Pioneer LifePlus NS-33 Mini Audio System
Out of stock |
Similar in Audio Shelf Systems
- Number of Discs: 1
- Sound Type: Stereo
- Functions: CD Player
- Output Power: 70 Watt PMPO
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
Pioneer Wall-mountable Mini-system
Pros
esthetic, affordable, sound quality, great sub-whoofer
Cons
remote control, command buttons, wires
Recommended it?
Yes
The idea of having a wall-mountable mini-system in my home office came after my brother purchased a Bang & Olufsen for his home. Indeed, I was impressed by its motion-sensing glass doors and its elegant vertically designed CD-player. Yet, I wasn't impressed by its price tag (over USD$3000). I also considered Nakamitchi's Sound Space 5 and 7 but later learned that they were unable to properly play CD-Rs. Then Pioneer introduced NS-33 on the market and had caught my attention.
I purchased my NS-33 via a specialized audio/video store in Canada for $585 CDN (15.6% Canadian tax included). Although I knew I could get it for cheaper via an internet company, I didn't want to go through the hassle of tax and shipping issues.
NS-33 came in 3 separate boxes: (1) The CD player (2) the Speakers and SubWhoofer (3) The Amplifier (heaviest box). All very well packaged.
I have been using my NS-33 for about a week and here's what I have to say:
The NS-33 is very attractive and elegant when mounted on a wall. It delivers a "high-end sound system" kind of look - very esthetically pleasing. The NS-33 delivers a very satisfactory sound quality mainly due to its very capable sub-whoofer. I would say that it easily measures up to any other mini-system of its caliber. It plays CD and CD-R without problem, CD-RW was not tested. Its modest blue FL light and display are not overwhelming and deliver just the right amount of light and information. Its motion sensing glass doors are responsive and its mechanism is smooth. The NS-33 also offers AM/FM radio with antenna, sleep mode and some other programmable functions, an headphone input, aux out-put and the ability to connect a wall-mountable Pioneer CD-recorder.
The drawback from any wall-mountable system is mainly with the wires. Although the system is very attractive on a wall, the wires that comes in and out from it are not. Unless you are planning to hide them inside the wall (a very laborious job), the wires could seriously compromise the look. When put on a table top, the system is less impressive and even fall short when compared to other table top mini-systems (Sony for instance). The NS-33 comes with a remote control a little bigger than a business card, and very thin. Although it may seem very cute at first, one would soon learn that it is not very easy to hold and even difficult to find/use the command buttons. The CD-Player also supports few command buttons esthetically and strategically placed on the system's top in order to keep a simple look. However, when mounted on a wall, one must use a step-ladder to be able to read which button is for what. The CD-Player unfortunately supports only one CD, and removing/inserting a CD is a delicate manoeuvre.
So far, I still think that the NS-33 delivers well for its modest price tag. It doesn't replace a Band & Olufsen but definitely wows most of your house guests. Its built and sound are average/superior quality when compared to other systems of its caliber. Its sub-whoofer is very capable but the peripheral speakers are a little weak.
I purchased my NS-33 via a specialized audio/video store in Canada for $585 CDN (15.6% Canadian tax included). Although I knew I could get it for cheaper via an internet company, I didn't want to go through the hassle of tax and shipping issues.
NS-33 came in 3 separate boxes: (1) The CD player (2) the Speakers and SubWhoofer (3) The Amplifier (heaviest box). All very well packaged.
I have been using my NS-33 for about a week and here's what I have to say:
The NS-33 is very attractive and elegant when mounted on a wall. It delivers a "high-end sound system" kind of look - very esthetically pleasing. The NS-33 delivers a very satisfactory sound quality mainly due to its very capable sub-whoofer. I would say that it easily measures up to any other mini-system of its caliber. It plays CD and CD-R without problem, CD-RW was not tested. Its modest blue FL light and display are not overwhelming and deliver just the right amount of light and information. Its motion sensing glass doors are responsive and its mechanism is smooth. The NS-33 also offers AM/FM radio with antenna, sleep mode and some other programmable functions, an headphone input, aux out-put and the ability to connect a wall-mountable Pioneer CD-recorder.
The drawback from any wall-mountable system is mainly with the wires. Although the system is very attractive on a wall, the wires that comes in and out from it are not. Unless you are planning to hide them inside the wall (a very laborious job), the wires could seriously compromise the look. When put on a table top, the system is less impressive and even fall short when compared to other table top mini-systems (Sony for instance). The NS-33 comes with a remote control a little bigger than a business card, and very thin. Although it may seem very cute at first, one would soon learn that it is not very easy to hold and even difficult to find/use the command buttons. The CD-Player also supports few command buttons esthetically and strategically placed on the system's top in order to keep a simple look. However, when mounted on a wall, one must use a step-ladder to be able to read which button is for what. The CD-Player unfortunately supports only one CD, and removing/inserting a CD is a delicate manoeuvre.
So far, I still think that the NS-33 delivers well for its modest price tag. It doesn't replace a Band & Olufsen but definitely wows most of your house guests. Its built and sound are average/superior quality when compared to other systems of its caliber. Its sub-whoofer is very capable but the peripheral speakers are a little weak.
