Price Paid:  $299.00 from J&R

Summary:
I'd said it is well worth every penny I spent on it. Also the best bookshelf ysytem, especially considering the price. the sound is flawless(for such small speakers).

Strengths:
sound quality. as good as Denon DM30.

Weaknesses:
no, maybe the bass is a little bit weak, but enough for me at least.

Similar Products Used:
Denon DM30, yamaha, onkyo, panasonic..

Price Paid:  $173.00 from discount store

Summary:
I bought a similar model, the MCD95. It is the econo version of the Reference 100. First off, the sound quality is very good- with a definite soundstage and very good details. Vocals are very smooth and lifelike- not forced or harsh at all. I could listen to it all day. For the vocal range to mid highs to be so smooth is what sets this micro system apart from other systems in its class. Also, it is so cheap- cheaper than any similar system. I use it for everything- my tv sound, computer sound, cassette deck- everything on my desk and it performs marvelously. The sound is quite lively with smooth vocals. My Cranberries albums sound great. Larger sounding rock music needs something meatier, but my U2's Greatest sounds very clean, but this system doesn't thump like a system with larger speakers. I just ran through all the music I have collected in the last 10 years and every piece sound more detailed than I used to remember. And I can clearly hear all the vocal details. Only the Yamaha MCR-E150 sounded better to my ears. The Denon sounded dead flat, but somewhat boring. The controls on the Teac all feel high quality and even is functional with settable clock timer, just like the Yamaha. It fits into my life perfectly- simply. The CD gear noise is loud and weak sounding, but for the sounds it delivers and the low price, it performs incredibly well. The speakers uses high quality materials and is mounted with quality screws- I can imagine this system to endure long term use. Even the sound modes are designed well- sure, they color the sound, but they don't affect the vocal range, leaving the system sound very natural. Classy and elegant for dirt cheap.

Strengths:
great sound-after installing Monster Cables, the vocals to highs got even noticeably smoother and cleaner, but the loudness decreased (?). High quality for cheap. "Heavy" component feel, fit and finish. Uses only 60watts. Excellent useability for everything/anything.

Weaknesses:
a little cheesy speaker wood finish. otherwise, practically perfect. Okay, remote does not "scan" radio channels, does not allow midtrack forwarding. Detailed sounds, but not a thumper of a system. May need a sub to sound "full."

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha MCR-E150,Denon,Sony EX,Panasonic- the Teac is FAR better than I imagined.

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
All these cheap mini systems have some sort of distortion. So you pick the minisystem with the distortion your ears are less sensitive to or doesn't show up on the type of music that you play. Anyhow this Teac just did not sound right. Heard it at J and R and BJ's. I don't care what hifichoice at www.ecosutics.com says. Here are two MUCH better systems: http://www.jandr.com/JRProductPage.process?RestartFlow=t&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1549&pcount=&Product_Id=2870417&Sort=Mfr_Name,Current_Price,Product_Name This Yamaha MCR-150 is the best I've heard at $169 can't be beat (you can hear this at Best Buys but don't pay the $300) get it here: www.shop.store.yahoo.com/jeffminsky/yammcrelmics.html

Strengths:
small size. Looks???

Weaknesses:
sound funny.

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha (best) Panasonic, JVC (ughh), Sony, Aiwa, Denon/ Mission (Yamaha MCR-250 is better)