Sony MHC-GZR333i DVD/CD Karaoke Boombox Speaker Dock Shelf System GENEZI AM/FM Radio iPod/iPhone Dock 3-Disc DVD/CD Player Component System (Black)

Sony MHC-GZR333i DVD/CD Karaoke BoomboxI purchased this system to replace two separate aging components - a Nakamichi Soundspace7 compact stereo and a Toshia HI-FI VCR/DVD recorder deck. Both connected to a Olevia 32in flatscreen TV.Since unboxing and connecting the Sony, I am experiencing some really glaring differences between it and the Nakamichi SoundSpace7 - mostly due to the technology advances since the Nakamichi was purchased in 1994, but also with the design of both systems. The Nakamichi was designed (I suppose) to be a piece of connoisseur audio gear that has a striking and elegant build. Its a horizontal system with two speakers. Speakers have a round semicircular back with a flat rectangular (typical) font grilles (removable). The Sony on the other hand is a beast of a system with a center component block that has a huge volume knob (which I've dubbed "the navel"), and two speakers with mesh grilles in which the individual speaker cones are visible. The grilles are not removable and the speakers are slightly smaller than the component block. I am not using a subwoofer with this system.Sound. The Sony has sound fields (rock, pop, soul, jazz...etc.), virtual Surround sound and a built-in, puny, three level graphic in equalizer (only +/- 6db). Its not a physical slider type eq but is activated by pressing a button on front of the component block and it then it displays on the Sony's built in screen. Overall the system sound is muddy and muffled. Bass sounds confined, and there is practically no treble high-end being reproduced through these speakers. Constant fiddling with the sound fields, and that puny equalizer do nothing to better the sound. Only when I began to crank up the volume past level 10 did any low-mid-high ranges become discernible. In my carpeted Den, this system's sound just doesn't cut it! If anyone out there knows how to remedy this sound feature at low listening levels, please let me know. My Nakamichi on the other hand has only a bass/treble and a loudness control on/off button. Despite that shortcoming, it dances sound circles around this Sony contraption.Disc Playing. The Sony wins this function by a landslide. It will play just about any format CD/DVD/VCD...etc. that you can throw at it. Also, it has a 3 disc changer. The Nakamichi by comparison plays only audio CDs, and has a 5disc internal storage chamber (called Musicbank).Video. DVD picture quality is great on the built-in 7in screen. You can also choose different aspects for the screen also. The video can be also routed to an external viewing device via component video or regular A/V connections. Sony system's built in screen will display video either from its disc player, or an external video source (I used a Sony camcorder on it). It also displays the system's functions when a button on the remote or component block is pressed. The built in screen is also a bit of an irritation due to the corny 1960's type psychedelic graphics it displays that dance to the sound of the audio source being played. What an irritation! Thankfully it can be turned off. This feature I guess was built to appeal to teens and 20-somethings. This Sony system is also a karaoke system and the graphics may add a bit of fun to a sing along session.......I guess. By comparison The Nakamichi has no video circuitry and will only play the audio from a video source.That's enough for comparisons and a review. In closing I would like to say this Sony system is a fine system for someone living in confined quarters - such as a dorm, small apt, or the "tiny house" movement in the U.S. Turn it up loud enough and its 450watts of power will blow the roof off any of those structures. It plays every type of disc possible, accepts USB devices with data/mp3/video, plus charge/play your iPod or iPhone. Its a well rounded and completely functional system for modern times. There is one shortcoming, though - the tone quality is lackluster and flat.

I love this stereo. Just 1 weird thing. It doesn't turn off. It goes into stand-by mode, so it looks like it is still on. Very strange. I've never had an appliance that wouldn't shut off. Also the screen doesn't display the karoke words. I thought it would, but maybe I don't have the right type of karoke CD's. The screen is actually made to be a TV. You just need an HMI cord. But everything else works great.

Works great. get questions about the dimensions. This piece is 301/2X13X131/2 inches (L X W X H)

I am still reading the instructions trying to figure it out. I thought the display screen would show the words to the songs while it is in karaoke mode, but either I have the wrong type of cd or this unit doesn't do that. All the other functions work well. Still a good shelf stereo.Update: Works Great. Awesome party stereo. Will play whatever media you have except records and tapes.

I got this for a birthday present and I could never use it because it wasn't compatible with my iPhone. I also never use cd's much anymore and I could never get it to work as a DVD player either. It's great for a CD player though. I Think the karaoke feature is also kind of a waste unless you have a lot of parties and need a karaoke machine. Don't waste your money on this

Nice stereo voltage switch needs to be set at 120 when shipped in USA this should be put in the manual it will save future buyers a lot of grief seller called and he did help me with it now it's time to listen to some music lol