Best-buy sound!
Pros:
Midrange, smooth bass, simple stereo
Cons:
upper range
The Bottom Line:
If you need simple stereo then this is worth the price for jazz voice, pop, and rock. The midrange is awesome!
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Sherwood RX4103
I need to have an inexpensive receiver to drive my two Cambridge Audio Ambience speakers. I used to use RZ7000 Sansui (cost me about $550 in 1990) to drive them.
Since I am going to use the receiver only for those speakers, I was looking for a simple receiver w/o bells and whistles. Sherwood RX4103 fits my requirement, it has only left & right audio, FM/AM, 4 different inputs(VCR, CD, Tape, Aux), and Bass/Treble selection.
However, since the price is so low, I am afraid that the sounds coming from it might be crappy. I went to Circuit City (December 2004) and auditioned the receiver with a pair of inexpensive speakers (forgot the brand, but it is priced at about $100).
Unexpectedly, the sound was not bad at all. Having used to audition some systems (I own Thiel 2.4 and Counterpoints, Magnepan MG1.5 and Aragons), I did not wait any longer and checked out the receiver. It cost me $85 (inc tax).
At home, RX4103 delivers the sound as I have expected, very good at midrange, the voice of Sheryl Crow is very crispy as well as the accompanying guitars.
Even though its bass as not as strong as its midrange, but it is a smooth bass not sound boxy, good enough at base guitar and Tatu's drum and good enough to accompany me during jogging with my treadmill.
I think the upper range is not as good as the bass, hence high octave piano or high pitch trumpet does not sound as good. I can see the difference between low and high octave piano in After Hours of Avery Parrish (Sonny Side Up album), the low octave piano sounds real good, while the high one is ok. Sonny's tenor sax turns out to be ok while Dizzi's trumpet has lost its power. When I listen to Tatu, the sound is amazing, enough bass power and clear voice. Norah Jones voice is crystal clear.
Since I mostly listen to jazz songs, pop, and rock when I do jogging, the deficiency in upper range does not hurt much. If you like instrumental jazz or classical then this receiver might turn out to be just ok.
Well, certainly the RX4103 sound cannot be compared to my other set ups. However, the RX4103 price is worthed, because the sound it delivers may be comparable to other receivers that offers video, optical connection, simulated surround, equalizer, multiple inputs, etc. with $300 range.
If you are just looking for a stereo setup w/o those amenities then get Sherwood RX series! You do not need to pay amenities that you might not need them.
Nursalim
