The control center is the brains of the hi-fi, from this you can select any of the units as the source of the media. The unit has a main display which when in off mode has a clock. When you switch the unit on it displays the current selected unit, example, CD, Tape, Radio, VCR and AUX. It also displays the volume level when you adjust the volume. The unit has a drop down panel that opens by a motor. Behind the panel are buttons to set the clock, radio, send settings and voice activation. Yes “Voice Activation” is fitted
to this hi-fi. You can teach it a word so that when you say it, the hi-fi will switch on and play either CD, tape or radio. On the front of the control center is a phones socket for you to plug in your headphones. On the rear of the unit are all the connections for phone leads to connect to each unit. The whole of the hi-fi is black in colour.
The amplifier is a 4 channel power amplifier. One channel goes to the center speaker, one to each of the left and right speakers, and the 2 surround speakers are shared on 1 channel. The sound can be set in different modes. The main setting is Dolby Pro-Logic surround, then there are left and right only, left, right and center. Then there are 3 sound functions under a DSP mode. These are preset settings. They are names Jazz Club, Hall and Stadium. These all have an effect level to control the amount of echo. This stimulates the sound so that you think you are in a huge hall or a small club. The sound settings also have a test tone function which outputs a signal to each speaker channel in turn. This can be used to check that all your connections to the speakers are correct. The sound can be controlled manually by adjusting the treble, bass, volume level and balance for each speaker channel. A sub is available for the hi-fi set but is optional to the package, as is a record turn-table.
The cassette deck can be either single deck or twin deck. This is optional. The cassette deck has auto reverse, recording level adjustment, high speed record mode and Dolby noise reduction B and C. The deck has an O.T.E function that works out how long the tape is and each track that you are recording. This way you never get half of a track at the end of the tape. It is all done automatically by the unit. Obviously with the twin deck, you can tape to tape.
The CD player is a 5 disc carrousel. The tray opens out from the unit, where you can change 2 disc at a time, even whilst a CD is playing. The carrousel can be rotated 2 spaces at a time so that disc change is quick and easy. The locations 1-5 all have buttons so that you can go straight to play on that channel. Or you can increment the discs one by one. This is done automatically when the current disc finishes. The unit has all the usual features such as repeat, random and program play. Up to 99 tracks can be programmed in to the play list. The unit also has a large display as CD text is built in to the unit.. Therefore, if a CD has text, the title of the CD and each track name will be scrolled across the display.
The package was purchased for £1000 around 4 years ago. Therefore, the price will be slightly reduced. I purchased the hi-fi through a mail-order catalogue. However, the hi-fi is still in the shops, but mainly hi-fi specialist shops rather than general electrical goods stores.
The hi-fi has excellent sound quality and gives that great cinema experience when watching films. The hi-fi is very versatile and can be connected to many devices.
Because of all the connections there are many cables at the back of the unit. Therefore, there is a cable tidy that is clipped to the rear of the unit. The speaker cable length is generous and allows you to really space out the 5 speakers for your preferred set-up.
The hi-fi comes with 2 remote controls. One of the remotes is a basic style remote. The second remote is a small hand held computer with a blue LCD display. You can use either remote, but the computer remote is more stylish. For speed, the basic remote is much easier and quicker to operate.
Although the asking price is high, you pay for the quality that you get. The design and quality of the workmanship is excellent. Nothing has been missed out. The only drawback is that because it is a separates system, it is rather large, as with all separate systems. However, it’s performance more than makes up for it.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Sorry, I don't completely agree.
I've had a series 21 for around 3 years, after painfull saving up, but to be honest, it was a bit of a let down. The cinema surround when watching films is good - But that's about it's only strength. if you were expecting deep bass and crisp treble for a thousand quid, then you'll wish you opted for NAD or B&O for the same money, but if you like ok sound quality , loudness & expensive looking styling - it's cool.
mattwood 27.03.2003 23:06
Great op, must look into a separates system to replace my old Aiwa - told they sound much better. Matt
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