Sony CMTHP7 Executive Microsystem Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I chose this system over the Panasonic SC-PM18/28 models because you can upgrade the speakers later on if necessary; the Panasonic speakers are bi-amped so you can't put normal speakers in, and of course the speakers are where these minisystems really cut a lot of corners, almost as bad as factory car speakers. Phillips used to make some really nice microsystems (MC-50 and MC-70) but for some reason they discontinued them and now they just make these gimmicky, hideous eyesores that look like they were designed by 13 year old crackheads (MC-570, and especially the FWC series). This Sony was the only one I found that not only looks clean/simple/elegant but also has decent sound-clarity for my musical needs (jazz, classical, vocal/accoustic rock), though of course not quite audiophile-quality.
Two days later, am quite happy with my purchase. The Sony was really easy to set up out of the box, and sounds good at high volumes, as long as you keep the EQ on "Flat" or anything except "Rock"---that setting always creates an audible hiss/buzz. The "Groove" setting gives you a nice bass boost at low to moderate volumes but distorts the highs and mids as soon as you turn it up. The "Surround" setting doesn't seem to make that much of a difference for most music, but it's a nice option just to have. I should add that these sound settings are not retained in memory each time you switch music sources or turn the system off/on. The FM tuner gets good reception, especially with the included plug-in antenna, and has far more presets than I would ever actually need.
I like the fact that the cassette has auto-reverse although no music search; the sliding door is a nice feature, since push-button-pop-up doors often have mechanical problems later on. Just wished it could read my chrome and metal tapes too; also, there is no tape counter.
The only thing that worries me about this system is the slide-into-slot 5-CD player. This mechanism is not only slow but probably has a lot more moving parts than the usual slide-out-tray or carousel mechanisms. Probably should've bought the extended service warranty on this, but will keep my fingers crossed.
Something else that could be improved is the remote, which is pretty comprehensive but not intuitively laid out at all. I also wish this system had a subwoofer output and an aux output so I could connect my PC to it.
Other than that, it's a beautiful-looking stereo with quality sound.

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