Park the new SONY CFS 1050S beside the old CFS 1035 S and the differences are glaring.For starters, you have a metal sheet around the equaliser controls and new plastic control buttons.Also the SONY badge on the twin speakers are golden coloured.The expression, ”DYNAMIC BASS” is shouted across the speakers.
Press the stop/eject button and the cassette compartment’s door opens, albeit a bit slowly to prevent rattles.You insert a recorded cassette and shut the door.You need to push the door a bit hard than you expected and you are instantly aware of the good build quality of the 1050.Hit the PLAY button and be prepared for pleasant surprises.
The first thing that strikes you is that the sound reproduced has an excellent bass.Its quite good for a mini music system.The second thing that you feel is the amazing clarity of the sound that is delivered from the twin speakers.However the PMPO is on a bit lower side at 50.
The equalisers are near perfect in their respective frequencies and they are easy to operate.You even get a BALANCE option i.e you can decide which speaker (L or R) will deliver the sound.However, the service personnel of SONY advised us not to fiddle with them(the equalising gadgetry) much, because they are prone to malfunctioning under such circumstances and they cannot be repaired easily.
Other things include detachable twin speakers, an earphone socket and a metal antennae.These are standard features of any music system and they are okay in their respective operations.
One unique feature of the 1050 is that it produces a near-surround effect in higher volumes and that makes listening an enjoyable experience.
As a consumer, I like the machine’s build quality, the rock-solid handle on the main unit, the perfect sound reproduction and an excellent bass.
However things can get better.The equalisers can be replaced by digital switches and if SONY does that it will generate more volumes of the1050.
But its the after sales&service of SONY that put me down.I had a nightmarish experience after my warranty period was over.The mechanic at my nearest service centre didn’t deliver prompt service(SONY AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE, HAZRA ROAD, KOLKATA) and the machine faced continuous breakdowns.And the service charge alone was Rs 150/- plus the the costs of the replaced components plus service tax.That added up to a huge sum of money each time our CFS visited the “hospital”.
Finally, I decided to part with my much loved music system.
The current price of the CFS 1050S is around Rs 3500/-.This is a very low price for a good product.Even exchange offers are available.A quick factfile is as follows:
RATING:
Design and engineering-
Performance-
Ease of operation-
After sales&service-
Value for money-