Hitachi AX-M66 Review

Overall Rating

1.Stylish
2.Compact
3.Sound quality from tiny 1 way speakers
4.Inputs

1.Can't change CD unless you're in CD mode
2.Could do with being a bit louder

Saw the Hitachi AX-M66 mini separates system in Curry's on offer for 75 notes first impression was: looks nice, bet it sounds rubbish - mistake!

Firstly, it is very stylish mainly down to the colourful LCD screen, the neon blue led which lights up the see through CD deck, the cool way the CD lid opens and of course the way the unit adopts the 'separates' approach.
It also comes on a stylish glass stand with silver feet - impressive!

The unit is reasuringly heavy, consistant with units twice and 3 times the price.

I needed a unit to go in my room so loudness wasn't necessarily going to be an issue, also the price tag of 75 coins almost dictated that this unit was not going to be all that powerful; it turns out it is just enough.

Anyway to the point:

OUTPUT
The unit puts out a moddest 25Watts (RMS) which the speakers handle well as they are rated at 30 Watts. I plugged in my Sony speakers to the unit and it rocked!

SOUND
Quality is excellent for a unit of this size and even though the speakers are small 1 way units they are very respectable. Bass with loudness mode and s bass mode is good whilst treble is ok but could do with a better sound range - solved through using different speakers.

FEATURES
For your money you get 5 presets sound modes: flat, classic, pop, rock and jazz.

You also get 'Super bass' which does as it suggests and a 'loundess' mode which simply increases bass and treble.
There are two AUX inputs so you can add a tape deck, minidisk etc...

VERDICT
I feel this unit is very good for the money, it would suit a bedroom or even an average sized lounge. It is really nice looking and sound quality much better than you might think upon first impressions.

At this price level, I feel you would be hard pushed to get a better all rounder.
Hope this helps you guys.