JVC NX-F3 review

Simple, well-sorted, 2.1 channel, home cinema system. Tested at £350.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

The NX-F3 is an amiable offering and a highly capable 2.1 system

Pros

  • +

    Cohesive, punchy sound

  • +

    good picture

  • +

    simple overall styling

Cons

  • -

    Cluttered and unnecessarily complex remote

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The JVC has an impressive array of features. Its HDMI output can upscale to 1080p, it can cope with DivX discs, and there's USB Music Clipping, which can record tracks from a CD straight to an MP3 player. It's a nice idea, but only works at normal speed at 128Kbps.

The on-screen menus are simple and effective, the main unit smart, if boxy, and the speakers stylish in a kind of tubular way. However the complicated, cluttered remote detracts from the overall experience.

Good image quality

The speakers are composed, and the subwoofer injects muscle into lower frequencies. The image quality is good, with fair insight into the dark recesses of Sweeney Todd, while in Spider-man 3 it gives the blue and red of Spidey's brash, skin-tight outfit a vibrant glow without appearing overcooked. Overall, this is a simple, well-sorted system.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test