The Aiwa NSX-DS11 is an amazing systems. I will not refer to it as a "mini" system because its 410 watts is not "mini" by no means. It's very powerful but sounds great, even when it reaches high volumes. Also, with the center channel and 2 rear speakers sound great with its dolby digital surround.

loud as all hell, this system delivers clear sound even at peak performance, plus all the nifty little extras it has is bound to keep any enthusiast

had a little problem with the sub woofer jack

The loudest mini hometheatre out there!!!

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Aiwa nsx-mtd9

410 watts of POWAH!! Easy set up, optical output and input, expandable.

No DTS(Oh well, guess you can't have it all!)

When I got my new Sony XBR-400 TV with a new DVD player, I knew I was going to need a surround system. Since I live in a small apartment with walls as thin as paper, I saw no sense in spending alot of cash on a high end component sound system. I was at my local Dillard's Dept Store and I came across the Aiwa NSX-DS11. It was a beauty!! I looked closely, and I saw that it had a BUILT IN DOLBY DIGITAL DECODER WITH OPTICAL INPUT!! That alone sold me!! Then I looked at the price tag....$299.00!!!!!!!!!! I jumped on it! To make things even sweeter, it has a subwoofer line output to add a sub later on! This system kicks ass, and I suggest it to anyone who doesnt have the cash for a higher end system, or just doesnt have a huge living room. I just wish it had DTS decoding, but what can you expect for a mere $299!! I got that, and the extended warranty for an extra $50. Less than $370 for everything!! Go buy one and see for yourself!

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Aiwa Mini Pro Logic System

Inexpensive.

Poor sound quality, Dolby Digital Decoder, surround performance when watching movies, crappy surround modes, etc.....

Shelf systems suck but this one is particularly bad. Before you get pissed, let me explain.

1.) The sound quality is horrible. Actually has a low amount of "power", despite the wattage level being rated high. Ever wonder how the heck a little mini system like this would have twice the wattage of a top of the line Marantz SR-18 receiver??? That is because it DOESN'T. First off, Aiwa is measuring the 410 watts combined power of all 5 speakers, I believe. This means that the two main channels are substantially less. Secondly, POWER IS NOT MEASURED BY WATTAGE! It is measured by the level of current which is measured in decibels (dB). Aiwa uses cheap amplifiers that seemingly produce no amount of midrange. The Highs are far too bright and It gets to the point where I can't hear any definition in the instruments or mid frequencies. Bass flat and with no depth.

2.) BBE enhancement is nice but the DSPS are awful. They are very unrealistic and sound far too electronical. Annoying to my ears. Digital music is a straight source and DSPS add on another source that wasn't supposed to be there to begin with.

3.) The Dolby Digital Decoder sucks. I listened to the Matrix, turned it up about half way, and heard bizzare screeches. Gun noises are flat and un defined, especially when using the BBE. Vocals sound unnatural. It hurt my ears after about 15 minutes of those bright highs and irritating treble. Bass has no depth and is therefore also irritating. I can't imagine how irritating this thing would be with DTS...

4.) CD Player is very cheaply made, which is why they could afford to put in 5 of them.

5.) Not a lot of useful outputs or inputs. The optical is nice for movies but as already mentioned, the sound quality sucks.

6.) Tape player is nice and all the other small enchancements. I think this has Kareoke? That is nice but I don't really care.

I am giving this a value rating of 3 cause I have to admit, you get a lot for the price. Awesome price! But it only gets 2 overall. I'd much rather pay a little more and go with components.

Adam
skyblazer@voyager.net

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Sony and other Aiwa Shelf Systems.