1. Denon RCD-M38
Price: $585
Website: www.profx.com
Ratings: 5/5
Denon
RCD-M38
Denon proved one-box micro systems could
sound good, and with the RCD-M38 it's ramming the tiny-minus-compromise message
home. Building on the success of the RCD-M37 and stealing that system's
understated good looks - it packs a CD player and 2x30W of superior amplification
into its aluminum shell. A USB port allows direct playback of digital music and
iProduct integration, and the sound is as grown-up and composed as any small
hi-fi we've heard.
Killer feature
Digital hook-up makes your iThing's tunes
sound much better
Verdict
Impressive sound from a small system,
proving that micro doesn't have to mean compromise
2. Naim UnitiQute
Price: $3,455
Ratings: 5/5
Naim
UnitiQute
Not since Prince's heyday has such sweet
music emerged from such a tiny thing. The UnitiQute produces audiophile sound
from streamed files, all controlled by an iOS app. The SuperUniti is better
still, while the flagship NDS is out soon.
3. JBL OnBeat Xtreme
Price: $460
Ratings: 5/5
JBL
OnBeat Xtreme
If you want to have your cake and eat the
whole thing as well, look no further than the OnBeat Xtreme. It's packed with
features - Bluetooth streaming, iThing dock, USB, built-in mic, video output
and more - but it's also loud, fun and great sounding. Tasty,
4. Marantz M-CR603
Price: $865
Ratings: 5/5
Marantz
M-CR603
Marantz's brilliant new micro hi-fi will
play CDs, FM and internet radio or stream from Bluetooth or DLNA-equipped gear,
but it's the ability to stream music from devices with Apple's AirPlay tech
that sets it apart. A shame it lacks Wi-Fi, though.
5. Geneva Model M
Price: $1,110
Ratings: 5/5
Geneva
Model M
An Audiophile's dream, the Model M pumps
out serious sound of the kind you'd expect from a separates system. Want to go
wireless? The dinky, portable Model XS ($275) streams via Bluetooth and does a
great job given its size.
6. B&W Zeppelin Air
Price: $825
Ratings: 5/5
B&W
Zeppelin Air
The Air brings the weighty sound and design
smarts we've come to expect from the Zeppelin family, then adds AirPlay
streaming as a bonus trick. The new Zeppelin Air app is a further plus, giving
your dock neat new social tricks.
7. Focal XS Book
Price: $845
Ratings: 5/5
Focal
XS Book
Can a computer ever be a proper hi-fi
substitute? It can if kitted out with these premium desktop speakers. In fact,
this 40W active system serves up such an uncompromising sound it's equally at
home when plugged into your MP3 player.
8. Logitech Mini Boombox
Price: $130
Ratings: 5/5
Logitech
Mini Boombox
Travelling light? The Mini Boombox is so
small it'll fit in your pocket, but still pumps out a superb sound for the
price, whether your tunes are streamed over Bluetooth or played via its 3.5mm
line-in. The perfect accessory for all your summer picnics.
9. Arcam rCube
Price: $780
Ratings: 5/5
Arcam
rCube
The audiophile's iPod dock of choice is now
available in pristine white as well as sleek black. Either will deliver a
roomful of clean, refined sound from a 90W amp. It will stream from an iThing
or computer via a Kleer dongle, and if you get two, multi-room fun awaits.
10. Philips Fidelio SoundSphere DS9800W
Price: $1,215
Ratings: 5/5
Philips
Fidelio SoundSphere DS9800W
In a world awash with AirPlay-equipped
docks, the new SoundSpheres create a niche for themselves by offering proper
two-channel stereo output. Idiosyncratic looks ensure they'll stand out even
further from the crowd, and they sound great too.
Instant expert
Living life in stereo
How do you improve on perfection? Denon's
D-M38DAB micro hi-fi has sat near the top of this Top 10 for nearly two years,
with its blend of great sound, excellent features and bargain price proving
hard to top. Now a replacement is on the way, the D-M39DAB ($TBA,
www.denon.com), and the best is about to get better. For starters, it now has
digital inputs for iOS devices and TVs, and can charge your iThings even when
in standby mode. Then there's the complete reworking of its innards, with an
enhanced power supply, speaker optimizer and a new CD mechanism promising to
further improve sound. It’s still great value, and as with the last model you
can pick it up without speakers for much less.
Denon's new micro system is out to improve
upon perfection
What to look for
1. Spread 'em
As proven by the Naim, left, mini doesn't
have to mean manky. Spreading the speakers out will help sound quality and
adding a subwoofer can be a good move.
2. Boxes of tricks
Look for as many features as you can get
for your money: demand DAB, decent build quality and aux-in sockets for your
PMP, plus HDMI if you want TV connectivity, and DLNA, AirPlay or UPnP music
streaming tech.
3. Ugly duckling?
No matter how well-specced a mini system
is, it still needs to fit with the decor of the room it's going in. There are
plenty of lookers out there, so don't settle for a Minger.
4. Stream team
Most Hi-Fi systems are network-ready these
days, but to take advantage of their streaming skills you'll need a server
whether PC or NAS drive and a good Wi-Fi set-up. Going wired can be a better
bet in houses with thick walls.
