Sony CMT-MD1 Compact Stereo System

Rating:
Summary: Great compact package for CD and MD users
Review: Sony combined a bookshelf CD player with an MiniDisc player/recorder in the stylish CMT-MD1. Despite its small size, it has surprisingly good sound quality even with the standard speakers. It comes with the standard features of a bookshelf player: built-in tuner, an equalizer which lets you select different settings only from its preset settings. The fact that you can't adjust the equalizer manually is a little bit disappointing, as is the lack of an optical output.

Due to its size, and perhaps for stylistic reasons, many of its functions are accessible only from the remote. And for stylistic purposes, the unit comes shipped with gray and blue covers for the speakers.

Rating:
Summary: Technologically cool, with inconsistent interface
Review: This lovely unit includes a mini-disk recorder/player, along with a CD player and AM/FM radio tuner for no-brainer recording of mini-disks. While its compact size make it a desktop model, the sound is impressive -- plenty of bass. The ability to store text on mini-disks that is then displayed when played is innovative, but the interface needs work. Now that Sony is opening up the MD standard, perhaps this beautiful piece of hardware won't become obsolete too soon. I just wish I had not spent $700 for mine.