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Upon doing a Google search by the model number, I found that C-707CHX has a long history of this particular problem. Also since Amazon only provides a 30-day return policy, at 45-days I am forced to deal directly with OnkyoUSA for warranty service. Sadly their customer service was most notable only for its indifference. Six weeks after purchase of the product, the CD Changer component (Model C-707CHX) failed. Basically upon loading a CD, the changer would not play, nor would it open back up to remove the CD. While I am attempting to coordinate warranty service with one of their authorized service centers, the results are still unknown.
I will have to go to a service center just to get the CDs out before I return the unit. Furthermore, this unit is fairly expensive and the FM antenna shipped with it is a simple wire without a connector. They expect you to buy an adaptor or another antenna. I have received 2 complete stereos systems and both arrived with non-functioning CD changers. The first CD changer at least played Disc 1 but the second CD changer plays no discs and will not release the 3 CDs that I put in it. However, the sound is great.
[It would be nice if internet sales pages would display an image of the back, as well as the front, of these items]. [Their high-tech black rubber finish goes well with the Onkyo's brushed silver finish].The UGLY: There are continuing reports that the Onkyo 3-CD changer is prone to failure - and there is no repair, only replacement [of the whole system]. The BAD: The speakers are, IMHO, junk - no better than those of the plastic shelf system the Onkyo replaced. I have had no problems yet, but if I do, I simply will junk it and plug in a 5-CD changer. Trying to keep costs under control, subbed out the original speakers [an option lesser shelf systems do not allow] for a pair of might-mite JBL Control Series Speakers. I already had the wireless versions of these running out of the Onkyo headset connection -- they sounded great [putting the Onkyo speaker units to shame], and so do these. Onkyo MC35TECH Executive Shelf System with 3 CD ChangerOnkyo MC35TECH Executive System: I got the system because I wanted a bedroom system that had auxiliary inputs, and that was a cut above the common plastic-y shelf systemsThe GOOD: Receiver/amplifier unit offers very competent sound, appears to be very well built.
The back of this unit looks like a stand-alone receiver. Lot's of connectivity analog/digital [no dedicated IPOD plug-in]. Many shelf systems have little or no connectivity.
However, after the power unit on my receiver died I learned that Onkyo does not sell the components of this system as replacement parts. The only way to replace the receiver is to buy an entire new system. Used the MC35TECH in my office at low volume. So I sent in to Onkyo Service Center. Long story but $200 spent and 3 weeks later the unit is still not repaired and now I am looking at buying an entirely new system. Very pleased with this unit for first two years: great sound, terrific reception. I've been a long-time fan of Onkyo and have several Onkyo systems but after this experience I'm not sure I will buy another Onkyo.
This is my next move: a sub.(audiophiles believe that a good 2.1 system with bookshelves and a sub gives better sound quality-more accurate-than 2 big floorstanding speakers.i guess you can control the bass better)I sometimes connect my ipod to this system, and it also sounds great.Now those "processor-in-out" jacks.another rarity in this class: i guess one can add some kind of surround processor and make it more HT oriented.i might do it someday, but I doubt it.I think 2.1 is the max for me.I value music more than multi-channel movie-stuff.The tuner is VERY sensitive, and great that one can name stations.what one can do to make it better:1) replace all cables.I replaced all audio/video cables with either monster or cables-to-go with better cables/shielding and connectors. it's a good one, but it's also a small one. I'm VERY picky about sound quality, and voice reproduction of this system is just great. (underloading speakers cause a lot more damage than overloading them, in other words)CD palyer: This is the part which took out a star.not very good build-qaulity of the tray loading mechanism/transport, but audio quality is still very good, and has digital out again, pretty special for a mini player. and they have pin-connectors on the back. if you're picky, you'll hear it.Right now, i'm still (amazingly) using the 16-gauge speaker wire that came in the box. but still.the sound, even with them is remarkable.I've surprised many picky people with this set up.Convenience: inputs galore for such a small system; it has a SUB pre out. be careful of the min load the new speakers can take.don't overdrive the amp/underdrive speakers.
been too lazy. and think of the price again.All in all, a truly versatile, well made system. they could be better, but they're not that bad. Just listen to Fiona Apple's "slow like Honey", with vol level @ about 10-11 o'clock.hard to believe it's a mini system.
(look at how many full size a/v receivers have a line level sub-out). even with the speakers that come with the set, the sound quality is remarkable, esp considering the size of the receiver.I have heard many full size separate components with floor standing speakers of major brand names (I'm not speaking pure hi-end here), which sound worse, and had a bigger price tag running into 1k-2k $ range. Yuck. I'm getting some bluejeanscable 12-gauge wire with banana connectors soon.2) get a sub.I really do think it makes a difference.3) get better speakers if this is sort of a "main" system.and believe me it can be a very powerful 2.1 or 2.0 main system for a small-mid sized room. had eject/lock-up prob's like other reviewers once or twice last year, but never had any after that.this is probably the worst part of this system. I don't think it's the speakers.for their size, they have a great range. made a difference. the cd player still works well.
I've had this system for the last 5 years, so I think I'm in a good position to evaluate it. Best to buy a sub with variable cross-over adjustment, so that you can match/tune the freq exactly to the main speakers. I bought this as a demo unit, while I'm still waiting for the time to come for a bigger full size system.First, The Good: The Receiver: Built like a tank. I know one person who has this system connected to a powered Yamaha sub, and he says it's wonderful (imagine the explosions then). The similar mini systems from Yamaha and Denon don't come close.and this receiver has banana type speaker terminals.now that's pretty hi-level thing do have in a "mini" system.I have a pioneer dvd player's audio out connected directly to this system, and with the "presence control" of the Onkyo at position 3, and tweaking of the dvd player's sound mode settings, the sound of dvd's are amazing.it's loud, but @ the same time, clear crisp, and the bass is not lacking at all.it's deep, but never "muddy".now: the speakers: I agree; they're below the level of the receiver, but think again: the freq response is 60Hz-35kHz, and that's actually pretty good.the freq above 20 kHz are not heard by humans, but they assure you have max clarity of that range. so the additional 35kHz is not a waste.again when I watch dvds I sometimes wonder @ the sound coming from them.one can only imagine the sound with better speakers. I will keep it as long as I can, and when I get a bigger main system, this will still have its place somewhere, and it won't be in some hidden place.UPDATE Oct/07:Updated speakers to Onix x-ls speakers, and a Onix X-sub: NOw it sounds like an almost hi-end system.more low extention, and the sound quality is unbelievable, probably able to beat most $1000 systems that I know of.The clarity/imaging is top notch with the better speakers, and they bring out what this receiver is truly capable of.It truly is very good; invest in better speakers and a sub.truns this into a truly audiophile grade system.
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