JVC has introduced the UX-DM8, a micro component system with a built-in memory, USB Host, and iPod Connection at IFA 2007. Also available will be the UX-DM9DB - the DAB Tuner version.

The 1GB built-in memory and USB port offers 8x copy speed direct music recording from a variety of sources, to listen to via system’s speakers. The AUX input on the front panel lets you connect a variety of devices and boasts Quick Portable link for fast hook-up.

The 1GB capacity isn't enough to make this viable for hard drive storage, but it could prove to be a useful "holding area" for transferring music from to and from CD, iPods, USB music players, etc, without a PC.

The UX-DM8 and UX-DM9DB feature K2 Technology, which uses JVC’s unique algorithms and high-bit quantisation to store the high-frequency signals and sound energy that are normally lost in the CD conversion process. The systems are compatible with DVD-R/-RW containing MP3/WMA/WAV files.

The speakers feature a new rigid and lightweight hybrid cone made of Aramid fibre and foam sheet, with the voice coil mounted asymmetrically in a JVC-original Oblique Cone design.

With the edgewise-wound 4-layer voice coil and soft dome tweeters they claim to deliver clear and natural high frequency sound, while the Oblique Cone is said to create a natural sound field for more real music reproduction.

Pricing and availability to be announced.