- Made for iPod: charge, play and control
- 5-disc CD changer with play exchange CD-R/CD-RW and MP3 playback
- 3-way, bass reflex speaker system
- Game sync via front AV input
- AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets
- 3-way, bass reflex speaker system: 6.7" (17cm) dual hybrid woofers and 1" (2.5cm) horn tweeters
- Game sync: front A/V input
- Made for iPod - charge, play and control
I've been listening to my new Sony LBT-ZX66i for the past 3 hours. It does everything it claims to do and does it well. Unlike last year's equivalent model which had a (now obsolete) cassette deck, this year's model gives you a much more useful iPOD dock.(for most full-sized iPODs, such as my iPOD Classic, you can insert your iPOD directly into the LBT-ZX66i's dock. Some older or smaller iPOD's may require an adaptor)
The Sony features a 5-disc carousel-type CD changer, an iPOD dock & AM/FM radio, plus the ability to do Karaoke(there's two microphone inputs via quarter inch plug) and a headphone output which uses full sized quarter inch headphone plug.
This system is powerful and clean, and the "X-Groove" button will provide the outrageous thumping that your disco,rap, hip-hop & Dance music enthusiast craves. But here an important difference: unlike many similar systems from other manufacturers, when the thumping mode("X-Groove") is switched off, the LBT-ZX-66i can provide clear,natural sound, with crisp midrange and highs for those of us who prefer rock, pop,jazz and other types of music. Believe me: even without the added thumping, the LBT-ZX-66i is no slouch in the bass department. The 3-way speakers(with horn-loaded tweeters) are better than you would normally get in a system of this type.
There are number of effects modes optimized for various types of music(Rock,Pop, Salsa,Reggae,Dance,Jazz,Samba,Tango). "Rock" seems to yield the clearest and most natural sound. There's also a simulated surround mode(which I have yet to try), and a 3-band digital equalizer(you can create your own custom E.Q. settings in the unit's memory). I'll eventually experiment with these features. And if you have a turntable, there's a phono input. Programming the FM/AM tuner was easy and the reception and sound quality was fine.
My only complaint is this: the remote control is a bit too basic. There are too many features of the LBT-ZX66i which can't be controlled from the remote control. These features(including the effects modes) can only be selected from the main unit's front panel.
I normally wouldn't comment on the merchant here in a product review,but I'll say this:I've had a great experience buying from "J&R Music World" for the past 29 years, whether directly, or more recently through Amazon. After buying a Plasma T.V. from J&R(via Amazon) and seeing J&R drop the price $200 lower ten days later, I contacted J&R, who gave me a $200 store credit, which I used towards this Sony compact stereo system.
One other thing:this system is fairly large. It is not exactly a shelf system, but if you've got room for it, then go for it. You won't be disappointed. Not that many companies are making this sort of system anymore(JVC doesn't make systems of this size & power any more), but Sony can make this sort of system better. The manufacturing quality is excellent, and it's got enough features that can either be used or not used, so it can be tailored to produce good sound no matter what your musical tastes are.
AS AN UPDATE TO THE ABOVE:The effects modes CAN be selected on the remote control, via a button called "EQ".
Important additional note: if you are planning on playing CD-R's on this unit, I would advise you to try a few of your CD-R's on this unit before buying. While the LBT-ZX66i had no problem playing CD-R's that I recorded on my rack mount pro audio CD recorder or CD's that I recorded on my iMAC computer, I have hundreds of CD's that were recorded by my friend on several PC's that he's owned over the past 5 years. None of these discs can be played on the LBT-ZX66i(which cannot read the table of contents on these discs). The LBT-ZX66i is one of 14 pieces of equipment(and one of four Sony products) in my home which can play CD's, and the only one that can't play these PC-burned CD-R's. All of these CD-R's feature standard CD Audio.
Buy Sony LBT-ZX66i iPod-Ready Mini Shelf System Now
I just got this system yesterday, but not on Amazon, and I definitely regret it. (I originally ordered directly from the website...and it was a HUGE mistake. An absolute nightmare, more like it...I strongly suggest to anyone considering it NOT to buy from SonyStyle. It is extremely disorganized and second-or-third-rate or worse service) To make a long story short, the order ended up being cancelled, so I bought it directly from Best Buy (no complaints there however).
Now to the system it is amazing. The sales rep at Best Buy tried to talk me into building my own system with speakers, a receiver, etc., but I was really just looking for the simplicity and convenience of an all-in-one system. And I got it. It sounds just amazing; the x-groove shakes the walls with bass, but turn it off and the clarity really comes through with still more-than-adequate bass. Lots of settings and effects to choose from, still haven't used the iPod dock but looking forward to it once I get my new iPod Touch.
The system is pretty beefy and large, more so than any system I have ever owned, but really beautiful and aesthetically pleasing. The other lesser models of shelf systems in the store (Sony and other brands) just didn't even come close to this one. They had a couple in the MHC-xxxx line and they sounded horribly muffled and inferior in my opinion.
I will be using this almost solely for music, and it seems to be everything I could want and much more. The price tag is pretty steep, and could probably come down a little bit, but I am satisfied that I got a really nice quality system for my money that will (hopefully) last a long time.
If I have any problems, I will update here, but so far I am throroughly impressed with this system.
Read Best Reviews of Sony LBT-ZX66i iPod-Ready Mini Shelf System Here
I have purchased several "mini" type systems over the last few yeaars, looking for that perfect combination of iPod play / control and sound quality. Most fell flat in the sound quality department, especially bass response. This sytem is far from being "mini" in any respect.
However, this system sounds brilliant. I don't have to blast it to get good sounding / feeling bass. The bass boosting function (X-Groove) really puts out rich, thumping bass. Regardless of what my friends say, I still love my Disco tunes from the 70s they sound great on this system.
I was quite surprised when the item arrived the box is HUGE. The system is pretty big as well. I was worried, however, when the box arrived as it seemed very badly damaged / ripped and re-taped. I was afraid to open the box, but did, and the unit was fine, and plays perfectly.
It took a bit of learning to use all the controls and settings, and I had to refer to the booklet several times, but have gotten used to the layout and remote. It's pretty easy to use / control the display is easy to read, especially with my aging eyes. I have finally found the perfect system for my bedroom. It just fits on the chest that I have kept all of my previous units on.
The radio reception is great, as is the karaoke function. But -it would have been nice to have the center channel, which is where most recordings place the main vocals, lowered when the MIC(s) are connected. I don't think I'll have use for the Game mixing feature, but it's nice to have inthe event I would ever need it. I have not used teh CD functions yet, as all of my music is on my (several) iPods. I have an iPod classic parked permanently in the unit.
This is the most exepnsive system I have purchased of this type, but is well worth the price.
Things I love about this sytem:
Great sound and bass response
Easy to read display
Full iPod control
Will charge the iPod when the unit is off the other systems I had will not charge the iPod when the unit is off
Easy to operate
Adjustable EQ, although only Bass, Mid and High
Phono input
Easy set up. Once I got it out of the humongous box, it took all of 5 minutes to set up and get running.
Things I don't like:
There's only one, and I consider it a BIGGIE -for the price paid, they could have supplied some dock connectors! Even my cheap 119.00 system came with 9 iPod dock connectors. Why are they not included? It may seem nit-picky, but at close to 500.00 for the system, Sony could have thrown in an assortment of dock connectors. It is advertised as iPod ready, so should have included the connectors.
In conclusion, I am extremely pleased with this purchase this one's a keeper.
Want Sony LBT-ZX66i iPod-Ready Mini Shelf System Discount?
We nicknamed it the Beast, and I will admit the name fits. This stereo is labeled "Mini Hi-Fi" in the manual, but I'm no audiophile so I'll take their word for it. First off, like other reviewers have said, it is large and very heavy. It might fit on a larger bookshelf than the ones I have, but their filled with books anyway so I don't care. As I stated I'm no audiophile but I do know a thing or two about sound quality and this system really delivers, so much that everyone who hears it is blown away by the fact it was around $320 new, it sounds better than my brothers stereo that cost twice as much. It has a TON of features that I'll never use, except the Ipod dock which works great with my Ipod Touch 4G that is controlled easily with the included remote, and I find it much more convenient than compact discs.
Now all I really care about is sound quality and in my opinion this stereo is great. Subtle nuances in the music come through that are left behind on other stereos I have owned, and I listen to a variety of music. My Ipod has the Beatles, Led Zep, Boondox, Blue Cheer, Wagner and a witches brew of metal, space rock, punk and country, but it all sounds great on the Beast, in fact I have Electric Wizard's Dopethrone on right now. It is a truly earth-cracking album, but if the X-Groove feature was on the windows would be shaking and the neighbors would be calling the cops. Listen to Boondox's Inbred Evil with the X-Groove on and you can FEEL the menace of the Skarecrow stalking his victims, it made my neck hair stand up!
Psychopathic Records aside, I never listen to rap and most rock sounds better with the bass effect off, especially music along the lines of Rubber Soul or Bo Diddly. Anyway, if your looking for a killer system without spending a grand or more I would say get this one, I have absolutely no complaints. I will in all likelihood use it until it is so old I have to replace it.
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I cranked up the the shelf system and was immediately impressed with the sound quality. That is, after I fiddled with the buttons and controls for a while, somewhat frustrated, until I determined it was time to read the instructions. They were concise and easy to follow in a step-by-step fashion, in English only (Spanish in a separate booklet, thank you) then enjoying the system became much easier. I was disappointed only sightly: my music preference is Classical, and the buttons to select the tone preference offers every thing but. Then my wife came in the room, took a look and asked "where do you put the quarters in?" It does look much like a slot, or perhaps an oversized booth juke box. A little more pleasing aesthetics would not draw so much attention away from the music in my home. Then there was my big error. The "mini shelf system" description led me to assume the control box would fit in my entertainment shelf system. After all, the shelves are adjustable. Well, height was no problem, nor was width. But the depth was a no-fit. Check the measurements before you order, dummy. Price was right at J&R through Amazon, and delivery on time by UPS. Now can enjoy hours of Classical music such as Beethoven's beautiful 8th Symphony (in the Reggae, or should it be the Salsa mode?) in superb, crisp, clear sound. Other features such as the iPod dock and FM/AM are useful and outstanding, too. I'm assuming I can hook up my old turntable or tape player when I get around to it, and can find the space. If I could only find a place to put it other than my cluttered desk. Buy it. Worth the money.
