Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony CHC-CL5MD Mini System

I was slightly dismayed to find my Sony CHC-CL3 disappearing from the marketplace, but at last I've discovered its successor - not that I've "upgraded" yet. The older system isn't quite so fully equipped, but it represented outstanding value for money (about 8-9 years ago?) and it shows no signs of needing to be replaced.

I was slightly dismayed back then because the CHC-CL3 is so outstanding. OK, you could pay a great deal more and buy yourself a better system, but my investment at the time was about £150. It outperformed everything around it on the shop's shelving racks with its speakers crammed up against the main unit. Now take it home and open it up. Separate the speakers well, and get them up to at least sitting-down ear level (ours are at piano-lid height). Take a good CD, check your domestic insurance policy, turn up the volume and enjoy! There's a track on Nitin Sawhney's album "Beyond Skin" where a bass note seems to descend into our suspended wooden floor, and then rumbles its way across the room. To get full value from your Sony technology, make sure you live in a detached house and have double glazing!

There are times when I realise that I'm taking the CHC-CL3 for granted. How could I ever replace it with anything comparable? Well, I'm sure its successor is every bit as good - even if I do prefer the look of the older machine in black.

It is a really nice Hi-Fi,I use it everyday,you can play MD,CD,TAPE and record the Radio as well,it is usefel for me,I am really happy about it aprt from the CD part!!

This is a brilliant mini-system with one of the best mini-disc recording facilities i have ever seen! I was looking for a hifi with a mini-disc player and MDLP recording facility and i think i have found the best one on the market today. The sound quality is perfect, well you don't expect anything less, especially from SONY. It also has a 3-CD changer which is superb aswell!! I couldn't believe the price when i saw it, what a bargain! This mini-system looks good, sounds good and will not disappoint.

This is a good system with good cd-md recording. The quality of the sound is excelent even withthe long play md recording. I highly recomend this system to anone looking to buy a new md system. This is a credit to sony's line.

This is a great little mini hi-fi from Sony, featuring a 3 CD-changer with CD Text, RDS radio tuner, a single tape deck which might not get much use because of the wonderful MiniDisc deck! :)

It has a cool, refreshing look to it (I just love the round LCD) but one of the best features is the PC link capability.

If you're considering a new mini hi-fi, I would heartily recommend this one!