Real hi-fi enthusiasts will always prefer a separates system where you choose the
speakers, amp, CD player, tuner and any other components individually, often from different manufacturers. This is generally the best way to get top sound quality.To get a good set from an unbiased source, look for independent retailers rather than distributors of a specific brand. For instance Martin Anderson Hi-Fi Specialists rather than Bowers & Wilkins UK distributors. However, separates are bulky and don’t look neat.
Often, each component comes with its own remote too. Midi systems offer many of the benefits of a separates system but in a more neat compact form, all from one manufacturer and with one remote. But for those who aren’t quite so obsessed with the very best sound, mini and micro systems offer neat systems which take up less space with reasonably good sound quality. Micro models are more widely available than the slightly larger mini systems these days, reflecting the consumer trend for ever smaller electronic products. However, they also tend to have less power output and fewer features.
The most common components of a system are an amp, tuner and a
cd player. You can also find systems with cassette decks, mini-disc and, with midi systems, you can get turntables. Which you choose will depend on what format your music is on.
You can improve sound quality by upgrading the speakers that the system comes with. But check this is possible first as not all can. Avoid systems with built-in speakers as you won’t be able to upgrade them if they don’t produce good sound quality. However, sometimes just upgrading the speaker cable can improve the sound quality.
There are several ways to do this. Some hi-fi systems come with a USB slot, like that found on a computer. These allow you to play MP3 or WMA files from a separate MP3 player or memory stick or you can connect your hi-fi straight to a computer and play your files that way. If your hi-fi has an auxillary input, you can connect it straight to your MP3 player. If your CD player has MP3 playback, you can save MP3 files onto a CD and listen to them through your hi-fi.
