Best Stereos for Teens

According to the Cingular Media Room, teenagers have embraced technological advancement in a big way, and are constantly on the look-out for the newest in electronic gadgets. A recent study shows that among surveyed teens, owning a stereo is #3 on their list. Teenagers love music - whether it be rock, rap or country - and in order to stay current with the latest trends, they stay on watch for the fanciest stereo systems.

Most teens prefer either bookshelf stereos or hand-held, portable machines that they can carry on the go. The former allows for better sound and more discs in one machine while the latter gives them a way to listen in the car, while walking to school, and at friends' houses. Bookshelf stereos are obviously more expensive, but portable stereos don't achieve the same sound quality. If you are a teenager, or a parent of a teen, then you might want to check out some of these stereos from Sony, RCA and JVC.

SONY

Network Music Player NAS-CZ1

This will fullfill any teen's desire for the latest in technology, as it combines an excelent sound system with PC compatibility. You can network this player with any computer in the house and play downloads and radio from the computer itself. Teens can create their own user profiles, add up to five separate playlists, and enjoy the single disc CD & MP3 playback feature. It supports music files in the MP3, WAV, S/B, ATRAC, ATRAC3, WMA, and ACC formats, which lends to maximum diversity with PC playlists. It also has high fidelity audio with 360-degree Omni-Directional speakers, which means parents might need to prepare to have their ears assailed.

Price: $199.99
Weight: 11 lbs. 11 oz
Find it: www.sony.com

Mini Hi-Fi Component SystemLBT-ZX6

This is one of the most popular stereo systems among teens because of how it looks and because of its 5-disc CD changer. It also has Game Sync mixing for video games, which is another favorite teen pasttime. It has 3-way main speakers and 560 watts for a smooth, clear sound. It's quite a bit heavier than the Network Player, mostly because of enormous speakers, and it comes with a remote control. Teens especially like its color fluorescent display for function illumination.

Price: $399.95
Weight: 39 lbs. 11 oz
Find it: www.sony.com

300 Disc MegaStorage® CD ChangerCDP-CX355

For the serious music lover, the MegaStorage CD player is wonderful for both listening and organization. Teens are prone to leaving CD's and their jewel cases lying about to be trampled or scratched, but this player changes all of that. Capable of storing up to 300 discs, it plays as well as organizes. It also will play homemade mixed discs, which is handy for the computer wizard. Teens can enjoy the "Custom File" memory function - essential for the storing of 300 discs - as well as a remote control, 32-step program play, optical digital output , and the twin jog dial.

Price: $199.99
Weight: 22 Ibs
Find It: www.sony.com

S2 Sports CD Walkman D-SJ303

Teenagers are athletic these days, and with the Sports Walkman from Sony, teens can jog in style. This water-resistant, durable portable CD player even comes with a reflective hand strap for running or working out at night. It comes with skip-free protection, 64-track programming, and nine playback modes. Best of all, it has a unique, orange-and-black face that stands out from the crowd.

Price: $59.95
Weight: 12.6 oz
Find it: www.sony.com

JVC

DVD Compact Component System HX-D7

This is one of JVC's most unique models, which is why it is so popular among teens. Its four round speakers and red-and-black face makes it a stand-out feature in any room. It has a 99-track program play, 5-disc changer, DVD format capabilities, USB input for PC connections, and 520 total watts.

Price: $329.00 (MSRP)
Weight: 43 Ibs 7 oz.
Find it: www.jvc.com

7 Disc Carousel CD Changer XL-FZ700BK

For teenagers, space-savers can be a plus, and this compact stereo is great for low-key listening pleasure. A fiber optic digital output makes it convenient to create digital recordings, and this stereo includes continuous play, "Smart" random play, and program play for maximum flexibility. It comes with a remote control, and is only a little over 4'' tall.

Price: $165.00 (MSRP)
Weight: 12.2 Ibs
Find it: www.jvc.com

Portable CD Player XL-PG3

As portable CD players go, this is one of the most practical, while still offering a sleek, modern look. Shiny black, with a slim, compact design, the XL-PG3 offers a heat resistant body, backband-type headphones, 45-second anti-shock nemory for reduced skipping, and 20-hour continuous playback. I like this model because it fits well with workout clothes and it has an easy-to-read display for long workout sessions.

Price: $44.95
Weight: 12.3 oz
Find it: www.jvc.com

DVD Micro Component System FS-S77

It seems that we're moving more toward silver electronics than black, and for the techno-savvy teen, the Micro Component system is perfect for all-around electronic entertainment. A DVD, MP3, Cassette and CD player all in one, this machine is perfect for dresser-top listening pleasure. It can be connected to a PC or TV to play DVD's, and teens can also listen to their near-obsolete cassettes. It has an amber LCD display, 32-track program memory, and electronic bass/treble tone controls. It is an extremely attractive machine, with a remote control and a preset timer clock.

Price: $219.99
Weight: 16.5lbs
Find it: www.jvc.com

RCA

RS2635

RCA is known for manufacturing great bookshelf stereo systems, and the RS2635 is no exception. This machine is practical for teenage use, since teens are often hard on their equipment, and has a 5-disc CD changer with 80 watts of total system power, which is easier on parents' ears. It is attractive - a mixture of black and silver - with a remote control for easy listening. It has a VFD display and it can be used for both commercial CD's and homemade mixed discs.

Price: $89.99
Weight: 15.4 Ibs
Find it: www.rca.com

RS2642

For space saving and for a more modern design, the RS2642 is great for bedrooms and dorm rooms alike. It has a Neo-5 CD Changer System, 250 watts total power, an LCD display, and mp3/audio CD playback. I recommend this stereo for teenagers who enjoy rock or metal music and who have parents who don't mind a little extra noise. It has an attractive face with enlarged speakers and a very modern design.

Price: $119.00
Weight: 34.3 Ibs
Find it: www.rca.com