Criticism  

If I shell out over $800 for the ARQ1, I expect nothing less than complete satisfaction. Yes I am impressed with the units capabilities, the fact that I can update it through the internet, download music from my computer/internet or from a cd loaded in the internal tray. But if I am happy with all of these features, then why am I considering this purchase if the first thing I do with it is try to position it in an area not too noticeable yet be able to use the remote control. Lets face it, the unit is ugly. To make it worse, it has a hideous green LCD. I know this might seem shallow but if I am spending over $800 I can afford to be. Apparently I am not the only one who feels this way. In the Sound and Vision report that Audio Request boasts about, they too fault the unit on its appearance. Has anyone seen the Lansonic unit? That looks good. A vibrant blue screen only emphasizes the high-tech nature of the unit. I would like to know if Audio Request is planning to change the LCD screen or at the very least provide a hard casing to cover the LCD screen. Lets face it, the screen is not only an eye sore but a moot feature. Its not like there are control buttons on the the face of the ARQ1 to navigate through playlists. The television monitor is the real display screen because it there that you can actually see what you are doing and what playlist you are shifting through. The small green LCD screen seems to be a half-assed attempt to add another feature to the units specs list. Either change it to facilitate an actual purpose in tasteful decor or just take it off.