Sony LBT-ZX6 Mini Hi-Fi Component System

Proving that a stereo doesn't have to be big to deliver a huge sound, the Sony LBT-ZX6 splits 560 watts of power between two channels, making it the perfect party system for space-challenged rooms. The main unit comes with such components as a five-disc CD changer, a dual-well cassette deck, a five-band spectrum analyzer, and an AM/FM tuner, yet checks in at a mere 14.25 by 17.2 by 18.3 inches (W x H x D). Thanks to the narrower-than-usual housing, you can easily fit this system on a bookshelf or tabletop rather than carving out space in an entertainment console. More importantly, the components stand ready for nearly any audio challenge. The five-disc CD changer--which supports CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3-CD formats--is a must for entertaining, as its play exchange system keeps the music flowing nonstop even while you're swapping discs. The playback modes, meanwhile, range from track programming to shuffle play to repeat play, giving you plenty of listening options. Owners who still fancy their '80s cassette tapes will dig the full-logic cassette deck, which not only plays such nuggets as Air Supply's greatest hits but also records from both the radio and CD. And thanks to the CD synchro function, you can rest assured that your cassette recordings will start at the precise moment the CD starts to play. No more 15-second stretches of silence at the beginning of your home-recorded tapes. The spectrum analyzer is another party pleaser, as it visually interprets your music on its five-band display. Add in the LBT-ZX6's 10 preset equalizer settings and two-band direct AV equalizer and you have a stereo that adjusts to virtually any acoustic environment. Plus, the stereo offers a set of front A/V inputs for connecting to a video game system. By itself, that's a unique feature for a mini system, but it's particularly cool because of the Game Sync function, which lets gamers mix any audio source into the video game soundtrack. Feel like playing Resident Evil with a little Massive Attack in the background? Go for it. ...