Mini Hifi - Tuner/CD/amp advice ?

[macabethiel]

Our 20 year old Sony Mini Hi-Fi has finally packed up, I am looking for replacement with a minimum output of 20 Watts per channel as we have it connected via a Speaker A, B and A+B switch box set up to power speakers in either our Conservatory, the Garden or both.

Must have a remote control and budget is a maximum of £199 but would prefer to spend nearer the £120-£150 mark. We do not need speakers as existing ones are good quality and efficient design.

Richer Sounds have the Denon DM40 DAB unit at £179 but as we have a decent system in the house it's a tad over what I feel justified to spend.

Curry's do a Sandstrom SHFTPPH10 sytem at £129.99 but it is not a brand I know but the specification is pretty good. Anyone here familiar with this product ?

I have ruled out buying a used system on e-bay as the CD units tend to have issues when old with the CD units sticking due to laser faults or perished drive belts.

[elty001]

They are a curry's own brand unit.supposed to be good value for the money but some models suffered with headphone setting problems. The unit would switch from headphones to speakers randomly.
Also at low volume there can be a buzz from the speakers but it doesn't get any louder so once the volume is increased it drowns it out.

[macabethiel]

Thanks for that elty001 that will put me off the Curry's own brand though they have done some good own brand stuff in the past.

Since my post I found this JVC one that has valves in the amp !
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/322057095806?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Your post might explain why there are quite a few re-furb Sandstrom on e-bay!

[elty001]

My mum bought a sandstrom just for listening to in the kitchen, it's lasted fairly well but the cd is very temperamental even with original discs.
She just uses the radio on it now.

[macabethiel]

Went to Curry's today was not impressed with the finish of the Sandstrom on display and did not much like the ribbon connectors from the CD to the Amp. The JVC was over budget and and a bit Glitzy with no cover on the CD load slot to keep out dust etc.

Decided to buy the Denon as we already have the previous model and it seems well made and heavy! Should arrive on Friday.