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Review 1 of 1
Price Paid:
$414.00
from www.etronics.com Summary:
This system is simply the best bang for your buck in terms of mini/micro systems.
Let me start from the beginning: Never purchase any items from Etronics.com (where I did). Your warranty is automatically void from Yamaha since they are not an authorized seller and you will sincerely regret having to deal with all of the problems associated with their customer service and shipping issues.
Onto the unit: The MCR-E600SL is stunning. The aluminum casing and Piano Craft speakers are probably the finest combo aesthetically speaking. I dont believe I have seen another system (JVC, Onkyo, Sony, Panasonic, Denon) that comes close to the precision and quality of the Yamaha. All of the knobs turn slowly (as opposed to quickly/loosely) and the buttons are nice and punchy.
Functionality: You cant beat a mini system for roughly $500 that can offer you the capability of CD, DVD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD+RW, SACD, and VCD playback. Each of the formats work equally well - error correction is very fine for scratched discs. The unit never skips and can play some of the most beat up discs.
Sound: Yamaha speakers are not the best in the industry, but compared against the speakers in other mini systems, these are probably the best available (they are easily upgradable - I would check out www.aperionaudio.com). Upon first firing the system up, the sound has a lot of treble and high mids, but once the speakers get worn in (things start sounding good after a couple of hours) the highs die down and the lows start picking up. The EQ works well (there isnt a mids EQ knob) and for a more refined sound, you may want to use the EQ settings through the software on the machine (you have to connect to a TV to configure it on screen). After about a days use, the speakers begin to sound very full and rounded. The highs, mids, and lows are all pretty balanced and dont normally need any heavy EQing unless you listen to bassi ntensive music. My tastes usually run from Ambient to Jazz to Rock to Techo - these speakers can handle it all. I would suggest getting a subwoofer to fill in the lowest end of the freq spectrum - this will really fill out the music and add another dimension to the soundstage that the stock speakers just cant do.
Radio: The tuner works just as any other would - great reception and no problems so far.
Wiring is all standard - I would suggest replacing it with something better - Monster, River, Audio Analysis, Kimber Kable, etc... (look at Audiogon.com for deals)
Lastly: This unit is incredible and I highly recommend it to everyone. The only problem I have had with it is a small clicking from inside the CD tray upon playing music. It sounds as if the laser cannot focus (everything plays and sounds perfectly). This is not a typical problem, but it is quite an annoyance when the sound is at low volume. My unit is already in the shop after having it for only a week. I dont think this is Yamaha's fault - I honestly believe it was a problem caused by the company I bought it from - Etronics. NEVER BUY FROM THEM - (I have to pay for my repair due to the voided warranty) and you take a chance getting a B-Stock item.
If you get confused, the MCR-E600SL system is comprised of the
NX-ED400 (speakers)
RX-E600 (receiver)
DVD-E600 (CD/DVD player)
Look at the manuals before you purchase the item so you can get an idea of what your options are in terms of expansion.
If you cant afford this machine, try some of the lower model Yamaha mini systems - they offer the same quality just with fewer features. If youre not a Yamaha person, I would try either the JVC or the Onkyo - the Denon is nice, but the speakers are SMALL and the unit is somewhat ugly. Strengths:
Awesome sound
A ton of features
Easily expandable through Optical output
Customer service is top notch! Weaknesses:
Nothing! Similar Products Used:
Denon
Sony
JVC
Onkyo
Panasonic
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