Philips 8251 Review – Is It Worth Your Money?

The Philips 8251 Bluetooth Stereo System is a small home audio system. It has a central unit and two speakers. It can play music in different ways. You can use Bluetooth, CDs, USB, FM radio, or an AUX cable. Many people buy this system because it is simple and easy to use.

Table of Contents

Design and Build Quality

The stereo system has a modern and simple look. It is small, so it does not take up much space. The central unit is rectangular and has buttons on the front. There is also a small display screen that shows information like the song playing or the radio station. The two speakers are separate from the central unit. You can place them on a table or a shelf. The system is black and has a plastic finish. It feels sturdy, but it is not very heavy.

The speakers have a fabric cover in the front. Some people like this because it looks nice. Others worry that it will collect dust over time. The central unit has a CD slot on top. There is also a USB port and an AUX input in the front. The system comes with a remote control. The remote is small and has all the basic buttons for controlling the system.

Setup and Ease of Use

Setting up the system is easy. You take the speakers out of the box and connect them to the central unit with the included cables. Then, you plug the power cord into a wall outlet. If you want to use Bluetooth, you need to press the Bluetooth button and connect your phone or tablet. The system will remember the last connected device.

If you want to play CDs, you insert a CD into the slot on top. To use USB playback, you insert a USB drive into the port. The system can play MP3 files. The FM radio feature works well, but you may need to adjust the antenna to get a clear signal. If you want to connect a device with a wire, you can use the AUX input.

The remote control makes it easy to change settings without touching the system. The buttons on the remote are labeled clearly. The display screen on the central unit is small but shows important information. Some people find the screen too bright at night.

Sound Quality

The Philips 8251 system has a total power output of 15 watts. This is enough for small to medium-sized rooms. The sound is clear and balanced. The speakers produce decent highs and mids. The bass is not very strong. If you like deep bass, you might not be satisfied with this system.

The system has a “Bass Boost” function. This makes the bass slightly stronger, but it is not very powerful. The volume is good for normal listening. At higher volumes, the sound may become distorted. Some users say that the system is not loud enough for large rooms.

If you listen to different types of music, you may notice that some songs sound better than others. Classical and vocal music sound clear. Pop and rock music sound good too. However, bass-heavy music like hip-hop or electronic music may lack depth.

Bluetooth and Connectivity

Bluetooth works well for streaming music. Pairing is simple. You press the Bluetooth button and select the system on your phone. The connection is stable as long as you stay within range. If you walk too far away, the connection may drop. Some users report that the Bluetooth range is shorter than expected.

The CD player works as expected. It plays CDs smoothly and does not make much noise. If you have old CDs, this feature is useful. The USB port allows you to play MP3 files. You can organize files into folders, and the system will recognize them. However, the display screen does not show long file names.

The FM radio feature is basic. It has digital tuning, so you do not need to turn a dial. The system can store preset stations. The antenna is thin and may need adjusting for clear reception. If you live in an area with strong radio signals, it works fine. If your area has weak signals, you may hear static.

The AUX input is useful if you want to connect an older device. You can use it with a phone, MP3 player, or even a TV.

Remote Control and Features

The remote control is useful for changing settings from a distance. You can adjust the volume, switch between modes, and control playback. The buttons are simple and labeled clearly. However, the remote is small, and some people find it easy to misplace.

One small issue is that the system does not have a battery backup. If the power goes out, the settings and radio presets may be lost. This can be annoying if you often use the radio.

Pros:

Compact and simple design
Multiple ways to play music (Bluetooth, CD, USB, radio, AUX)
Easy setup and operation
Clear sound for casual listening
Remote control included

Cons:

Bass is weak, even with Bass Boost
Not very loud for large rooms
Bluetooth range could be better
Display screen may be too bright at night
No battery backup for settings

Who Is It For?

This stereo system is good for people who want a simple and affordable audio system. It works well in small rooms like bedrooms, kitchens, or offices. It is also a good choice for people who still use CDs. If you mostly stream music from your phone, the Bluetooth feature is useful.

However, if you want deep bass or very loud volume, this system may not be the best choice. People who want a high-end sound experience might prefer a more powerful system.

Final Thoughts

The Philips 8251 Bluetooth Stereo System is a good option for casual listeners. It has a simple design, clear sound, and different ways to play music. The system is easy to set up and use. The Bluetooth connection is stable, and the CD player works well. The sound quality is good for everyday listening but may not satisfy users who want strong bass. If you need a compact and easy-to-use stereo system, this is a good choice. However, if you need powerful bass and high volume, you might need to look for a different system.