I purchased this system yesterday for $249 (at Dow), and I am completely amazed by what I got for under $300. I was looking originally at the Aiwa and Kenwood systems (many of which were much more expensive) and found the DSP modes very limiting. In fact, with the Kenwood the DSP modes did not utilize the surround speakers, which from my understanding of DSP makes no sense. The sound quality was also much higher in general, with clean crisp highs, and a surprisingly tight pop from the woofers. I do wish that I had the room/money for a full component system, but as an apartment dweller this system is great, and for this price I recommend this system to everyone.

I listen to classical music. I am a serious amateur classical musician (I've played the piano with orchestras, I play in a chamber music group and I went to Interlochen for four summers during high school.) I was searching for a mini-system which allowed me enough equalizing control to bring out various tones and specific instruments when listening to Opera, symphonic works or chamber music. I found that this system delivered the most clarity of sound and had the best equalizing control of all of the mini-systems I researched, most of which seem to be marketed at testosterone-infused college boys. (No offense guys, but some of us classical-- or should i say Baroque, romantic, classical and contemporary-- listeners, don't desire fancy graphic displays, nintendo game features and pre-set equalizer functions such as "rock", "blues", "jazz" and "rap.") so anyway, I absolutely love this system, it's loud enough for my 15-20 foot bedroom, carries all the way to the kitchen, and has phenomenal equalizing power (5-bands adjustable.) Since I couldn't afford a component system, and won't be able to until I get out of grad school and hired to a tenure-track job, this little system is perfect for my needs. and the speakers are powerful enough for me to blast Beethoven through the roof. Perhaps not powerful enough to cause hearing damage, and there is no "extra bass" feature, but I don't need either, so I am content.
Are there any other classical listeners who post reviews to this website, or are we an endangered species?

-Miriam