Micro Hi-Fi Component System (CMT-EX100)

This 250 watt Sony Micro Hi-Fi Component System has worked beautifully for me for eight years with little to know signs of wear or decay. I've used it to listen to CDs, the radio and also as an amplifier and speaker system for my computer. The AV inputs allow most any device to play through the speakers.

It's only significant drawback is difficulty in moving the system. The speakers do not mount to the tuner/player/amp, so you have to carry them separately. Also, there are no established channels (grooves or hooks) for the speaker wire coming from the bottom of the speakers, causing the wires to look a little unkempt.

One other slight problem is the sensitivity of the CD loading mechanism (which is also nice when you mean to put in a CD). If you brush the top of the device (where the CD drops in) by mistake, whatever you were playing will stop and it will open to accept a new CD.

No serious drawbacks! I would recommend this system for anyone looking for great sound on a budget and is not looking to move the player and speakers around much.

Look, the other reviews that rated this product with one star, should have realized that the systems they received/bought were defective. This system has a newer technology that encompasses a touch sensor and vertical disc player. It cannot be moved while on, and as one review wrote, it most definitely should not be tilted on it's side, especially not when utilizing the vertical loading component.
I have owned this system for 6 years after buying an open box model from Fry's and with proper care it has performed beautifully and I am often complimented on it's sounds quality as well as aesthetic appeal. I can hook my iPod up using the aux feature. Also I enjoy hooking my laptop up for theater quality sound. This is great product and I stand by SONY, the review that said to buy a Yamaha mini system is absurd.
Please take consideration when buying a system like this. This is not a system to be in the presence of young children who will be able to touch the top of the system constantly, as this may damage the system. Never should you push a CD into the system, always use the sensor by lightly touching the top.

The unit looks great, especially if you want an alternative to some of these huge, over-designed robot-like systems that are available today.

However, from day one I've had nothing but trouble getting the upright loading unit to recognize and play CD's, even brand new ones right out of the shrink rap. You put a CD in and hit play and the unit tells you "NO DISC". Pretty much anytime I put a CD in a I have to pop it in and out 3 or 4 times before the unit will recognize it and play it. I have found I'm more successful on the first try if I lay the unit flat on its back after inserting the CD, wait until it recognizes the disk, then set it back upright again, but then whats the point?

Sony seems to be aware that this can be an issue because the trouble shooting tips mention the "No Disc" problem and how you address it, but none of their suggestions worked.

Don't know if this was just a faulty unit that I purchased or a problem common to this design, but its definitely been a major disappointment.

It has all the functions you expect from a CD player, including remote control with volume buttons.
The sound is big for such small speakers.
The vertical load looks very cool, and is also practical - stuff in front of it won't block the loading.

If you're an audiophile, don't bother. But if you just want a nice little system to play your cd's and the radio, this is a great option. Of course, as a Sony, the design is gorgeous and it never fails to elicit some ooh's and ahh's from my friends who see it.
I've never had a problem with the vertical loader (and trust me, this thing is always playing something if I'm in the room) and the sound is clear to *me*. As I've said before, I'm not one of those types who need crystal clear, every pitch perfect, highs and lows. I pump it up sometimes, it's fine. I turn it down when I'm reading, it's fine. So if you just need a system for, say, your office, this is a good choice.