Holidays are generally welcomed by most of the HWM people, with most of us looking forward to spending some time with family and friends. Some on the other hand, bemoan their separation from certain aspects of the workplace, in this case the lack of products to test and thrash. Thankfully (or maybe not), 2008 presented this particular editor the chance to bring home (temporarily of course) a couple of products to tweak and test – namely a Bravia LCD, a triple SLI rig, and an LG mini component.

                                             A glossy front panel is the perfect backdrop for the LG logo, as LG churns out more and more products.

Of the three, the LG FB162 is the focus of this particular blog post, although all three played a part in the over-the-holidays testing process. In the company of the other two heavyweight products, the LG definitely was a few classes lighter, although it was actually physically heavy – always a good sign for this type of product. Unfortunately, the initial good impression given to this editor by the LG FB162’s weight and glossy black finish was not fully reflected by some aspects of its performance.

                                             Fingerprint magnet! Sleek and glossy, the speaker cabinet is best handled with gloves to preserve its clean looks. At bottom, a closer look at the subwoofer port.

Before we press on to the negative however, let’s continue and examine how it seemed such a heavyweight when I opened the box and heaved it out. First as mentioned is the weight – speakers and electronic parts of this type can generally be considered of good quality if they break your back (metaphorically speaking of course) when you move it around – the components inside, and the size of the speaker enclosure, generally determine the quality of the sound and the maximum volume, respectively of a mini component system.Second is the up-to-date glossy-black looks of the system, accentuated by a cool-red glow from the touch-based controls which are used for volume and playback control.

                                             A list of compatible formats and certifications grace the front panel.

                                              The panel hides a set of buttons and connectivity options.

Other features that can be found on the front face include the brilliant-white LCD readout flanked by the main power button (the only “traditional” button on the front face of the product) and placed just above the touch-based controls. Below those is the DVD tray, and at the bottom is a hidden panel with buttons for timer, clock, and equalizer, plus access to the USB, headphones, and dual microphone interfaces. Moving to the rear of the product, only basic mini-component connectors are provided, including a stereo line input via RCA, separate AM and FM antenna ports, and video outputs via component and composite cables.

                                             Only the power button gets a front push-button.

The speakers are bigger than the main component, and hold two smooth-cone drivers and a tweeter on each side. Both also sport huge grilles on their sides, which hold the subwoofer component of the speaker. These features combine to make a veritable feast for the eyes, forming a compact yet powerful-looking product.

                                             Another look at the front-mounted controls. Note the DVD tray above it.

In regards to performance, the FB162 certainly does not disappoint, yet I could not help but be a bit let-down with its bass performance. The side-firing “subwoofers” mounted on the sides of the speakers certainly deliver passable oomph to complement the good mid-range, with just enough treble to provide clear highs even at max volume (which is reached quite easily, without any undue drama). Yet considering the most probable customer of this type of mini component (teens and none-music connoisseurs who like a little more volume than normal), the bass is somewhat lacking in comparison with the other sound components. Then again, I also had to consider the size of the speakers, which admittedly is small in comparison to the total sound that it produces.

                                             The somewhat sparse rear panel of the main component. Antennae, audio-in, and component-out connectors accompanies the left and right speaker connectors.

Sound quality wise, the LG FB162 does not disappoint, good fidelity at max volume and some software enhancements like XDSS Plus that enhances bass response, and XTS Pro for sound enhancement. For the typical casual listener, the FB162 is quite the catch, and it provided a very good listening experience for this reviewer over the holidays, blending in perfectly with my new (borrowed) glossy Bravia LCD. In the final analysis, it is only because of its exceptionally polished good looks and good indicators of quality that led this reviewer to a higher expectation than usual, and while the bass is not as good as expected, the overall performance of this great-looking mini component from LG leaves me in no doubt on what I should ask for the next time holidays come rolling around – the same looks, but with a bigger woofer.