Good Value Power (Sony TA FE230)

Member Name: soundman

Product:	Sony TA FE230
Date:	07/01/04 (505 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Price, Style, Ease of use

Disadvantages: Basic, No remote, No tape monitor

If you are looking for a no frills amplifier that has the power to drive a range of loudspeakers then the Sony TA-FE230 is a good choice.

This is a straight stereo amplifier offering basic facilities with 6 inputs and 2 outputs through phono connectors mounted at the rear of the chassis. These comprise a 'Phono' input for a turntable, Tuner, CD, Aux, and 2 Tape inputs plus 2 Tape outputs that enable recording and a headphone socket on the front panel. Operation is very simple, a push button to switch on and off, a large round knob to control the volume and next to that is another large rotary knob for selecting the various sources. This has a small lamp pointer to indicate which input source you are listening to, unfortunately this lamp is also the only indication that the amplifier is switched on and is very discreet. I felt I needed a better indication that the amp was on but that might have spoilt the overall look, a typically slick black Sony design.

There is a balance control and bass and treble adjustment, which is smooth and has adequate boost and cut to adjust for room acoustics. I additionally like the ability to switch the speakers on and off from the front panel, which is handy for me if I want to switch to headphones for closer monitoring.

The amplifier delivers controlled bass whilst maintaining a balanced sound, comfortably driving the Mission M 70 speakers I use to monitor my PC sound editing system. It will also produce a hefty volume without distortion though to be fair I haven't tried it with more demanding speakers, sounding happy with all types of programme material including rock and classical though the overall performance will depend on the speakers you attach to it.

I would rate the sound quality as very good but they don't have that option. The only thing that would make it better would have been the addition of a tape monitor button however you get what you pay for. Runs nice an cool t
oo. Overall, at around 80-90 pounds an excellent amplifier for those on a budget.

Summary: