To listen to music with a high level of sound quality, nothing beats the Hi-Fi system. Available in all formats, sizes and powers, it meets the needs of different user profiles, but also each budget. But which one to choose? What are the criteria to consider? Here is our selection of the best Hi-Fi systems to help you in your choice.
Here is our commitment, to make sure that we provide the best user experience and content quality:
You can support us by using our links to make your purchases (at no extra cost to you)! This sometimes earns us a commission which allows us to remain independent. More about us
Our selection
"The Sony CMT-SBT20 compact mini-system delivers realistic stereophonic sound thanks to its three separate block format and 2 x 6 W sound power. A bass…"
"Despite its small size, the LG CM1560 micro system is complete. It offers the essential features, a very useful sound control and Bluetooth connectivity, without…"
"Beyond its size, the Panasonic SC-DM504EG-W is a compact, one-piece micro system that offers great music performance and connectivity."
"With its DAB+ BTB4800/12 model, Philips offers a compact system with a premium finish and extended functionality. At the same time, it's a design object…"
The Sony CMT-SBT20 compact mini-system delivers realistic stereophonic sound thanks to its three separate block format and 2 x 6 W sound power. A bass boost system enhances the sound quality.
83,20 £ on RakutenThe Sony CMT-SBT20 compact hi-fi system consists of three blocks: the center unit, and two separate left/right speakers. You can arrange the speakers to create a wider stereo image. The whole set has a beautiful two-tone black/grey design. Despite its small size, this mini-system delivers quality sound, with the added bonus of a Megabass bass boosting system. Its 8 cm speakers are capable of delivering a maximum power of 6 W each, enough for indoor listening of your favorite music.
The Sony CMT-SBT20 mini-system includes an AM/FM/DAB+ tuner and a CD player. A USB port is present for listening to music in Mp3 format. Also note that you can access your music library stored on your smartphone thanks to the Bluetooth NFC technology.
Despite its small size, the LG CM1560 micro system is complete. It offers the essential features, a very useful sound control and Bluetooth connectivity, without forgetting the USB port.
57,60 £ on ConforamaThe LG CM1560 micro system is certainly one of the most complete compact stereo systems for its price. It features a CD player and FM tuner with 50 presets, complemented by a USB drive for listening to your favorite music stored on a USB stick or mobile device using wired connectivity. You can also opt for wireless connectivity thanks to the Bluetooth function that allows you to play your music from a smartphone. Note that this micro system supports FLAC, WMA and Mp3 file formats.
A graphic equalizer with 4 presets is available. You can choose between 4 modes: classic, rock, jazz and pop. The power of 2 x 5 W offers enough presence to listen to your favorite music in the bedroom, dining room or kitchen.
Beyond its size, the Panasonic SC-DM504EG-W is a compact, one-piece micro system that offers great music performance and connectivity.
See priceIf you are looking for a compact, musical and versatile hi-fi system, this Panasonic SC-DM504EG-W is the one for you. Its careful construction is a guarantee of sound quality. Indeed, this compact hi-fi system adopts a rigid wooden monoblock design, for a better bass reproduction and without any vibration. The speakers are housed in separate chambers for better acoustic quality, but that's not all.
This premium compact system has a powerful amplifier that provides 2 x 20 W, so you can listen to your music without any constraints. As far as features are concerned, note that it has a DAB+ digital tuner, an FM tuner and a CD player, plus a USB drive, an AUX input for connecting a turntable, for example, and an optical connector. A remote control is provided to control the device remotely.
With its DAB+ BTB4800/12 model, Philips offers a compact system with a premium finish and extended functionality. At the same time, it's a design object that will look great in any home.
See priceThe Philips DAB+ BTB4800/12 is based on a one-piece wooden frame with an elegant brown finish. Its sleek design makes it both functional and decorative and will easily find its place in any room. Beyond its design, this micro system is also distinguished by its advanced features. In addition to its CD player and its FM/DAB+ tuner, it also offers a 3.5 mm AUX input and a USB socket.
The sound quality is there, as it should be with a premium device. Note that you can adjust the sound to your liking thanks to the settings offered, including treble and bass adjustment. The sound power of 2 x 15 W is more than enough to enjoy your music or radio stations with a high level of sound quality. The remote control provided will make it easy for you to control the device.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level hifi system
Your guide :
Rate this buying guide :By rating this buying guide, you are helping us to reward our best writers. Thank you!
| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
8/10 |
7/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Sony CMT-SBT20
|
LG CM1560
|
Panasonic SC-DM504EG-W
|
Philips DAB+ BTB4800/12
|
|
The Sony CMT-SBT20 compact mini-system delivers realistic stereophonic sound thanks to its three separate block format and 2 x 6 W sound power. A bass boost system enhances the sound quality.
|
Despite its small size, the LG CM1560 micro system is complete. It offers the essential features, a very useful sound control and Bluetooth connectivity, without forgetting the USB port.
|
Beyond its size, the Panasonic SC-DM504EG-W is a compact, one-piece micro system that offers great music performance and connectivity.
|
With its DAB+ BTB4800/12 model, Philips offers a compact system with a premium finish and extended functionality. At the same time, it's a design object that will look great in any home.
|
|
|
|
Excellent value for money
|
Unbeatable price
|
2 x 20 W sound power output
|
Stylish design
|
|
|
NFC connectivity
|
Equalizer with 4 presets
|
USB, AUX and optical inputs
|
USB and AUX inputs
|
|
|
DAB+ digital radio
|
USB plug
|
DAB+ radio
|
DAB+ radio
|
Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!
We spend thousands of hours each year studying the major specialized websites, analyzing products of hundreds of brands and reading user feedback to advise you on the best products.
We are a product review company with a single mission: to simplify your buying decisions. Our research and testing helps millions of people every year find the best products for their personal needs and budget.
To support us you can: use our links to make your purchases (which often earns us a small commission), share our articles on social networks, or recommend our site on your blog. Thanks in advance for your support!
Here are the main criteria to take into account in order to choose the hifi system that best suits your needs.
A stereo system is equipped with several features to allow each member of the family to use it according to their needs. A CD player and FM/digital DAB+ tuner are most commonly found on most models, as well as a Bluetooth function to play music from a smartphone or tablet. Higher-end hifi systems include connectors to plug in additional sources and expand their functionality. These include AUX and optical jacks for connecting external sources, and a USB port for plugging in a USB stick.
Depending on the size of the listening room, more or less sound power may be required. Obviously, by choosing a higher power, the price will increase. Most of the compact and micro systems on the market have however enough Watts reserve to fill a room with a respectable if not honorable sound quality.
A
Hifi system being a device that will embellish your interior decoration on a daily basis, its design is a criterion not to be neglected. Fortunately, various designs exist to meet the tastes of each music lover, ranging from compact systems to separate elements, through retro-style systems.
Thanks to
miniaturization, hifi systems now come in several types: mini and micro systems, compact systems, and compound systems. Naturally, they do not have the same power nor the same dynamics, and require a more or less important space according to their dimensions. Composite systems are more imposing and most often include several elements as well as larger speakers.
There
are many brands of hifi systems on the market, but they are not all equal. Nevertheless, several of them have acquired a certain reputation to be recommended, such as Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Bose, Pioneer or LG. Others, less known, are appreciated for their design and the quality of their products, especially the retro channels.
If
you're going to be away from home for a long time, remember to unplug your hifi system from the wall socket. Indeed, even in standby mode, it still consumes electricity even at a very low level.
The quality of a hi-fi system, all categories included, is measured by the quality of its sound reproduction. The term "hifi" referring to "a more faithful sound", the sound reproduction of a hifi system must be as close as possible to the original recording, without distorting it.
If most hi-fi systems are equipped with a treble and bass control, it should be possible to deactivate them to measure the system's ability to reproduce sound as faithfully as possible. Increasing or decreasing the treble and bass should be used only as a last resort, mainly in the case of poor recordings.
Other "musical" criteria can be put forward to judge a hi-fi system, especially systems with separate elements. It is about the timbre, the sound image or stereo image, and the spatialization. In addition, a hi-fi system worthy of the name should not deliver a harsh or shrill sound that may make listening tiresome in the long term, or even very quickly. The use of this type of device must be characterized by a comfort and a musical pleasure which make it possible to prolong the listening sessions without concern.
The sound power must also be part of the quality criteria. Indeed, if it lacks power, a hi-fi system is not able to reproduce the dynamics of a recording, and to provide a sufficient level of volume to allow the user to hear the music without pushing the device to the limit.
It should be noted that a hi-fi system delivering more power will consume more energy when used at a high volume level. This is especially true for Hifi amplifiers with separate components.
Three main types of hi-fi systems can be distinguished: compact systems, micro and mini systems, and systems with separate elements.
As their name suggests, micro and mini systems are small in size. They often consist of a central unit and two separate speakers that can be larger depending on the model. This type of hi-fi system is characterized by limited sound power and bass because of their small size. They are suitable for small spaces
, such as the bedroom, kitchen, or dining room, which they can fill with sound with sufficient ease. Despite their miniaturization, micro and mini systems can still be musical, depending on the reputation of the brand and the technology used.
Some mini-systems stand out because of their higher power, including bass boosting systems and lighting to enhance the atmosphere during a party. They are obviously much larger, but have a less careful finish.
They
can be recognized by their format composed of a single block, which makes them easily transportable and very space-saving. Thus, it is easy to move them from one room to another or from one surface to another. On this type of device, the speakers, amplifier, tuner and CD player are integrated into a single chassis
. Some compact systems are made of real wood to improve their acoustic quality.
Several brands have developed premium compact systems with extended functionality, luxurious design and high quality sound despite their size. These products are often made with premium materials to make them as beautiful to look at as they are functional.
Audiophiles swear by this type of hifi system. A split-element system consists of at least one amplifier, a source such as a CD player or turntable, and two bookshelf or floorstanding speakers. The different links of the system must be connected to each other with specific cables. For example, to connect the amp to the CD player, you need a modulation cable. The speakers must be connected to the amplifier with specific two-pole cables.
The advantages of a separate component system are many: choice of amplifier and power, addition of several analog and/or digital sources, free choice of loudspeakers, and above all, a musical quality that is often unequalled. The true separate element systems with hifi amplifier have a sound restitution often unbeatable
.
A
hifi system including electronic parts of great precision and very sensitive, it is advised to provide it with a quality and secure current. Use a filtered plug with a lightning arrester to avoid overloads and surges in case of a storm.
Because of its small size, the mini system is suitable for small spaces and for music lovers who are not too fussy about music quality. It meets the needs of most users who are not looking to create a full-fledged stereo system, and who do not have a dedicated listening room. For this reason, it is intended for use in an apartment, for example.
A mini system also has the advantage of being economical and more discreet. Many brands offer micro and mini systems of varying power and design, providing a wide choice in this range.
Designed for the more demanding user, a split-element system delivers higher power and better sound quality. This is the type of system that is needed for audiophiles who are looking for a more faithful sound. It is capable of reproducing the sound of instruments and voices with unparalleled presence and veracity.
To achieve a high level of fidelity, it is advisable to choose musical amplifiers and speakers capable of reproducing all the nuances of the original soundtrack.
The mini-system has enough qualities to meet the expectations of music lovers who want to combine a small budget with quality sound. It is compact and will satisfy most users.
The compound system, on the other hand, is designed to reproduce music with the best possible sound fidelity. It is appreciated for its ability to transport the listener into a live environment or concert. It is particularly suited to audiophiles and music lovers who often listen to instrumental music or recordings that emphasize vocal quality. Capable of filling a large room with quality sound, the compound system also satisfies those with a taste for power.
Choose your chain according to the size of the room
If your listening room is small, like a bedroom for example, opt for a mini system if you're not a pure audiophile. On the other hand, to fill a large living room with music, a system with separate components, including floorstanding or at least bookshelf-type speakers, is recommended.
Place your hi-fi system on a flat, non-slip surface
Although a system and its components have feet to prevent them from moving around easily, it's advisable to place them on a flat, non-slippery surface. If they don't have feet, consider fitting them with them, especially if they are separate hifi elements.
Do not plug your system into a power strip shared with other devices
To get the best possible sound quality, you should avoid plugging a hifi system into a power strip shared by electrical equipment. The ideal is to group all the links of a system on a dedicated power strip.
Move the speakers apart if necessary
If the stereo scene is insufficient, create more space between the speakers and if the cables allow it. On a system with separate components, it is possible to choose the length of the cables.
Buy a music channel
If you like to listen to music, opt for a system that is solely dedicated to listening to music. Forget about the DVD or Blu-Ray function, which is best reserved for home theater amplifiers that are better calibrated for movie soundtracks.
The best hi-fi system depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best at the moment.
Micro and mini chains cost from about 80 euros for the cheapest to over 300 euros for the top of the range models. Separate systems may require a larger budget, up to more than 1000 euros.
Yes, the quality of the source is very important in a split system. If it is of poor quality, the amplifier transmits the same degraded sound information to the speakers, which themselves must faithfully reproduce the transmitted sounds.
If your system or amplifier has an RCA-type AUX jack, you can connect a turntable to it. On a compound system, the amplifier and turntable can be connected with XLR-type cables.
Fewer and fewer mini-systems offer audio cassette playback. However, there are some retro models with a cassette player.
Every month we help more than 1 000 000 people buy better and smarter.
Copyright © 2022 - Made with ♥ by buyingbetter.co.uk
Your reviews and buying guides 0% advertising, 100% independent!
