Price Paid:  $500.00 from Perth, Australia

Summary:
This is a follow up to a review I posted a few months ago.

I recently purchased a Sony DVP-S735D (not sure what the international model number is for this) DVD player and have it running through this stereo. The DVD has a built in decoder and the stereo has 5.1 inputs for Dobly Surround.

I guess I wasn't too sure what to expect from the sound as one of my earlier complaints was that the rear speakers were too small and sounded 'tinny'. Well after playing a few DVD's I can now say that the rear speakers are just fine. They produce good sound, the Raptor's in the grass scene in Lost World has the delicate sound of people yelling in the distance which is reproduced excellently. On the other end of the scale the bullet dodging scene in Matrix is outstanding with a full sound reproduction.

I was going to buy a sub woofer but this stereo really doesn't need it, the deep sounds are great.

As with my last review I would recommend this for anyone after this type of equipment. Especially for the amazing sound from DVD.

Strengths:
Excellent sound and construction, easy to use

Weaknesses:
As list previously. Other international versions of this model have a text edit function, this doesn't

Price Paid:  $519.00 from Video Direct

Summary:
I finally found the mini-system I've wanted for over 12 years. I've always enjoyed my two compact mini-systems from JVC with the bi-amplified speakers and 6+1 compact disc player, however, it had no provisions for surround sound. Most of the mini-systems with Dolby pro-logic functionality were tinny sounding and goofy looking.

Not the MHC-NX3AV from Sony! This system packs a lot of punch and is very stylish (it's Silver to match other Wega components) The unit is extremely small (only 8" tall and 17" wide with the two components placed side by side!)

The main speakers are a beefy 15.5lbs each with a 7" woofer coupled with a 1" dome tweeter(magnetically shielded) each capable of handling all 100 watts supplied to them. Incredible bass reproduction! The center and the rear speakers also handle their 35 watts each even though they are relatively small 3.25" woofers. The rears/center speakers are extremely heavy (3.5lbs) for their compact footprint (9"x3"x3") The MHC-NX3AV has a subwoofer output which I used with a pair of my HSU research subs, however, the main speakers have plenty of low frequency punch and don't require a subwoofer.

Of course this system has all the usual goodies such as 5-disc changer with CD-text, dual cassette with synchro recording, AM/FM tuner with plenty of presets, spectrum analyzer, clock, and 25 sound effect/sound fields. It also boasts three additional inputs (minidisc, video, & DVD) The minidisc and video use typical L & R stereo connections, but the DVD input is a true 5.1 (L,C,R,RR,LR,Sub) connection. It even allows separate volume control of both the rears and center speakers from the remote control.

The unit does have a Dolby Pro-Logic decoder built inside, which works great when hooked up to a satellite receiver or VHS deck. Unfortunately, this unit is not equipped with a digital coax or optical input, but as long as you have a DVD player with 5.1 output, your ready to take full advantage of the MHCNX3AV. On the flip side, it does have a digital ouput for minidisc recording.

Another feature I wish this mini-system had is a battery back up like the Sony VCR I own. Since we suffer from many power outtages, it's nice not to have to set the clock every two weeks. I imagine the mini-system will also lose all the radio presets as well.

The remote control has a simple layout, making it easy to use once your familiar with it. The instruction manual was the only huge dissapointment. It doesn't go into any detail about many of the functions and features of the system. In fact, I didn't know the unit had a graphical spectrum analyzer until I played with the "Display" button and turned the analyzer. I recommend exploring the buttons on your own since the manual is mostly useless.

All in all, the MHC-NX3AV system is a perfect compact solution for home theater enthusiasts and at a great low price. I found it at Videodirect.com since none of the local stores carried it. I had to wait for three months to get the unit, but it was sure worth the wait.

Strengths:
Compact and sleek design,Pro-Logic and Dolby 5.1 System, Silver color, great bass reproduction

Weaknesses:
No digital in, no battery back-up, weak instruction manual

Similar Products Used:
JVC MX-C770, JVC MX-C7

Price Paid:  $700.00 from Crutchfield

Summary:
I still love my old Sony MHC700 which I bought ten years ago in Europe, but it's close to death. The NX3AV is the closest replacement I could find without all the stupid green/blue/red space age lights, and a good quality twin deck. Could use a few refinements but worth the cash...

Strengths:
Solid build. Simply slick design. No stupid flashing lights. Great sound quality.

Weaknesses:
No radio station scan. Can't rewind deck A while playing deck B, or listening to CD.

Similar Products Used:
MHC700

Price Paid:  $600.00

Summary:
Excellent system, solidly constructed, easy to use and great sound.

The main complaint would be about the rear (and centre) speakers not being powerful enough but it is really only a minor complaint.

Overall I would recommend it to anyone in the market for this type of system.

The price is incorrect as I don't know the conversion from Australian to U.S. dollars. I paid $1,100 (AUS)in April 2000.

Strengths:
Sound quality, ease of use, cd / tape recording functions. All up it's a great system.

Weaknesses:
Not able to customise text names for radio station presets and some CD's which have text names appear when listening on my PC but don't appear to work with this system. But these are minor complaints. The rear speakers could be a bit more powerful as they sound a bit tinny.

Price Paid:  $670.00 from NAY, Slovakia, www.nay.sk

Summary:
Excellent

Strengths:
easy to operate, strong and clear sound, dsp and equalizer options are really great

Weaknesses:
without non stop play function, inability to edit station name (rds text)