JVC UX-G68

I brought home this unit yesterday after auditioning seven other similar systems in its price range. The speakers have been redesigned from the picture shown here -- they're now 3-way with a bass port firing out the back.

Perhaps the best word to describe this shelf-top unit is refined. Orchestral and chamber music come through with depth and clarity in the mids, while the vocals and Hammond B3 of Tom Petty's Refugee present with no harshness in the highs. The lows of Jackson Browne present clearly, and if you want something you can feel in your gut, the UX-G68 comes with a sub out if you have a powered sub lying around.

With the video outputs and the aux inputs, the UX-G68 is surprisingly effective as a home theatre sound system. Add to that USB and multi-format CD/DVD reading capabilities, and your flat or unit will be well set for under $340AUD.

Clearly I'm quite happy with the quality. Previously I had a Panasonic PM-20 that I just loved even though it was modestly underpowered, and I had little hope of finding an affordable compact unit that would please my spoiled ears. I'm thrilled to have been wrong.