Compact Hi-Fi Systems


A mini Hi-Fi system can offer surprisingly good sound, and better still if higher-quality two-way or three-way speakers are included. Micro Hi-Fi systems are even smaller, but often have problems with accurate reproduction of bass frequencies. Both types are available as front loaders and top loaders. More...

  • Compact Hi-Fi Systems (72)
  • Reviews (93)
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1
 Denon D-F107
Listed since 07/2009
Mini Hi-Fi
"Pros: Top notch audio. Dinky dimensions. Handy USB port. Cons: No digital input."
2 Reviews
 
 
2
 Naim Audio NaimUniti
Listed since 07/2009
Mini Hi-Fi
"... Control and ease of use of the Uniti system, never an easy issue when you pack so many features into  …
5 Reviews
 
 
3
 Teac Reference 600 (AG-H600DNT + PD-H600)
Listed since 06/2009
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Precise, detailed and attacking delivery. Great spec, build and compact good-looks. Cheap iPod dock add  …
3 Reviews
 
 
4
 Denon D-M38DAB Micro Hi-Fi DAB+ System
Listed since 08/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"FOR: Same, solid styling; digital iPod input; sounds dynamic punchy - and - better than before. AGAINST:  …
1 Review
 
 
5
 Sound L
Listed since 01/2007
Mini Hi-Fi
Geneva performs with extraordinarily wide soundstaging for excellence at high frequencies, for expressive vocals,  …
1 Review
 
 
6
 Bose Wave SoundLink Music System
Listed since 02/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"As a manufacturer, Bose has its lovers and haters. Small wonder: We like what the Wave SoundLink does, but  …
1 Review
 
 
7
 Yamaha HiFi MCR-140
Listed since 02/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"FOR: Wireless streaming; DAB radio; vibrant sound; impressive bass weight. AGAINST: Coarse edge to vocals and treble."
1 Review
 
 
8
 Teufel Impaq 40
Listed since 11/2009
Mini Hi-Fi
"... At this price, there's little to complain about with sound, but the sacrifices made to achieve this  …
2 Reviews
 
 
9
 Teac CR-H258i
Listed since 07/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"... the TEAC actually sounds better than its higher-priced rival. ... So here's the thing: if the two micros here were the same price, we'  …
1 Review
 
 
10
 MP 43
Listed since 07/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"... the frequency range is generally very balanced, with weighty bass and clear vocals. ... all-in-all this  …
1 Review, 11 Opinions
 
 
 
 
11
 Sound XL
Listed since 08/2007
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Huge sounds with plenty of pace and detail from the mid and treble. Cons: DAB wouldn't go amiss.  …
3 Reviews
 
 
12
 Gear4 CDM-150
Listed since 02/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Decent sound, build and looks, choice of iPod, iPhone, CD, DAB and FM playback, compact design, 20  …
1 Review
 
 
13
 Cambridge Audio One DX1
Listed since 04/2009
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Very listenable. Solid build. Great DAB and iPod functionality. Cons: Slight gap in the upper bass."
2 Reviews
 
 
14
 Cambridge Audio Sonata CD30
Listed since 08/2009
Micro Hi-Fi
Cambridge Audio's Sonata CD30 CD player is compact and well made although the design is a touch old-school.  …
1 Review
 
 
15
 Cambridge Audio Sonata DR30
Listed since 08/2009
Micro Hi-Fi
Although the Cambridge Audio Sonata DR30 stereo receiver puts on a good show it doesn't earn top marks, falling  …
1 Review
 
 
16
 Yamaha HiFi M-430
Listed since 06/2010
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Stylish looks. Smooth, warm sound. Handy built-in iPod dock. Cons: Other speakers offer better value. Struggles with pacier music."
1 Review, 2 Opinions
 
 
17
 Vita Audio R4
Listed since 10/2008
Micro Hi-Fi
The best all-rounder on test, the R4 is in turns stylish, elegant and a powerful, musical performer. AVReview found  …
1 Review
 
 
18
 Denon S-52DAB
Listed since 10/2008
Micro Hi-Fi
Solid and sturdy but no looker, the Denon manages to pack in all of the most important features including CD player,  …
1 Review
 
 
19
 MC-DX220iDAB
Listed since 10/2007
Tuner Type: DAB
"We see many micro systems, but rarely does a product manage to combine so many features with style, performance and a wallet-friendly price-tag. ..."
1 Review
 
 
20
 LG Electronics FA163DAB
Listed since 01/2009
Micro Hi-Fi
"Pros: Loads of features and functions. Direct recording to USB. Smart looks. Even sound. Great value. Cons: Boomy bass. Lacks all  …
2 Reviews
 
 
 
 

Reviews

"Yamaha's versatile micro machine"
1 Compact Hi-Fi System (approx. £260)
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
Issue 9/2010
On test: Yamaha HiFi MCR-140
"IF THERE WERE a world record for the number of colour-ways for a product, then this Yamaha micro system would definitely have a shot. With no fewer than 10 different hues to choose from, even the harshest of colour critics should be satisfied." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Demon's new micro is major upgrade"
1 Compact Hi-Fi System
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
Issue 9/2010
On test: Denon D-M38DAB Micro Hi-Fi DAB+ System
"HERE'S THE NEW Denon D-M38DAB micro system, and we forgive you if you do a double take - it is indeed nigh-on identical in appearance to its Award-winning predecessor, the D-M37DAB. ..." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Sony MX550i review"
1 Compact Hi-Fi System (approx. £180)
Electric Pig
Published on 7/2010
On test: Sony CMT-MX500i
"The Sony MX550i is a box that tries to satisfy your every musical desire. It'll play CDs, hook up with your iPhone or iPod and pump out DAB/FM radio. But is it good at any of these things? Find out in our Sony MX550i hi-fi review." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Micro management"
6 Compact Hi-Fi Systems (approx. £170 - £280)
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
Issue 8/2010
On test: Teac CR-H258i, Roberts Radio Sound 43, Teufel Impaq 40, Cambridge Audio One+
"Micro systems come in a variety of shapes and forms - and at plenty of different price points, too. We look at three complementary pairs to help you find a winner." Review details: Six micro hi-fi systems were reviewed and rated.   → Test results
"Harman/Kardon MAS110 review"
1 Compact Hi-Fi System
TechRadar UK
Published on 4/2010
On test: Harman/Kardon MAS 110
"These futuristic black boxes look and sound the money, but don't be hoodwinked by their lively style." Review details: Single Test.   → Test results

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Compact Hi-Fi Systems

If not enough space is available for a large stereo system, a compact system is a suitable compromise. The components are proportionately smaller, therefore need not necessarily suffer an audible loss in quality. Many modern compact systems offer a similar quality sound to larger Hi-Fis. The main differentiating factor here is the design of the system: In a mini Hi-Fi system, although the individual components such as CD player, tuner and amplifier are housed in a sealed enclosure, the speakers are separate. Depending on whether it includes two-way or perhaps even 3-way speakers, a very convincing surround sound can be produced. Micro-Systems, however, have an even smaller build and usually only very small 2-way or one-way speakers are used. Often, bass signals are, therefore, not rendered satisfactorily. Sometimes the speakers are also integrated into the housing. In this case vibrations in the speakers can cause a feedback effect and in turn affect the power amplifier, which also adversely affects the sound quality. Both mini and micro Hi-Fi systems offer front loaders an top loaders. A system such as a hi-tower will be operated from the front, whilst a top loader is operated from above. Almost all of the latest Hi-Fi systems have the ability to read CD-Rs and CD-RWs in addition to playing normal audio CDs. Thus, even home-made compilations even be played. Increasingly also can play MP3 files.
This category contains tests on compact hifi, Compact Hi-Fi Systems, all-in-one hi-fi, micro hifi, all-in-one hifi, compact hi-fi, compact hifis, all-in-one hi-fis.