Philips SA6025 review

Looks good, but scratch the surface and there's not much there Tested at £80.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

There’s a lot the Philips gets right, but the key basics are lacking. The style/substance ratio is out, here

Pros

  • +

    Good looks and build

  • +

    eye-catching price

  • +

    simple to use

Cons

  • -

    Rather insipid sound

  • -

    some picture issues

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The SA6025 looks and feels more expensive and luxurious than its £80 price tag suggests. Small, slim and tactile, it has the finish of the moment: the smooth, glossy piano black looks lovely, but collects fingerprints like an overzealous scene-of-crime investigator.

Its 2GB memory isn't going to hold a stack of music or video, but it's reasonable considering the price. It also has a clear screen and easy menu navigation, and the PC-only software is straightforward.

The performance is a different matter. Music copied at 128kbps (with only 2GB to play with, we reckon this is the compression ratio most will use) manages to be both dull and hard – no mean feat.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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