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.
