IRA500 Solo WIFI Internet Radio by Grace Digital connects your home stereo system to the internet without having to go through your computer.This allows you to stream music that sits on your computer OR access thousands of internet radio stations that are free to listen.

Without the need to be wired in, it hooks effortlessly to any WIFI router in an easy 5 minute setup. It has built-in access to 802.11g and 802.11b/g/n routers, and offers storage of up to 10 pre-set stations that you can program. The accompanying remote control makes operating the unit without getting up a snap. You can get access to most of the network configuration settings and update if required. This is useful if you want to access restricted streams from other countries, by adding VPNs or sneaker proxies to the configuration. It should be added that authentication can be difficult on network enabled devices like this.

Simply connect your home stereo to the GDI-IRA500 with the RCA left and right jacks, turn on and enjoy over 18,000 AM and FM radio and over 30,000 HD internet stations featuring, comedy, talk, all music genres, podcasts and sports broadcasts. Weighing in at only one pound and taking up a very small 8 x 6 x 5 inches, the Grace Solo GDI-IRA500 is extra-portable, and takes up almost no space.

Use your iPhone as a Rmote for the IRA500

One of the coolest features of this unit is the ability to control it’s operation through your iPhone. Simily download the free Grace Digital iPhone App from the Apple App library and your in control. How cool is that! On off, volume, presets and channel surfing are all within your control remotely via your iPhone.

How does the unit perform?

Okay, those are the technical specs, but the bottom line when you are looking to buy any sound-broadcasting device is performance. How does it sound? Previous online customers rate the Grace Digital Solo GDI-IRA500 an impressive 4 out of 5 stars, so let’s take a look at the good and bad that they found.

Most reviewers found it quick to hook up out of the box. Connect the power cord, run the RCA cables to your stereo, turn it on, set it to your WIFI network, and you have sound in 5 minutes. The GDI-IRA500 Solo set has a big, easy to read display that shows the song or station data, and is easy to read even from a distance.

A couple of customers did not like the fact that you can not rename folders, they come pre-labeled “Internet Radio”, “Personal Radio”, etc. When dealing with Grace support, they found that the internet support is the way to go. Several buyers waited forever on the telephone, but received lightning support online. Lesson learned, use the internet tech service rather than outdated telephone technology.

It’s a matter of debate as to whether these internet enabled radios have a future as there is certainly competition. Whether audio devices will be sufficient is possibly in doubt, especially as there are many devices which can handle audio and video. There are many devices which can also be adapted to bypass the various blocks and filters and even watch US Netflix from anywhere.

Many online reviewers noted that they never looked at the manual! When you pull the unit out of the box, it just looks so straightforward you might do the same. Set-up was easy and intuitive, the radio, alarm clock, and sleep timers worked well, and the price is shockingly low. You can expect to literally pay double what you will spend here to get similar features. The polished black finish looks sleek, and there are so many free stations, most customers simply did not see the need to purchase any subscriptions.

What one Customer had to say:

Peter Beudert… OK, assume I like listening to radio anyway, but this is one device that makes me love technology again. Once set up, the Grace radio is simple and reliable. The on line interface through Reciva makes it very easy to browse available stations and add them to the device remotely. My only criticism of the device is the very clumsy onboard controls required for set up and setting the password. Thankfully this is only done once. After that the item behave beautifully!

So What’s the Verdict?

Overall the Grace Digital GDI-IRA500 wireless internet receiver is a great buy at less than a hundred bucks, Amazon will throw in free shipping if you buy from them, and people who have purchased it online in the past rate it 4 out of 5 stars. So, if you are looking for a wireless Internet Receiver for your home stereo, the Grace Digital Solo GDI-IRA500 might be the one for you.