Features:
- High-performance minisystem with 200-watt output, 3-CD changer, full-logic dual-well cassette deck, and AM/FM stereo tuner
- Half-inch titanium-laminate tweeter delivers outstanding clarity
- 3-inch midrange and 6.5-inch subwoofer offers detailed midrange and well-defined bass
- VMAx digital signal processing produces surround sound audio effect
- Features optical and coaxial digital-audio outputs, 20-track CD memory, synchro-start recording, auto reverse, 30 tuner presets, and remote control
Description:
With JBL's reputation for quality professional audio gear, one would expect to find exceptional engineering in the company's consumer electronics, and its new SoundGear compact stereos do not disappoint. At first glance, the sleek, dark silver and blue-gray SG3030 looks more like a glorified boombox than a serious minisystem. But JBL's SoundGear series takes off with the SG3030 and SG2020, soaring on the strength of the company's craft and technology and delivering products that rank with the best in affordable, compact stereos for home, school, or office use. The SG3030's basics include an AM/FM tuner with 30 presets, a three-CD changer, and dual cassette decks with high-speed dubbing. There are three preset equalization settings (rock, pop, and classical) and bass boost, a clock display with alarm, and a handy remote control. Extras include features like VMAx virtual surround sound processing, RDS (Radio Data System), and an unusually rich array of inputs and outputs. VMAx, proprietary technology from JBL's parent company, Harman International, simulates surround sound from either stereo signals or Dolby Pro Logic-encoded two-channel sources (like VHS tape or many TV audio signals). This virtual surround sound can be very amusing and at times quite effective, particularly with sports events and movies. (A critical ear can decipher in VMAx some bass and treble boosting and a considerable amount of reverb to convey large-room ambience.) The way VMAx widens the perceived audio "image" from the speakers is definitely exciting, but we prefer the more traditional two-channel stereo when listening to music. The SG3030 also supports a current trend in FM radio: RDS (Radio Data System). RDS is inaudible information carried in the frequency-modulated (FM) audio stream and appears as text in the SoundGear display panel, providing details such as station identification, traffic details, and weather. If you're so inclined, you can make this shelf system the foundation of a larger home entertainment setup. Front-panel analog stereo inputs are useful for temporary external hookups, such as an MP3 player, minidisc player, video camera, or gaming console. You can connect more permanent components like a VCR or even a DVD player's analog outputs through rear-panel jacks. Besides these inputs, an optical digital-audio output sits on the face of the unit, again for temporary connections, while a coaxial digital output for more permanent connections (as to your component CD recorder) is located at the back. You can add a powered subwoofer to this system by way of its dedicated subwoofer output jack. However, a subwoofer may eclipse the powerful speaker output; we found that the bass boost and equalization settings provide more than adequate low-end reinforcement. Despite its almost playful cosmetic design, the SG3030 clearly isn't kidding around when it comes to sound. JBL rates the frequency range as 40 to 20,000 Hz, and our listening definitely confirmed impressive extensions in both high and low frequencies. Each three-way, biamplified speaker features a 6.5-inch PolyPlas (polymer-coated cellulose fiber) woofer with rubber surround, a 3-inch PolyPlas midrange driver with rubber surround, and a 0.5-inch titanium-laminate dome tweeter. And while its cyber-age design does compromises the logical placement of its controls, we seldom used the front-panel buttons, since the hand-held remote control is so compact and easy to use. According to the manual, this system can withstand sound pressure levels (SPLs) up to 108 dB--and we don't doubt it. It would take quite a beating to unsettle the durable rubber surrounds (which join the speaker cones to the enclosure). Of course, the most important question is: how does this system sound? Without the equalization or bass boost engaged, the low end lacks heft, and the high end (treble) sounds overly pronounced. Fortunately, the three preset equalization curves and bass enhancement all serve to even things out, and the system's high power maintains full-bodied sound and low distortion at all listening levels. With the superboost engaged (enhancing treble and bass) and at a fairly loud 95 dB SPL, the SG3030 showed no signs of breakup and produced a thick musical ambience. The SG3030 offers multiformat compatibility, interesting features, and excellent sound quality at a very reasonable price. --Zoe Knight Pros: - Excellent package for the price
- Unique features
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to set up
- Can serve as a building block for a larger system
Cons: - Visual design compromises control functionality
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