Sony CMT-EX1 CD Mini Audio System

Who says size matters? Certainly not Sony, with the introduction of the CMT-EX1. I've always felt the need to hide my electronic equipment. Big, gaudy black boxes with bouncing circus lights were better left behind closed doors. Not this little jewel. It's simulated bird's-eye maple wood-grain cabinet with matching speakers make for a classy system worthy of display. The vertical front-loading mechanism safely nestled behind a clear glass panel is in a word, cool. Does size matter when it comes to sound? Sure, if you want to entertain the neighbors next door. If you're looking for something that will "blow the roof off the mutha" you're barking up the wrong bird's-eye maple tree, but if power isn't a necessity, this cutie-patootie is worth a look. It can fill a room with your favorite sounds without knocking the plaster off the wall. Oh, and how easy it is to use. The touch sensitive CD open/close button is a smooth-operator. The brushed-silver control panel has just enough bells and whistles to get the job done. No excess here. Simple. Sleek. Sensible. Sure, I agonized a bit over the paying for looks, but, hey, I would have never used the karaoke function on that other stereo anyway.