Entertainment For Lively Minds
ATM: Compact Hi-Fi Systems
My old Aiwa system that lives in the kitchen has been slowly giving up the ghost over the past few years, and now it's getting very choosy about CDs - CDRs seem out of the question these days. So it looks like I'm going to need a replacement.
Things to take into consideration:
- It has to be small enough to go in the kitchen
- The Aiwa (with 2 x 35W rms) is only just loud enough when the extractor's on. So anything less is probably a bad idea
- I want to play mp3 CDRs as well as normal audio discs
- An iPod dock would replace the separate one I use now
- DAB is not completely essential, but I'd like it as a backup for when my seven year old Pure Bug dies.
- External line-in is a must for my other gadgets
- USB/SD input is a nice-to-have; I can live without it as long as the external line-in is there
- Budget: would rather stay under £200, although we do use it a lot so I don't want to compromise too much
So, Massive. Anybody bought or tried anything recently you'd recommend?
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Denon
you can't go wrong with that brand. Bought my cousin one when she went up to University about 10 years ago and it's still going strong and sounding good by all accounts.
I'm sure you've thought about it, but just wondering whether a midi is the answer? Or isn't some kind of device that allows streaming from other sources a better answer? Budget may be an issue but Bose, B&W and Sonos are all good, if slightly differing, options
I'll second that
Denon do a fantastic small system that you can add bits to. I only needed the amp/CD player and radio for my study and it all came in one unit about the size of an external hard drive. I also bought the speakers along with it which are about 10" tall, 8" deep and 6" wide. The sound is fantastic and it has plenty of volume. I am sure you can now get a dock etc.
Denon
I'm with Sheev. I've had a Denon for the last eight years. Still going strong and still sounding very good considering what it cost.
Richer Sounds has the DM38 for £180 at the moment. It has DAB (and DAB+) but no iPod dock, although there is a USB port on the front.
Doesn't come with speakers though.
Mixed experience
Over the last 15 years we've had 3 Denon mini systems. The first one went wrong after a couple of years but was fixed under an extended warranty (that must have been free). Then the second one developed a fault which means we now can't use the volume control on the front panel (because if you turn it it just sets a random - usually very high - volume). The third was a replacement for the first which was stolen which has behaved impeccably.
The only think I would add is that in the kitchen it's often preferable to control a system via the front panel rather than the remote (you're usually on your feet anyway) so the more you can do without a remote the better.
My son has had a Panasonic for a few years now
The current models are thinner and more upright so ideal for a kitchen. His has a USB port as well as an iPod dock. You will need to check if there are any auxiliary phono inputs as these are needed less these days and they are often the first thing to go in a bid to cut costs. Good solid products though.
Sony
I have a Sony CMT-BX70DBi DAB Micro HiFi System with Built-In iPod Dock in my kitchen. It's selling on Amazon for £149.99. It's average rating there is 4 1/2 stars. It's got everything you need including DAB radio and an output of 50W. I would thoroughly recommend it.
Second that...
...for the dock you need the insert that came with your particular iPod, though. Bit wobbly without it.
Thirded
We have this in the kitchen, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Under consideration
Saw it in Sainsburys for £100, which seems a bit of a bargain.
I've got this in the kitchen:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roberts-MP43-Digital-System-iPod-Black/dp/B001EN...
and I'm very pleased with it. Seems to do everything you want
Another Roberts fan here
We've got one of these in the bedroom: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roberts-MP53-Digital-System-iPod-Black/dp/B001MV... seems to tick all the boxes
Roberts MP43
Seconded. Great system. Have had mine a couple of years now. Perfect for our kitchen. It doesn't have the SD card slot (MP53 has one) although there is a line in and an iPod dock. DAB reception is very good too.
The thing that concerns me about the Roberts...
...is that their power output is much lower than the others. I presume their speaker sensitivity must be high, otherwise it wouldn't be loud enough - and clearly it's not a problem with you guys. Hmmm.
Try some out...
As always, best thing to do is try some out. If you're near a John Lewis they tend to have a good range (including the Roberts ones mentioned above - it's where I got mine from). I often get confused over how sound output is measured and it can be misleading (peak output? RMS?) so be sure you comparing like for like on the specs.
I find that the MP43 is plenty loud enough for general listening and we have quite a big kitchen, the subwoofer at the back of the unit helps. We have young kids and quiet neighbours so it's never on too loud anyway but I'm often asked to turn it down by the GLW - always a good sign! It's probably the main player in our house now.
Good luck finding something.
Loving my Sonos
Not a true hi-fi as you have to have your music ripped to computer but added advantage of internet radio and all the BBC catch-up stuff is a bit plus.
Sony CMTEH15B
This is bargain basement for a Sony at £73 on amazon. Have had it for two years and works a treat. CD, tape, radio & mp3.
Richer Sounds is probably
Richer Sounds is probably the answer, my dad bought a Sony midi from there which has all you require for about £120. Sounds ok. I just have a dock in the kitchen (kipslich i-grove sxt for about £100) realy compact with good sound for its size.
I've had the Denon for years
With B&W speakers and I've enjoyed it...Hooked a turntable with turntable preamp to it and it sounds great. This Marantz looks nice as well.
http://www.whathifi.com/review/marantz-m-cr603