The installation is very simple and even without the supplied, detailed user guide (booklet with a 48-page, completely German-speaking part) a breeze. Ordinary screw terminals with cover to use banana plugs to both the speakers and the receiver underline the very obvious ambition of manufacturer, big sound in a small hi-fi system to pack. The control buttons on the device do not rattle, the volume control can be fed and no scratch / rotating grinding noises.
The infrared remote control handset looks jewelry made, is clearly designed and fits comfortably in your hand. A (wire) wire antenna for FM and a small loop antenna for medium wave (in my view superfluous) are included.
Since many playback functions via the home network to run, the system also has an Ethernet port. The case required network cable is not included but must be purchased separately.
Manufacturer ONKYO offers for the CS-N755 available free remote apps for iPhone and Android smartphones - but at least the available in the Apple store Onkyo Remote App is not available for this system, but only for AV receiver or amplifier manufacturer (as of 13.01.2013). Unfortunately, eliminating a very useful function until further notice.
However, as regards the sound, ONKYO promises here not too much. The Mini-System convinces me through a warm, although attenuated in the heights slightly, yet airy sound. It does not impose himself, but delivers all sources a pleasant, clean staggered performance to please especially with audiophile produced music very the white (Friedemann Legends of Light, Classical Rhapsody in Blue Bolero). The playback of vocals (Norah Jones Come Away With Me) and brass instruments (example: Til Bronner Oceana (New Edition, + 2 new tracks) inspire me a lot.
Internet radio stations are listed by different genres and different sort types, the access here is somewhat cumbersome. Depending on the data rate (typically 128 kbit / s, sometimes 224 kbit / s or even 32 kbit / s varies the sound here is very strong between CD and musty-topfiger AM radio quality.
The playback of music on a DLNA-enabled network drive (NAS) is without problems possible music files can be up to a 24-bit resolution and 96 kHz sampling frequency to play without any problems (I've successfully tested).
A big drawback: When playing songs over the network, which merge into one another, one must unfortunately a forced break between pieces of 2 to 3 seconds in buying the appliance has not mastered the gapless playback (gapless play) unfortunately. Disturbing is especially in conceptual and live albums. My great hope is that the manufacturer that solved with a firmware upgrade gets (current version:. 1001-0100-0000-000 The system has a new version out, if it is connected to an Internet connection, as soon it becomes available) , For such a convincing Mini Hi-Fi system, it would certainly be a great pity if it remained at this blemish.
Conclusion:
Manufacturer ONKYO has really made great achievements in mini format here. This system I recommend to all those who prefer to spend a little more to get real HiFi and do not want to buy a new system again in a few years. The lack of continuous playback of music files on DLNA cost you a star, the title of "four star" but is fully deserved.
Positives:
- Small and chic
- High quality
- Easy installation
- Warm, pleasant sound
- Networking
- Play from the DLNA server and audio files with 24-bit / 96kHz
Negatives:
- Ruled no gapless playback of audio files via DLNA / Network
