Customer Reviews

Sony LIV Kitchen CD/Clock Radio - ICF-CD543RM

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This under-cabinet unit is not going to win any recommendations from Stereophile magazine, but the sound is better than you might expect from such a small, unobtrusive package. It beats any clock radio I've ever heard, though it falls short of the sound of a first-rate boombox.

Mounting instructions are clear and simple to follow (in part thanks to a helpful drill template), though it's awkward to use a screwgun or screwdriver with your right hand while trying to keep the ICF-CD543 in place with your left. In fact, it's pretty near impossible; make sure you have a helper on hand. It's also a bit puzzling that the screws Sony gives you are not flatheads that sink flush into the shelf to which you're mounting the unit; they're domeheads, so they stick out. Because you attach the screws from the top, objects you place on top of the screws, inside the kitchen cabinet, tend to be wobbly, natch, and you run the risk of scratches or worse.

But other things about the ICF-CD543 are well-thought-out. The remote control (which takes two AAA batteries, not included) has a magnetic strip on the back, so you can stick it on your fridge or another metal object in your kitchen. There's an easy-to-set cooking timer with a loud alarm (though you can't set its volume relative to the music that's playing). There's a three-way mega-bass switch, as opposed to the on/off loudness controls on most small audio units. Storing radio presets is as straightforward as it gets. Also, with the push of a button, you can tune into the TV band -- a nice touch if you occasionally have to leave the gawk box in your living room to check on your casserole. A supplied plastic clip with an adhesive back lets you pull the power cord taut along the wall or along the inside of the cabinet edge.

A few small negatives, apart from the screws I already mentioned: The unit plays regular CDs as wells as CD-R and CD-RW discs, but not those that contain MP3s. And there are no inputs or outputs of any kind -- not even a mini headphone jack.

Still, all told, this is an attractively designed, smartly conceived product that's worth the price.

Excellent product from Sony. Once I received shipment I installed the radio and within 15 minutes I was listening to my favorite tunes. The reception was above average and I didn't have to extend the cord for better reception, Guess I was lucky. By far one of the better Kitchen radios, easy installation, easy to operate and the sound is excellent. Looked at the GE, because that was all that was available in my area and was not pleased with the cheap look or the hollow tin can sound.

I bought this radio/cd for my wife to enjoy in the kitchen. It has proven a hit. Truly fine sound quality for its size and profile. ... its small profile and superior sound made this well worth the added price. Installation was fairly easy.
I actually purchased the "stock" sony model as opposed to the "Liv" version ... It is silver and looks a bit less "hip".

I bought the GE kitchen CD player for me, and the kitchen Sony one for my mom.. the Sony was great.. great look, great sound... the GE, not so much. The cd drawer was broken and would not close, you would have to push it closed and the sound was nowhere near the Sony one... so spend the extra $50.00 and get the Sony... its worth it!

My husband gave this to me for Christmas in 2002 'cause I always blasted the stereo when I cooked. It still wasn't load enough for me and way to load for him. We are now both happy. Sound is good enough for me for most of the time, especially while I'm cooking or waking up with morning coffee. The remote is convienient, the variety of preset options great, and the weather band a nice bonus. We had some issues with reception, but were able to work it out. The only thing that would make this better is if I could play more than 1 CD at a time.

I'm big on quality sound and top of the line equipment, which is why I was surprised I wanted this. We have a great sound system in our living room. But this thing is so darn HANDY!!! I'm a stay at home mom with four kids and we live in our kitchen. I can quickly turn it on and listen to some music if I happen to have a quiet moment or put some tunes on while I'm preparing lunches or dinners without having to blare the stereo from the other room. It really has nice sound. Don't get me wrong, it won't replace your surround sound system. But sometimes convenience is nice too (plus I'm getting older!) It's VERY easy to use and even easier to install. The remote with the magnent is pretty cool, too. I wouldn't have gotten it if it didn't already have good reviews and I'm happy I spent the money. It looks pretty neat under the counter too! Go out and get it...now!

I've had this CD/Clock Radio for about a month now and I like it very much. It was easy to mount under my kitchen cabinet, and the wood of the cabinet was thick enough that I could counter-sink the screws and eliminate the problem some people reported with the screw-heads sticking up inside the cabinet.

It's easy to use and easy to set the clock and buttons, though I don't need the remote - I'm nearly always close enough to use the buttons on the radio itself.

The only issue I have with it it that the FM antenna is in the electrical cord and when I walk too close I get static from it. I can't place the cord in such a way that I don't have to get too close which I could do if the antenna were separate - I don't know enough about RF to know if that's even possible.

This was easy to install and setup, the sound is great, radio reception is fine, and has a nice look overall. I have had not any problems in the 6 months that I've owned it. This is worth the money.

The mounting spacers were not long enough. I had to make my own out of plastic electrical conduit which worked quite nicely.I also had to purchase new longer screws. Unfortunely the screws were metric (I think)& I had a hard time locating them.This was suprising for our kitchen cabinets are only 1 year old. The base boost switch does not boost the base frequencies very much. Why not set the radio at the max base boost & eliminate the switch (and save production costs)?
Overall the controls are easy to use and the sound quality is ok for a small radio. Personally I which the sound quality was a little better, but it is adequate. I'm happy with this radio & I would purchase another one.

This is a great item. I bought it as a gift and the recipient LOVES it. The sound is fantastic and you end up only really hearing it in the kitchen and not throughout the other rooms in the house. BUT, it doesn't mount correctly because of some type of defect in one of the corners. Now the hard part is exchanging it because it is out of stock at every Circuit City in southern california!