Grundig, as most recall, is one of Germany’s finest audio and video makers and placed as one of the best on quality in the european as well as the global markets. They have introduced a range of audio and video products in the Indian market.
This said, let us talk about the UMS 5101 model that I had a look at. Recently I had the opportunity to take a look at the UMS 5101 model launched in India by Grundig (they are not here yet in full force, though).
The UMS 5101 (successor of the UMS 5100) delivers a PMPO (Peak-Music-Power-Output) of 200 Watts and can be positioned amongst the new class of executive audio systems. Its got a 3-CD changer (audio only), a RDS tuner (AM/FM radio) and a remote control. No cassette player. 2-way 4 speaker system, bass, treble and X-bass controls, period.
While its predecessor, the UMS 5100 claims to deliver 2X8 watts nominal output, the dealer, where I was viewing this product could not provide me with this detail. Apart from this, the unit features a 5 per-set equaliser. (I have a notion that it should be pre-set equaliser. I don’t know why its called ’per-set’ equaliser though.) Talking about the price - the UMS 5101 is priced at a whopping Rs.15, 000 (Rupees fifteen thousands only) in India and I honestly felt that this is made for the upper strata of the society.
While one thing about the quality is for sure - its excellent - the price on the other end is mind boggling and I wish that Grundig sees the larger picture and repositions its equipment accordingly suiting the large masses in the Indian market. On the other hand I am sure that Grundig is facing competition from other populars in the market like Sony, Onkyo, Philips, Samsung to name a few.
For instance, Sony has a VCD Hi-Fi (MHC-RV20) priced marginally a bit higher, but has lot more features than the UMS 5101 for sure. Ofcourse, you cannot use Sony’s MHC-RV20 as an executive system. Ultimately, for the Indian buyer, price is one of the prime factors, where the buyer will draw a fine line whether to buy or not to buy.
Yes, this apart from the Hi-Fi, pure aesthetics and the purity of sound (as claimed by Grundig’s advertisement). To tell you frankly, besided the quality factor, I decided not to go in for this considering the factor of affordability. Take a look (at the price) before you leap. (Please Note: All the above prices quoted have been sourced from dealers in Bangalore, India.) Details Extra: Grundig Bangalore (INDIA) Sales Office: ADA Marketing & Services, Phone: +91-080-22129727, 22129728, 56690330, 56690331 E-mail: adagrundig@vsnl.net Grundig Authorized Bangalore Service Centre: Televideo Services, Shahazad Building, #107, J C Road, Bangalore 560 002, INDIA Phone: +91-080-22220164 E-mail: michael@bgl.vsnl.net.in (Surprisingly Grundig doesnot have a website/URL on their launch in India.)