LG FB163 Hi-Fi Stereo System Review

The LG FB163 kick-ass stereo system, DVD player and iPod dock all in a single compact yet elegant box. Too bad I had to return the unit back after 3 weeks of taking center stage in my living room.

Despite it small size, this 2.1 audio system pumps out great audio and a powerful bass with a 160-watt speakers. This system is very versatile and can do pretty much everything you need from a stereo system.

• It’s a movie player with a single-disc vacuum-loading CD and DVD slot accessible at the top along with the control buttons. I was able to play CDs, DVDs (even the pirated ones), CDRs and RWs without any problem unlike other DVD players which are very picky.
• iPod Direct Docking. Found beside the DVD slot is the enclosed iPod docking station that plays most types of iPods from the old Nano to the iPhone 3G. In OSD mode, you can control the iPod via the stereo controls or the remote that came with the system.
• USB Media/Host. There’s a USB port which you can hook up to any USB device (or portable music players) that reads/plays off music or display photos when connected to your TV.
• FM Tuner which of course comes with almost all stereo system nowadays. The antenna that came with it is a little flimsy that you don’t want it seen near the stereo.
• Eclipse Touch Control. The LG FB163 features Eclipse Touch Lighting — a new technology that literally follows the users’ fingers when you touch the controls. It looks and functions like the clickwheel of the iPod but has some back lighting of sorts.

The parabolic subwoofers are found on the sides of the 2 speakers. I didn’t expect the whole package to weigh as much as 15kg. The remote control doesn’t look as stylish as the system but works fine just the same.

The front and sides have a glossy black finish while the top has a silver polished metal finish — all very prone to smudges and attracts dust, so it will need regular TLC.

The LG FB163 DVD Micro Audio is available locally with a suggested retail price of Php12,990.