Great stereo (and surround) sound, fabulous display, remote control, built in woofers, etc.

No digital inputs.

I had two choices the day I bought my first real stereo system. I had no idea what brands were the best, although I did do some research. I must have gotten lucky with my Aiwa, for looking back at the situation I once was in, other brands like Sony don't compare up.

I had enough money to go with either this stereo system, or the next step up, which was a 410-watt system by the same brand. I chose the NSX-MA845 because of the built in woofers. Why would anyone want a 410-watt system when the power wasn't directed towards the woofers (which there were none)?

At first I was skeptical, as most would be, although I didn't really have much to compare the sound quality to, considering that it was my first stereo. All I wanted was a good sound system, that played from high to low, and as an added bonus, came with rear and center speakers.

Well here I am, I think 4 years later, and I have become a major audiophile. My sister owns a sony in the other room in my house, and I have had much experience with other systems by other brands (JVC, Pioneer, etc.). Of all the products from all the brands that I have tested, Aiwa would be my prime choice.

I know most have said in past reviews that the rear speakers seem weak, and they may indeed be right. But if you tweak the right settings, the prettiest of sounds can come out of all the speakers. I have a 20gig NOMAD JukeBox by Creative Labs hooked up to my Aiwa (via 5.1 hookup), so that my music plays through 4 speakers. It's only stereo sound, but definitely more spacious because of my tweaking. In the sound system you can increase volumes of the surround (and center) speakers in relation to the front ones. The best settings for me is to put the rear speakers all the way up, and the nifty equalizer to my own setting, all the way up on low frequencies, all the way up on high. There is no setup for BBE in 5.1, but I usually always leave the T-BASS up to setting three. The sound is great. I get my highs, I get my lows, and there has not been one instance where cracking or fuzziness has come out of my rear speakers. I've done tests and compared volumes of the front and rear speakers, and the rear ones are definitely audible. Whether listening to it at night, or blasting it during the day, everytime I turn that thing on I get crystal clear sound out of all the speakers, at all the volumes. I think why crackling may occur for some people is with the surround effects the system uses in stereo mode (Stadium, Hall, etc.) But in 5.1, at volume 5 to 40 the sound is beautiful.

For the REAL audiophiles, I would suggest a $5000 system by BOSE (just an example), only because it's probably the best sound system I've heard for it's money, but if you are pushed on cash, and just want a really good system to listen to, this one is for you. I must admit, I wish there were digital inputs for better quality, but the analog ones will do fine for me right now. I've watched DVD movies via analog (with rear sound all the way up) and the experience is fabulous.

My system is refurbished too, and as many may know, that means that it was used, defective, and fixed by the manufacturer to be sold once again, but the system works so much like new. I haven't had one single problem with it yet, and it will sit in my room for years and years to come.

I gave this product a 100% 5 out of 5 because of the ease of use for it. The display is one of the best I have seen yet, and although the hookups are rather old fashioned, the sound is near perfect, and the surround couldn't get better for the price.

The CD-changer I haven't used often, but when I do, it performs. It has taken me awhile to get the best settings for the best results, but it is capable, if you give it a try. The remote is a winner, and the features the product poses in general are worth the money.

A "killer buy" this product is, for those of you who might (or might still not) be interested. Just about everything that has to do with my Aiwa is what I've always wanted in a mini-system, and it has got to be one of the better purchases I have made in my lifetime. If I had the money I'd get something better, who knows what I might get, but for now I'm sticking with this.

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None

The product has alot of power and excellent sound quality. I have enjoyed the MA845 very much. Surround sound is awesome, and the dolby digtal is great.

Rumors persist that the lasers on Aiwa's go out within 5 years.

Great product at a great price. I bought it on sale at $363 with tax and a $50 service plan. I think it was well worth the money.

Main speaker sound, Bass, Styling, Lots of jacks on the back for 5.1 Channel input and such

Rear Surround Static

Just bought this thing. Found a price on the net for $334.99 and Sears matched the price (they had it priced at $399.99). Everything sounded great about this unit. Great front speaker sound. However, after listening to a while, I noticed the rear surround speakers produce a horrible popping static off and on from any source in any mode (surround, Dolby...). This unit really failed miserably when I watched a movie in the Dolby mode giving me a lot of static. Called 3 different people at Aiwa and they gave me 3 different answers ranging from that is a normal sound to that is not normal. The display at Sears, upon revisiting them, produces the same nasty static from the rear surround speakers. I am debating on whether to trade it for another unit of this type or just get my money back and go to another brand. I could give this unit 4 stars if it were not for the crappy rear surround noise which Aiwa can't give me a straight answer on.

BBE, Built-In Subs, Dolby 5.1 Ready

None (so far)

Great mini-system. Has surround sound speakers and they come with built in subs. Colorful screen and useful remote. For $300 at Circuit City, you cant go wrong!!!

Excellent sound quality, bright and colorful graphics

None

I bought it from Wards with unbelievable price! 272 (include tax). I do not hesitate to buy it! As I use, it is fantastic. Excellent, crystal clear sound. I like it's bright and colorful graphics and a lot of features you can adjust. Also, it comes with Dolby Prologic 5.1 surround sound. If you find one, don't be late!!!

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Sony systems

Great sound, easy to use controls, microphone inputs, Price,
and Pro Logic.

None

This system came with all the options I was looking for, without the enormous price to go with it. I bought it at Best Buy for $349.99. The pro logic works great. I tested it out with "The Matrix" and was very impressed. The front controls are easy to operate, which is great for my family.
The microphone option is something I will use quite a bit, especially when recording a speaker (this is a great system to use for speaking type events). I found the user's manual quite extensive, but easy to follow. Lots of pictures, which came in handy since I'm a guy!!! The other thing I liked was the fact that the base sound didn't overpower me, like some systems I listened to, like JVC and Sharp. It was still powerful, but enjoyable to the ear. I'd highly recommend this system to the serious music listener, especially anyone you enjoys contemporary Christian music (Newsboys, Integrity Music, etc.)

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I have a 100 watt AIWA system I purchased 5 years ago.

dd inputs, remote

sound trails off at high volumes

After having this thing for a year now, I can say that I actually like it more than my receiver (Technics). It sounds better at low volumes than it does when you really push it, but that's acceptable. The remote is well laid out, with the most used buttons right where your thumb should be. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Karaoke, dual mic input, wattage, DSP modes, 5.1 ready- but this is all offset by its weakness...

HORRIBLE, BONKING BASS. *pukes*

My best friend has had this system for over a year, and I feel bad for him (he feels sorry for himself enough though). He thought he had a decent deal on his hands when he picked it up, and it seemed so- until we blasted it. Even at lower volume levels, the bass is muddy and too..."noisy". When put at a higher level (esp. with T-Bass all the way up) the bass...BONKS. Yes, it BONKS, BOOMS, it doesn't do what it should. And this happens on medium volumes too. And don't think it's the speakers; he bought another pair of huge Aiwa 3-way speakers with subs built in and he has the same problem- it's the receiver. How can anyone enjoy this system with such horrible bass? And it's not just his system- I've tested this system at every store in the area and they all do the same thing. Ugh, it ruins what COULD have been a good system.

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Aiwa NSX-MA545