Home > Consumer Reviews > Sony CMT-NE3 Micro System 

I was in desperate need of a Micro System for my bedroom. I'd auditioned a few over the weeks, you can only really tell what s system sounds like, when it's in your own space (a certain stores 16 day Guarantee comes in handy for this!). I kept having the same problems though, the hifis I REALLY liked where those which cost more than I'd planned on spending; the ones within my budget, either sounded poor or lacked the features I wanted.

Today I discovered this little beauty. I'd previously dismissed it, as I'd tried it's newer brother, the Sony CMTNEZ3, which I found to be cheaply made and lacking any bass response. I was a little dubious about my purchase, but could always return it if not totally happy (again, that certain stores 16 day guarantee!).

Upon unpackaging, the first thing I noticed was the weight of both the speakers and main unit. It's a lot more solid feeling than it's newer version. I connected the speakers and put a CD on to play, to check out the sound quality, before setting the system up properly.

OK, don't expect the kind of bass levels you're going to get from a much larger mini-hifi, or sub-woofer. The bass produced by the two small speakers, is impressive though, especially considering the cabinets only house one 4" Full Range Driver. The sound quality is quite rich, with a clear treble and decent amount of midrange. The bass and treble can both be adjusted "+ & - 3 digits". There's a Bass Boost (DSGX) which does give a more powerful (although not necessarily more bassy) sound too.

The output power, whilst not huge at 15 watts per channel (RMS), is also quite impressive. With careful speaker positioning (ideally 1.5 metres high on shelves), I'd say this stereo would be suitable to fill the average sized living room with enough volume for a party!

I also like the fact it has an AUX input, which means you connect your DVD/MP3/PC ect. This is a rare feature on a most hifi under £80. The cassette deck, although most people rarely use them these days, is electronic, rather than one you have to push buttons down on, again, a rareity on a budget end stereo.

My only gripes are lack of MP3 CD playback (it's newer version does have this feature, but as I said, I found the sound quality to be poor compared to this model) and lack of RDS on the tuner (I'm used to seeing the station name displayed). The remote control is easy to understand and feature packed. You can change the bass/treble from the remote aswell as on the main unit. So often these days, it's only on the remote you can change the EQ controls, a bit of a nightmare if the remote gets lost or broken.

So to conclude, for the price (I paid £65 at that well know high street catalogue store), this is one of the best Micro Systems available. Sound quality is suprisingly rich and powerful, and styling is tasteful and of good quality.

Thanks for reading!

If you're looking for a great quality micro hi-fi that's easy to use and sounds great, then this one is for you. 30Watts is plenty of speaker power for an average sized room and I've had no regrets over my purchase. It sounds as good as it looks!

Great mini hi fi. havent had it long but compared to all the others in the shop it blows them away. recommond buying it to anyone that reads it. Sony is a good make and i dont think you'll regret it.

It's a Sony; it's a quality product and it looks very smart. However, the sound I found quite tinny. The functions are easy to use but ultimately, the sound quality just doesn't cut it.

cracking little hi-fi!