A single all-in-one hi-fi system and stereo still comes with a CD player built-in, which is a relief if you want to keep your collection and don’t want a separate amp, speakers and player. But there are several things to consider when choosing the best hi-fi system for you, so we'll run you through a checklist of what to look for – and suggest a few of the best hi-fi systems on the market now for different budgets and requirements.
Best hi-fi systems: what to look for
So, do you need a CD player? Will internet radio be OK, or do you want DAB/FM? Is hi-res streaming (Wi-Fi) important to you, or will Bluetooth be acceptable? Will you be connecting to a TV (optical or HDMI) and will you be plugging anything like a turntable in? The good news is, you’ll almost certainly find a system that ticks every box.
Sound quality
Squeezing everything into one box will impact on sound quality, so don’t expect an all-in-one to sound better than stereo speakers, but if you look for models with solid build quality and cleverly positioned speaker drivers you can enjoy great quality.
Streaming
Bluetooth has become an essential feature on all audio equipment, and in some cases even replacing the radio, but for a more reliable connection, and the potential to stream to multiple speakers, it’s worth looking for models with Wi-Fi.
Connections
Your speaker needs an aux-in for an MP3 player, but those with USB and RCA are worth investing in as you can plug in a computer and even add a turntable.
Speakers
You may have these already, or be looking to buy – either way, it’s important to check the impedance levels (ohms) of the amplifier and speakers. Most popular systems are happy driving an 8-ohm ‘load’. If you’re looking to drive a low-impedance speaker (2-4 ohms), check with the retailer first.
Best hi-fi systems
Best simple option
Mission LX Connect
Mission’s first all-in-one features a pair of 60W active wireless speakers and a control hub engineered by Audiolab featuring high class DAC, preamp, headphone amp and a host of connections including USB, Bluetooth, AUX-IN (connect CD player or turntable), S/PDIF, HDMI Arc. Hi-res recordings have wonderful depth and punch to them via USB (32-bit/384kHz hi-res), but the more convenient Bluetooth connection still entertains. It’s just a shame that, at this price, there’s no wi-fi connectivity.
Best hi-fi for all formats
Elipson Music Centre Connect HD
Finding a CD player, DAB and, yes, even an FM tuner isn’t easy these days, so I’ve been gleefully revisiting my stacks of BBC Music Magazine cover CDs with the help of the twin 120W class-D amplifiers and a trusty pair of Q Acoustics 3030i speakers. But don’t think of this as old fashioned, as it also has USB, RCA, Optical input, Bluetooth aptX HD and Wi-Fi, which can play 24-bit hi-res, while the app lets you utilise all major streaming services.
Best all-round hifi system
Cambridge Audio Evo 150
I feel for today’s audio engineers. They’re expected to cram an ever-increasing list of hi-tech features into ever-shrinking boxes, while also ensuring that the box looks beautiful and sounds fantastic. No doubt encouraged by the success of the phenomenally good Naim Uniti Atom, Cambridge audio has nailed the brief, with the most accomplished just-add-speakers system.
For starters, it’s absolutely gorgeous, with a large colour display, beautifully knurled control knob and interchangeable walnut or black textured side panels. Traditionalists, however, might enjoy the rear view even more, as it boasts RCA, USB, coaxial, 2x optical and HDMI ARC, phono, USB and balanced XLR inputs, plus two sets of speaker terminals. There’s also a terrific DAC, phono stage for turntable and 150W-per-channel power. Oh, and naturally it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth aptX HD and Chromecast, and can stream from virtually anywhere in any format.
Thankfully, having filled this beautiful box with must-have features, Cambridge Audio’s tireless engineers didn’t neglect the performance, and it is wonderfully articulate and enthralling.
- Buy from richersounds.com
Best mid-range hi-fi on the market
Technics SC-C70 OTTAVA Forte
Technics delivers the goods with this gorgeous all-in-one music system. The aluminium top plate is flawless and the front panel oozes designer cool, while inside there’s DAB/internet radio, a top-loading CD player, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay, as well as USB and wired ports. The 2.1-channel, five-speaker, 100W system has astonishing clarity allowing full articulation. For a small box – just over 14cm high and 45cm wide – it has a big performance, although it sounded better confined to my small office than in my living room.
Best budget option
Denon DM-41
If you have a more limited budget for your all-in-one hi-fi system, check out the impressive Denon DM-41 at £349. Not bad at all for this neat little package that will can be pairedvia Bluetooth with music streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music. You can also connect your TV via the digital optical inputs, to enjoy enhanced audio quality. What's more, the triple noise reduction means that the Denon's stereo receiver produces a smooth, dramatic sound, suppressing distortion from input selector, electronic volume and power amp alike. A great package for a more modest budget.
Just need some great speakers? Our top budget speaker pick
Q Acoustic 3020i
We're big fans of Q Acoustic here at BBC Music Magazine, and these brilliant speakers perfectly showcases their talent for providing brilliant hi-fi equipment at impressively affordable prices. With their 20mm soft dome tweeters and 12.5cm mid/ bass drivers, they are also blessed with vibration-reducing technology inherited from their top-end cousins, the £4,000 Concept 500 loudspeakers.
Currently available at around £180, the 3020i is a total bargain, with pretty much unrivalled levels of detail and dynamism.
