Denon DF103HR-DAB Mini Hi Fi System Hi Fi System Reviews: DAB Radio with CD Player, iPod Dock

+ Neat Music Server and good amp, loks good.

- Hard disk not big enough (80GB) should be 800. Denon software is clumbsy, would benefit from a much better display on the server.

+ Very functional easy to use system with flexabilty to accomodate several music formats.

- There is capability to type music information onto the hard-drive. This is a fiddley and long process. But once it's done, it's done!

+ Very easy to use - especially for transferring CD's onto the hard drive.
Sound quality is good and punchy with Mission speakers.
With the HDD set to play on "random" it is fantastic - one never knows what will be coming up next! Consequently, it's great to hear some real old tunes from long-forgotten CD's.

- My previous Denon Mini System had one remote control that controlled all components. This system has two r/c units (although the HDD r/c does most of the tuner/amp functions). So, to switch the system on you have to point the r/c at the r/c sensors on both units rather than the whole system being controlled from a single "master" unit. For instance, if you do not accurately hit the r/c sensor on the HDD unit then the tuner/amp switches on and not the CD/HDD unit. When you then switch off the tumer/amp the CD/HDD switches on! You then have to re-sync the units by switching them off at the button.
Just a bit annoying really but no big deal overall.

+ General sound and overall performance for the size and money is exactly what I wnated for our general purpose living room. Excellent performance and useability from nursery rhymes for the toodler through to the classics.

- I has expected it to be simpler to download and store from MP3 player. I have yet to investigate potential of the HDD thoroughly and will probably buy the I-pod cradle.

+ Excellent design, compact, good sound, pleased with it.

- Can't get software to work with Vista - that's not unusual with Vista :-) but was disappointed at not being able to find online help on the web from Denon.

+ Very easy to use - I don't like having to read instructions and I haven't had to

- When downloading CDs to the HDD Gracenotes does not recognise quite a few of the CDs. I even had one double album where it recognised one of the CDs and not the other!

+ Good design, functional and easy to set up and use.

- None found to date except software is for PC and not dual with Mac

+ It looks and sounds great. It has all the features that i require plus a load more. The HDD is simple to use and stores approx 900+ albums. The CD player plays my MP3 CD's and the DABB radio has a great reception.
Easy to wire up, the instructions are idiot proof.

- It's not up to date on the album recognition if copying from your CD's to the HDD. This however is easily overcome if you use Quicktime on your PC/Laptop and put the music there first, then transfer them over with a USB-A lead keeping all the file titles intact.
2 remote controls? confused me at first but got there eventually

+ Compact and versatile. Easy to use once set up. Can store tracks on hard drive from CD and MP3. Stylish. Display picks up names of tracks or radio stations.

- Quite complex to set up. Lots of instructions to follow. However, once set up it is easy to use.

+ Nice design and good remote controls.

- Disappointed that I can't set up remote access with an apple mac.

+ Loads of features almost a complete entertainment system. Very small neat design and easy to use

- Can only record from standard CD. Needs to have WiFi to network. Running a network cable is often very difficult and expensive. The instructions don't suggest a WiFi adaptor to network.

+ Brilliant little sound system. Has the sound quality of a much bigger applicance. I think it's great and am very pleased with the purchase.

- None

+ Easy to set up. Excellent Sound quality. Mostly intuitive menu structure. Having instant access to my entire collection allows me to hear more music than I would not otherwise play. A joy to use. Very highly recommended.

- Occasional glitches in recording - need to restart. Otherwise none.

+ Excellent sound quality, huge hard drive, very easy to use.

- Set up isn't quick. No wifi.

+ Being able to store 100's of CD's on a hard drive, and ease of finding tracks on albums. Being able to select music to be played of different genres randomly.

- Because we are not techno minded, found the instructions regarding tying up to computers and Ethernet could have been more simplified.