Features:
- Stereo integrated amplifier
- Stereo FM tuner & timer
- Compact disc player
- Stereo cassette deck
- Bass-reflex, 2-way speakers; full-function remote control
Description:
Versatile and attractive, Sherwood Newcastle's fully remote-controlled Lyceum WA-240 executive microsystem is ideal for a stylish office or bedroom. In our tests, we found that the Lyceum not only looks great, but it can also fulfill most of your audio needs as an integrated amplifier with stereo FM tuner, CD, and single cassette deck. Additionally, it provides ample connectivity through a set of auxiliary inputs and a dedicated subwoofer output. The Lyceum looks luxurious and demands attention with its sleek and unusual design. The speaker grilles come in black, teal, or bright fuchsia (all are included in the box) and sit artfully off center on the unit, as does the CD door. The combination of polished silver and brushed metal gives this system a very "space age" feel. At 4 inches deep, the surprisingly powerful two-way speakers can be conveniently placed on a desk or countertop without taking up too much room. The main unit, also a mere 4 inches deep, loads CDs vertically with an upward-gliding, finely textured metal door to save space. All three pieces can be linked and wall mounted via sturdy metal rails (also included). And the sound? Extremely impressive, given the narrowness of the speakers. Good sound reproduction often comes down to speaker volume (in cubic inches), especially where authoritative bass is concerned. However, the Lyceum balances decent low-end presence with clear midrange and treble frequencies, making for very pleasing listening. Four surround sound effects are available: SRS, a 3-D effect; movie, to be chosen when coupled with your video source; simulated, for a concert-hall feel; and music, specifically for jazz. You can easily add a subwoofer as well as a video component, such as a DVD or VHS player, using the stereo auxiliary input and output jacks. Keep in mind that these speakers are not magnetically shielded and need to be placed a sufficient distance from your monitor or TV. However, perhaps due to the speakers' space efficiency, we found that the sonic spectrum sounded slightly "squeezed" despite its good output power. Relative to higher-volume traditional speakers, mid- to high-frequency instruments such as percussion and electric guitar sound constricted, as if they need more space to deliver the performance as it was recorded. And the low end can be "boomy," depending on your program material. For those who still rely on cassettes for home replication, the Lyceum offers an impressive CD-to-cassette recording system. When you tell it the length of your cassette, the Lyceum will program the CD tracks with the right spacing to avoid excess blank tape at the head or tail of each side. Although loading a CD vertically rather than placing it in a tray saves space and looks cool, we also found that it can be cumbersome. It felt like CDs could accidentally get scratched unless we took the time to carefully place each CD. Also, while the CD prepares to play, you hear a loud sound (like film advancing in a camera) that will likely grab your attention. This system is outfitted with white, low-grade speaker wire that we found difficult to hide, though it does blend with most walls better than black cable. It comes with a full-function remote control, which offers a set of hidden buttons that let you program your system with the confidence that your settings will remain untouched. We recommend the Lyceum for use in small to medium rooms, where its speakers will impress both your eye and your ear. If you're looking to splurge a little on a handsome, good-quality stereo system, the Lyceum would be one to seriously consider. --Zoe Knight Pros: - Luxurious, unique design
- Clean, detailed sound
- Convenient inputs and ouputs
- Impressive CD-to-cassette recording programming
- Efficient use of space
Cons: - Sacrifices some functionality and sonic quality for design
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