Aiwa XR-M55 Mini Audio System

After e-window shopping for several weeks at various manufacturer sites, consumer-rated sites, and online retailers, I finally decided to go with this model. Price and sound were most important in my decision. Since many mini-bookshelf systems don't include a tape deck anymore, being able to play cassettes was important. This model was about $50 more than the lower model > Aiwa XR-M33. I didn't hear any excellent reviews of that model, so I went with the M55.

The fit and finish on this model is pretty solid in this price bracket. The speakers have some substance, meaning that they're a good weight. The controls aren't too small and are easy to use. The auto-reverse cassette head looks solid. The sound is pretty good and the bass is tight for a stereo under 200 bucks.

I love the clean look of the XR-M55. Most stereos in this price range look cheezy and over-the-top. We're not teenagers anymore. This stereo would look nice in a home office. The office accents on the speakers look nice too. The only thing that bothers me about the M55 is that it the first half second of a song skips when skipping forward/backward songs. It's almost unnoticable on most songs, but if this is your primary stereo (for recording), you might want to consider another model.

Anyone on a budget who wants decent (not hallow) sound should buy this stereo. It would make a nice SOHO unit. My girlfriend loves it.