Sony CMT-SPZ90DB

Technical Details: For each channel there is 50 Watts RMS, two channels and 100 RMS wattage total, DAB / FM RDS radio and presets, S-Master amp with digital output.

Features: 3 disc holder, compatible with CDR/RW cd's, mp3 playback, it is 180 mm in width

Pros: Tape cassette player, CD player, DAB radio and mp3 playback all for under £140. A total of 100 W RMS output through two speakers should fill most medium sized rooms. Plenty of radio presets, and a clear and concise 9-digit LCD display does a fine job of displaying all CD/radio station information. It's a rare occurrence for a mini hifi to now include a traditional cassette player, and something we feel more manufacturers should still include. The sound quality will be put to shame by more expensive systems, but acceptable for a hifi costing £140.

Cons: It does not come with an adequate aerial, making reception of a dab signal problematic in many regions. When checking the rear of the hifi it became obvious Sony had omitted a F aerial socket, making attachment of an industry standard aerial impossible. The only inclusion is a 3 pin socket which allows for the attachment of basic wired aerial, which is of no use for areas on the edges of DAB reception. There is also no coaxial input.

Verdict: Unless your area has a strong DAB signal then we could not recommend this midi system. Sony have scrimped on quite a few basic sockets like an F aerial and coaxial input. Whilst the overall quality is good, you'd expect nothing less from Sony, the omission of some pretty basic inputs cannot be overlooked. Alot of people may become disillusioned with Sony if they buy this system for the sole purpose of a DAB radio. Most rural areas of the UK will be lucky to pick up any signal, and have next to no recourse to rectify the issue, apart from asking for a refund.

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