Modern Boombox

The AZ1 / 12 already makes unpacking a very sophisticated look. The black piano lacquer looks classy, ​​the front of the speakers is a contemporary design and all the functional switches and controllers are easy to use and stable.

Featured
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When you first turn the FM tuner automatically selects the strongest stations and programmed them to the front channel positions. In my case were the 14 pieces, total are 30 memory locations available, which should be enough even for the most unusual reception conditions (even with a Revox tuner I've never reinbekommen more than 28 channels via antenna).
Thanks to support from RDS additional information via radio can be displayed as station name, song title, etc.

Sound
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Even with the basic set-up sounds the AZ1 / 12 very powerful without droning or rattling. The 2x20 watts (which is a more honest statement as the addition of the two stereo channels) are responsible for a very large room more than adequate, since the efficiency of the built chassis is very good. I have not yet managed to turn the volume control all the way, because I would have won a hearing impairment. The box should reach their limits only when the sound of large open spaces. Also in the upper volume range of the sound is still good, distortions are limited.
The bass can be sorted out in addition in the range of -6 to +6, which to +4 again an impressive gain is achieved over come the chassis but their limits and the bass is blurred.
The "MAX Sound" button is the good old Loudness - treble and bass are raised, and the stronger the lower they are. With an already strong sounding device like this counterproductive, as long as you do not listen to very low volume level.
Finally, there are pre-set sound presets (equalizer settings) available, which for certain music styles (pop, jazz, etc.) are intended. Here is my experience that the box to the default ("Flat") sounds the most balanced. Unfortunately, you can even make any individual adjustment of the frequency band.

Overall, the sound for the size and price is reasonable and is on par with a good small plants, well above the typical "suitcase radio".

Sources
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With radio, CD, USB port for MP3 players and micro / guitar input and Bluetooth compatibility the AZ1 / 12 is well equipped. The sound is good in all playback devices. Very positive is that MP3 can be played from CD.
A small drawback is that only one common input is available for the microphone / guitar. Since the gain of these sources work logically different, you have to select the right device per switch. Consult the box on the street and to enhance voice and guitar at the same time so unfortunately falls away.
The sound of guitar amplifier is useful, of course, no comparison with a specialized amplifier (which also has a corresponding number of modes), but for occasional use it enough.

Other
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The supplied strap is sturdy and long enough, sufficiently convenient to transport the box.
As long as the device is powered by 8 batteries, so far I could not test that is possibly. Later date.

Conclusion
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The Philips AZ1 / 12 CD Soundmachine in my opinion is the best portable radio / CD system on the market and its price fully value. The sound is more expensive for small plants hardly and optics maintains a good compromise between "noble" and "bulky".
Point deduction is available only for the lack of equalizer and the forced "either / or" at the microphone / guitar. Who the (above) does not interfere with, the device readily full 5 star may deem worthy.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Box for sale - and wish me Philips only that it is also available in white.