Sony Lifestyle
system CMT-SD1
stats:
25W x 2 (RMS)
DBFB (Bass Boost)
FM/AM Tuner with 30 Presets
Optical Digital Out
Optional MD Player Recorder MDSSD1 and Tape Deck
review:
ok, im gonna be really critical on this one, simply because it's the
best sounding 'all- in- one- box' system available on the market today
with an MD deck. In the middle range sector of the stereo market in terms
of price, this is the best sounding system.
I trialled the CMT-SD1 complete with mini disk deck in store and loved
the aesthetics of the thing. It has a nice solid glass panel which flips
down to expose the control buttons. But truly, it has no function at all
and just looks cool. =)
Trying a 'dance' MD and CD on the system, initial impressions are of
an ok sounding system that would well and truly beat the sound quality
of everything else in this market sector. Bass notes were clear and deep
to a point, and treble notes were distinctly defined. At high volumes there
was little distortion but i noticed a loss in power of the sound. This
was probably due to the size of the room of the store as systems of this
size work at it's optimum in relatively smaller rooms. BUT, in the common
trend of these systems i could hear the salesman was clipping the speakers,
ie, the bass and treble controls had been turned up. Bass, treble and equalizer
controls are always incorporated into audio equipment for the sole purpose
of hiding imperfections in sound, or for hiding the true quality
of audio components.
So after about 2 minutes of listening to the dance track, i turned
bass and treble controls so the amplifier was running 'flat' and the huge
difference was heard. Originally, the amplifier was adding 6db to each
bass and each treble note. The way to hear if a speaker is being clipped,
is with careful listening, you will hear that there is a major lack in
midbass at volume and the response curve will be exaggereated at either
end- ie, high and low frequencies playing too high for the total volume
given from the system. After the controls were turned to flat, i was very
disappointed.
The system sounded tinny. And bass response was slow and shallow. Trebles
sounded like a cheap clock radio and details were almost non- existent.
The salesman suggested adding an active subwoofer. However this would
not compensate for the lack of sound quality from the speakers.
So overall, it's an 'ok' system. It does well and truly have the performance
to beat everything in it's price range but for true quality sound, i suggest
shopping around for a pair of decent speakers. Suitable speakers
maybe bookshelf sized speakers from 'infinity', as these speakers have
a characteristic which would match the characteristics of the CD player
and components. These are american speakers that are priced well, at around
the NZ$600 mark and are characteristic of good quality American speakers,
which are efficient for high volume, have good bass response and pin sharp
trebles.