Customer Reviews

Sony CMT-LX20i Micro Hi-Fi Shelf System

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I was not certain of the value for money when I purchased the Sony CMT Hi Fi but from the reviews on Amazon I thought it was a safe purchase. I must say it more then met my expectations, the unit is compact but well designed and took up 1/3 less space than the unit it replaced (a "boombox" with two separate speakers) and weighed 2/3rds less. The sound quality is equal if not better and the iPod docking unit is seamless to use. I was impressed with the digital radio and the CD player is probably the least of the package but still works well. Overall I am very satisfied with the product.

For my kitchen, I was looking for a good radio/CD combo with an iPod docking station. I figured the Sony CMT-LX20i would be a solid choice, given the Sony name, the price (~$110), and the fairly good reviews it received. After some use, I've become unhappy with my choice. There are no separate treble & bass adjustments - just 3 settings for 'rock' 'jazz' and 'pop.' It is not bad for music played at louder levels but the midrange is lacking in every case. For my simple NPR listening, the sound seems muffled - either too soft or too loud. The unit is simple to set up and has a small footprint, but the black plastic is very lightweight (you have to hold it in place when button-punching)and feels a bit cheap. I don't understand why manufacturers believe that black finishes with small cryptic lettering (EQ, Function, and DSX) are things consumers want. I'm older and old-school, but, for a radio/compact sterio, I want knobs, simple features, and good sound.

We have a BOSE Soundock which is really just a phenomenal product. We had an old Sony mini system die, and instead of replacing it with another pricey BOSE SounDock we opted for another Sony -- it is an excellent size and the sound is really good. It's a GREAT purchase especially considering the price.

Perfect size if you want a smaller unit. I wanted this for the bedroom, but sounds great all the way to the living room. I love it. I wanted it for my IPOD, but I love the cd and the radio as well. Nice remote control.

I bought this stereo after getting rid of my 1980's monster rack stereo that I never used because it was a pain to use, plus took up too much room in my bedroom. After reading the reviews on this system and wanting a stereo system that played CD's and included a remote, decided on this unit.

This is a great little stereo unit and fits perfectly in a bookcase without taking up tons of room. I have my Nano Ipod docked in the system. I have used all aspects of the stereo for about a month and am very happy with it. I don't understand the reviews stating the sound isn't good or the volume is too low. Unless you are trying to DJ a party with this it is loud enough for a normal size room!

I love this stereo and would buy it again in an instant!

I shopped online for a good looking, small, bookshelf stereo unit that is an ipod dock as well as a cd player. I also had in mind to spend between $75 and $150 depending on what I would get for the money.

The Sony delivers great sound (MUCH BETTER than expected for its size). I would have liked more bass-trebel control, (cuz I like to tinker with stuff) but the sound quality doesn't really require any tinkering. There are 4 different preset equalizer settings.

Ipod charges whenever docked. Great control with the remote, including switching from cd, aux, radio or ipod. Remote also controls volume, playlists and track selection on ipod, track selection on cds, change radio stations (presets, auto or manual).

I hesitated and thought about this model for a few weeks - then had the opportunity to hear one in person. My decision was made on the spot.

For around $100 it's a great purchase.

Wanted to downsize from the HUGE system I used to have and was very pleased that this system is nice and compact... exactly what I needed. The sound isn't the best if you plan to use it throughout a huge space, but it's perfect for my apartment. Very pleased!!

I was hoping this stereo would be a convenient, portable music player we could move into whatever room it was needed. And it was a Sony. I own other Sony stereo components (FM receiver, CD player) and have been happy with them. But we were sorely disappointed with the quality and usability of this CMT-LX20i and need to return it.

The negatives: First, the front buttons are finicky and often do not react when pushed -- even when pushed firmly. And I mean holding the back of the unit steady so you can really get leverage. Second, the remote-control had the same issue with its functionality. The switch-mode button usually did not seem to want to be recognized, and I had to use the manual buttons on the unit. The power button usually didn't do anything to turn on/off the unit. And, when I was playing a CD, any button pressed on the remote would make the playing track go back to the beginning. Many buttons, one operation. Pretty much defeats the purpose of having a remote control. Third, my iPod, which Sony's website says should be compatible, would play but could not be controlled by any of the unit's buttons (or the remote). I would have to operate the iPod manually using its buttons.

The positives: The sound quality wasn't bad for a small unit with light speakers. I wasn't expecting great quality, so I was pleased the music actually sounded decent for the size and price. I also liked that the single unit was designed to play regular music CDs, home-burned CDs with MP3 music (which I never got around to testing), AM/FM-stereo radio, or an attached iPod or MP3 player, and the remote control has buttons that are supposed to control all features of the iPod. If this unit actually could function doing the things it was designed to do, it would be a good music player for the price.

Unfortunately, the build quality is poor with those non-functioning buttons, both built-in and remote control. When you press a plastic button on a plastic case and nothing happens. And you press the button harder and still nothing happens, the word "shoddy" seems fitting.

I've had this for almost 3 weeks now. I'm no audiophile by any means, but I think this has good clear sound and can get to a good volume - I use it in the kitchen, and I can hear NPR talk radio clearly enough over the noise of me cooking / washing dishes. When I plug in my iphone 3GS, the message comes up that the device isn't made to work with the iphone, and I should switch to airplane mode for best results; however I never do, and I don't notice any significant feedback/interference in the speakers. I'm not crazy about the styling / look of it... I don't dislike it, but I don't like it much either. The remote is very handy, and though it's not as intuitive as the ipod click wheel or a touch screen interface, it gets the job done. Overall I'm very happy with the performance vs. cost of this stereo.

A very nice shelf unit, compact enough so that it saves space. But also has very good sound and many good features. The sound is great, and that it has the ipod dock makes it very convenient.