What Hi Fi Sound and Vision
31 JUL 2008
Onkyo CS-325UKD
If you want it all under one roof, and on a budget, then this Onkyo delivers in spades
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It’s fair to say
Onkyo has pedigree in the world of micro systems. The Japanese company has scooped our Award for ‘best micro under £500’ for the past three years, so we naturally have high hope for its latest range of systems.
The main unit to the CS-325UKD houses not only a CD player and amplification, but also DAB and FM tuners. The player has a single-bit DAC and is compatible with MP3-encoded discs, while the DAB/FM tuner boasts some 40 presets.
But there’s more: it comes complete with Onkyo’s DS-A1XP iPod dock, too. Aside from the dock, all of the above sits inside a smart unit that comes with a black aluminium-alloy front panel, and can be controlled by the rather glum-looking remote control.
Completing the package is a set of D-T1X speakers, which look smart, even if they don’t feel solidly built.
Enthusiastic from the off We get the system going with the Blur classic, Girls & Boys. The Onkyo has a likeable spring in its step, seemingly enjoying pumping out a prime cut of Britpop. Alongside the fine timing, there’s also a decent level of punch and insight.
Once we’ve left the system to run in overnight, the Onkyo delivers a decent thud of bottom end too – The Ting Ting’s
That’s Not My Name sounding solid and weighty. Treble frequencies do lack some refinement, but not enough to put us off.
Digging up stations on the DAB and FM tuners is easy, as is controlling your iPod when the dock is connected. The radio sounds clear and substantial and does a fine job of filling your room with music.
This is a cracking function-per-pound value, and if you’re on a tight budget it’s easy to recommend. Yes, the more expensive CS-515UK offers improved detail and subtlety, but this is fine alternative if you want to draw the line at £200.