Audio Mini-Systems

These days upgrading from your boombox  to an audio minisytem doesn't cost much and you get improved sound quality. Take a look at the following choices for a guide to buying the stereo system that will save you space and money. These minisystems are lightweight, portable and deliver quality audio output.

For a couple hundred dollars or less you can have a sleek, versatile and compact minisystem  that either:

• Sits on a shelf (usually 8" to 12" tall and around 8" deep),
• Sits on a tabletop (that can be angled) or
• Hangs on a wall (a really snazzy space-saver).

They are meant to be simple, user-friendly and space-saving, especially the vertical kind. Featuring detachable speakers,  they can be arranged any way to fit your space while still producing great sound. Depending on the model,they may include a single or dual-deck cassette player,  CD player plus an AM/FM tuner. Many come with an LCD display screen with programability options for equalizer settings.

• There are both single-tray and carousel versions, which hold up to five CDs.
• Most include an Integrated amplifier  which means you don't have to spend more for additional equipment.
• These enable you to record in the same way as a boombox does, between tapes and from CDs to tapes. CD-R and CD-RW systems are becoming more popular and available. MP3-compatible machines are also on the cutting edge.
• These systems produce better sound quality than boomboxes, but are average when compared to single component machines.
• For better than average sound quality, try out the cool vertical Phillips MCM240  and the Yamaha MCR-E150. 
• Pros: sound quality is decent in small apartments, dorm rooms and offices.
• Cons: raising the volume too high can lead to significant sound distortion.

Vertical Options (C-net):

• Fisher Slim 1400 : Front-loader, less than 4" thick.
• iWin vertical : MP3/CD/radio.
• Yamaha TSX-20 : Tabletop CD/Receiver Mini System.

Tabletop and/or Vertical Box Versions:

• iWin Shelf System : top-loading CD player.
• Onkyo MC-35 3-CD changer:  for top-notch audio.
• Philips MZ1000 : Gloss Emotive CD/MP3/radio.

Latest Product Updates

(April 2006)

Panasonic SC-EN17  Energy Star qualified. CD-R/RW playback. 32 Mmemory preset (stations). Remote control included. Player type single CD (front loading). MP3 playback. Programmable timer PLAY/REC/SLEEP. Preset EQ (bass, Ccear, soft, vocal.)	Teac SR-L35  Wall mountable CD radio. Motorized CD door. Bass reflex type individual Speaker boxes. 20-selection random memory program. Repeat (one/all), shuffle, intro play. Supports CD and CD-R disc. Quartz PLL synthesized AM/FM tuner. Digital clock, sleep timer, timer-on. Multi-function LCD display. Headphone jack and remote control.	Sony Micro Hi-Fi System CMTEH10  20 watts total: 10 watts per channel x 2 (RMS 10% THD). Top-loading single CD player CD-R/RW with MP3 playback compatible. Synchronized CD/cassette dubbing. Bass reflex speaker design. PC/audio in for digital music players or PC input. LCD display. Remote commander remote control.	Brookstone Wafer-Thin CD player with MP3  Includes two 15 watt wall-mountable speakers and a 33 watt subwoofer. Flat panel speakers mount to any wall. Plays CDs, CD-R, CD-RW, and MP3-CDs. NXT technology allows for a richer sound. Speakers emit sound from both the front and back.	Songcube Digital Music Center  80GB digital music center. Copy music from your favorite CDs, MP3s, and even convert your old vinyl records into digital music files. USB connectivity enables you to copy music from your PC. Includes two satellite speakers for a full range sound and a 50-watt subwoofer.

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