Sony NAS-50HDE Gigajuke review

Can connect tunes from your PC via your network, or from its own 80GB built-in hard disk - a good micro system choice for fans of digital music Tested at £500.00

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What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Hard disk and network-readiness will appeal to many, though the price is high

Pros

  • +

    80GB hard disk

  • +

    plays files from your PC via a network

  • +

    a good micro, too

Cons

  • -

    Price

  • -

    slightly lazy bass

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

With an 80GB hard disk and network functionality, this new Sony is aimed squarely at fans of digital music. Connect it to your network, and the Gigajuke can play all the tunes stored on your PC.

Insert a CD, and the built-in Gracenote software will search its supplied database (and its more up-to-date internet version if you're online) for titles and artwork, which are then displayed on the excellent screen. Ripping CDs to the hard disk is easy, and can be done in MP3 or uncompressed PCM formats.

Whether listening to CD, ripped music or DAB, the performance is big, bold and detailed. Only the slightly lazy bass and a high price hold the Gigajuke back from a full five stars.

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What Hi-Fi?
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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