The Future of Mini Hi-Fi's...
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Hmm - it's getting a bit hard to keep track of brands these days, what with all the changes in the companies.
JVC used to have a great reputation for quality control - in the old days, if a unit failed QC, it would be destryoed so that no employees could take it out of the factory and sell it. I suppose they can't afford to do that any more.
Ten years back, Kenwood came out with some pretty damned good budget systems, but then they started going for those funny-looking Manga-type designs, and have not really done anything particularly impressive since.
Aiwa, well, is still Aiwa - going for the market that wants a lot of features without much consideration for performance specifications.
Sony does come out with some good units, but they're mixed into a catalogue with some Aiwa-style pieces as well, so you do need to choose carefully.
Panasonic's okay - they ask a bit much for what they're offering, but they're okay.
Pioneer can brag all they want about specialising in A/V, but they still don't offer anything more than Panosonic do. So there.
Then I suppose there's the Korean companies like LG and Samsung. I'll admit to harbouring some QC doubts about the Korean manufacturers after a few initial bad experiences, so I won't say much about them.
Like Sony, I think Yamaha use their name to sell a lot of less-than-expected-quality items. Onkyo, on the other hand, at least seem to maintain some standard. Then again, some could argue that the price point of these two brands puts them out of the budget market. -
OMFG. They're still doing the Macross thing.Originally posted by Deportivo:the bling bling version.
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Originally posted by Gedanken:OMFG. They're still doing the Macross thing.
I would have preferred it if they had done the speakers in the style of the mini version. I don't really like speakers that look like that but... look at the center console!!!
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BIG BIG BIG brother style.
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I sampled a panasonic unit like this a couple of years ago. The best hi fi in my personal opinion.
and i prefer a calmer, sleek look like that. -
this one is nice too.
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i still think connecting 5.1 speakers to your DVD player and playing your music from there is the way to go
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Agreed - that's a rather nice look.Originally posted by HENG@:I sampled a panasonic unit like this a couple of years ago. The best hi fi in my personal opinion.
http://www.panasonic.fr/me/internet/images/products/SC-PM39D_1i.jpg
and i prefer a calmer, sleek look like that. -
Originally posted by Gedanken:OMFG. They're still doing the Macross thing.
Which brand is that...?
*squints* -
Tried this one at the shops too... I liked the buttons - neat design!Originally posted by HENG@:I sampled a panasonic unit like this a couple of years ago. The best hi fi in my personal opinion.
and i prefer a calmer, sleek look like that.
And yeah, I like speakers that look 'clean' like that, unlike the speakers of that Big Bro. Wish I could just purchase the center console and fit my own preferred speakers to it. heh! -
something sleeker?
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It does look nice... but the sound quality is yucks. I tried it too cause the design caught my attention. The sound really cannot pass my QC. heh!Originally posted by HENG@:this one is nice too. -
Like this?Originally posted by the Bear:i still think connecting 5.1 speakers to your DVD player and playing your music from there is the way to go
Just picked this up last week. The specs aren't great (70W per channel with 10% THD), but I'm not looking to upset the new neighbours just yet, and at A$399, it makes a good stop-gap measure. Got it hooked up to my Sony DVD recorder (which is also silver), so at least it all looks like it goes together. -
I actually like Apple's idea of getting several manufacturers to create speakers for their iPods.
If you're starting up house and don't really have much cash to spare to fully-furnish the entire place, you can carry those speakers with you to any room in the house and have music right where you are.
I like the portability and the fact that your iPod can store so many of your favourite CD's it allows you to play DJ anywhere you go, even when you're on vacation!
Oh hell... I love love love gadgets!!!
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WHoa... a picture says a thousand words!Originally posted by Gedanken:Like this?
Just picked this up last week. The specs aren't great (70W per channel with 10% THD), but I'm not looking to upset the new neighbours just yet, and at A$399, it makes a good stop-gap measure. Got it hooked up to my Sony DVD recorder (which is also silver), so at least it all looks like it goes together.
I saw one such system by Altec Lansing on sale at Carrefour... hovered around the demo area like a vulture for quite a while! hehe!
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Looks coolOriginally posted by Deportivo:something sleeker? -
I still can't find photos of that JVC hi-fi I was talking about that had those kewl colour-change digital panels to post here.
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yup.. and you don't need to buy another hi-fi to clutter up your place tooOriginally posted by Gedanken:Like this?
Just picked this up last week. The specs aren't great (70W per channel with 10% THD), but I'm not looking to upset the new neighbours just yet, and at A$399, it makes a good stop-gap measure. Got it hooked up to my Sony DVD recorder (which is also silver), so at least it all looks like it goes together. -
Uh huh. Now I'm going to see if I can find a way of hiding all the components in the lounge room, and on my next trip back I'll probably pick up an LCD projector so that I can get rid of the TV.Originally posted by the Bear:yup.. and you don't need to buy another hi-fi to clutter up your place too -
i am sure you will dig this.Originally posted by Rhonda:I actually like Apple's idea of getting several manufacturers to create speakers for their iPods.
If you're starting up house and don't really have much cash to spare to fully-furnish the entire place, you can carry those speakers with you to any room in the house and have music right where you are.
I like the portability and the fact that your iPod can store so many of your favourite CD's it allows you to play DJ anywhere you go, even when you're on vacation!
Oh hell... I love love love gadgets!!! 
stick the soundpads to any surface to create a speaker off the surface. Imgaine sticking it to your wall in your room and having music coming off your wall. cool eh? -
a panasonic?! oh my. i have to go see for myself.Originally posted by Rhonda:It does look nice... but the sound quality is yucks. I tried it too cause the design caught my attention. The sound really cannot pass my QC. heh! -
TV... I love those flat panel ones!Originally posted by Gedanken:Uh huh. Now I'm going to see if I can find a way of hiding all the components in the lounge room, and on my next trip back I'll probably pick up an LCD projector so that I can get rid of the TV.
Actually, a computer with the appropriate components and accessories can help eradicate the need for a hi-fi set, a TV, and a DVD/VCD player. KEWL!
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whoaaaaaaaaa!Originally posted by Deportivo:i am sure you will dig this.
stick the soundpads to any surface to create a speaker off the surface. Imgaine sticking it to your wall in your room and having music coming off your wall. cool eh? -
My first thought was... I hope that prolonged use doesn't weaken the building's structure in any way! 
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my first thought was making love against the wall...the vibration....talk about aural orgasm.
