17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
Great system
Excellent overall shelf stereo system. Great sound and very easy operation, makes this a great addition or gift. Price is great you could not find a better value. This system easy beats systems priced twice as much.
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
Going back to the store...
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...
This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
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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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
Excellent overall shelf stereo system. Great sound and very easy operation, makes this a great addition or gift. Price is great you could not find a better value. This system easy beats systems priced twice as much.
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
I was looking at the RCA 5cd shelf system, it had nice sound, but reviews said it broke within 4 weeks. I bought this product, and it's amazing. Some notable features (pros and cons)
Pros
-iPod dock with full menu control (It also charges your ipod)
-Amazing radio reception - Very clear
-Good EQ presets
-Very loud
-Best bass I have ever heard
-Very little distortion
-Good looking
-Separate sub-woofer
-Good bass even with separate sub-woofer turned off
-Works with iPhone (if in airplane mode)
-Light for its size
Cons-4 pieces, instead of 3 (But worth it for the separate sub-woofer
-A bit large
-On the more expensive size
-iPod dock not built in, but plugs in
-No manual EQ
Overall: This is a great speaker system, with great power and dominates with lows, med's, and high's. A bit expensive, but for what you get, definitely worth it. Highly Recommended!
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
Audio Power Output : Front: 190W x 2; Subwoofer:150W
That says it all. There are 2 woofers on the fronts (5 inch), and another on the separate subwoofer (8 inch). The sub is incredibly light because the amplifier is in the main unit. This has enough power in the low end to shake the house!
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
i owned a sony MHC-M100 50+1 CD changes for the past 8.5 years...but i wanted something through which i play my ipod. went on a search and came across three similar sony units - with this one being the best (i guess based on the # of watts) and more expensive. my thoughts follow in the areas of design, sound, and overall performance:
1) design: in comparison to my old sony, i'm just a little disappointed. for one, the design feels a bit "cheap" unlike my old stereo. maybe they did this purposely - using lighter-weight materials to make the product itself lighter. but it just doesn't feel the same.
2) sound: great bass, but the sound overall still sounds just a little "thin". granted i'm probably just comparing to what i was used to with my old sony, but i think what this system has plenty of in booming bass (i realize now that i probably could've bought the next less-expensive unit and forewent the subwoofer), it lacks a bit as far as the general sound. still annoyed that there isn't a customizable equalizer option, and maybe that's the problem. sony people - 8.5 years later and you still haven't learned??
3) overall performance: it's great for my uses, and i'm so happy to now have a system that comes with a dock for my ipod. one little annoyance, is that the volume isn't a true "rolling" volume. it seems like it's more like "steps"...so there's level 8, for example, and then level 9 -- which is a couple of decibels louder than 8. however, there's no such thing as somewhere between 8 and 9...and it seems that depending on the time of day that can make a huge difference. maybe at 6:30am when i'm getting ready for work 8 isn't loud enough, but 9 is too loud (these level numbers are just examples...could be 3-4 or 5-6). i definitely miss that about my old system - if i wanted a level equivalent to 8.275 vs. 8 or 9, i could just nudge the volume a hair and adjust as needed. the ipod dock cord could also be a little longer for more flexibility in terms of where to position it. also seems the remote has a narrower range than my old system as far as how far to either side i can be.
i know i keep comparing this to my old system, but that's just human nature, i guess. :) to be fair, without the prior experience of having my old sony stereo i'd probably be 100% in love with this system. despite the annoyances i'd definitely recommend it...although you may want to explore whether the next less expensive model will do the job (as far as bass/sound goes).
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
Some folks seem happy with this system, but I am not. I purchased this system to replace an old Aiwa system that developed a bum CD-changer. Usually I have pretty good luck with Sony products but I was instantly disappointed.
1) The system is loud, but the sound quality is mediocre. The speakers are clearly very cheap and the (hard-wired) speaker wire is as thin as can be. I swapped in some old shelf speakers with actual speaker wire I had laying around and things improved dramatically - the speakers are basically junk.
2) The AM/FM tuner is poor and uses a non-standard antenna jack, so it's not easily upgradable. I have 6 other radios in the house that have no issues with reception so I'm pretty sure the tuner is the issue.
3) The unit is very large and the hard-wired wires are very short. This makes it difficult to situate for good sound quality.
If you are buying this because you liked older Sony or Aiwa shelf systems you may be disappointed.
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
I bought this system about 3 1/2 months ago from B&H Photo because Amazon had it on back order. I played $180 for it with free shipping.
I have had practically no problem with the system and I love the sound that it produces. The only problem that I have had with the system so far has been a raspy sound that sounded like the speakers had been overpowered and were dying. I managed to fix the problem by snipping off the tips of the speaker cables and making new ends that I soldered. Now I have no problem. It seems that the tips were not making good contact and were breaking which broke up the sound. From there on out the is a great stereo system.
The sound is really good and you can get a lot of bass out of it especially if you use some kind of equalizer on the device you plug in via the aux jack (I use itunes eq and that works well). I have also used the ipod dock and that works perfectly and is really convenient with the controls on the remote. It is true, as other reviews have said, you have to be able to see the screen of the ipod but as long as you keep the angle from being too sharp it is not that hard and generally you will walk up to the ipod if you want to change major things like changing to a playlist. Audiophiles will not really appreciate the sound because this is not a super high end system, but I would challenge anyone considering this product to find a device that sounds this good in the same price range. The other part to consider is the amount of power these speakers have because Sony has other stereo systems for a similar price but none of them are close in power output.
The sub can be extremely fun to pump up, but because it is fairly low power don't expect to knock down the walls with it. I have heard that the sound would improve if you get a low pass filter for the sub, but I have not found one and therefore cannot confirm this.
The seven preset eq's on the system often get bashed for being limiting, but I have not found it to be that big a problem because with CD's I have not found them to lack in giving good eq and when you use the aux jack you can use programs or players that have their own eq. I also enjoy the ability to turn the bass boost on and off along with the sub. This adds a number of options the the eq settings that are preset.
I am currently using the system in a small dorm room, but I had it set up in my parents house for a while and was thoroughly amazed at how much of the house could be filled with just 2/3 volume.
Aesthetically it is fairly nice. The main part looks really good and is a little bit of an eye-catcher which can be good or bad depending on how unobtrusive and understated you want the system to be. The speakers themselves are basic. The look is interesting and again can be obtrusive depending on you opinion of how speakers should look. The blue accents are really cool and don't bother me. The speakers also look a little cheap from the side and back because of the finish that they have, but that really is not too big a problem.
I am also impressed with how solid the system feels in respect to the build quality of the main unit. The volume control is well damped without being stiff and does not wiggle or creak. the buttons all give a solid click when pressed and feel well built. Sony has had a good reputation as far as build quality and this product seems to hold up in general.
Some reviews that I read before buying the device said the CD player gave out after a month or so, but it has not give me any problem.
I would recommend this device to anyone looking for a stereo with power and with good sound quality. If you need to have crystal clear bass, mids, and highs then you will have to spend more money, but then again the statement "you get what you pay for" holds true for most products. This is a solid sounding system that is well priced. I would recommend that you go to Best Buy and check it out. Most Best Buys will have a display model and that is what convinced me to buy the system.
The 4 stars are for not having perfect sound quality and for the problem I had with the cables. Again I still recommend this to almost everyone.
Update April 25, 2009
I just bought some earphones and found that the computer that I am attaching to this system is, in fact, causing the sound problem I was having and not the system. Therefore I would now give this a higher rating.
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
The SONY Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System pumps out great sound. When you are in a bass-heavy mode, you have to be careful about shaking your rafters (or those of your neighbors). The sound profile is weighted towards low frequency sounds, so that in the Flat Mode, dramatic singing may lose a bit off the top, but only a bit. Volume is considerable, with hardly any fall-off of sound quality as volume increases. Overall, this is a great sounding unit, BUT it is not so mini, regardless of its name. You will need to spread the two high range speakers apart (they are each almost 9 inches wide). Then the master control unit needs another 8 inches of shelf space. And the 11 inch woofer needs to sit on the floor. All the components stand 13 inches high. This is hardly a "mini" unit. More accurately, this could be called a "compact" unit. Compared with iPods and other mini appliances, this unit is full sized. If you have the room, this is a great set.
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
Sony Mini HiFi Shelf System provides high quality in a small package. The full base provided by a subwoofer and the full sound range make this stereo a great buy, costing less than many inferior systems. Add to that the quality of Sony make this system easily the best bang for the buck.
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This review is from: Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver) (Electronics)
I bought this stereo system because I wanted something affordable, yet sounds good. That is what I got with the Sony MCHEC98Pi. I would strongly reccommend this prodect over the Sony stereo system with no subwoffer. The subwoffer really extends the quality of your music. It has all the functions I wanted.
- ipod dock
- CD player
- AM/FM radio
- Audio in
If it had a tape player or USB recording drive it would be perfect,but that is asking a lot. The ipod dock plugs into the Digital Media Port (DMP), but dosen't include any dock adapters and says in the DMP manuel "dock adapters sold seperately" but all ipods fit snug, even the 4th generation ipod nano. NOTE: the ipod dock does NOT support the ipod shuffle, BUT will work via audio in. It has 2 ports next to the DMP port, one is audio in and the other is headphones. The audio in connects by a 3.5mm headphone cable (not included). The audio in works great and is perfect for MP3 players and computers. The CD player will only except 1 disc, but I don't use it much because of the ipod dock. When I have used it, it is quiet, effective and so far has never skipped. The AM/FM radio is great also. FM reception is supperb and I live in the city. AM reception is pretty bad for distant stations. You have to move the antenna for every station, but you never have to move the FM antenna.
100% recommended for the price!
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