This strikingly modern audio system (think Robocop) is ideal for a day at the beach, an afternoon in the backyard, or even a night on the sofa. Unlike many portable systems, the MX-GB5 packs plenty of power, with 460 total watts split among two G-Max Hyper Power-Drive subwoofers (160 watts x 2) and two main speakers (70 watts x 2). The subwoofers give the unit punching bass, which is further amplified by the RhythMax tone booster, the Extended Super Bass option, and the trio of live surround modes (dance club, hall, and stadium). Also included are several individual music modes--one each for pop, rock, and classic, plus three custom choices.

The system holds up to three CD in its rotating carousel and is compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, and MP3 formats. However, it also records music on its dual cassette deck with full-logic controls, and also plays the radio on its AM/FM tuner with 45 total presets (30 FM and 15 AM). The cassette deck includes CD synchro recording, which synchronizes the cassette deck and CD player to ensure that recording starts at the exact same moment as playback, along with the convenience of play exchange, which ensures that the current CD continues playing even while the listener adds new ones to the carousel. Other user favorites include a programmable wakeup and sleep timer; a demo mode; Compu play; continuous, random, and repeat play for one or all three discs; and a rotary encoder volume control. Signal transfer is coordinated by the 1-bit dual DAC.

The system is designed as a standalone unit, though it does include a front auxiliary input and a headphone jack.

What's in the Box
Main unit, speakers, remote control, user's manual.