Purists will definitely grimace at this sleek audio-video gadget. It is not for them, but for noobs — those who are starting to climb the corporate ladder and are looking for a hobby to spend their excess cash on. Strictly speaking, it is not a toy for the big boys, but the enjoyment it offers is comparable.
If you’re one of those who suffer from work-related stress, this one’s for you. The FB 163 made by LG electronics is being marketed as a ticket to the good life, something that can soothe and relax tattered nerves. This 160-watt-per-channel gadget is definitely a looker with its three silken piano-black columns, the main unit being sandwiched by its left and right speakers. On top are an iPod dock and a vertical slot for CDs and DVDs.
Control is easy. You can use either the remote or the feather-sensitive circular knob by lightly pressing it to navigate through tracks. Spinning your finger around the inside of the circle regulates the volume.
The front face discreetly hides a panel which when flipped down, exposes a USB, line-in and headphone sockets, as well as pins for setting the clock. This feature best highlights LG’s minimalist approach to design.
The gadget can play audio CDs, DVDs and discs storing MP3, WMA, JPEG and DivX files. The radio and alarm clock can likewise be adjusted via the iPod dock. For connections (input/output), the FB 163 has the old-school Scart and component/composite video. I was hoping it would have the high-definition HDMI for its video connection, but unfortunately it doesn’t.
To maximize sound quality, FB163 is specially tuned by Mark Levinson, an audio guru and an icon among audiophiles. It has a unique parabolic three-inch speaker design that LG claims improves “sound quality for a better consumer experience.” LG also trumpets the gadget’s exclusive VSM Pro technology which affords consumers “ultimate surround sound experience when watching movies or TV or listening to music.”
Oh yes, the FB163 can also dish out decent sound, but the music can be shrill at high volumes, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller can sound like a shouting match. This can be corrected, however, if you switch to the virtual audio mode using the remote’s VSM button. Here, the sound is cleaner, crunchy and richly flavored. Jheena Lodwick’s version of Danny Boy can be as engaging as when listened to over a high-end stereo system.
Bass is amazingly well-controlled. You wouldn’t think that it’s coming out of bookshelf speakers that have six-inch woofers built in to the sides. In small rooms, it has the punch and the weight expected from rock music or the explosion, rumble and tremor usually heard on action and disaster movies.
But to get the most out of the gadget, it should be placed in an environment with less reflective surfaces. Thick curtains and absorbing materials, such as pillows and foams, effectively enhance its sound quality.
The FB 163 is good enough to be a main home audio system, but small enough for tight quarters. The 2.1 Channel, 160-watt shelf system combines decent sound quality and an attractive appearance in a compact package. Just as I said, it is perfect for noobs searching for quality performance and premium design in a compact unit at an affordable price.
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For comments or questions, please e-mail me at audioglow@yahoo.com or at vphl@hotmail.com. You can also visit www.wiredstate.com or http://bikini-bottom.proboards80.com for quick answers to your audio concerns.