Aiwa NSX-D70 CD Audio Shelf System

I needed to replace a decade-old Kenwood rack system I just sold off. Essential features I sought were a smaller form factor, sound reproduction that came close to matching the old Kenwood, and an alarm clock function. Bonuses were a dual cassette deck and CD changer. After setting the maximum budget at $200 (incl. tax and shipping), this model -- bought at $159 inclusive -- was the one I decided on.

Setup was quite easy compared to the Kenwood - fewer wires being the main reason. I do recommend, however, that buyers get familiar with the manual (written in a straightforward manner), and play with the system while reading it. Most should quickly get the hang of the functions of the unit and the remote. And be sure to buy 2 AA batteries for the remote, as they aren't included.

Being a fan of 4th-20th century European, Russian, and Byzantine sacred choral music, the biggest challenge I've been able to give it thus far has been playing a CD of Anton Bruckner's motets. Low-end sound reproduction was quite good -- I could hear the low organ pedal pipes and the bass trombones crisply even at low volume. Vocal reproduction was equally good, if not better -- to be able to hear a choir's articulated Ts and Ps on this system without straining for them is a joy. Renaissance choral music comes out very clearly, as does Chanticleer's recording of Sir John Tavener's "Lamentations and Praises". I usually don't test the unit at max volume, so I will leave others to testify about its capabilities there.

The unit's graphic equalizer has three presets common to most of its peers (Rock, Jazz and Pop), but it also sports a user-determined fourth option. Moreover, it's a true 3-band EQ, with bass, midrange, and treble being independently adjustable.

The alarm clock function is a wonderful luxury, easy to operate from the remote or the unit. Essential features to those who'd use this unit for a bedroom alarm clock: the CD changer operation is relatively quiet, especially compared to Panasonic 5-CD changers; the tastefully restrained LED display can be adjusted for brightness; and the stereo volume for the alarm function can be adjusted independently of the operating volume -- turn off the stereo at any volume, but it will turn on at a prescribed volume.

The remote is truly full-featured -- the only thing you cannot do with it is eject cassettes or CDs. Why, then, is it also panned? Simple -- it doesn't match the unit except for the brand label. Though it's functionally integrated, it's not aesthetically integrated. A minor quibble, but some may be sensitive to it.

Another disappointment was finding that the speaker wires are hard-wired to the speaker cabinets. One cannot upgrade without performing surgery on the speakers (and thus voiding the warranty). Most people, however, won't be affected by this.

Radio reception is a mixed bag. AM stations come in more clearly with the Aiwa than the Kenwood, but FM stations I got with the Kenwood don't come in as readily with this unit. It may be a good idea to obtain another FM antenna, as the one included also seems to be a victim of cost-cutting.

More automated moving parts mean more potential breakdowns, so we'll see how long the 3-CD changer functions without breaking. (The 5-CD changer on a friend's Panasonic shelf system lasted less than a year before succumbing to gremlins.) Otherwise, the unit seems solidly built and could last for at least as long as the Kenwood did. Your mileage, of course, may vary.

All in all, this stereo packs quite a feature set for the price. Provided it lasts, it could be a long-term winner in its niche.