TOP 10 best hi-fi music centers for home

Ruark Audio R4MK3

• microsystem
• acoustics 2.1
• total power 80 W
• CD playback
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: bluetooth
• connecting headphones

The 2020 sound quality rating of music centers opens with a model that will immediately attract attention. Whatever you say, the owners will have to look at the “body” of the music center every day, so the appearance of such a system is almost as important as its sound.

From this point of view, the Ruark Audio R4MK3 will not disappoint: imagine a receiver from the 60s, only made with modern materials and modern technologies, and even brought to visual perfection by a British designer.

Yes, Ruark Audio is a British company with a reputation that is hard to come by in the hi-fi audio scene. At one time, the predecessors of the R4MK3 - R1MK3 and R2MK3 - received high marks from critics both in terms of performance and sound. And the “descendant” does not lag behind them, however, for 100% quality you will have to disable some preset settings, for example, loud mode; it cuts the highs, boosts the lows, and is only good for parties.

This model can play CDs and listen to the radio, it has a 3.5 mm input, a digital optical input and a USB port. Ruark Audio R4MK3 can also play MP3, WMA and AAC both from a memory card and via Bluetooth.

Pros : excellent sound and nice design, easy to use.

Cons : no Wi-Fi, high price.

Main selection criteria

Which music center to choose? You should study the technical characteristics of the device, since the sound quality and purpose depend on these parameters.

Power

Low-power equipment (up to 50 W) is designed for listening to audio recordings in 1-2-room apartments, but sometimes this is not enough.

The optimal power is considered to be 50-100 W. Over 150 W is needed to play tunes at large events.

Optimal power - 50-100 W

Speaker material

If the MC was selected based on aesthetic properties, then naturally, attention would be paid to the material used to make the case. High-quality options are wooden surfaces with metal elements or MDF. Such stands produce natural and high-quality sound.

However, often manufacturers, in an effort to reduce the cost of equipment, use plastic. Of course, this affects visual perception.

MDF speakers Plastic speakers

CD player and MP3, WMA, DVD support

Discs and media formats vary, so music systems are equipped with a CD player that supports formats such as:

• CD;
• MD;
• MP3;
• WMA;
• VCD;
• DVD;
• MPEG4 (DivX);
• JPEG
• and others.

The standard number of disk slots is 3, but professional ones give access to loading up to 7.

The carriers are:

• CD;
• DVD;
• USB.

Some models have a built-in storage (250 Gb).

Active Noise Cancellation Option

Dolby B/C/S is installed in almost every model in the mid-price segment. At the same time, increasingly, the tuner is a digital format, which has replaced analog devices.

It is noteworthy that low power speakers distort the sound when the volume is increased.

Tone control

The high and low frequency control is used to manually adjust the signal based on the listener's preferences. This is done by enhancing or reducing the timbre using a high-pass and low-pass filter.

The timbre can be one-, two-, three-band.

Availability of high-quality FM-AM module

Important for those who like to listen to radio frequencies. It is necessary that the module be equipped with channel settings, noise suppression and a memory of up to 50 stations. A number of domestic equipment still broadcasts on the VHF frequency, therefore it is preferable to select models with ultra-short transmission.

Sound clarity

It is recommended to focus on the following aspects:

1. The output force of the “amp”. Inexpensive MCs have simple acoustic solutions, which reduces sound purity. Average representatives have high-quality CD ports, so the user receives rich, surround sound;
2. The DAC is the “motor” of the system, responsible for performance (increasing and decreasing frequencies, processing and post-processing of the signal). It is noteworthy that not every equipment has an audio processor.

Designer execution

The appearance of the device depends on individual taste preferences. The buyer independently selects the model at his own discretion.

Choose a music center to suit your taste

There are a variety of solutions on the market today:

• post-hi-tech;
• classic;
• minimalism;
• modern;
• animal world stylization, decor.

YAMAHA MCR-B020

• microsystem
• power 2×15 W
• CD playback
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• connection: bluetooth
• connecting headphones

Musical is a compact home stereo system, perfect for a small room. Its design is simple, it doesn’t catch the eye, and therefore it’s hard to believe that such a baby makes such a loud sound. The center has a CD drive, USB port, display, radio antenna and analogue input.

Strictly speaking, the system consists of three components - a central one and two separate speakers. The height of the speakers does not exceed 16 cm, but they are quite weighty, so all three elements will pull almost 5 kg. Apparently, due to the quality of the materials they sound so good. Of course, this is not a sound for true aesthetes, and not many of us have access to a cork room in real life. But even in a normal room, the sound of the MCR-B020 is very decent, with clear mids and highs and deep and punchy bass.

Pros : good audio quality, rich bass, fast Bluetooth, compact.

Cons : wired speakers, cheap plastic front panel and buttons.

Onkyo CS-N575D

• microsystem
• power 2×20 W
• CD playback
• FM radio
• support MP3, FLAC formats
• USB playback
• connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• audio line-in
• connecting headphones

One of the main advantages of the Onkyo CS-N575D is its omnivorous nature. Not every music center is capable of reading both a CD and a flash drive, catching several radio channels, playing a song from a smartphone via Bluetooth and boasting the presence of Google Chromecast.

But the Onkyo CS-N575D's capabilities are best revealed when streaming audio from all sources, except, perhaps, AirPlay. This means that the CS-N575D can connect via Wi-Fi and can seamlessly integrate into your smart home network. By the way, the center also has an analog input.

Interestingly, despite its impressive and serious appearance, the system is de facto very light (weighs no more than 2.5 kg). But audiophiles accustomed to the heavier the system, the better it sounds, needn't worry. According to the developers, the reason for the low weight and good sound is a new type of amplifier. In addition, Onkyo engineers could afford to use high-tech plastic, the body of which resonates less than, for example, aluminum or steel

Pros : excellent sound, lightweight, compact, “omnivorous”.

Cons : price.

The best premium music centers

YAMAHA PianoCraft MCR-N670

Rating: 4.9

A very nice device, the main unit of which has a silver body, buttons and controls. The music center belongs to the class of minisystems, so you should not expect very loud sound from it. But the device is capable of very clear sound. The device will be appreciated by any music lover. He will definitely listen to his favorite CD albums using this music center. Connecting USB flash drives is also available here, and the device will play not only MP3, but also FLAC files.

The capabilities of the YAMAHA PianoCraft MCR-N670 are incredibly wide. It will offer absolutely everything you could want from a music center. For example, the FM tuner here is complemented by an Internet radio function. Connection to the router can be done either using a network cable or via Wi-Fi. Continuing the theme of wireless modules, the device is equipped with a “blue tooth”, with which you can interact with a smartphone. Moreover, special applications have even been released for iOS and Android to simplify the management of the music center. DLNA support has also been introduced here. This technology will allow you to play music from a computer or external hard drive connected to the router.

Perhaps this is one of the most advanced music centers in our rating. I could talk about it for a very long time. Of course, this device is not limited by the capabilities of its own two-way speakers. On its back wall there are connectors for connecting other satellites and even a separate subwoofer. In a word, we can only regret that they are asking more than 60 thousand rubles for this music center. Not every Russian is ready to fork out that amount.

Advantages

• The speakers are two-way;
• The total power reaches 130 W;
• Stylish and modern appearance;
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless modules;
• Implemented control from a smartphone;
• Support for DLNA technology has been introduced;
• A large number of audio outputs and inputs;
• You can connect a subwoofer;
• There is support for the FLAC format.

Flaws

• Very high cost.

Pioneer P2-K

Rating: 4.8

One of the most expensive products under the Pioneer brand. For P2-K in our country they ask for at least 73 thousand rubles. Any buyer wants to get the maximum possible for that kind of money. And he really gets it! With one exception. There is no optical drive here. It is assumed that you will either buy a CD player separately or listen to music through any other means. For example, there is an input for a USB flash drive, which can store MP3 and FLAC music. The music center is also capable of interacting with other devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The first module is used to work with a hard drive connected to the router. The second is necessary to play music contained on a smartphone or tablet. There is also an Internet radio, which is complemented by a regular FM tuner.

The included speakers are made using two-way technology. The bass is produced by a woofer with a 120 mm diameter, while a 25 mm tweeter is responsible for the remaining frequencies. The power of each speaker is 75 W. If two satellites don’t seem enough, you can connect additional ones - there are a scattering of connectors on the rear panel for this purpose (there is even an optical output).

Advantages

• Subwoofer connection available;
• A huge number of audio inputs and outputs;
• FLAC format playback possible;
• There is Internet radio;
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules;
• The speakers are two-way;
• Quite high power;
• AirPlay support implemented;
• Wonderful sound quality.

Flaws

• Many will not be able to afford it.

Sony CMT-SX7

Rating: 4.7

Top-end, but relatively inexpensive music center from Sony. It looks just perfect, there is not a single unnecessary detail on its body. The functionality of the device is also fine. In particular, the product is capable of playing almost any music from a USB drive, including those saved in FLAC format. You can also output sound to the speakers directly from your smartphone. And for this it is not necessary to use one of the two stereo inputs available here. You can use Bluetooth to speed up the connection via NFC. Also, the music center has a built-in Wi-Fi module, so you can use that too. There is also support for DLNA - technology for remote playback of audio files from a computer or external hard drive.

The Japanese device could not help but get a radio receiver, because it was with the production of such devices that Sony’s history began. The radio operates in the AM and FM bands; a maximum of 30 stations can be stored. RDS support has also not been forgotten, which can sometimes be very useful. As for the CD drive, it is completely ordinary - DVD is not supported. The speakers are much more pleasing. They are implemented using two-way technology; a separate 100 mm speaker is responsible for low frequencies. The total power of the speaker system is 100 W. Unfortunately, it is not possible to connect a subwoofer separately, since there is simply no corresponding connector here. Perhaps, it was on audio outputs that the Japanese manufacturer saved the most.

Advantages

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC modules have been implemented;
• There is support for DLNA and AirPlay;
• Built-in two USB ports;
• There is support for the FLAC format;
• Both speakers are two-way;
• Quite high power;
• Stylish appearance;
• Relatively affordable price tag;
• Good sound quality.

Flaws

• The only audio outputs are a headphone jack;
• No internet radio.

Denon D-M41

Rating: 4.7

A very good music center from a world-famous manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment. Available in two versions. The first one is painted black, while the body of the premium version was created from chipboard. The cost of these music centers is approximately 25 and 27 thousand rubles. respectively. The device cannot be called particularly loud; the total power of the speakers used here does not exceed 60 W. As expected, the satellites are two-way. The user can easily adjust the timbre of low and high frequencies, as well as perform balancing.

The Denon D-M41 includes a traditional CD drive that cannot recognize a DVD. But all the music centers discussed in this rating are guilty of this. The device also has an FM radio. But much more often the user will transmit sound to the acoustics from a smartphone or tablet. For these purposes, you can use a regular audio cable or, if you don’t mind losing quality, a Bluetooth module. The device also has an optical input, which allows you to use a music center paired with, for example, a TV or game console. Also on the rear wall there is a subwoofer output, which is extremely rare in devices in this price segment.

The music center has exactly one significant drawback. There is no USB port, which makes listening to music from a flash drive impossible.

Advantages

• The speakers are made using two-way technology;
• There are linear and optical inputs;
• It is possible to connect a subwoofer;
• Cute and modern appearance;
• Not the highest price tag;
• Good sound quality;
• There is an equalizer.

Flaws

• Radio reception is not the most stable;
• There is no USB port.

Panasonic SC-MAX3500GS

• minisystem
• CD playback
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: bluetooth
• audio line-in
• karaoke function

Before buying a Panasonic SC-MAX3500GS, you should think carefully about how to take it home from the store.

It is better to order delivery, because the center is large and heavy, the unit itself weighs about 5 kg, and the speakers weigh 15 kg. Their sizes are appropriate. It is best to choose a place for the center in advance and may have to adapt a separate bedside table for it.

Is the center worth the hassle? Undoubtedly. This is an excellent quality product with excellent build quality. The sound is true to size: deep bass, clear high tones (we should add that each range has its own separate connection wire). Moreover, this sound can also be improved thanks to the equalizer settings.

Pros : build quality, sound.

Cons : large and bulky.

Denon CEOL Piccolo N4

• microsystem
• power 2×40 W
• without optical drive
• internet radio
• support MP3, FLAC formats
• USB playback
• connection: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• iPod support
• audio line-in
• connecting headphones

Denon is famous for its micro systems. Their look is both simple and stylish. Piccolo N4 is no exception. In size it is more like a stack of 5 DVDs. This device is controlled through its own remote application or remote control, so there is no need for an abundance of buttons and toggle switches. And the range of settings is wide, from the equalizer to the control of other networked Bluetooth devices.

For such a small center, the Piccolo produces very good sound. A pair of 65 W channels is enough to power the speakers (which, by the way, can be suspended) with clear and loud sound.

The device can play both traditional MP3 and WMA, AAC, FLAC and other formats directly via the USB input. There are both optical and linear inputs, radio, support for Wi-Fi, as well as streaming audio services.

Pros : compact, supports streaming services like Spotify and Air Play.

Cons : no CD drive.

Pioneer X-SMC01BT-K

• microsystem
• power 2×10 W
• CD playback
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: bluetooth
• iPod support
• audio line-in

A small music center that is not at all as linear as it seems at first glance. Its speakers are slightly angled, which helps distribute sound better throughout the apartment. The sound itself is not bad, and, despite its size, the system is capable of delivering both full bass and clear highs.

By the way, the center can play music from almost any media (unless it can handle it from a cassette). There is Bluetooth, USB, line-in, CD and even iPod support.

Pros : omnivorous, price/sound ratio.

Cons : none.

Rating of the best manufacturers and models of music centers

How to choose a music center? TOP brands and representatives of product lines will help you navigate the models on the market.

Economical options

Help: MC interacts with various sources of information, including karaoke. Each block has its own functions. However, there are models where the modules are combined in one housing.

Middle price segment

For information! Often the overpayment included in the price tag of equipment is determined by the popularity of the brand.

Premium models

Note: microsystems should not be perceived as devices with poor sound. Audio sound is best in small rooms, but the technology is not suitable for noisy parties.

Sony MHC-V21D

• midisystem
• acoustics 2.1
• DVD playback
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: HDMI, Bluetooth
• audio line-in
• karaoke function

A couple of years ago, Sony added an interesting model to its main line of music centers. This is a portable music center that can play music via Bluetooth, USB and NFC. The case has a carrying handle, so the device can be moved from place to place in the apartment, if desired.

The Sony MHC-V21D music center is also equipped with a built-in DVD player that plays high-quality sound via HDMI. Plus, the device has LDAC, which is said to be capable of transmitting three times more data than the regular Bluetooth protocol on similar systems.

Portable system? High power? Omnivorous? It seems that the purpose of this music center is clear - parties. It even has a PARTY CHAIN ​​mode, allowing you to daisy chain multiple mini-systems via Bluetooth for truly powerful sound.

In addition, users can use preset modes to mix and even create their own sound effects.

Pros : good sound, power, omnivorous, transportable.

Cons : heavy (8.4 kg).

The best models of Hi-Fi centers

Denon Ceol N9 Black

The central unit of this gadget contains a very wide range of functionality; in addition, the model is equipped with two entry-level Hi-Fi speakers, but in a confined space the sound is in no way inferior to professional products. The brightness of the liquid crystal display is quite high - all information is clearly visible at a distance of about five meters, and it can be adjusted from the remote control. The central unit has two digital and one analog outputs, there are spring clamps, in addition to them, there is a Wi-Fi module, a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable, and several USB sockets. The latter can be used not only to connect external sources, but also to charge various devices. Connecting to Wi-Fi is very easy - just enter the desired password using the remote control. Once the connection is established, you can update the device firmware if the device requires it.

Like most music centers, this equipment has a wave radio receiver, but you can also listen to Internet radio - the library of supported stations is very large. To control the center from a smartphone, there is a special application where the functionality of the remote control is significantly expanded. It works on all mobile device platforms. The speaker housing is made of chipboard coated with glossy polymer materials. They should be handled very carefully as they are easily scratched. The speakers are located under non-removable grills, and the fabric practically does not absorb dust.

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Advantages:

• Decent appearance;
• Many radio stations;
• Availability of a large number of connectors and modules for wired and wireless connections;
• Decent sound quality of music regardless of the source.

Flaws:

• It is difficult to clean non-removable grills from dirt.

Denon Ceol N9 Black

LG CM2760

The device has a fairly compact size and a very attractive appearance. There are two speakers, each of which includes three speakers at once - for low, mid and high frequencies. This moment allows you to space them far enough apart without losing sound quality. The front side of the speakers and the central unit is covered with a layer of plastic with a glossy finish. It looks very stylish and attractive, but it will collect dust and fingerprints, so you will have to clean it from such contaminants quite often. The functionality for home use is very good - with this device you can play discs of various formats, work with USB media, both classic flash drives and external hard drives, the capacity of which can reach 2 TB. In this case, it does not matter at all what format they are in - FAT32 or NTFS.

This music center easily connects to any phones via Bluetooth; there is a special application for smartphones, Music Flow Bluetooth, with which you can easily control all the main functions of the unit. The center works without any problems with high-definition audio files in .flac format. A remote control is provided, which has small overall dimensions and at the same time has excellent ergonomics. The acoustics are quite loud, the entire frequency range can be heard well. The radio easily finds all channels, and the broadcast can be recorded on external media.

Advantages:

• Volumetric and rich sound;
• Convenient control panel;
• Attractive appearance;
• Excellent build quality.

Flaws:

• You have to regularly wipe off dust that accumulates on glossy surfaces.

LG CM2760

Pioneer X-HM76-B

It has a rather strict, albeit laconic appearance. Along with the central unit, a pair of two-way speakers made in a classic style is supplied here; in addition, there is a receiver that plays CDs. On the front side you can find a fairly large liquid crystal full-color display, the diagonal of which is 3.5 inches. Almost all controls are located on the top edge of the case; only the rotary volume control is located at the front. A full-size remote control is supplied with the music center. Like some of the products included in our review, an application was developed specifically for this model that allows you to fine-tune the product. The device has a class B amplifier that is capable of delivering power of about 50 W.

Each of the speakers included with the product has a soft dome tweeter with a diameter of 25 mm, as well as a full-range woofer. The kit comes with everything you need to receive a stable radio signal. In particular, the music center is equipped with two antennas for operation in the AM or FM range. In addition, there is a mono output, and there is also a fairly bright clock equipped with an alarm function and a one-time timer. If you update the model's firmware, you can get compatibility with the latest standard from this manufacturer, with the help of which you can organize a multi-room radio.

Advantages:

• Very wide functionality;
• Interesting appearance;
• The presence of a fairly large liquid crystal display;
• Convenient and fully Russified mobile application.

Flaws:

• Sometimes there is a lack of low frequencies.

Pioneer X-HM76-B

Yamaha PianoCraft MCR-N670 Black

One of the most modern designs, which allows you to work not only with physical music media such as disks, flash drives, but also with streaming audio located in cloud storage. In addition, it is possible to listen to Internet radio. The conversion of the incoming signal is based on a special SABER 32 chip, which has a high operating speed, so the output delay is minimal - this has a positive effect on sound quality. This processor provides conversion parameters at 5.6 MHz. This music center is designed to function fully offline. It comes with everything you need to play a wide variety of music.

There is a CD player and the sound system is equipped with a fairly powerful amplifier. If necessary, you can connect additional speakers, although, as it seems to us, in domestic conditions two speakers, each with a power of 70 W, will be quite enough. All cables through which the connection is made are supplied included. It is worth noting that on the body of the central element there is a connector for connecting an Ethernet cable, thanks to which the connection to the Internet will be more stable. In general, the music center itself is designed in a traditional way, all sides are rectangular and even. The model is available in black or silver.

Advantages:

• Excellent clear sound;
• Strict and stylish appearance;
• There is everything you need to connect to the Internet;
• Quite functional product.

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Flaws:

• Very expensive.

Yamaha PianoCraft MCR-N670 Black

Sony SHAKE-X30D

The speaker system is characterized primarily by the excellent power of the Sound Pressure Horn bass line. Largely due to the original design, significant acoustic pressure will be built up. This allows you to get higher power with minimal energy consumption - achieving a similar effect on other devices simply will not work. The software is based on the original LDAC codec, which ensures high quality playback of music transmitted wirelessly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It receives approximately three times more data, so the sound reaches a completely different level. The speakers have LED lighting that will turn on to the beat of the music. With its help, you can turn even an ordinary evening into a real disco and create a club atmosphere.

The original solution was the presence of an input for an electric guitar, and the sound would be quite deep and strong. There are jacks for connecting two microphones at once. This will allow you to arrange a real concert upon request, especially since you have the opportunity to sing a duet. The music center has professional DJ effects, with which you can get the real spirit of a nightclub.

Advantages:

• Excellent sound, no distortion was noticed;
• Original lighting based on LEDs;
• Excellent build quality;
• Availability of a number of additional features.

Flaws:

• The display diagonal is not too large – information is only visible up close.

Sony SHAKE-X30D

5. Panasonic SC-MAX770

A full-format music center, which includes a control unit and two speaker systems, each of which weighs 40 kg, and the total weight of the product reaches almost 100 kg. Each speaker has 4 speakers: a 38-cm superwoofer is designed to work with low frequencies, two more speakers with a diameter of 20 and 10 cm are responsible for reproducing the mid-range, high frequencies are played by a 6-cm speaker, additionally equipped with a bullet-shaped diffuser. The body of the speaker systems is made from high-quality chipboard; in order to make the output when playing low frequencies even higher, the manufacturer installed two more bass reflexes here.

The sound output power here is very high - 3300 W. The sound amplifier is very effective, digital, and is divided into several circuits, each of which is responsible for its own frequency range. In this regard, the connection of the main unit to the acoustics is made through special connectors - no spring or screw type clamps are provided in this product. The control unit has a drive for working with music discs, several USB connectors, and 2 GB of built-in memory. Regardless of the format of the music files on the disk, the center can rewrite them onto a flash drive or into its memory in .mp3 format.

Advantages:

• Very easy to operate;
• Huge selection of sound settings;
• Interesting appearance;
• Good workmanship;
• High power.

Flaws:

• Heavy and bulky design.

Panasonic SC-MAX770

Yamaha ISX-80 Black

It is characterized by fairly compact overall dimensions, so it is quite suitable even for a small room. The central module operates on the basis of a Bluetooth channel, with the help of which a local network is formed, which includes all the parts of the audio complex that can support the MusicCAST system. In addition to the Bluetooth module, there is also a Wi-Fi unit, allowing direct access to audio streaming services. The greatest distance from which the unit can receive and process the received signal is 10 meters. Like most music centers included in our review, this device has a radio receiver and built-in acoustics, represented by speakers with a diameter of 8 cm for low frequencies and 3 cm for high frequencies.

The power is not very high - in total, all speakers at maximum volume are capable of delivering about 20 W. This allows you to save a decent amount of energy and at the same time provide yourself with a decent sound level. The dimensions of the device, as already mentioned, are not too large - they are 302x302x65 mm with a weight of 3.5 kg. The product is available in several colors - black, purple or white.

Advantages:

• Small overall dimensions;
• Attractive appearance;
• Quite a decent volume level;
• Able to fit organically into any interior of the room;
• There is everything you need to ensure comfortable sound;
• You can forget about the wires under your feet.

Flaws:

• Not very suitable for large rooms;
• The remote control supplied with the device is not very convenient to use.

Yamaha ISX-80 Black

Pioneer P2-K

In third place in our ranking of the best Hi-Fi music centers is a compact and very original model, which includes two speaker systems and two independent units: a sound source and a receiver. There is no optical disc player here; instead, a network file player is installed, which is capable of working with streaming audio, including high-resolution audio. It is worth noting the very beautiful appearance of the product. In particular, its front panels are made of special high-quality anodized aluminum. They look very solid. A third of the front panel is occupied by a 3.5-inch liquid crystal display. It will display information regarding the video being played, the cover of the album from which it was taken, and information about the artist.

More: Top 10 best professional microphones

On the display you can find a list of files and folders, but it is quite short, so navigation is not very convenient - for this it is easier to use a smartphone or tablet with a special application installed. There are also several control buttons and a USB connector. All other sockets can be found on the back of the device. It is not surprising that this music center is equipped with several wireless communication units - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RCA. The data transfer speed here is very high, so even very heavy files will be played back without any delays. The total power of the speaker system is 48 W – quite enough for home use. The remote control can control both the receiver and the player itself. The sound is detailed, the entire frequency range is heard very clearly.

Advantages:

• Quite decent sound quality;
• Small overall dimensions;
• Original technological solution;
• Looks nice.

Flaws:

• It is quite difficult to understand the functionality of the control panel.

Pioneer P2-K

2.Yamaha MCR-N570 black

This music center is capable of supporting network music services, and it is also equipped with an optical disc drive. However, it has a huge number of new features - playing streaming audio located in the DNLA cloud storage, the ability to play Internet radio stations, working with music located on external media, and also has an AirPlay connection. There is only one central control unit - the optical drive is built into it, and the power amplifier is also located here. The bookshelf-type speaker system has small overall dimensions, which allows it to be installed in compact rooms, providing excellent sound quality there. The music center is a completely self-sufficient Hi-Fi system. All cables necessary to connect the elements are included in the kit.

The sound is very decent - the system can work with both instrumental and popular music, songs of various genres. Despite the fact that the original wires do not look very reliable, they transmit the signal efficiently and nothing is lost. The only thing users regret is the slightly weak bass line.

Advantages:

• Decent sound quality, and you can adjust the high and low frequencies;
• There are all modern modules for wireless connection with various devices;
• Excellent product build quality.

Flaws:

• Internet radio stations are filtered only by their names, so finding the one you need can be a little problematic;
• High price.

Yamaha MCR-N570 black

Pioneer X-EM16-B

One of the most compact systems among all the models included in our review of the best Hi-Fi music centers - its dimensions are 180x121x221 mm with a total weight of speakers and the main unit of about 3.5 kg. The device is equipped with two identical speakers, which are made of laminated chipboard panels coated with special compounds that reliably protect the front surface from various types of defects such as chips or scratches. It is made in a strict black color, so it will fit well into almost any interior. Unlike the speakers, the central unit has a metal body. All elements have a matte finish, which will reliably protect against accumulated dust and prevent fingerprints. The control panel is small in size, but quite functional.

It is quite easy to understand how to connect and control the system - there are no latches provided here, only classic plugs and sockets, and each socket is labeled. You won't be able to attach the speakers to the wall. The total output power of the speaker system is 10 W - quite enough for a room that is not too large. You can strengthen the bass line (by default it is quite weak) using the corresponding button on the remote control. The model works with media such as optical discs or flash drives, and can work with .mp3, .cd and some other formats. The front panel has a small LCD display that displays information regarding the track or radio station. Next to it you can find a chrome handle for adjusting the volume.

Advantages:

• Very high build quality;
• Pleasant and quite powerful sound for indoors;
• Convenient control panel;
• There is a full range of necessary functions.

Flaws:

• Works with a limited number of playback formats.

Pioneer X-EM16-B

Panasonic SC-PM250

• microsystem
• power 2×10 W
• CD playback
• AM, FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: bluetooth

The top three best music centers of 2021 are opened by a small entry-level Hi-Fi system equipped with a CD player, radio, USB port and Bluetooth support. Of course, it can hardly be called multifunctional, but how many worthy centers have you seen for that amount? And even with wooden walls?

Although there is only one speaker in the center, with a diameter of 10 cm, it reproduces mid and low frequencies well. Not only that, but there is an adjustable equalizer (separate for high and low frequencies) rather than preset modes.

Pros : price/sound ratio.

Cons : no headphone jack or analog input.

The best inexpensive music centers

Hyundai H-MC240

One of the advantages of the Hyundai H-MC240 music center is its support for Secure Digital and MultiMediaCard memory cards. True, it only supports MP3 among audio formats, but what else can you expect from a device costing about 4,000 rubles? This music center, even with powerful bass at 40 W (RMS), produces high-quality sound. In addition, the device operates on both battery (about 7 hours) and mains power. All this allowed us to call the Hyundai H-MC240 the best inexpensive music center.

Price: ₽ 4,590

LG CM2760

The LG CM2760 music center for 9,000 rubles is not the most powerful device in its price category (160 W) and is equipped with a rather simple equalizer with 5 presets without the ability to adjust high and low frequencies separately. But this system supports the FLAC format, has a memory for 50 radio stations, is equipped with a USB input for playing music from flash drives and external hard drives, as well as a Bluetooth interface. It’s best not to expect incredible sound quality from it, but overall the system is not bad.

Price: ₽ 8,740

LG FH6

• minisystem
• without optical drive
• FM radio
• MP3 format support
• USB playback
• connection: bluetooth
• audio line-in
• karaoke function

In its full form, the name of the LG FH6 sounds like this: X-BOOM Freestyler. And the design makes it clear why it is needed and how the creators planned to use it. Essentially, what you have in front of you is a giant portable radio, which has been equipped with some interesting features for the sake of beauty. Surely the partygoers will be delighted with them.

This music center itself is large, it weighs 17 kg and is just over 80 cm in height. It is designed so that it can be placed both vertically and horizontally, and rubber feet in appropriate places provide stability. Inside there are two speakers for low and mid frequencies, as well as two for high frequencies. It’s not for nothing that we mentioned the speakers – they are illuminated by LEDs. The body is also decorated with them, and during music the LEDs move merrily.

Like many other centers in the same price category, the LG FH6 supports Bluetooth, picks up the radio, is equipped with a USB drive (reads, however, only MP3 and WMA) and an analog input. And the microphone input can be used for karaoke.

And finally, a signature feature - a DJ round button, by pressing which you can release a completely “DJ” sound into the world (by default it is very loud, so we recommend turning down the power first). In addition to sound, there are four more “DJ” effects that will allow you to modulate the music almost like in a club.

Pros : good sound, the most powerful music center in the rating, karaoke available.

Cons : Although the center is positioned as portable, it does not have a battery.

Recommendations

1. Experts advise taking a closer look at the design of the equipment, case materials, and speakers. Before choosing a music center for your home, make sure you have certificates;
2. The modern product line has advanced functions that provide for systematic software updates. Therefore, when purchasing, check the current software version;
3. Take an interest in reviews posted on thematic forums, and also visit manufacturers’ websites. Thus, it is possible to identify the maximum number of advantages and disadvantages, as well as analyze the prices offered in different chain stores;
4. Before paying for your purchase, make sure the equipment is working properly. So, a working display must have a bright backlight;
5. Checking the inputs and outputs is an important step, because if switching on is accompanied by squeaking, crackling, or clicking, this indicates the presence of a defect;
6. Additionally, you should check the operation of the remote control and loading the disc into the optical drive. The buyer is advised to take all actions to protect himself from defects and disappointment.

Watch the video about the best music centers of 2021