Yamaha MCR-E300GLC Micro Component CD Receiver System

Rating:
Summary: Yamaha = Quality
Review: I recently bought this Yamaha mini-system and I can honestly say, I will never buy a JVC, Panasonic, Sony etc... product again. I don't need to bore you with the specifications of the unit as you can look those up yourself. Instead, I will focus my review on a comparison between the equally priced Onkyo MC35 Tech.

Since I spent a considerable amount of time researching mini-systems before I bought the Yamaha MCR E300, I will share some of my experiences with you. This unit is comparable to the Onkyo MC35 Tech. The sound quality and appearance of the MC35 Tech is only slightly better than the Yamaha MCR E300. However, the Onkyo MC35 Tech falls short when it comes to reliability. Having looked over several reviews for both the Yamaha MCR E300 and the Onkyo MC35 Tech on sites such as CircuitCity.com and Ecoustics.com, the Onkyo MC35 Tech seems to have problems with the cd changer jamming and requiring repeated servicing. This problem was confirmed when I went to a local Circuit City to listen to the Onkyo MC35 Tech. The customer service representative had to pry my cd out of the cd changer when it got stuck. I asked him if this was a common problem and he stated that 1/3 of the Onkyo MC35 Tech's the store had sold had been returned for servicing within the first year. In comparison, the Yamaha MCR E300 cd changer is very rigid and solidly built, moving quicky in and out without any flimsy movements. In addition, while I was at Circuit City listening to the Onkyo MC35 Tech, I noticed that the speakers had to work extremely hard when the volume was turned more than 1/4 of the way up. To me, this seems like an indication that the speaker will wear out quickly. On the Yamaha MCR E300, the woofers barely move at all even at a high volume. My guess is that the Onkyo MC35 Tech has an excellent receiver but weak speakers whereas the Yamaha MCR E300 is a more balanced system with a good receiver and equally good speakers.

In conclusion, The Yamaha MCR E300 is an excellent, well built system that should last for many years. All of the components used to build this system are typical of more pricier receivers and speakers. Do yourself a favor and trash that Sony or JVC boombox you have in your dorm or apartment. Once you listen to this mini-system and anything considerably more hi-fi, you will never go back to mediocre sound again.



Rating:
Summary: Excellent mini sytem..
Review: This is an amazing little system. It's price has dropped considerably. At about 250, it's a good buy. Definitely not a boom box. The speakers are very smooth and mature sounding. Very solid cabinets and subjectively very well made. Comparable to a pair of Paradigm Atoms, a benchmark two way speaker, price considered but with a better fit and finish. The receiver has a nice heft to it which likely reflects quality amplifier components. The tuner is good with a coax output for an antenae. The cd player works as advertised but the lack of mp3 support is a little disappointing. It really should have a dvd drive with either DVD audio, SACD or playback capabilty for both if only to offer a little bit of future proofing. This system could easily replace a lot of larger systems with no reduction in quality of sound. Add a sub (Paradigm PDR-8/PDR-10, HSU STF1...) and you have a world class (cd only!)system that won't disappoint. Yamaha receivers are typically very long lived. This should last for many years.