Sharp CDDK891N Mini Component System with 250 Watts Total Output and Docking slot for your iPod Device

If you want 'richer' sound - pay more, otherwise this is a fabulous value. All the features I was looking for - Bridging the audio generations - radio, dual tape deck(haven't used yet, but have tapes not on CD), Multiple CD, to I pod dock. Hardly ever turn it off.
I shopped the stores - didn't find better deal let alone all these features!

I have been looking for a shelf unit that can play more than 1 CD and has a cassette player -- a really basic one. Of course the simplest unit is the hardest to find out there nowadays. So I finally found this one, bought it in store for a good price, brought it home and put it together. First thing I noticed was that the buttons are not intuitive at all. Directions to set the clock is not intuitive at all. then the clock does not display well. so fine, I can live without the clock. Then just before it finished playing a CD, it switched to 'ipod' mode for no reason. I can't switch it back. I tried pressing 'cd', 'tuner', 'tape', and the ipod mode is still there. To reset it, I have to unplug and replug. I thought it was my lucky day so I exchanged for another one tonight. I put it together and after 1 hour, same thing happened (this time with 2 eye witnesses). I am going to return this unit for sure. I am going to buy my other choice...

FIVE STARS!
This is the only and best stereo system I've ever had! I have a predeccesor to this product (XL-UH242), it is very similar, just a few differences.

PROS:
-5 disc changer!
-Little steel screens go in front of the speakers to protect them; they can be removed easily!
-Big o' honkin' Volume dial! Easy to grab.
-Very nice screen: it shows you the information about what you are playing and it is easy to read!
-Picks up FM and AM great!
-Headphone jack
-Line in on back; I am always using it!
-Subwoofer port on back! Awesome!
-X-BASS is really cool!
-Remote signals can be picked up from really good distance
-Plays WMA's! GREAT feature!
-It still works if you made your own CD
-Doesn't run hot
-Can set it to play stuff at certain time
-Shiny
-Good quality, the remote is great!

CONS:
-Short power cord
-CD takes a while to start playing
-Can't tune it, skip to certain tracks, or pause from the main unit; only on the remote(don't lose the remote!)
-USB doesn't work always, but that's okay

Overall, if you are looking for a stereo, this is probably your best option! Sharp is awesome anyways!
FIVE STARS!!

The ipod cradle on top is nice, and the unit worked with my pre-existing book shelf speakers. But there isn't any place to attach extra ones.
I considered sending it back when I discovered that you have no control over individual sound settings. You can only choose from a list of pre-set settings. So if I wanted to boost the treble, or lower the bass- can't be done. Because of that, I don't like it.

I tried this unit out at the store and was quite pleased with the sound. I wanted a unit with built-in iPod docking, and this one had the best features and superb sound.

It does really sound nice, and you can control the iPod pretty effortlessly with the included remote, However, one MAJOR disappointment for me - the iPod will not charge when the unit is turned off. When you turn the unit off (standby) it puts the iPod in sleep mode.

The workaround is to turn on demo mode, but that just scrolls all sorts of colorful stuff on the screen, which would be distracting while trying to fall asleep. Considering I bought this unit for my bedroom, that's not really an option. What a letdown! I'd have given this 5 stars if the iPod charged while the unit was off.

Other than that, the unit is great. great sound, 5 EQ presets and XBASS setting, 5 disc CD changer and dual casette, which, admittedly, I do not plan to use. The radio gets good reception and sounds good as well.

Setup was straightforward, as was using the unit. I did not need to open the booklet at all, except to learn how to set the clock. I would never have guessed how to do that - it's pretty complicated.

The unit comes with 8 dock adapters that will fit most (especially newer) iPods. They follow the same numbering system as Apple, so if your ipod came with a dock adapter, look at the number on the back, and use the matching numbered adapter that was supplied. You could also just use the adapter that came with the iPod, but the supplied adapters are easier to remove / exchange if necessary. And, the Apple adapters are white, while the unit's adapters are black.

It also has a sleep function, and a record timer function that lets you set a time to record radio programs to cassette.

Finally, there is a headphone mini-jack output, and a line in mini-jack input, which is shared with the ipod input.

In closing, my one wish for this unit would be the ability to charge the ipod any time it is in the dock. However, due to the sound quality, I can partially overlook this.