Sony CMT-GPX9 micro hi-fi

Old school analogue tape meets DAB.

Sony style meets aggressive pricing in this very attractive micro hi-fi. And if you like a bit of analogue with your digital, it also has a cassette deck.

This Sony feels pretty good - there's a solidity to the main unit that really suggests you're getting great value for money. The three-band tuner is also a nice touch, giving you the option of DAB, FM or even AM. Also, although it's last century's tech, we like the inclusion of a tape deck here.

However, sonically it's middle of the road. It doesn't sound bad, but it still suggests kitchen rather than living room, and it struggles to deliver voices convincingly with radio or CD. We tried it with the Denon's speakers, and the results suggested that the boxes are the weak link.

So if you like Sony and you like the style, this offers good value for money as a second set-up. Just don't expect it to bring the house down at a party.