Great Bass, Fast CD Change, Crisp Sound

* One function at a time (no CD naming while listening to radio)
* No manual equalizer
* Only one timer can work at a time (if there're 2 people wanting to wake up at different times..)
* Remote sux
* Functions on main deck and remote are mutually exclusive
"sleep" can be activated only from remote, while dynamic
bass only from main deck
* such and more user-interface inadequacies
* Doesn't play CD-RW's (my unit)

The system I am reviewing here is Sony MHC-M100, which is Sony's year 2000 version of the MHC-MC1. I bought it from crutchfield at $250 and I think it's great value for it's price. The sound quality is great, and the 51 CD changer is very nice, you'll end up listening to lots of CD's that you don't normally listen to just because you can just put them in for ever.
The sound is really crisp, and the bass is great, it's never jarring or booming.
I've listed the weaknesses above, and I think those are the reasons for the low price of the system.
So for someone looking for great, clear, crisp, LOUD sound, this is a great choice. If you're too lazy to wake up and go to the system all the time, don't get it, because the remote is just basic, like an 80's VCR.
I did find one problem with the sound though. While playing some CD's with heavy base, I thought I felt something rattle inside, like the plastic wire-feedthrough jacket. I also felt the frames of one of the tweeters shake a little (the noise reduced on holding it).
I have listened to the MHC-MC1 (the earlier version) which is available still at a few places for $300, and I think that's better.
One more thing, Crutchfiend's website says that the unit they tested could play CD-RW's also, but mine doesn't.

Similar Products Used:

Aiwa, Panasonic