When we start looking at the feature set this is where the Denon D-M37S starts to really shine. It has a single slot CD player which features both MP3 and WMA playback an AM/FM radio as one would expect. The D-M37S really has a lot to offer when it comes to digital format playback. It has a front panel USB connection port for playback from USB based MP3 players or USB drives. We found the USB function worked impeccably with common or garden memory sticks we even plugged in an external 250 GB USB hard drive and had no problems playing back audio files. There are also a few iPod compatible docks you can buy as optional extras (Model Nos: ASD-11R/3N/3W).

Denon D-M37S Mini Hi Fi System

Check current D-M37S pricing on Amazon

The system comes with an output for an optional Sub Woofer, we tested the system without but in all honesty we didn’t find it lacking in the bass end at all. One minor complaint is that it may be a little lacking in overall power for some, it only outputs 30 Watts RMS which may be a little limiting depending on your room size but should be fine in a bedroom, kitchen or smallish living room. So while the system may have a limited overall power level the actual quality sound from this unit is at the upper end of what one expects from a unit at this kind of price. The mids are flat and nicely clear, the top end is perhaps slightly accentuated at the 4-6Khz range but not so as to be unpleasant and it handles bass in a confidant and easy manner never feeling like the sound is being artificially “pumped”. Our feeling is that the Denon D-M37S is a great little system for use in a domestic situation where loudness is not a major concern but clarity of sound reproduction is.

Manufacturers Specifications

• Amplifier: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a 30 watt x 2-channel high power amplifier. The unit’s circuit board configuration has been designed to achieve lower impedances.
• Simple & Straight Circuit Design: The Denon D-M37S give you high sound quality based on the “Simple & Straight” concept. Circuitry is uncomplicated, signal paths are short, and all adverse influences on sound quality have been minimized. The circuit design and the way the chassis is built ensure the sound you hear is faithful to the original performance.
• Smooth Dynamic Sound With Negligible Distortion: Distortion from the input selector, electronic volume, and power amp has been suppressed to improved the signal-to-noise ratio and produce an even smoother, dynamic sound.
• CD/MP3/WMA Playback: The Denon D-M37S features Repeat (Single/All/Folder), Random (All), and Program (up to 25 tracks) playback, as well as direct track/folder access (using remote control)
• AM/FM Tuner: The D-M37S features a built-in AM/FM tuner and comes supplied with an FM wire antenna and AM loop antenna. The built-in AM/FM tuner supports up to 40 station presets in any combination. You can manually tune your presets or have the unit automatically (FM only) select your presets using the area’s strongest stations (auto preset is not possible with AM broadcast stations). You can label each preset station with an 8 character name.
• USB Port: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a front-panel USB port for easy, direct connection of a USB mass storage device. The front-panel USB port supports playback of MP3 (32-320 kbps) and WMA (64-192 kbps) audio files recorded in FAT 16 or FAT 32 onto a USB mass storage device. The unit can recognize up to 255 folders and 255 files per folder. When a USB device is connected, playback will start automatically. You can control basic operations (Play, Pause, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind, Repeat, and Random) of your connected USB device.
• Minijack Audio Input: The D-M37S features a front-panel 3.5mm minijack stereo audio input for connecting an external portable audio source.
• iPod Compatible: There is a dedicated 3.5mm control terminal on the rear-panel of the unit (labeled Dock Control) for connecting an iPod Denon control dock (ASD11RK, ASD3N, and ASD3W-sold separately) so you can listen to audio from your iPod through the D-M37S. You will also need to connect the AUX2 stereo input of the unit to the optional iPod dock. Once an iPod is docked in the separately sold Denon iPod dock, you can control it using the Denon unit’s wireless remote control or from the iPod’s click-wheel/touch-screen. The iPod’s battery is also charged when docked.
• RCA Analog Inputs/Outputs: The Denon D-M37S is equipped with a two pair of rear-panel RCA stereo audio inputs and one pair of rear-panel RCA stereo outputs (AUX 1 and AUX 2) for connecting an external home component audio source and recorder.
• Subwoofer Preamp Output
• Stereo Power in Watts RMS: 30
• Main Speakers: 2-way
• System Frequency Response: 45-40k Hz
• Parts & Labor Warranty: 1 Year
• RRP: $399 (Check current D-M37S pricing on Amazon)

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Onkyo CS-325B CD Reciever System

Check Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System Pricing on Amazon

The main unit hosts a simple 40 preset receiver and a simple (but very well built) Single-Bit DAC CD Player, there is also an optional iPod dock available for the system. Sonically the CS-325 is a solid performer with a flat mid range though perhaps a little uninspiring. Lets be clear about this, the CS-325 is not true hi fi quality, what it is though is very good bang for the buck. Sound wise it has decent quality bass and mids, it sounds clear and airy in the mids but to those listening closely the system may feel slightly lacking in the top end also the speakers don’t handle anything below 50Hz so sub bass is missing (at this price what were you expecting?). Some may wish to attach a separate Sub Woofer to this system to bass it up a little. The power output of this system is also not what you would expect from a full scale separates hifi system but it is powerful enough for general home or office use, perhaps in a small back room, kitchen or smallish office space.

Don’t let these minor issues put you off though, the CS-325 is an extremely good system for the money and both in terms of build and sound quality hands down beats many of the more feature laden entry level mini systems from other manufacturers. A solid choice for those who don’t want to get into separates systems.

Onkyo CS-325 base unit features

• Single-Bit DAC CD Player
• CD Shuffle / Random Play
• WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology)
• Discrete Output Stage
• Low Impedance Drive
• Audio Input/Output Terminals 2/1
• Subwoofer Pre Out
• 40 station Presets with preset naming functionality
• Automatic/Manual Tuning
• Sleep Timer
• Headphone Jack
• RI-Compatible Remote Control

Manufacturers Specifications

• Power Output: 14 W + 14 W (8 ohms, 1 kHz, FTC); 19 W + 19 W (4 ohms, 1 kHz, FTC)
• Dynamic Power: 22 W + 22 W (3 ohms); 20 W + 20 W (4 ohms); 14 W + 14 W (8 ohms)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.9% (Rated power), 0.4% (1 kHz, 1 W)
• Tone Control: ±6 dB, 80 Hz (Bass); ±8 dB, 10 kHz (Treble); +7 dB, 80 Hz (Super bass)
• Speaker Impedance: 4 ohms–16 ohms
• Audio Dynamic Range: 95 dB
• Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
• Dimensions: (W x H x D) 8 1/16″ x 4 9/16″ x 14 7/16″
• Weight: 8.8 lbs.
• Speaker Type: 2-way, bass reflex
• Frequency Response (Speakers): 50 Hz–100 kHz
• Crossover Frequency: 6 kHz
• Max. Input Power: 70 W
• RRP: $294.00 (Check Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver System Pricing on Amazon)

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The output system is made up of two Dual Woofer speakers that output 270w of power each. We found the sound to be loud and punchy, ideal for household use whether it be kitchen bedroom or on the patio for a party, you wont be disappointed by this systems audio characteristics or loudness. Speaking of loudness the LBT-ZX6’s amplifier uses VACS (Sonys proprietary Variable Attenuation Control System) for enhanced sound at high volume levels. Other sound enhancements range from an X-Groove bass enhancement function to simulated surround sound. Overall we felt that the LBT-ZX6 overall delivered a very nice full-range sound.

Sony LBT-ZX6 Mini HiFi front

Check current Sony LBT-ZX6 Pricing on Amazon

The LBT-ZX6 comes with a 5 disc CD changer that can play CD-R/RW and MP3 files. It also comes speced out with a Dual Cassette Deck an AM/FM tuner and a five band spectrum analyser. The system also includes a mic input with volume control, power save mode, and the ubiquitous remote control.

An ideal system for the home user who has a moderate amount of space to put aside for their hifi system and is more of a day to day user than an audiophile. All in all a great buy, were glad to say Sony have done it again.

Audio System

• Sound Effects VACS , X-Groove
• Equalizer
• 5 band Spectrum Analyzer
• 560 Watt total power
• Amplifier Output Details 280 Watt – 6 Ohm – THD 10 % – 2 channel(s)
• Additional Features Bass-reflex , Auto power save

Speaker System

• Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker – 3-way – External – 6 Ohm – Wired
• Driver Details Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Woofer driver – 170 mm , Right/left channel speaker : 1 x
• Midrange driver – 170 mm , Right/left channel speaker : 1 x Tweeter driver – 25 mm – Horn

Radio

• Type Radio tuner – AM/FM – Digital
• Tuner Frequency Range AM: 530 – 1710 kHz , FM: 87.5 – 108 MHz
• Tuning Display Fluorescent display
• Preset Station Qty 30
• AM Preset Station Qty 10
• FM Preset Station Qty 20
• Antenna Form Factor Loop AM / wire FM
• Station naming

CD System

• CD system type CD / MP3 changer
• Changer load type Carousel
• Changer capacity 5
• Playback modes Program play , All disks repeat , One track repeat , All tracks repeat , Random play / shuffle
• Signal-to-noise ratio 90 dB
• Dynamic range 90 dB
• Digital audio standards supported MP3
• MP3 playback Yes
• Additional CD system features CD Text capable

Cassette System

• Cassette system type Dual cassette deck
• Control type Full-logic
• Cassette capacity 2
• Response bandwidth 50 – 13000 Hz
• Auto reverse
• Synchro start recording

General Specification

• Connectors – Connector Type 1 x Headphones ( Phone stereo 6.25 mm ) , 3 x Audio line-in , 1 x Audio line-out , 1 x Digital audio output (optical) , 1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono ) , 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono ) , 2 x Microphone
• Dimensions (WxDxH) / Weight: Main unit : 14.3 in x 18.3 in x 17.2 in / 39.7 lbs , Speaker system : Right/left channel speaker : 9.8 in x 14.3 in x 20.9 in / 18.7 lbs
• RRP:$349 (Check current Sony LBT-ZX6 Pricing on Amazon)

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Sony LBTZT4 mini hifi System Front

Check Amazon for current Sony LBTZT4 pricing

Audio wise the speakers include two 3-way Dual Woofer speakers, and a nicely responsive subwoofer for extra low end punch which is further enhanced via Sonys Z-Groove bass system. The LBTZT4 is also suround capable and has enough speakers to make this feature useable streight out of the box. Loudness wise you should have no complaints (except perhaps form your neighbours) as this system pumps out around about 540W of power, way more than a normal home user is ever likely to need.

The LBT-ZT4 comes with a TMD-ip10 Digital Media Port which will allow you easy plug-and-play of an iPod or simailar digital media player. The 3 disc changer plays CD-R/RW and MP3 files and the USB slot allow playbackand recording of CD’s etc.

Audio Features

• CD Playback : Normal and Shuffle (All disc/1 disc/ 1 folder) Program Mode and Repeat
• MP3 Playback : MP3 file name/ID3 Tag ver. 1.1/ID3 TAG ver 2.0
• External FM/AM Antenna : Yes (75 ohm), Station Preset(s) : 20 (FM); 10 (AM)
• CD : Yes
• MP3 Player : Yes
• Antenna System : External AM/FM, 75ohm
• Equalizer : 3 Band Graphic, 8 Presets
• Station Preset(s) : 30 (10 AM, 20 FM)
• Tape System : Single, CD Syn, recording

Inputs and Outputs

• Analog Audio Input(s) (Total) : 1 (Front)
• Digital Media Port : 1
• Headphone Output(s) : 3.5mm
• Microphone Input : 1
• USB Port(s) : 1

General Specifications

• Power Consumption : 180W x2 + 180W
• Dimensions (Approx.) : Main Unit: 231 x 361 x 437.5mm (WHD); Front Speaker: 238 x 361 x 238mm (WHD); Subwoofer: 266 x 361 x 320mm (WHD)
• Weight (Approx.) : Main Unit: 9.9kg; Front Speaker: 3.9kg; Subwoofer: 6.3kg
• RRP: $299.95 (Check Amazon for current Sony LBTZT4 pricing)

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Sony MHCGX99 Mini Hi-Fi System

Check current Sony MHCGX99 pricing on Amazon

Technical Details

530 Watts of total power – Penty for most peoples needs (this unit is pretty loud)

3-disc CD changer with MP3 playback

3-way bass reflex speaker system

8-inch, 150-watt subwoofer

Digital AM/FM stereo tuner

Weight 35 Lbs

Advantages:

• Powerful and Loud with good bass response
• Easy to understand and use remote
• Top sound quality in this price range
• 3.5mm Audio In for your iPod or similar external sound source

Disadvantages:

• Only 5 eq settings, no user adjustable EQs
• Sub woofer doesn’t turn off when the unit is off, it is powered separately.
• Some feel the unit is too bassy for their needs,though the EQ helps with this
• No iPod specific dock, uses 3.5mm Audio In for your external devices

RRP: $299 (Check current Sony MHCGX99 pricing on Amazon)

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