Showing posts with label shelf stereo systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shelf stereo systems. Show all posts

5/01/2012

Yamaha MCR-230BL Micro Component System (Black) Review

Yamaha MCR-230BL Micro Component System (Black)
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I've been a big fan of Yamaha receivers for many years. If you buy towards the top of the range, you won't be disappointed. I still own a DSP-A3090, an R100, and an MCR-E300GLC mini-system. All have performed heroically over the years with virtually no problems. When I saw the MCR-230BL advertised, the USB and iPod inputs were the draw. I assumed that since it was a Yamaha product, it would have intuitive controls and at least one aux input (shame on me for not checking this out beforehand). First of all, the controls are a mess. To make very basic adjustments in tone, you have to dive into a menu system that should be an example to designers everywhere of how to frustrate your customers. I suspect 80% of people that buy this will never figure out how to adjust bass and treble. There should have been dedicated knobs for this but I understand the necessity of controlling cost. Regardless, there are many examples of good menu driven controls. In this case, the controls are awful. Secondly, there are no aux inputs. Forget connecting anything else to this other than an iPod and usb device. Thirdly, this is available with or without the speakers. I was intrigued by the unusal depth of the speakers so I bought these as well. Save your money. The speakers lack any semblance of realistic midrange, bass or smooth treble. I've owned many speakers and understand these are basically throw-aways but was hoping Yamaha might have produced a diamond in the rough among cheap speakers. No such luck. So what's to like? The iPod functionality is good. The remote controls most anything you will need to control in the iPod. It has an output for a sub. The usb input is cool. I've connected several flash dives and a 40Gb portable, usb powered hard drive. All worked well. I finally ran a mini-jack to rca cable from the headphone output of this to my other Yamaha mini-system so I get the better sound quality and controls. If you are considering buying this, I'd look at something a little more sophisticated from Yamaha or Denon, something you will be happy to use for many years. If you want iPod connectivity with controls, there are many iPod docks that can be connected to any receiver, some of which have remotes and other nice features but all of which will cost far less than this unusual mis-step by Yamaha.

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Yamaha MCR-230BL Micro Component System (Black)

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4/21/2012

Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) Review

Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver)
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I did not purchase this from Amazon, but I wanted to write a review anyway. I have been looking everywhere for a stereo system that has clear sound, great bass, an iPod hookup and cd changer. If it had a cassette deck, that would be even better, but I could deal without one. I really liked the idea of an extra subwoofer. I wasn't going to purchase this system because it only has a 1 disc tray for cd's, but I figured that's where the iPod comes in for continuous music, and I should at least try it. Needless to say, I bought this stereo and hooked it up immediately (set up was a piece of cake).
I was immediately disappointed when the wires for my speakers were extremely short. Maybe only about 3 1/2 feet long. I like to spread out my system a little so I can get the best sound. Now, I'm not talking about placing speakers all around the room - they wouldn't even extend to the edges of my entertainment center.
The worst part of all, and the main reason why I am returning this system, is the sound is muffled. Even when I changed the preset EQ settings, the only one I was somewhat happy with was the "MP3 SURROUND"... but it still muffled my music. I could barely hear "s" sounds in the vocals... when I could, they sounded more like an "f". I should say, I am also very picky when it comes to electronics, but when I'm spending $200 + dollars, I think it's allowed! All I am asking for is crisp sound.
So, here are my pros to the system:
--Very nice looking stereo system
--DSGX feature really boosts the sound, along with the subwoofer
--LOVE the included iPod dock, which also charges
--7 different EQ settings for sound (my old stereo had 4)
--530 watts for loud sound
My cons, which severely outweigh the pros for me:
--Muffled sound. Vocals and music bits are not clear at ALL
--1 CD playing capability
--Wires and chords aren't long enough to spread out components to my liking
--Expensive for the things it is lacking
Hopefully this review will be helpful - I wish I had one that was this detailed when I was looking. Mind you, everyone has their own taste.
I would not recommend this system to anyone who is looking for crisp, clear sound. But if you like a nice strong bass and a lot of power... you may want to take a look.

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4/11/2012

Memorex® 5 - in - 1 Deluxe Stereo System Review

Memorex® 5 - in - 1 Deluxe Stereo System
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I have been searching for a stereo system that had a turntable. I have owned two that are very nice-looking pieces of furniture, but the quality and reliability have been very poor. This system has excellent sound. My only complaint is that I have not been able to find a cabinet or stand for it. They are either made for turntables alone and therefore too small or for televisions and therefore too large.

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4/05/2012

Sony MHC-GX9000 Compact Stereo with 3-CD Changer and Game Sync Review

Sony MHC-GX9000 Compact Stereo with 3-CD Changer and Game Sync
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I just received this stereo in the post office and took a 2 hour lunch break just to hook it up and play with it! This thing is way too big for my dorm room so i'm going to have to make some room the best I can. After hearing everyone elses systems pound I thought I would get something that could beat the competition and it absolutely blows it away. This 4 speaker setup is awesome. The only thing that would make it even better would be a center channel speaker. Unfortunately 1 is not included so there isnt full 5.1 but the 2 main speakers and 2 rear speakers are so loud that it doesn't matter. Halo 2 sounds unbelievable as well as other games. I'm gonig to replay Halo 2 on Legendary just so I can hear what it really sounds like! So long to the crappy tv speakers!

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3/26/2012

Technics SC-HD505 Executive Microsystem Review

Technics SC-HD505 Executive Microsystem
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Although there are four separate components and plenty of dials, toggles, and buttons, this is not the set for tinkerers who demand control of the sound. There's a button that gives you enhanced bass and a dial that supplies fine tuning of the tweeter, and that's it! Not even the ability to balance the speakers. The flip side of course is simplicity, and simplicity is the name of the game from assembly to operation of these handsome components and speakers. Just link everything together, plug it in, and enjoy impressive sound. Impressive, that is, for everyone but those who want to rattle the walls with amplified rock and loud orchestral compositions. They should look elsewhere. But for those who, like my wife and I, live in snug apartments and whose tastes run to small-group jazz and classical chamber music with emphasis on solo piano, violin, guitar, sax, and trumpet, Technics has put together a terrific audio system. Just squeeze it in wherever there's room and let it fill your space with warm, balanced sound.

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This Technics microsystem has many features normally found only in high-end separate components. The horizontal-loading cassette deck loads tapes easily and smoothly, and a microprocessor helps protect your valuable tapes by automatically detecting the end of a cassette. In addition, high-efficiency speakers extend the frequency response into the midrange, reproducing guitar and vocal tones clearly with minimal distortion. The CD Text feature displays artist and song titles so you know what you're listening to, and the BLFS (Brisk Low-Frequency Sound) circuit delivers crisply defined bass without detracting from vocal clarity.

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2/07/2012

Sony LBT-GTZ4i 3-Disc CD Changer Mini Shelf System with Play Exchange Review

Sony LBT-GTZ4i 3-Disc CD Changer Mini Shelf System with Play Exchange
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Not much to say except this system is beautiful. I just set it up and turned it two half volume and it got my floors (literally) shaking. The bass is absolutely tremendous. It's really rich and deep. Definitely good for my techno.
I turned on some rock too and the other speakers pick up just as well. I'm am 100% satisfied.
The seller also shipped it to me within 3 business days. I was surprised it came today. I was expecting it later this week.

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2/03/2012

Yamaha MCR-140WH Micro Component System (White) Review

Yamaha MCR-140WH Micro Component System (White)
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I originally chose this product for someone else, who tasked me to find a great bookcase stereo to give as a gift. I ordered it and received it within two days via Amazon Prime. I installed and tested it on Christmas Day. It truly exceeded my expectations in every way. Very attractive layout and veneer, intuitive controls, solid feel, great sound quality. I tested the radio first, then the CD player, then the iPod dock. In all three cases, the performance was very impressive for such a small system. I would compare this very favorably to the Bose system that gets so much advertising. I've listened to that system in several peoples' homes and although it's a good system, I feel the sound quality and appearance of this Yamaha system is superior.
I liked it so much that I immediately ordered a system for our home. I ordered the green color for my friend, but I went with red for our home. It's beautiful and looks very sharp. My wife and I both have iPhones, and we use this system to play our music libraries. It comes with a remote control, which is in itself a very nice little unit. Flawless performance and function. I really have nothing negative to say about this system. It is priced very fairly for its performance, build quality, and appearance. I see another reviewer commented that the speakers cannot be placed adjacent to the unit due to heat buildup. I don't get this at all. The unit never gets hot, and the speakers are placed exactly as shown in the product photographs, that is to say "attached" to the main unit. There are zero issues with heat. I love this little system and I'm sure anyone who takes the chance on one without physically seeing one in the store will be delighted. Anyone have any comments on their experiences or questions, feel free to leave a comment.

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Yamaha MCR-140WH Micro Component System In White

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1/13/2012

Onkyo CS-445 CD Receiver System Review

Onkyo CS-445 CD Receiver System
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The key to being truly satisfied with this stereo is first knowing what you want from it. If you're looking for a full surround solution, this isn't it. If you're looking for a simple stereo with wall-trembling bass, keep moving. If, however, you're looking for a clean sound to enjoy in a single room, you're in the right product page.
I bought this strictly for music listening; not as part of a home theatre set up. As you know by know, all decent speakers should be allowed a burn-in period before being judged for their merit. And the included speakers on this unit are no exception. That said, though, these sound crisp (not sharp) and deep (not boomy), which fits the receiver's output optimally.
I loved the sound straight away. And after about 10 minutes using the stereo, I was reminded again why Onkyo doesn't run in the same circles as Sony, Panasonic, Sharp, and many of the other disposable consumer electronics manufacturers. It's all better here.
I bought a Polk Audio subwoofer to complete the low frequencies that this one just isn't made to provide, and already I've taken a great compact system and elevated it to a class that should be considered outstanding (especially once I adjusted the Onkyo's tone, increasing the treble to full throttle, and reducing the bass output to about 30%).
I'm looking at a pair of BIC bookshelf speakers to upgrade from the "free" set that came with this stereo, but I want to let these burn-in first and see how badly I want an upgrade. Already, though, this is a very good sounding set up.
A few other noteworthy things:
-subwoofer hookup is stupid simple with the pre-out on the back of the receiver
-though Onkyo has been careful not to make any promises regarding the receiver's compatibility with the new iPhone4, I have one and it plays/operates seamlessly via the built in dock
-the remote is well above par for intuitive layout and reception range
-it would have been nice to have an integrated USB port, and given the growing adoption of this feature on even lesser compacts, its absence is peculiar
All in all, you won't have any buyer's remorse about this stereo as long as your expectations are realistic. That is, the customers most likely to regret this purchase are those who have eaten up the propaganda that bass dBs and watts are the real measurement of sound quality.
The rest of you will enjoy this little powerhouse.

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12/13/2011

Sony LBT-ZX99i 5-Disc CD Changer Mini Shelf System with Play Exchange Review

Sony LBT-ZX99i 5-Disc CD Changer Mini Shelf System with Play Exchange
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When looking at the stereos that you had I saw this stereo I said why not, it looks good, the ratings from cusomrs wer good and the discription of the stereo sounded good. When it arrived we hooked it up and we give it a 5 star because its great. Easy to hook up, easy to program, and the ipod hookup is great. It was a great buy for the money. The sound has great clarity.

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11/27/2011

Sony LBTZUX9 Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System 1000W RMS Total Power (Silver) Review

Sony LBTZUX9 Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System 1000W RMS Total Power (Silver)
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I took time to go to several stores to try different systems. With each system no matter how innovative or divers the system with the latest capabilities, the only thing that made any difference that was noticeable in the store was the number of watts to the speaker. I tried positions and that was pretty much negligible. So now my mission was to find a mini-stereo that would be a shelf system to replace my poor old 25 year old system that finally bit the dust.
I actually tried the Sony LBTZX9 Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System and found it pretty good. Then I spotted on line the Sony LBTZUX9 Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System. 1000 watts meant 250 watts per-speaker. I do not want rock sounds that will breing every fire engine for the surrounding neighborhood. I did not want a system that you have to ware sunscreen to listen to Prokofiev on a cool evening while reading. So I took a chance and ordered this monster. I was aware that it came in a shipping box that would require a team to deliver; how ever I thought it was just well packed. Expecting a mini-stereo, a shelf system I did not expect just one speaker to be larger than the whole of my older stereo system. Naturally I realize that this animal was never going to fit on a shelf (book shelf) as it has twice the depth and would tip out. The tape-to-tape system opens up on the top instead of the front which again makes it impossible to place on a book self. I am also starting to question the term "Mini".
I was able to retrieve Cargo cases from another room to replace the book shelves. It took five of these animals (one for the stereo and one each for the huge speakers.) there are two remotes because there is not enough room on one remote to hold all the buttons. The speakers were simple to setup. Everything works fine out of the box. However this system may be tad overkill. But the purpose is not for great volumes as great ranges to hear the subtle sounds that you can only get in a concert hall. Many of the time I have to pick the "flat" option to keep the boom box effect to overwhelm the music.
Well with its new home and a little adjustment this is the system to take me into the next couple of decades before the technology will make it obsolete.


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11/10/2011

Denon RCD-N7 Wi-Fi Network Streaming AM/FM Receiver with CD Player and iPod/iPhone Dock Review

Denon RCD-N7 Wi-Fi Network Streaming AM/FM Receiver with CD Player and iPod/iPhone Dock
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I am not one for early adoption but couldn't resist this product which i have been searching for while now. How to access Pandora,Internet Radio, music stored in my pc and good ol CD/MP3/Radio if you dont own a iphone and dont want a huge rack stereo?Answer - the Denon N7 !
There are multiple stereos/ipod docks in the $150-350 range which will allow you to listen to all the network features of N7 provided you have an ipod/iphone which becomes the network point. I dont have the iDevices so was looking for a product like this.Then you have a mind boggling options of multi room streaming options.I was not ready to buy multi rack audio systems or go through multiple product handshakes to hear simple pure music.
Denon N7 is a breeze to setup and connects to the Pandora through the my wifi router ( i dont use napster or rhapsody). it would be nice if you could Like/Dislike music through this. Next Internet radio ...search all podcasts, radio by country and you might luck out. Connecting to my music folders on my home PC (XP) through windows media player 11 was a lil bit of a hiccup but once i got the firewall disabled it was so now easy to share. Then you have the CD/USB/MP3/AM/FM that all stereos these days have.Last..the looks.The receiver is bigger than i expected but with the excellent finish and simple clean design it looks drop dead gorgeous.Now the cons...the speakers if you did buy the Denons would pair just OK.i think the looks are a more reason for buying these than performance. dont get me wrong..they are powerful but somehow doesn't have the fidelity i expected of a Denon.I have satellite KEFs for my home theatre setup and this doesn't measure upto those even though the costs are comparable. a few minor cons...searching a network song is not easy.. and so will depend on you to maintain a good indexed windows media library.as i write ..apple airplay firmware has not been pushed to N7 but those with iphone can perhaps access itunes and other online music with this.Last ..a bit pricey but hey this is the first in the market now ...if you can wait i can bet it will set the stage for the same kind of product/price warfare we see in the network blu ray market.
Last word..immensely satisfied with this pimped out network stereo! curious to see if this will fuel similar products amongst bose, polk, yamaha, cambridge !!

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10/28/2011

Denon DM38S Micro AM/FM, CD System Featuring USB Input and iPod/iPhone Connectivity Review

Denon DM38S Micro AM/FM, CD System Featuring USB Input and iPod/iPhone Connectivity
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I wanted a bookshelf system for my kitchen with CD player, decent radio, and iPod and auxiliary inputs. The DM-38 delivers all this with a striking elegance of design that makes my engineer heart happy just to look at it. I like it so much that I'm ordering a second unit for my office.
There's no need to buy an iPod dock. I connect my iPod Touch 32G (third generation) to the USB port. I can operate the iPod in either of two modes. Normally I control it by tapping on its screen as usual, calling up apps and playing music. I can, for example, run the NPR News app, sending the audio over the USB cable. That's a win because the digital signal is converted to analog inside the DM-38, which does a much better job than the iPod.
Or I can press the "browser" button on the DM-38 remote. Now the iPod goes into "accessory connected" mode and I can control the music player with the remote -- start/stop/pause and forward/reverse work. The two-line display on the DM-38 shows the song info.
Here's why I didn't go all the way to five stars:
*) No HD radio. None of the competition has HD either, but still ... the British version of this product handles digital radio, why doesn't the American?
*) No support for RDS, the metadata in the radio signal. My car radio can tell me what station I'm listening to and the name of the current track, but the DM-38 cannot. There's a "DAB/RDS" button on the remote that does nothing.
*) When playing MP3 files from a USB storage device (like a flash drive), the DM-38 doesn't sort by the track number meta-information in the files. Instead, it uses the order in which the files appear in the directory. This means that the only way to get the correct playlist order is to format the USB device and then carefully copy in the files in track order. Portable MP3 players don't have this silly limitation.
*) No option to leave the USB port hot when the stereo is turned off. This means I have to unplug the iPod from the stereo and connect it to a separate charger to keep the battery full. And no, you can't put a self-powered USB hub in the circuit; the DM-38 doesn't work with hubs.


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10/17/2011

Nakamichi SoundSpace 5 - Audio system - radio / 3xCD Review

Nakamichi SoundSpace 5 - Audio system - radio / 3xCD
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I loved this system when I first bought it four years ago. Sleek, cool, and stylish; I bought it more for the way it looked than for the way it sounded (and it sounds great). It still looks great, now if it only PLAYED as well as it looks.
After four years it's almost unusable. I've already had to have it repaired twice because of poor soldering inside, and just about any CD I put into it skips. It's gotten so bad that I need to burn a new CD just about any time I want to play something. The shuffle feature is terrible -- it plays the same songs over and over again, which is pretty bad considering that even cheap boomboxes "remember" which songs they've already played and remove them from the playlist. The remote has lots and lots of tiny, tiny buttons, impossible to use or read in dim lighting.
Yeah, it's possible that I got a lemon, but getting it repaired was also an incredibly difficult chore. None of the 800 numbers listed in the manual worked, none of the e-mail addresses I tried worked, and even when I got a valid address, it took four e-mail messages and three angry phone calls before I finally got the address of an authorized repair center. The guy there told me that if I needed new parts I may as well buy a new system; if the parts arrived at all, they would be very exepensive.
I know that only used versions of this are available, and maybe it would be worth buying if you can get one for less than three hundred and have immaculately dust-free, brand-new CDs. I paid almost eight hundred in 2003, and I wish I had the money back.

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Nakamichi's SoundSpace 5 is a 3-CD compact stereo designed for places where full-sized audio components just won't fit. The 3-piece system is small enough for the kitchen or bedroom and stylish enough for your library or office. Why settle for bad sound, cheap build quality, or ugly equipment? SoundSpace 5 was designed to deliver stereo reproduction to rival the concert-hall quality of full-sized Nakamichi components. Its 3 components, styled in contemporary brushed metal and acrylic, can be arranged in different ways: standing, tilted like easel frames, or even hung on the wall. Your choice of charcoal, blue, and green speaker grilles are included for coordination with any decor.The main unit houses a MusicBank 3-disc CD changer, an FM/AM tuner, and the system preamplifier and volume control. Operational buttons are arranged conveniently on the top panel, and a front window lets you witness the operation of the changer, which subtly illuminate in blue or amber (user selectable). The MusicBank changer needs no magazine and is as easy to load as a single-disc CD player. It permits fast, safe disc handling and never touches the disc's playing surface. This changer allows full control over playback functions, including all-disc memory play, random play, all repeat, and memory-repeat play.The speakers are unique in housing their own power amplifiers. Each uses a 3.9-inch midrange/bass driver and a 1-inch semi-dome tweeter. The power amplifiers are optimized for the speakers they drive, ensuring proper stereo "imaging" and wide dynamic range.Nakamichi's FM/AM tuner offers one-touch preset settings for 20 FM and 10 AM stations as well as convenient preset scan or seek tuning. A high-performance quartz-synthesis tuner provides stable, high-quality reception.SoundSpace 5 includes an optical digital output for feeding accurate, digital CD signals to a minidisc or a CD recorder. There are stereo analog RCA inputs and outputs for a cassette deck, as well as auxiliary inputs for a video source. The RCA-type subwoofer output permits connection of any optional subwoofer with a built-in low-pass filter. Plugging in headphones automatically mutes the speakers.For your convenience, the system comes with two separate remote controls. The primary remote engages all functions, including disc eject, while the secondary remote controls major functions and allows blind key operation.What's in the Box Main unit, 2 speakers, 3 sets of speaker grilles (charcoal, blue, and green), 2 remote controls, remote batteries, a 220-240V AC power adapter, a user's manual, and warranty information.

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10/16/2011

Sony LBT-ZX66i iPod Ready Mini Shelf System Review

Sony LBT-ZX66i iPod Ready Mini Shelf System
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I've been listening to my new Sony LBT-ZX66i for the past 3 hours. It does everything it claims to do and does it well. Unlike last year's equivalent model which had a (now obsolete) cassette deck, this year's model gives you a much more useful iPOD dock.(for most full-sized iPODs, such as my iPOD Classic, you can insert your iPOD directly into the LBT-ZX66i's dock. Some older or smaller iPOD's may require an adaptor)
The Sony features a 5-disc carousel-type CD changer, an iPOD dock & AM/FM radio, plus the ability to do Karaoke(there's two microphone inputs via quarter inch plug) and a headphone output which uses full sized quarter inch headphone plug.
This system is powerful and clean, and the "X-Groove" button will provide the outrageous thumping that your disco,rap, hip-hop & Dance music enthusiast craves. But here an important difference: unlike many similar systems from other manufacturers, when the thumping mode("X-Groove") is switched off, the LBT-ZX-66i can provide clear,natural sound, with crisp midrange and highs for those of us who prefer rock, pop,jazz and other types of music. Believe me: even without the added thumping, the LBT-ZX-66i is no slouch in the bass department. The 3-way speakers(with horn-loaded tweeters) are better than you would normally get in a system of this type.
There are number of effects modes optimized for various types of music(Rock,Pop, Salsa,Reggae,Dance,Jazz,Samba,Tango). "Rock" seems to yield the clearest and most natural sound. There's also a simulated surround mode(which I have yet to try), and a 3-band digital equalizer(you can create your own custom E.Q. settings in the unit's memory). I'll eventually experiment with these features. And if you have a turntable, there's a phono input. Programming the FM/AM tuner was easy and the reception and sound quality was fine.
My only complaint is this: the remote control is a bit too basic. There are too many features of the LBT-ZX66i which can't be controlled from the remote control. These features(including the effects modes) can only be selected from the main unit's front panel.
I normally wouldn't comment on the merchant here in a product review,but I'll say this:I've had a great experience buying from "J&R Music World" for the past 29 years, whether directly, or more recently through Amazon. After buying a Plasma T.V. from J&R(via Amazon) and seeing J&R drop the price $200 lower ten days later, I contacted J&R, who gave me a $200 store credit, which I used towards this Sony compact stereo system.
One other thing:this system is fairly large. It is not exactly a shelf system, but if you've got room for it, then go for it. You won't be disappointed. Not that many companies are making this sort of system anymore(JVC doesn't make systems of this size & power any more), but Sony can make this sort of system better. The manufacturing quality is excellent, and it's got enough features that can either be used or not used, so it can be tailored to produce good sound no matter what your musical tastes are.
AS AN UPDATE TO THE ABOVE:The effects modes CAN be selected on the remote control, via a button called "EQ".
Important additional note: if you are planning on playing CD-R's on this unit, I would advise you to try a few of your CD-R's on this unit before buying. While the LBT-ZX66i had no problem playing CD-R's that I recorded on my rack mount pro audio CD recorder or CD's that I recorded on my iMAC computer, I have hundreds of CD's that were recorded by my friend on several PC's that he's owned over the past 5 years. None of these discs can be played on the LBT-ZX66i(which cannot read the table of contents on these discs). The LBT-ZX66i is one of 14 pieces of equipment(and one of four Sony products) in my home which can play CD's, and the only one that can't play these PC-burned CD-R's. All of these CD-R's feature standard CD Audio.

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9/13/2011

Sony CMT-EH15 Micro HI-FI Stereo Music System with CD /AM-FM Tuner / Cassette / MP3 CD Playback & Remote Control. Review

Sony CMT-EH15 Micro HI-FI Stereo Music System with CD /AM-FM Tuner / Cassette / MP3 CD Playback and Remote Control.
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I purchased the Sony CMT-EH15 as a gift for my adult daughter to replace her very old Aiwa system. One of the major selling points was the fact that the Sony has a cassette deck. My daughter still has a good collection of cassettes and she does not see the need to replace all of them with CDs. She also doesn't want to buy an iPod and pay to download all of her old music. This is what most manufacturers would have you do if you look at any of the current bookshelf systems for sale.
She began a search on the internet and in local stores for a compact system that would fit in her limited space that had CD, cassette, and radio, of course. Most of the systems that fit her needs were either cheap "boombox" units or huge, coffee table sized systems. We came across this Sony system on several websites. We learned that this was built for the overseas market primarily since it will run on 110 or 220 volts and has the European FM tuner band settings. Several internet dealers only sell the 220 volt version and make you buy a transformer to convert it to be used in the US at 110 volts.
When the system arrived, we set it up in a matter of minutes. The first thing we found was that it has an option to set it to run on the US FM frequency band. You simply have to follow the instruction manual and press a couple of buttons while powering it up. Once you do that, it is set to the US standards for FM.
The radio reception on both AM and FM is very good. There are a lot of preset memories for stations. The cassette player and CD player work great. The cassette has a neat door covering the control buttons when not in use!
The sound is great for small areas, like her bedroom where she uses the stereo. If you're looking for ear-shattering, bass-thumping music, this is not the stereo for you. If you are looking for a great stereo for the bedroom, office, den, etc. this is perfect.
If you are not ready to throw away all your cassette tapes, you should definitely look into this Sony system. By the way, if you do want to listen to your iPod or other MP3 player, there is a front panel audio input. So you really can have everything in one package!

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9/09/2011

Sharp CD-DH790N - Mini system with iPod cradle - radio / CD / MP3 / cassette / USB flash player Review

Sharp CD-DH790N - Mini system with iPod cradle - radio / CD / MP3 / cassette / USB flash player
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This unit replaced a Coby unit that took a hit during a thunderstorm. I looked at several different units. One of the features I needed was a cassette as I still have many of them and of course a CD player. Based on reviews of the other brands I chose this one even though there were not reviews at the time. The other unit that was considered was the Sony. The reviews said that the power / sound was on the light side so I took a chance on this one and I am very glad I did. I like everything about it. Simple and useful features, great remote, exceptional sound quality and plenty of power. I am an old rock'n roller and am pretty particular when it's comes to my sound quality and "loudness". Everything from Jimi Hendrix, the Jefferson Airplane, the Rolling Stones, the Who to Black Sabbath, Ozzy, Pink Floyd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pink Floyd, AC/DC and even Hawkwind all sounded good. The bass is particularly good and there is not a hint of that "treblely sound" we have all experienced over the years. In my opinion, in the area that I am using it in, the 300 watt unit might be overkill, but had I to do it over again, for $30 more I may have purchased the 300 watt unit. At the time, I was just looking to replace my Coby which was around $50.00. That just depends on how loud you like and how much "air space" you need to fill. The owner's manual is well organized and written with diagrams and illustrations. One of the neat features is you can use a USB mass storage device. I can copy my entire music library to a 32GB USB memory stick I have and not have to play the CDs. I would purchase this unit again and again...

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8/23/2011

JENSEN AWM910 RV WALL MOUNT CD PLAYER AM/FM RADIO Review

JENSEN AWM910 RV WALL MOUNT CD PLAYER AM/FM RADIO
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I purchased this radio less than a year ago. Upon bringing the camper home from indoor storage the unit will turn on but nothing else on it works. I have tried resetting the unit, unplugging the power, and anything else I can think of and it will not work. I am very disappointed.

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