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Sony LBT-ZX66i: Review

Posted to Lifestyle/ Mini Systems 2009-12-12

The Sony LBT-ZX66i Muteki music system is an all in one, bookshelf size stereo system with built-in iPod support. The unit allows you to charge, play and control your iPod from the iPod dock on the unit. Other features include an AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets and a 5-disc CD player with program, shuffle and repeat.

The unit has 560W of total output power (280W x 2) with 10% THD. It features 3-way bass reflex speakers with dual 6.75" woofers and a 2.5cm tweeter. Another useful function is Game Sync mixing, which provides A/V inputs for mixing gaming audio with output from the tuner or a CD. The CD player has support for multiple formats, including factory CDs, audio CDs, consumer generated CD-R and CD-RW discs and MP3 files burned to CD-R/RW.

Rating:

3.0 out of 5

Value

The Muteki LBT-ZX66i is quite a bit on the pricey side, given its specs. 10% total harmonic distortion is not as good as the price, and neither is the frequency response. The unit is a fairly complete all in one unit, the iPod control is nice, and so is the Game Sync mode, but the price is still on the high side when compared to similar systems from the competition. But of course you do get Sony quality in the bargain.

Features

The Muteki LBT-ZX66i has an excellent feature set for an all-in-one unit. The 5-disc CD changer, AM/FM tuner and Game Sync mode add up to a very versatile unit. And the iPod compatibility allows you to control your iPod through the unit's remote control. The speakers deliver good bass performance and crisp highs to a point, but distortion is a problem at higher volume levels. The combination of program, shuffle and repeat modes on the CD changer is nice.

Summary

If you're in the market for an all in one bookshelf system that plays nice with your iPod, the LBT-ZX66i makes a nice choice. It is hard to justify the price however, when similar systems from the competition can be had for over $100 less. But if you're one of those people who live by Sony's reputation for quality, the LBT-ZX66i could be a good investment.

Pros

560W total output power
Two dual-woofer bass-reflex speaker systems
5 CD changer with shuffle, program and repeat
AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets

Cons

Pricey given the specs

Recommended accessory:

Monster Cable XPHP-15/15 : 15 X 2 ft. Clear Jacket Time Correct Advanced Speaker Cable