Left On The Shelf
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday May 15, 2000
Audiophiles might turn up their noses at all-in-one systems, but some shelf models are well worth a second look, writes Rod Easdown.
No matter your views on shelf systems, you can't argue about their value for money. It's difficult to buy separate CD player, amplifier and speakers for much less than $1,000, yet there are quite reasonable one-brand shelf systems around for less than $600.
OK, they're not exactly audiophile quality, but they are a step up from the all-in-one music systems you find in discount shops. Shelf systems are far simpler and far more expensive than those flashing fluoros, and the extra money goes into sound quality. Some of them wear very acceptable brandnames, too.
With these systems, however, your choice needs to be governed by a bit more than how good it sounds.
Be very conscious of where you want to use it and what you expect it to do. In a larger room power becomes critical because only a more powerful system can hope to fill a larger space. Think also about where you want it to live - if it's going on a bookshelf, especially high up, a front-loader will be far more practical than a top-loader.
As well as looking at the front of the system you should also take a look at the back. Check for the number of inputs that let you plug in extra equipment, such as a tape deck, Walkman or even a TV. On the front you definitely want a headphone plug.
Remote controls need to be checked carefully. First, make sure there is one, and then ensure it does everything you want it to. Some remotes handle only a few functions and you need one that covers all common commands. I'd want one that controlled major CD functions and also let me flip between FM and AM, scroll the station presets and adjust the volume (don't assume all remotes do this).
When you've settled these matters, start listening hard, ideally with a CD you know well (take one along with you). When you've narrowed the field a little, start adjusting the treble and bass controls through their full range and make sure you like what you hear. If you like a lot of bass (not a strength in systems with small speakers), listen with the bass turned up. If the system is weak you'll hear it fairly fast; the music gets all furry around the edges and it sounds like something inside the speaker is loose.
These are great starter systems. They do most things adequately and few things poorly, and they're ideal for a bed-sitter or a games room.
Info file
JVC
1800 225044
www.jvc-australia.com
Denon
1800 642922
www.audioproducts.com.au
Pioneer
1800 338439
www.pioneeraus.com.au
Testing was carried out with the assistance of Audio Connection, 455 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt.
Three contenders
We looked at three shelf systems priced within about $200 of each other. Our only condition was that all three had to have a headphone jack and a remote control.
JVC UX7000 (pictured left)
This is a very compact 15-watt by two-channel system with an AM/FM tuner and a top-loading CD player. Most of the controls are also on top. The sound was a little thin and definitely favoured the high end. Wood grain speakers look good, but you might find the fluorescent display a bit gaudy. Very well featured for the money. For small rooms only.
Price: $690
Denon DM3
Quite busy looking because all the controls are on the front, along with the CD loading tray. This 20-watt by two-channel AM/FM receiver system is nicely featured with four listening modes (rock, pop, classical and flat) and three audio inputs.
A well-defined sound tending to sharpish at high volumes, but it has the power to fill a reasonable room.
Price: $755
Pioneer EYE F1
The best-looking and most powerful of the bunch at 30 watts by two channels. It has an AM/FM receiver and a front-loading CD, with a control panel and display that swings up from the top.
The sound favours higher frequencies and can be sharp, but fills a normal-sized room comfortably. Matching cassette, mini-disc and surround processor units are available.
Price: $899
The verdict
The Pioneer looks great, but the swing-up display/control panel limits its mounting options. For sound quality, I liked the Denon, and it can go easily into a bookshelf, needing no top access.
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald