Philips MC145

Author's product rating:   

How is the Sound Quality?	Excellent
How is the Look & Design?	Good
Range of Features	Average
Durability	Good
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	Neat design, plays CD CD - R CD - RW, excellent sound, MW/FM stereo and tape deck
Disadvantages:	Not MP3 compatible

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Wondering into Tesco's looking for a stereo was something I hadn't contemplated, but seeing as my previous hi-fi just went boom, I just had to go out and see what was on the market.

There was a reasonable choice of mini-systems, micro-systems and stereos out there piled on the shelves, but I didn't know which one to go for. I looked at the price tags and finally settled on my choice of the Philips MC-145 for little under £40. I gladly handed over the money and then headed home.

To my surprise it was a very light box. I hate heavy things so you'll be glad to know this wasn't a struggle to carry home at all, more awkward sized.

Space is an issue in my house, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it fitted perfectly, speakers and all, on a small side table. Now ready to blast out some noise from this little beauty, I grabbed a cd and chucked it in. I wasn't prepared for the sound that flowed from the 10w speakers. It was fresh, clean and quite bassy. I was impressed as it was the sound I expected from something twice the price. Not being a tin-can pinging kind of sound was an utter relief for me. Being content with the quality of the sound, I tested the radio. Nothing really special there, just an MW/FM band but does come with a few handy preset stations. Once again, gave good sound and clear reception. There is also a tape deck which I find is a bit obslete for me. I would have preferred (and this is my only complaint) this stereo to be MP3 compatible, but for the price and quality of sound, I can overlook the lack of this feature. It does have a bass boosting button too should you feel the need, but in my opinion it's bassy enough without it. I musn't forget to mention the way it looks. It's blue and silver and is very streamlined and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It fits in very well with the decor of my front room too.

Summing up all in all this a very good product for the price range. I would recommend it to anyone. The speakers are good quality and not tinny, the design is pretty, it can play CD, CD-R and CD-RW, has an MW/FM radio and a cassette player. My only gripe is it lacks MP3 capability.

All in all, you won't be disappointed if your main concern is sound and how it looks. Try it for yourself, it's cheap at half the price!!!