amadana bookshelf stereo: retro looks, modern features

This stereo system from Japan’s Amadana may look like something out of the 1970s, but it’s actually quite contemporary under the hood.

Amadana’s DDA-134 compact stereo system has decidedly retro-looking walnut wood enclosures for the speakers, receiver and DVD player, but on the inside, the system is reasonably modern (although certainly not cutting edge).

Designed for use in smaller home theater setups, the system offers a wide variety of surround processing modes, including Dolby Virtual Speaker technology, providing simulated surround sound from just two speakers. There’s also support for Dolby Pro-Logic II and Dolby Headphone modes for virtual surround through your headset. If you’d rather have real surround, the amp can power center channel and surround speakers, and offers a pre-amp output for a powered subwoofer too

The receiver unit has several digital audio inputs, but very little in the way of video switching capabilities. The system’s progressive-scan DVD player has an elegant slot-loading drive mechanism and both component and Japanese D4 video connectors (no HDMI though.) When you buy the complete system bundle, Amadana also includes a matching retro-cool universal remote control.

The high-end looks of this system will cost you some serious green though. Retail price for the system with just two speakers is ¥168,000, which works out to about $1448 USD.