Summary:
This Sony system has a 3-disc changer, 3-band tuner, and double auto-reverse decks with Dolby B. According to the owners manual the system is rated at 2x 55 Watts per channel (RMS) at 6 ohms.

There are spring clip terminals on the amp, so upgrading to better speakers is an option. I am using a pair of Mission 701 speakers, connected with QED Qudos cable. If you cannot afford alternative speakers then at least consider upgrading speaker cable, especially seeing as the cable that Sony supplies in the box is crap!! That said, the standard speakers are pretty good, but the Missions are far superior.

Also on the back of the unit is a digital optical output for connecting minidisc equipment etc. There are also a pair of line-in's and a pair of line-out's respectively. So you could connect up an active sub-woofer for example.

What does the system sound like? Very good, especially with the Mission speakers. The sound is fully controllable, with a multi-adjustable spectrum analyser, also there are various presets. The equaliser can be manually adjustable over 5-bands (unusual in a mini-system). In addition, you can configure your own sound and create your own stored presets!!

The system has plenty of power, especially if you use Sony's patented DBFB bass-boost. One thing though, the sound can sometimes sound bright when using surround sound, although this can be overcome somewhat with manual adjustment. Generally, The CD/Tuner/Tape sounds very good. The sound has a good bass/mid-range/treble conbination with good clarity and detail. The tuner and tape are good quality (better than most), these are often the weak links in a mini-system. I would recommend choosing good quality chrome or metal recording tapes if you want to come close to digital sound quality. If you use a good antenna with the tuner, clarity is very good.

Over all, I am giving this system 5 stars for the price, (I paid £199 Sterling).

Strengths:
Fully adjustable E.Q. and Good CD/Tuner/Tape combo

Weaknesses:
Over-complicated controls

Similar Products Used:
Aiwa / Mitsubishi

Summary:
The Sony MHC-RX70 is an older model mini-system, however it is absolutely great! This unit is a stereo mini-system, so it does not have any surround sound features. What it does have however is a power rating of 100W per channel. It has a reading of 0.8% THD per channel, but this is common for a mini-system. It features a 3-disc carousel cd, and a double auto-reverse cassette deck. It has a headphone jack, microphone jack, audio input, audio output, and also an optical output. Full range built-in equalizer, as well as presets. MANY more useful functions too. Not something you can find in most of today's mini-systems. The speakers that come with the system are 3-way 8 Ohm. Good, but if you have better speakers to replace them with, this system will absolutely sing!
If you can still find one of these, BUY IT!

Strengths:
Functions
Power

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Aiwa