Micro Hi-Fi Test

"Mini kit, major hi-fi cred"

Issue: 4/2008

On test: Arcam Solo Mini

It's surprising there aren't more hi-fi all-in-one systems like Arcam's Solo Mini. IN an age when convenience is primary and style essential, you'd think the micro system might have come on leaps and bounds. Take a look in our Buyer's Guide: other than this unit's sibling, the Solo, there are only two five-star buys over £500. The words 'gap' and 'in the market' spring readily to mind, and there's no doubt Arcam is filling that gap with considerable style.

"Sony DAV-IS10"

Published on: 3/2008

On test: Sony DAV-IS10

There's small and then there are the satellite speakers from Sony's latest DAV-IS10 home cinema system. Each of the five speakers is only the size of a tennis ball, which guarantees that this £500 system remains heard but not necessarily seen.

"iLuv i9200 iPod speaker set and CD player"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: iLuv i9200 iPod HiFi

The iLuv i9200 combines four vertically-mounted CD players, an MW/FM radio with 16-station memory per band, a sensibly-placed iPod dock and a set of decent stereo speakers.

"Philips WAC3500D Wireless Audio Centre"

Published on: 2/2008

On test: Philips WAC3500

Wireless audio systems might have revolutionised the way people listen to music at home, but there's no denying that the products launched to date have been on the expensive side. Indeed, the previous two models in Philips' Streamium range (the WACS700/05 and WACS7000) have cost upwards of £550, putting them beyond the reach of less affluent buyers. But Philips has changed all that with the launch of its latest Streamium audio centre, the WAC3500D, which sells for under £300. At this sort of price, even those on a tight budget can experience the wonders of wireless audio networking - and with almost everyone now using compressed audio files on a regular basis, this is most definitely a good thing.

"Panasonic SC-PMX2DB"

Published on: 11/2007

On test: Panasonic SC-PMX2

With the SC-PMX2DB, Panasonic is trying to take the humble micro hi-fi and hurtle it into the modern age by kitting it out with a USB port and an expansion slot so you can add Bluetooth support or an iPod dock later.