Sharp CD-C3700 Audio Shelf System

The CD-C3700 is a fair unit. It's really one of those "Take it home and still have time to get dinner on the table for the kids" receiver. If you are a casual listener, it more than enough, but if you like high quality, look elsewhere. It is certain that the appearance of the unit really hypes up what it really does. This is really evidenced by one of the tape decks not having rewind or fast forward. it only will play and stop, but that's all you need for dubbing (a thing that nobody does with tapes any more). On the other hand, there is a large array of features, most of which you never knew you needed, but are awesome. Examples include the ability to use the system as a clock radio. You can wake up with radio, CD, tape, or LINE IN. The audio quality is good, but not great. Most units similar to this one have about the same audio quality anyway. The FM tuner is OK, as is the AM. ....Hmm, I was about to write a really negative review, and even though I'm a real audiophile, I must say that I like this unit. If you can pick one up cheap, go for it. I got mine for $30 at a garage sale.


PROS: Line in is nice. I use mine as my computer speakers, but it's also nice to have a radio next to the computer. remote is nice. Sleep timer and alarm clock features are awesome. Tuners are digital. Tapes can be controlled by the remote which is very nice and fairly uncommon.

CONS: While the antenna is external for both FM and AM, you have no choice but to use the cheesy antennas that come in the box because there is no universal plug. One of the two tape decks is not designed to fast forward or rewind.