Evaluating the JWIN JX-CD3250 Shelf AM FM CD System

If you're looking for a small shelf type stereo AM/FM radio tuner and compact disc player music system but don't want to pay the price tag of a Bose CD and radio player you may want to consider the self-contained jWIN JX-CD3250 CD player, radio tuner as an alternative. This unit is housed in a nice cherrywood look cabinet with plenty of chrome up front giving it a classic retro or nostalgic type feel. It has a stereo output and two built-in speakers and is operated either with the front panel buttons or an included remote. The speakers have a front opening chrome grill and molded back-openings making for a pleasing sound distribution and acceptable quality. There are three preset equalizer settings, one each for Classic, Rock, and Pop. These work with both the radio tuner as well as the compact disc player.

For those that like numbers the output is 6 watts and the unit has a headset jack for private listening. The CD player has a clear Lucite cover that quietly opens on top allowing the insertion of one disc. To open the compact disc player you must use the button on the front panel. It would be nice to have that function on the remote however since you have to go to the system to insert a disc it's not a major drawback other then having to remember which button to use which is not too convenient for a darkened room. The compact disc player has all the expected functions such as Play/Pause, Repeat One, Repeat All, Random, Skip Search (Forward/Back). You also have the options of entering the Programmed Playback Mode. It plays CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs.

The jWIN JX-CD3250 has a digital AM/FM tuner onboard which, like the compact disc player, functions both from the front panel as well as from the hand held remote. The tuner has 20 presets. Ten can be set to FM stations and ten for AM stations. One drawback is the existence of a FM pigtail antenna as well as a small 3" by 3" wire wound AM station antenna. These have no particular mounting brackets in back and the directions say to just locate them for the best reception. It seems somewhat low tech compared to the rest of the system especially from a styling standpoint.

The digital readout has a pleasant blue backlight, which brightens when you turn the power (110-120VAC). When the power is off the time can always be read from a distance since the blue backlighted display is always on. There is a Turn On Timer function that allows you to set the turn on time. This can be used to wake up to the radio or a compact disc. In addition to the turn-on timer there is a Sleep Timer that can be set to automatically turn off the system during a 10 to 90 minute period.

The price point around $60 makes this a viable alternative for a stylish classical look shelf system when compared to the all plastic boom box type units. It does not have a tape deck but that should not be a drawback. The width is 15.1in, depth 8in, height 5.8in and weight 9.6lb. It comes with a 1-year warranty. The jWIN JX-CD3250 can be found at a variety of online dealers.