How to choose a mini/micro system

Let's face it. Not everyone who loves listening to music is an audiophile. In fact, for the majority of consumers out there, all they want is a simple audio setup to enjoy their favorite tunes, be it in a bedroom, kitchen, study room or even the toilet. This is where compact stereo systems (also commonly known as the micro Hi-Fi or mini Hi-Fi systems) come in.

Electronic manufacturers pack a fair bit of functions into compact stereo systems these days. In addition to the standard CD player, FM tuner and digital clock and audio-in ports, some models also sport multiple disc-playing capabilities, video playback, iPod docks and even onboard memory for music storage. We help you narrow down your choices with a few simple shopping tips.

Your music listening requirements

Know your space:
Before going down to the store, you will probably need to decide where you want to put the stereo system. This will help give you an idea of how big a system to get. For best sound reproduction, the stereo speakers should usually be placed at ear level, which will be dependent on your ideal listening height. There should not be any major barriers blocking the space in front of the speakers, too. It's good to take note of the type of speakers that come with the stereo system. If the speaker has a bass-producing port (hole typically found either in front or behind a speaker) that's in the rear, make sure you leave some space between the speaker and the wall. Front-ported speakers can be placed flush against a wall.

While compact stereo systems used to be bulky with separate components that were stackable, the latest models are much smaller, making them ideal for tight spaces and small rooms. Most micro Hi-Fi systems come in a one-piece unit, typically paired with two movable speakers (and sometimes a subwoofer). You will also find some micro systems with speakers attached to the main receiver/player unit. Mini Hi-Fi systems, on the other hand, are usually bigger than micro systems and can come with either two separable speakers (for entry-level models) or up to five speakers (for home entertainment models with DVD players).

Test the sound quality:
Don't be blindsided by all the bells and whistles that manufacturers and salespeople tend to overemphasize in their products at the store. After all, if your main objective is to listen to music, the most important feature is the sound quality. The best and perhaps most direct way to evaluate the sound quality of a compact stereo system is to test it out on the display unit in shops. Granted, this may not be the most ideal location to try out speakers, but it nevertheless lets you quickly compare between various stereo systems. Bring your own music if you have to. Throw in a couple of your favorite tunes or some test tracks on a CD to test the speaker's response to music with strong vocals and bass. For stereo systems which allow direct USB connectivity to portable audio players, you may want to bring an MP3 player along.

While speaker size may be an important consideration when you have space constraints, the power rating (usually measured in Watt RMS) of each speaker is what determines how loud you can blast your music. Beware of the PMPO (or Peak Music Power Output) ratings on speakers as they tend to be exaggerated figures and can vary for different manufacturers, making them rather inaccurate for reference or comparison. Most micro systems have speakers rated from 5W RMS to 50W RMS, while mini Hi-Fi system speakers are typically capable of hitting higher power ratings. Depending on your music listening preferences, stereo systems with 25W RMS speakers should suffice for most casual listeners.

Other features:
Compact stereo systems may come in smaller form factors than before, but they are also equipped with more features nowadays. We look at some of the common specs and terms that you may come across.

• MP3 playback capabilities: There are several ways you can playback MP3 songs on a stereo system. Many models let you play MP3s directly off the CD, while some offer an onboard USB port that allows you to connect directly to an MP3 player, thumbdrive or even a PC for music playback. Some of the higher-end micro systems also come with built-in memory for storing MP3 files. Most MP3-capable stereo systems feature ID3 tag support, where the album/music/artist name can be displayed during playback.
• DVD playback: Some compact stereo systems these days also double as home entertainment machines, with many mini Hi-Fi models sporting HTIB-like features such as DVD players, DivX playback, HDMI connectivity, 1080i HD output, 5.1-channel speakers and support for various surround sound standards. Even micro systems offer DVD playback capabilities these days, though they generally still come in the standard two-speaker configuration. (HTIB = Home Theater In A Box)
• One-way, two-way or three-way speakers: Theoretically, three-way speakers (which typically consist of a tweeter, midrange and woofer) produce better sound than two-way (tweeter and woofer) and one-way (woofer) speakers. In reality, this may not be true all the time. A lot depends on how well the speaker is tuned, its design as well as the type of sound you like. So try out the speakers to decide for yourself which system offers the best sound.
• Disc-loading: Audio manufacturers these days try to incorporate new and fanciful disc-loading systems (such as those with motorized transparent doors) to enhance the whole user experience and design of their products. However, the more moving parts there are, the more likely it is to be prone to failure after prolonged use. So keep this in mind when looking around for a stereo set.

Extra features like a dock for your music player and remote are conveniences to watch out for.
• Multiple discs: Selected systems feature multi-disc capabilities, meaning you can put more than one disc into the player. These are great, especially for watching movies which span over two or even three discs, though such systems are often more bulky and cost more, too.
• Connectivity: The standard connectivity options on a stereo system are composite-audio and the regular 3.5mm audio jack, though some may come with digital audio coaxial out, USB input (for connection to MP3 players or USB storage for music playback), and Bluetooth (for wireless connection to headsets). Home entertainment-equipped units also feature additional component, S-video and even HDMI (selected models).
• Other features: A remote control is a standard accessory for most compact stereo systems. Built-in clock and radio alarms are also the norm. You will find some models sporting iPod docks that lets you charge and playback the songs/video directly from the iPod. If you want to connect to external devices, be sure to look for a stereo system with the appropriate connectors in front.

Your budget

It always helps to have a budget in mind when shopping for consumer electronics. Most compact stereo systems are priced between S$100 and S$500, though you will find some higher-end mini Hi-Fi systems going for more than S$1,000. In many cases, the price of the system is dependent on the number of onboard features. In other words, you can generally expect to pay more for systems with added functions, though in some cases the extra premium comes from having a better design.

As much as possible, stick to reputable audio brands when purchasing a stereo system. They may cost a little more and may sport less features than those from smaller unknown makers, but you can generally expect better quality all round, especially in terms of aftersales service and support.