Sony CMT-SPZ90DB review

If you're looking specifically for DAB, a CD multichanger and cassette in your micro system (and we suppose some people must be), this is the baby for Tested at £180.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

This is a solid little system that does little wrong, even if it is a mite flawed

Pros

  • +

    DAB, cassette and CD multichanger, among other features

  • +

    decent sound

Cons

  • -

    Build is a little weaker than some at this price

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.

We thought the cassette was pretty much dead, and yet manufacturers (and not only Sony) are still producing systems that include them. This Sony shares another feature with some rivals: a CD changer. The 'Z90's compact example holds three discs.

The Sony's price buys a good deal of sophistication. Build-quality isn't great, but the styling is far more impressive, even if the fascia is rather cluttered.

Not ideal under pressure
Sound performance is sophisticated, too. Low notes are evenly integrated into the smooth and balanced presentation. Things are quite perfect, mind: the stereo image is a little imprecise, and the Sony struggles to identify individual instruments when tracks get busy.

Overall, and at this price, the Sony is a pleasant listen. DAB performance is very good, and is faithfully clear and clean, whether you're listening to music or chat. The Sony, while not perfect, is a good system that's certainly worth the money.

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.

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