Sharp XL-HP500 3-Disc Executive Microsystem

The XL-HP500's hefty 50 watts per channel will make your CDs sound great in small to medium-sized rooms, when you're cranking them up and when you're playing them quietly; an overshadowed benefit of high power is that you get full sound, even at low volumes. You can listen straight through a disc, set the player to repeat, or set it to play random selections.

Load up to three CDs at a time and listen to them continuously, in random mode, or one at a time--you can even swap out two of the discs while the third is playing. The system's two-way speakers are magnetically shielded to allow distortion-free placement near TVs or computer monitors. Detachable grilles expose the speakers' generous 5.125-inch woofers, dome tweeters, and bass-enhancing ports.

The single-well cassette deck offers full-logic controls and autoreverse playback for hands-free extended listening. The 30-preset FM/AM digital tuner automatically scans available stations for easy programming. Use the X-Bass circuit to boost the speakers' bass output, or choose from among five preset equalizer curves to tailor the sound to your preference.

A dedicated subwoofer output facilitates hookup with an external (and optional) powered subwoofer to fill out your music's bass frequencies, while stereo RCA analog-audio inputs accommodate an external device like a DVD player, MP3 player, voice recorder, or VCR. Want to listen in private? Plug a pair of headphones (not included) into the unit's .125-inch headphone jack. This system is Energy Star compliant, meeting all guidelines for energy efficiency.

What's in the Box
Main unit, two speakers, an FM/AM antenna, a full-function remote control, remote batteries, a user's manual, and warranty information.

Product Description
Stylish, compact, and powerful, this executive micro system is perfect for any office, den, or bedroom. With 100 watts of power (50 W + 50 W), a 3 CD changer, and a full logic cassette deck, this executive micro system is a perfect audio system for any environment.

The sound is impressive for its size. Many units of this size don't produce a desirable sound.

I've had 2 other sets fail me with a broken cd player after a few years of use so I'm not a big fan of spending big dollars on a stereo system if that's the way they stand up today. The others I bought were more expensive than this player.


Definitely the BEST!   September 24, 2003
 10 out of 13 found this review helpful

I purchased this CD player last night. My dad told me he would pay up to $120 on any CD player I wanted, and I chose to get this one and pay for the difference myself. I'm a teenager who absolutely loves Christian Pop/Rock and I depend on music! I love this CD player because of, 1. It's style- I absolutely hate CD players that are black and red and have things sticking off of them and are just really 'futuristic' looking. I love how this CD player looks, on the other hand, because it is small, silver, simple (while still not being plain), and I think it looks great. 2. It's sound quality- This is only my 3rd CD PLayer I've ever owned. My first 2 were both $50 or cheaper, and this is definetely a step up. THe music sounds great and it has Bass controls so it's kinda like a built-in sub woofer. 3. It's size - My first CD player was a little BoomBox and my second was a big Cd Player that had 2 speakers . To give you a little idea of how big that one was - it wouldn't fit on my fairly large nightstand. But this one fits just perfectly on my nightstand and it fits great in my 12x11 foot bedroom that is packed full of furniture. 4. Perhaps the best thing out of all of these- the REMOTE CONTROL - my first CD player didn't have a remote, my second had a remote but it only controlled the track #, but this one, it has everything, and more than the main player itself! 5. The radio tuner - I like listening to a certain radio station that is a very difficult one to pick up on a tuner. My second CD PLayer had a manual tuner and I hated it. But this one has a digital tuner that picks up my hard to reach station.

Overall:
For a reasonably priced, smaller unit with 2 speakers, I would recommend this to anyone who has a limited amount of space and wants to have a great looking, sounding, and great overall CD PLayer. I hope this review has helped you to decide, and I mean it all with my entire heart!


Awesome Product!   August 14, 2003
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

I was looking at a Panasonic system when I came across this one. It is perfect for my office. It has great sound at low levels and sounds great when cranked up. I like the multiple CD changer - let's you change each CD separately without pulling the entire rack out. I am very happy with the sound quality, price and style. Glad I happened across it.


Great sound, great looks, great price   September 25, 2003
 13 out of 14 found this review helpful

We bought this unit about a month ago and have been very pleased. We are huge music listeners but don't have the money right now for a full-blown component system. However, this unit provides all the sound we need. The features and sound are so great I see no need to spend $1000-plus on components anymore. It seems these smaller units are marketed for offices or bedrooms, but it honestly provides all the stereo we need for our house. It fills our living area and kitchen with rich, full, clear sound not even turned up halfway. I don't know why anyone would need it louder unless you wanted to hear it outside the house. Looks were important to us because we don't have an entertainment center and needed the unit to sit on a bookshelf in clear view without making our living room look like a college dorm. This is a very classy, clean looking system. I love the play exchange feature, which allows you to change the other CDs while one is playing. Doesn't seem like a big deal, but it would be an annoyance if you couldn't. Also, it moves from one CD to the next very quickly and quietly, unlike many of the others. Another important feature for us was the auxilary input for our TV or DVD player. We would have preferred 5-CD capacity, but have found 3 to be adequate. The display is uncomplicated and easy to use, as is the remote. A great value all around.