Gear4 CDM100 Micro HiFi System with Dock for iPod FM/AM Radio

Not bad. Looks rather cheap. only one of my 3 ipods works on it even though it says my ipod classic will work on it it does not. Probally because there are more than one generation of classic ipod. Pretty good sound. Check compatibility 1st!!!

I purchased this micro system as a replacement for my old Sony Midi Hifi system which I loved but was just too big. Having already purchased a "Gear 4 House Party 4" Docking Station for my iPod and being pleased with the sound and quality for the price, I had no hesitation in choosing another of their products.

The hifi is very stylish with a top-loading CD player, iPod Dock and AM/FM radio with digital display. Also featured is a full remote control which will control every aspect of the system including iPod menus. There are five EQ presets to choose from plus an optional Dynamic Bass Boost. These sound control features are only accessible from the remote control though. I would of liked these features to be controlable via the main unit too but it isn't a big issue. There is also an alarm clock feature which allows you to wake to the radio, your iPod or favourite cd.

The system, although very small, has a decent weight to it and the speakers are wooden. The speakers are "two-way" meaning they feature a mid/bass woofer and seperate tweeter. They are rear ported to help increase the bass response from the two small 3" drivers. Many micro hifi speaker systems are only "full range" which means they only feature one driver and no tweeter. The seperate tweeter means "highs" are crisper sounding than those speakers without tweeters. The speakers have removable fabric covers should you wish the drivers to be on display. Again, although small, they have a decent weight about them.

Gear 4 have no given any details with regards "audio output levels". I have the hifi in my lounge which is 3m X 5m. OK, you're not going to experience wall shaking volume from the supplied speakers but maximum volume is much better than expected. I have hooked up a pair of Jamo D115 speakers to the system which have given a much richer, bassy sound and volume, showing this little hifi would be able to hold its own if used for a party. I would average the audio output at 2 X 5 Watts Rms, which is very decent given the price.

Now, as my title says, this is a system with a hidden extra! I like to create MP3 CD's which enables me to put 10 albums or more on one disc to play in my car. Out of curiosity, I placed one of these cds into this hifi and was pleasantly shocked to discover it too plays MP3 CD's! There is no mention of this ability on any listing I have read about this hifi and it's not mentioned anywhere on Gear 4's website or indeed the box or packaging when buying this hifi. It's a huge bonus as many mini hifi's, especially at this price range do not feature MP3 CD playback so it makes it even more of as bargain!

To conclude...

For the price, this is a lovely little hifi with half decent sound quality, especially when replacing the supplied speakers with something larger. Its size makes it perfect for the bedroom or kitchen and it's very easily portable to be used outside for those summer soires.

Great for small spaces. Does the job it is meant to. Great if you don't really care about super duper sound