Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony MHCEC98Pi Mini Hi-Fi Shelf System with Digital Media Port and 530-Watts RMS (Silver)

I did not purchase this from Amazon, but I wanted to write a review anyway. I have been looking everywhere for a stereo system that has clear sound, great bass, an iPod hookup and cd changer. If it had a cassette deck, that would be even better, but I could deal without one. I really liked the idea of an extra subwoofer. I wasn't going to purchase this system because it only has a 1 disc tray for cd's, but I figured that's where the iPod comes in for continuous music, and I should at least try it. Needless to say, I bought this stereo and hooked it up immediately (set up was a piece of cake).

I was immediately disappointed when the wires for my speakers were extremely short. Maybe only about 3 1/2 feet long. I like to spread out my system a little so I can get the best sound. Now, I'm not talking about placing speakers all around the room - they wouldn't even extend to the edges of my entertainment center.

The worst part of all, and the main reason why I am returning this system, is the sound is muffled. Even when I changed the preset EQ settings, the only one I was somewhat happy with was the "MP3 SURROUND"... but it still muffled my music. I could barely hear "s" sounds in the vocals... when I could, they sounded more like an "f". I should say, I am also very picky when it comes to electronics, but when I'm spending $200 + dollars, I think it's allowed! All I am asking for is crisp sound.

So, here are my pros to the system:
--Very nice looking stereo system
--DSGX feature really boosts the sound, along with the subwoofer
--LOVE the included iPod dock, which also charges
--7 different EQ settings for sound (my old stereo had 4)
--530 watts for loud sound

My cons, which severely outweigh the pros for me:
--Muffled sound. Vocals and music bits are not clear at ALL
--1 CD playing capability
--Wires and chords aren't long enough to spread out components to my liking
--Expensive for the things it is lacking

Hopefully this review will be helpful - I wish I had one that was this detailed when I was looking. Mind you, everyone has their own taste.

I would not recommend this system to anyone who is looking for crisp, clear sound. But if you like a nice strong bass and a lot of power... you may want to take a look.

Excellent overall shelf stereo system. Great sound and very easy operation, makes this a great addition or gift. Price is great you could not find a better value. This system easy beats systems priced twice as much.

I was looking at the RCA 5cd shelf system, it had nice sound, but reviews said it broke within 4 weeks. I bought this product, and it's amazing. Some notable features (pros and cons)
Pros
-iPod dock with full menu control (It also charges your ipod)
-Amazing radio reception - Very clear
-Good EQ presets
-Very loud
-Best bass I have ever heard
-Very little distortion
-Good looking
-Separate sub-woofer
-Good bass even with separate sub-woofer turned off
-Works with iPhone (if in airplane mode)
-Light for its size

Cons-4 pieces, instead of 3 (But worth it for the separate sub-woofer
-A bit large
-On the more expensive size
-iPod dock not built in, but plugs in
-No manual EQ

Overall: This is a great speaker system, with great power and dominates with lows, med's, and high's. A bit expensive, but for what you get, definitely worth it. Highly Recommended!

Audio Power Output : Front: 190W x 2; Subwoofer:150W

That says it all. There are 2 woofers on the fronts (5 inch), and another on the separate subwoofer (8 inch). The sub is incredibly light because the amplifier is in the main unit. This has enough power in the low end to shake the house!

i owned a sony MHC-M100 50+1 CD changes for the past 8.5 years...but i wanted something through which i play my ipod. went on a search and came across three similar sony units - with this one being the best (i guess based on the # of watts) and more expensive. my thoughts follow in the areas of design, sound, and overall performance:

1) design: in comparison to my old sony, i'm just a little disappointed. for one, the design feels a bit "cheap" unlike my old stereo. maybe they did this purposely - using lighter-weight materials to make the product itself lighter. but it just doesn't feel the same.

2) sound: great bass, but the sound overall still sounds just a little "thin". granted i'm probably just comparing to what i was used to with my old sony, but i think what this system has plenty of in booming bass (i realize now that i probably could've bought the next less-expensive unit and forewent the subwoofer), it lacks a bit as far as the general sound. still annoyed that there isn't a customizable equalizer option, and maybe that's the problem. sony people - 8.5 years later and you still haven't learned??

3) overall performance: it's great for my uses, and i'm so happy to now have a system that comes with a dock for my ipod. one little annoyance, is that the volume isn't a true "rolling" volume. it seems like it's more like "steps"...so there's level 8, for example, and then level 9 -- which is a couple of decibels louder than 8. however, there's no such thing as somewhere between 8 and 9...and it seems that depending on the time of day that can make a huge difference. maybe at 6:30am when i'm getting ready for work 8 isn't loud enough, but 9 is too loud (these level numbers are just examples...could be 3-4 or 5-6). i definitely miss that about my old system - if i wanted a level equivalent to 8.275 vs. 8 or 9, i could just nudge the volume a hair and adjust as needed. the ipod dock cord could also be a little longer for more flexibility in terms of where to position it. also seems the remote has a narrower range than my old system as far as how far to either side i can be.

i know i keep comparing this to my old system, but that's just human nature, i guess. :) to be fair, without the prior experience of having my old sony stereo i'd probably be 100% in love with this system. despite the annoyances i'd definitely recommend it...although you may want to explore whether the next less expensive model will do the job (as far as bass/sound goes).