A bit of guidance please.

Henry Ford III

I posted this on HE general, but got no reply.

"1st post here so please don't bite

I want to buy a stereo system, the old one is caput after many years use. A good fm radio plus cd player is all I'd use tbh. USB slot might be handy also.

I've no idea of what sort of power I should get. The room is a decent size.

A good mini system might do the trick maybe. Any suggestions?

Thanks."

and then...

"I came across an LG FA-163 system going for €134 plus shipping on Pixmania.ie.

Seems to do the trick. Any thoughts?"

I had a look at the Richer Sounds website, and it seems they have nothing similar, so any hope of a bit of direction and opinion?

Thanks.

Richersounds.ie: Ashley

Hi There

I can suggest a couple of mini hifis you may want to have a look at.

I'll start with this, the Philips MCM-302
www.p4c.philips.com/files/m/mcm302_12/mcm302_12_pss_eng.pdf

Its a very popular compact system with CD, FM Radio (RDS) and 2 Aux inputs - 1 is standard Phono sockets on the back and the other is a top mounted 3.5mm mini socket.
Power is rated at 2x25watts per channel

It also has a USB input for MP-3/WMA formats.

Its a nice sounding little system

This sells instore for €139.99


Something a little higher up the HiFi ladder is the MCi500H
www.p4c.philips.com/files/m/mci500h_05/mci500h_05_pss_eng.pdf
This is a very good system, certainly one of the best all in one systems I've heard.
It gives you CD and FM radio but throws into the mix a 160gb HDD and internet radio facility (can be hard wired or wireless)
you also have a USB input as well and line in on the pack.

you have decent speakers, actually I'm under selling them there, they are very good speakers certainly far better than what you normally find in all in one systems, fed by a 2x 50Watt amp.
One nice feature I like about this system is the fact that amoungst the preset sound modes it gives you a standard BASS and TREBLE control (these do a better job at tayloring the sound compared to the presets - my humble opinion of course:))

This system also give you the iption of streaming music to other Philips clien units dotted around the house should you wish.

This is priced at €499.99 but it is the best hi-fi we have in the shop.

Do forget you can take your 10% Boards discount off both these prices.

How about you bring in a few CD's and have a listen to what we have?

atb
Ash

Dilbert75

I got the MCM302 a few weeks ago and it is indeed a very nice little unit (Ash you were outside doing your George Formby impersonation while I was served by one of your colleagues). Would happily recommend it from my experience.

Only one problem with it actually - when you first power it on, it starts up at volume 11, which is not ideal at 6:30 in the morning. Ash if you know any dinky way of setting that lower, I'd appreciate your advice as there seems to be nothing in the manual.

Richersounds.ie: Ashley

God, I dread to think what that looks like to a passer by!

I'll have a play about with our demo mcm302 on Thursday when I'm back in store and see what i can do.

6:30am rise eh? - I'm glad I live only a 30min walk from work........

cheers
Ash

Henry Ford III

I'll have a look at those. Many thanks Ash

Henry Ford III

What are "sound decoders"?

Dilbert75

Richersounds.ie (Ashley) wrote: »

I'll have a play about with our demo mcm302 on Thursday when I'm back in store and see what i can do.

Any joy with this Ash?

Richersounds.ie: Ashley

HI Dilbert75

I've had a little play about with ours and even read the instuction booklet.
It seems that this is a preset volume leve that cant be adjusted im afraid.

Hey Henry Ford III

I can't see were that phrase is used re the MCM302 or MCi500.
If I was to hazard a guess I'd say it may refer to ther presaet EQ modes found on these systems - Jazz, Pop, Rock, Classical and the like.

if you point me in the right direction I'll give you a more concrete anser.

Cheers
Ash

Dilbert75

Richersounds.ie (Ashley) wrote: »

HI Dilbert75

I've had a little play about with ours and even read the instuction booklet.
It seems that this is a preset volume leve that cant be adjusted im afraid.

OK thanks Ash. Bummer though - real PITA. I appreciate your help - hell, resorting to reading to the manual shows real customer service