Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony CMTHP7 Executive Microsystem

I chose this system over the Panasonic SC-PM18/28 models because you can upgrade the speakers later on if necessary; the Panasonic speakers are bi-amped so you can't put normal speakers in, and of course the speakers are where these minisystems really cut a lot of corners, almost as bad as factory car speakers. Phillips used to make some really nice microsystems (MC-50 and MC-70) but for some reason they discontinued them and now they just make these gimmicky, hideous eyesores that look like they were designed by 13 year old crackheads (MC-570, and especially the FWC series). This Sony was the only one I found that not only looks clean/simple/elegant but also has decent sound-clarity for my musical needs (jazz, classical, vocal/accoustic rock), though of course not quite audiophile-quality.

Two days later, am quite happy with my purchase. The Sony was really easy to set up out of the box, and sounds good at high volumes, as long as you keep the EQ on "Flat" or anything except "Rock"---that setting always creates an audible hiss/buzz. The "Groove" setting gives you a nice bass boost at low to moderate volumes but distorts the highs and mids as soon as you turn it up. The "Surround" setting doesn't seem to make that much of a difference for most music, but it's a nice option just to have. I should add that these sound settings are not retained in memory each time you switch music sources or turn the system off/on. The FM tuner gets good reception, especially with the included plug-in antenna, and has far more presets than I would ever actually need.

I like the fact that the cassette has auto-reverse although no music search; the sliding door is a nice feature, since push-button-pop-up doors often have mechanical problems later on. Just wished it could read my chrome and metal tapes too; also, there is no tape counter.

The only thing that worries me about this system is the slide-into-slot 5-CD player. This mechanism is not only slow but probably has a lot more moving parts than the usual slide-out-tray or carousel mechanisms. Probably should've bought the extended service warranty on this, but will keep my fingers crossed.

Something else that could be improved is the remote, which is pretty comprehensive but not intuitively laid out at all. I also wish this system had a subwoofer output and an aux output so I could connect my PC to it.

Other than that, it's a beautiful-looking stereo with quality sound.

I have been searching for a long, long time for a set of speakers to replace my recently blown Boston Acoustic's (internal fuse). Klipsch was my 1st choice, but I really REALLY wanted a radio to listen to when I was editing video files that take up all the 'energy' of my computer.

This system is CRAZY. The balance of bass and treble is perfect! I work for an audiophile company, and I have to say this thing rocks my world! I really believe the rating of 60 watts RMS per channel (120 total), which is a first for ANY mini/micro/shelf system that I have owned.

You can leave the Equalizer at FLAT/Rock/Pop/Movie, etc. and the 'Groove' function for enhancing Bass is incredible. It has GOT to have something like a 18db/slope crossover (very exact in reproduction), beacuse its perfect. I was watching Terminator 2 on DVD from my computer and the shooting was scary real...

If you are thinking about purchasing computer speakers/shelf system, stop and just DO IT! I am very very very picky about my audio/video, and this guy definetly satisifed me!

I bought this system after careful and laborous searching for just the right stereo for my bedroom. I wanted a system for nature sounds (sleeping), audio books, classical music, jazz, and rock the house music. I found it all in this system. Great sound for both low and high volume, extremely clear with no extra noise.

The reason I bought this system was because it could play MP3's which was the highest priority to me. It does. However, I can't seem to find a way to get it to play the songs in the order they were recorded. I've sent an email to Sony, so perhaps they can tell me how to do it. This can be quite annoying if you are sure you want the tracks in a certain order, and is a problem with audio books in particular.

I don't find it to be very slow when reading disks. I try to record them simply with not too many directories (albums) on the disk and it seems to do this very adequately. I also don't find it terribly slow to accept CD's or find the CD changer itself slow. It's a wait, but only for a few seconds.

No, you cannot put in a disk while another disk is playing. If this is a high priority for you, think twice. However, for me, it made no difference, so I'm not hung up on it.

All in all, a fantastic system. Now if I could just get it to play the tracks in order, it would be perfect.

I find that, if u place the speakers at the correct places in the room, it'll give high quality surround sound. I've had it for 6 months and I haven't had any problems. Also, I find that it's one of the best looking player, for it's price.

However, the CD changing system is integrated inside the machine, meaning that the chances that it breaks down are really low, because we don't handle anything, but man is it slow... takes about 30 secs to get ready to read a CD and really long for an MP3 cd. Also, you have to be vary patient with the CD changer, the discs take an eternity to get in and out of the machine, and you have to make sure to not push too hard or too lightly. Also, the remote control really needs more options...

good sound, cheap and good looks. bad cd changer, bad remote, a bit big for executive style.

Looking for a mini home system that also played mp3's. This does it! It looks good, sounds great. The internal 5-CD load system is kool too. But here's the real test... Shopping around for a mini system with MP3 playback, I brought my own home burnt MP3 CD to test out some brands. Most all I tried were picky on what type MP3 it would play, "except" for this Sony unit. It shows MP3 ID's, so you know what you're listening to. Shockingly, many others DID NOT display ID tags. This Sony played MP3's like it was its main purpose. I got it, I love it, its really nice.