Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony LIV Kitchen CD/Clock Radio - ICF-CD543RM

This under-cabinet unit is not going to win any recommendations from Stereophile magazine, but the sound is better than you might expect from such a small, unobtrusive package. It beats any clock radio I've ever heard, though it falls short of the sound of a first-rate boombox.

Mounting instructions are clear and simple to follow (in part thanks to a helpful drill template), though it's awkward to use a screwgun or screwdriver with your right hand while trying to keep the ICF-CD543 in place with your left. In fact, it's pretty near impossible; make sure you have a helper on hand. It's also a bit puzzling that the screws Sony gives you are not flatheads that sink flush into the shelf to which you're mounting the unit; they're domeheads, so they stick out. Because you attach the screws from the top, objects you place on top of the screws, inside the kitchen cabinet, tend to be wobbly, natch, and you run the risk of scratches or worse.

But other things about the ICF-CD543 are well-thought-out. The remote control (which takes two AAA batteries, not included) has a magnetic strip on the back, so you can stick it on your fridge or another metal object in your kitchen. There's an easy-to-set cooking timer with a loud alarm (though you can't set its volume relative to the music that's playing). There's a three-way mega-bass switch, as opposed to the on/off loudness controls on most small audio units. Storing radio presets is as straightforward as it gets. Also, with the push of a button, you can tune into the TV band -- a nice touch if you occasionally have to leave the gawk box in your living room to check on your casserole. A supplied plastic clip with an adhesive back lets you pull the power cord taut along the wall or along the inside of the cabinet edge.

A few small negatives, apart from the screws I already mentioned: The unit plays regular CDs as wells as CD-R and CD-RW discs, but not those that contain MP3s. And there are no inputs or outputs of any kind -- not even a mini headphone jack.

Still, all told, this is an attractively designed, smartly conceived product that's worth the price.

Excellent product from Sony. Once I received shipment I installed the radio and within 15 minutes I was listening to my favorite tunes. The reception was above average and I didn't have to extend the cord for better reception, Guess I was lucky. By far one of the better Kitchen radios, easy installation, easy to operate and the sound is excellent. Looked at the GE, because that was all that was available in my area and was not pleased with the cheap look or the hollow tin can sound.

I bought this radio/cd for my wife to enjoy in the kitchen. It has proven a hit. Truly fine sound quality for its size and profile. ... its small profile and superior sound made this well worth the added price. Installation was fairly easy.
I actually purchased the "stock" sony model as opposed to the "Liv" version ... It is silver and looks a bit less "hip".

I bought the GE kitchen CD player for me, and the kitchen Sony one for my mom.. the Sony was great.. great look, great sound... the GE, not so much. The cd drawer was broken and would not close, you would have to push it closed and the sound was nowhere near the Sony one... so spend the extra $50.00 and get the Sony... its worth it!

My husband gave this to me for Christmas in 2002 'cause I always blasted the stereo when I cooked. It still wasn't load enough for me and way to load for him. We are now both happy. Sound is good enough for me for most of the time, especially while I'm cooking or waking up with morning coffee. The remote is convienient, the variety of preset options great, and the weather band a nice bonus. We had some issues with reception, but were able to work it out. The only thing that would make this better is if I could play more than 1 CD at a time.