Sharp 5-Disc Shelf System (CD-ES600)

Rating:
Summary: Good value
Review: We purchased two of these shelf systems and are very pleased with them. I am giving this model a five-star rating because, for the price, it is a great unit. Obviously it can't compare to a $2,000 component stereo system, but unless you need the walls to shake or require every feature available, it doesn't make sense to spend money on a full-size system. With 240-watts of power, this unit has more than enough volume (I never have it more than 1/4 of the way up except to see what it can do) and has a surprising amount of bass for that size speakers. It even has a bass booster button, which is especially usefull when using low volume. The functions are easy to use and the manual is easy to understand. Instead of the normal carousel type disk changer, it has five separate trays. I don't see any advantage or disadvantage in either system. Perhaps it is easier to change CDs while still playing the others - something I don't do myself. I find it to be an attractive looking unit and the controls are easy to see and to use.

On the negative side: The cassett deck does not play in both directions (auto reverse), which is a feature on more expensive units. There is no auxillary imput so we cannot hook it up to our TV for better sound. The speaker cables were too short for my needs, although they would be sufficient had I placed the speakers within my entertainment center cabinet. I mearly spliced additional wiring to lengthen them (just make sure you keep the polarity correct). (Had Sharp made the leads twice as long, there would probably be complaints from having to stash the extra wiring someplace or that there is needless power loss due to the excessive wire lenths. You can't please everybody.)

All in all, I think you get a lot for the money.