The Basics: Mini Stereo Systems

A minisystem is the ideal solution for anyone who wants to bring music into a space where a full-size system would be overkill. Bedrooms, kitchens or even small living rooms are ideal candidates. The fact that these minisystems are simple to set up makes them the perfect solution for folks who just want music and do not need an audiophile, critical-listening environment.

Stereo minisystems started out as separate stackable components, but they have evolved into one-piece units with only the speakers as separate pieces. Since all the components are already contained, this drastically minimizes the time needed to connect them properly. Sometimes the speakers are hardwired to the main unit, so you really just take the system out of the shipping box, plug in one power cord, put the speakers a few feet apart and fire it up. In addition to the audio connections being internal, the components are designed to work with each other. For example, a "synchro-start" feature will automatically start the CD player and cassette recorder simultaneously, or a receiver might switch to the cassette or CD as soon as you hit the play button on either one. The complete systems are ideal for anyone who doesn't need the cost or size of individual components.

The capabilities being incorporated into compact stereo systems are increasing exponentially. Many can now handle the playback of MP3, WMA and other digital files, and some will even connect with a computer to allow streaming audio to be played over the stereo system's speakers. A number of models are blurring the line between compact stereo systems and home theater systems by offering DVD-Video playback and video switching capabilities. Some are even compatible with high-resolution multichannel audio formats such as DVD-Audio and SACD, although the playback is restricted to two channels.

How to Shop

How do you decide on the best system for you? First, you need to decide which features are necessary for you, as there is no point in paying for a function that you will never need or use. Many systems still come with a cassette deck, typically a dual cassette deck. But fewer and fewer people listen to cassette tapes at home, so you might safely omit tape playback from your system. Some packaged systems feature a CD changer that holds three discs or more, while so-called microsystems, in their effort to save shelf space, use single disc players. Consider how important the convenience of a changer is to you.

Other features that add to the value of a system are CD track sequence programmability, full-logic controls on the cassette deck, and preset station memory on the AM/FM tuner. Connections between the components simplify operation and let you operate everything with just one remote. Logic circuits simplify recording and playback features; one button push and the receiver switches to that source, or starts the CD player, and the cassette automatically starts recording. A system might even contain a clock and a sleep timer, making it an ideal addition to a bedroom or dorm.

With so many options and so many price points, how can you begin to decide? A budget stereo minisystem selling for under $200 should include a three-disc CD changer, a basic cassette player, and about 30 watts of power for a pair of two-way speakers. This is sufficient for an office or small bedroom. Over $200 will deliver a higher quality system, but still with relatively small speakers and low wattage amplification. Move up into the $300 range, and you'll add more power and more features including: equalization, sound processing, a full logic dual cassette with autoreverse and three-way speakers. This price range is better for a dorm room, where louder is typically better. Jump into the high-end range, over $500, and you'll find CD changers, more detailed EQ packages, high-speed dubbing on the cassettes, full remote controls and more powerful amplifiers. If this is going to be a mainstay entertainment system in your living room that will occupy you for many hours each week, then it may be worth it to you to invest a little more money.