Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System Review: A classic hi-fi bookshelf design
Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System: Classic hi-fi design paired alongside some modern conveniences. We tested the Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System. It is a traditional hi-fi bookhelf with a variety of capabilities such as CD, USB, NFC and Bluetooth.
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Stereo design for bookshelves that is classic and elegant
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Great sound
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Wood-bodied separate speakers available with fabric grills.
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Bluetooth, NFC and USB connectivity
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Legacy support for CD/AM/FM and MP3
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Display of LED alphanumeric segments shows only limited information
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Remote can be clunky
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There is no Wi-Fi
Although it does not necessarily meet all of your needs, the Sony CMTSBT100 Micro Music System can be seen as a hybrid product that bridges the gap between technology of yesterday and technology today. The CMTSBT100 is a wonderful choice if you are looking for a bookshelf stereo that has excellent sound quality, as well as a range of features such CD, FM/AM/FM and NFC support.
- Design
- Installation
- Sound Quality
- Prices
- Concurrence
- Final Verdict
- Specifications
The Sony SMTSBT100 Micro Music System was purchased by us to allow our expert reviewer to thoroughly evaluate and test it. Continue reading to see our complete product review.
Bookshelf stereos are not necessarily dying, but they have seen a decline in their popularity over the last few decades. The bookshelf stereo system has a lot of charm. If you need to listen to music or play CDs, the Sony SMTSBT100 Micro Music System is the best choice.
The CMTSBT100 was tested to determine if it met the requirements of audiophiles of today and legacy formats. We also looked into what compromises (if any) were made.
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Design: Classic, elegant look
Although the CMTSBT100 may be called a Micro Music System it is still small enough to fit in a classic bookshelf stereo format. While the main console is more than 11 inches in width and 8 inches deep and the stereo speakers, which are 6 inches high and 9 inches respectively, each speaker measures over 9 inches tall and 6 inches across. The separate stereo speakers measure 8.5 inches with removable fabric grills and can be attached to their respective components. You will need extra space for cabling and to position the FM antennas.
However, you should know that a bookshelf-mounted music system is not something you would want to hide in a dark corner. The CMTSBT100 is meant to be proudly displayed on any flat surface you choose. Sony has created a very attractive design for the CMTSBT100. It features mainly black color and silver accents. This classic design will look great in any modern interior.
A black plastic case surrounds the center console. This unit's front is divided into a transparent upper and lower half. The blue LED display sits over the controls, headphone jack and USB ports. To the right, a large volume dial in chrome is located between the controls and display.
This classic, elegant look will go well with any modern décor.
The all-wood enclosure houses each black speaker. It attaches to the back of the center console with the included cable. Wood sides add a rich texture to the speaker and enhance sound quality. You can remove the fabric cover to show off your two-way tweeter/woofer, or create a completely different look if you prefer.
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Setting up is easier than you think
The system's fold-out instructions are very intimidating. They include detailed diagrams of function and remote connections, component names, and connection details. However, it is actually quite simple to set up.
Each speaker has four rubber feet attached to its bottom. These help reduce vibrations and hold the speakers in their place at all volume levels. These speaker cables have a grey connector that can be plugged into either the left or right speaker connectors at the center console. On the opposite end, there are naked wire connectors that plug into each speaker's respective color-coded inputs.
An AM/FM antenna consists of a combined AM loop antenna with an FM lead antenna. Both wires terminate in a single white connector, which plugs into Antennas input at the back of the console. Despite the length of the cables we received good reception when they were placed on the same table with the CMTSBT100.
Although the remote looks bulky, it is compatible with the more sleek design of the main unit. However, it allows easy access to many features that are not possible via the control on the central console.
And that's about it—a few connections, including plugging the center console into a power outlet, and you're off. Although the instructions for operation and the remote control are detailed, it isn't as complex as it seems.
The remote can be used to turn on the small accent light that is located underneath the console. The smart touch is that the blue color is added to Bluetooth when it is selected. However, different colors would be nice for other inputs.
Clicking on CD will start reading any standard audio CD, CD-R/RW or MP3 files placed into the power disc tray. You can play MP3, WMA or AAC files saved on USB sticks, drives, media players, and other devices by selecting USB. Bluetooth connects to a Bluetooth-paired device. It also illuminates the Bluetooth/Pairing buttons on the console's front. You can pair up to nine Bluetooth devices before the system erases any previous pairings.
Although pairing Bluetooth-compatible devices manually is the easiest way to wirelessly link them, NFC (Near-Field Communication) makes it even faster. To establish Bluetooth connection, place compatible devices that have an NFC-compliant application on top of the N symbol. This is located above the Sony logo. The device will automatically disconnect if you tap it in the same place. This NFC feature is compatible with many Android phones running Android 2.3.3 and later.
Pressing the TUNER key switches between AM and FM radio signals. To get good reception you will need to place the antennas correctly, however we were able to tune in many local FM and AM radio stations with just the CMTSBT100 antennas.
It's nice to see the time, but the LED display is limited in its ability to show letters and numbers without scrolling. Unfortunately, the display of track or file names, artist name, or album names is limited to correctly encoded ID3 tags for MP3s from CDs or USB devices. Other sources of information, such as Bluetooth, only display basic details. The screen is small, but it can be clearly seen and read from any distance.
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Excellent Sound Quality: Amazing sound output from all inputs
All inputs were tested for audio quality and the results showed excellent results. This was obviously dependent on the quality of source material. The sound from CD was clear and had decent bass. It was also easy to play other audio formats, such as podcasts or audiobooks.
The BASS BOOST function was turned ON to increase overall volume. It also increased the bass level to more prominent levels. However, it didn't overwhelm the sound. You can adjust the volume and treble manually to suit your personal preferences.
Similar results were achieved when streaming music via Bluetooth using our Apple iPhone Xs Max. It didn't matter if it was music downloaded from iTunes or streamed via Spotify, all of it sounded amazing.
Excellent results were achieved in audio tests with all inputs.
It is important to note that the volume levels can range from 0 up to 31. At 9, sound is almost impossible to hear over speakers, and even lower volumes. 31 sounds loud but is not too disturbing. We measured the maximum sound levels at the top 70s using a sound level monitor about 10 feet from the speakers. This is similar to hearing a freight train passing by approximately 50 feet away. These volume levels are sufficient unless you intend to use the sound system in a different setting than your home. There is no distortion even when the volume is at its maximum.
We were able to achieve similar results using Razer Kraken Pro headphones, which we connected via the 3.5mm headphone socket on the console's front. The volume of 9 was almost inaudible. Max volume, however, was clear and audible.
You'll love FM radio as long as it can provide a stereo single. This is done by adding little red STEREO text above the blue LEDs. You'll also see additional information such as station ID, artist names, and song names if the encoded data is correct. It's unfortunate that Bluetooth doesn't provide this type of information.
A remarkable value
The SMTSBT100 costs $200. However, it offers good functionality and a great feature set if you don't mind some limitations. The SMTSBT100 delivers excellent sound quality which is undoubtedly the main factor in assessing the worth of such a product. This sound system is a great value for money, thanks to its elegant design and the small but noticeable loss of audio quality from the remote.
Competitor: There is little direct competition for its category
KEiiD Compact CD/MP3 player: At $220 the KEiD Compact CD/MP3 player offers an all-in-one alternative to the CMTSBT100’s component-based design and at a comparable price. The KEiiD Stereo system has excellent sound quality and is well worth a look if you are looking for a more tailored mix of positives or negatives.
Denon D41 Stereo: If you want a more robust build and more physical outputs than the D-M41, then this is the Denon D41. The Denon D-M41 is a substantial premium, however, with a retail price of $500.
A great looking, high-sounding bookhelf hi-fi system by Sony, the CMTSBT100 Micro Music System.
The CMTSBT100 is a good choice if you are looking for a component design that can be used with streaming devices today. However, it is difficult to recommend this model over other speakers.
Specifications
- Product name CMTSBT100 micro music system with Bluetooth and NFC
- Sony Product Brand
- UPC 027242866294
- Prices from $200.00
- Weigh 5.73 lbs.
- Product dimensions 42.73x114.17x87.01in.
- Speaker Type 2 Way (Woofer+Tweeter).
- Maximum Output Power 50 W
- Bluetooth yes - AAC, aptX
- CD yes - CD, DVD-R, CDW
- Radio Frequency Range 87.5-108.0 MHz/100 KHz (FM), 530-1710 KHz/10 KHz (AM), 531-1710 KHz/9 KHz (AM)
- AM/FM yes
- 3.5mm Stereo Input: Yes
- USB Input No - WMA, MP3, AAC
- Remote Control RM - AMU171
- Standby Power Consumption: 0.5W
- 1-year warranty
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