Aiwa XR-MS5 CD Audio Shelf System

Compare to the XR-MS3, this is such a big disappointment. The sound is excellent for a system this small, though adding a subwoofer is a good idea. The tiny size makes it easy to fit anywhere. Advanced functionalities like BBE and Q-surround makes this system quite attractive. The black piano finished speakers are definite winners. However, the problem comes at the main tower module. To begin with, the display is a puke green like that on a microwave oven, making it look alot less attractive than it should be, and a big loser compare to the multi-colored display of XR-MS3. The function buttons have a very gray plasticky look that simply did not fit a system in this price range or functionality. There is no lighting around the buttons. Compare to the XR-MS3, the XR-MS5 is one joke of a design job on the main unit. However, be on the lookout for drastic price drops on these system. Given a sufficiently low price, it is a bargain considering its sound quality and functionality.