Today, a music center is a common piece of equipment that can be found in many homes , where people like to listen to high-quality music and watch movies with good sound.
This technique has a wide range of capabilities, it is easy to operate and versatile , so if you don’t already have an acoustic device in your apartment, you should think about purchasing one.
Having studied the basic criteria for choosing a musical device, even a novice buyer can find the best model for himself.
Which music center is better to buy?
The main function of the music center is to play tracks from various media. Modern audio systems successfully cope with this task, while simultaneously performing many more functions.
The market for such equipment is traditionally large and diverse, so before purchasing a player for your home or office, you should identify the key requirements for the center.
The most important selection criteria are:
Output power. The higher it is, the louder and better quality the audio system will sound. Look for a music center in which 60-70% of the full power will be enough to fully sound the room.
The acoustic format indicates the permissible number of speakers used and their connection diagram. For example, 5.1 format means that you can connect 5 speakers and a subwoofer to the device. Most home audio systems provide a 2.0 format, when 2 speakers are connected to the main unit.
Expands the capabilities of the audio system with support for MP3, WMA, DVD and other formats, as well as wireless interfaces Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, LAN. An important component of the music center is the tuner and its range of operating radio frequencies.
Using a functional equalizer, you can adjust the required level of high, mid and low frequencies.
Not the last place in choosing an audio system belongs to the design of the product - it is important that the music center fits into the interior of the room where it will be installed. The device may include microphones, connecting cables, antennas, etc.
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6 best LG music centers
Honor 10 Lite
Characteristics
- smartphone with Android 9.0
- Dual SIM support
- screen 6.21″, resolution 2340×1080
- dual camera 13 MP/2 MP, autofocus
- memory 64 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC
- RAM capacity 3 GB
- battery 3400 mAh
- weight 162 g, WxHxD 73.64×154.80×7.95 mm
Honor 10 Lite is equipped with an edge-to-edge screen using industry-leading innovative technology. The screen-to-front ratio of the smartphone is 90%. The 6.21" wide-view screen is housed in a traditional 5.2" body that fits comfortably in your hand. The 24 MP front camera, on-screen flash and exposure compensation technology ensure high-quality selfies both day and night. New beautification algorithm applies special effects based on your age, gender and skin tone, allowing you to look fresher and brighter
The AI front camera recognizes shooting scenarios in 8 categories and optimizes the background to highlight your beauty
Read: Honor 20 Pro 8/256GB review, specifications, reviews
An updated main camera with dual 13MP and 2MP lenses with F/1.8 aperture increases exposure by 50 percent. Thanks to advanced image segmentation technology, Honor 10 Lite is able to recognize subjects and optimize camera settings based on their features. In night mode, you can take photos with a shutter speed of 6 seconds and use the hand-shake compensation feature. You no longer need to have professional skills to take high-quality night shots. The new EMUI 9.0 interface increases the speed of operations by 20% thanks to special optimizations. The minimalistic design and natural elements of the EMUI 9.0 interface fit perfectly into the frameless screen of Honor 10 Lite. The Kirin 710 processor and flagship Cortex-A73 cores reduce the power consumption of the smartphone and ensure its smooth operation.
The best music centers up to 50 W
Low-power music centers find their use in small rooms and are most often used for individual listening to music. This audio system can be easily placed on a desktop or shelf.
Denon D-T1 – mini-system with high-quality acoustics
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
87%
buyers recommend this product
The Denon D-T1 mini-system consists of a CD receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers. Both of these components are perfectly combined in appearance and meet all the requirements for Hi-Fi audio equipment.
The complete acoustics are equipped with tweeters with a soft fabric dome measuring 25 mm, and a 120 mm midrange/bass with a large dust cap in the center. The average cost of a product is 22.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- Bluetooth;
- Super Dynamic Bass boost circuit;
- memory for 20 FM stations;
- auto shutdown timer.
Minuses:
- no USB port.
The Denon D-T1 music center receiver has a luxurious design and is distinguished by high quality manufacturing. The price is justified by the presence of its own speakers - you won’t have to spend money on buying additional speakers.
Sharp XL-B510 – home microsystem with Bluetooth support
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
Sharp XL-B510 is a compact home music system with a built-in CD player, CD-R/RW and MP3 player.
In addition, the content source can be an FM tuner and a smartphone connected to the center via Bluetooth wireless communication. Acoustics format 2.0. The cost of the audio system is a little more than 7 thousand.
Pros:
- Bluetooth;
- monochrome LCD display;
- there are USB and AUX inputs;
- remote control;
- equalizer.
Minuses:
- no Wi-Fi;
- not compatible with iPod/iPhone.
The modern, elegant design of the Sharp XL-B510 music center will match any interior. And the wooden housings of the complete speakers provide high-quality sound without rattling.
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Hyundai H-MS160 – budget option with karaoke
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
The Hyundai H-MS160 music center with a power of 12 W is equipped with a digital display and karaoke function. Speaker format – 2.0.
The player reads all types of CDs: CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD R, DVD RW, and can also work with external USB drives. You can buy such an audio system for less than 7,000 rubles.
Pros:
- Dolby Digital decoders;
- FM radio;
- support for DivX, MPEG4, MP3 formats;
- USB input.
Minuses:
- not very convenient remote control;
- Bass is not powerful enough.
Inexpensive and easy to use, the Hyundai H-MS160 music center can diversify a family vacation with karaoke, and also serve as a good gift for a beginning music lover.
Philips BTB-2515 - inexpensive compact audio system
4.5
★★★★★
editorial assessment
80%
buyers recommend this product
The Philips BTB-2515 music center with a power of 15 W provides 2.0 channel operation and provides high-quality sound in the frequency range 110-20000 Hz.
The digital tuner is capable of storing up to 20 FM and DAB+ stations. The average cost of the device is 10.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- popular playback standards – WMA, MP3;
- Bass Reflex speaker system;
- equalizer;
- USB connector and Bluetooth operation;
- alarm clock.
Minuses:
- lack of HDMI connector;
- no headphone output.
Philips BTB-2515 is a new model of a micro-music system from one of the world's most famous audio equipment manufacturers.
A specially designed audio input on the device will allow you to listen to your favorite music from mobile devices.
The best midisystems
LG OK99
Compact monoblock speaker system in 2.1 format with a total output power of 1800 W. Suitable for both loud karaoke parties and personal use. A festive atmosphere will be created by lighting that changes to the rhythm of the music, and the Pro DJ function will allow everyone to feel like a DJ. The optical CD drive supports CD, CD-R and CD-RW. Two USB connectors allow you not only to listen to files in WMA and MP3 formats, but to simultaneously play audio from two different USB drives. In addition, it is possible to play music from external media and control mobile devices (Android and iOS) via Bluetooth. Synchronization with TV via optical cable or wirelessly allows you to enjoy your favorite movies with first-class sound.
Cost: from 34,500 rub.
LG OK99
Advantages:
- powerful bass;
- DJ effects;
- the backlight flashes to the beat of the music;
- Can be used outdoors.
Flaws:
- in karaoke you cannot turn off the vocals in a track;
- The speaker housing is made of plastic.
The best music centers 50-100 W
50-100 W audio systems are distinguished by fairly powerful and high-quality sound - these are suitable for medium-sized rooms. The best examples of this technology are equipped with wireless communication with the ability to stream music.
Technics Ottawa SC-C500 – Hi-Fi music center
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
96%
buyers recommend this product
The multifunctional Hi-Fi system Technics Ottava SC-C500 combines a high level of technical equipment with stylish design and ease of operation.
Ottava speakers deliver powerful, clear sound using high-tech drivers and a built-in digital processor that minimizes any possible distortion.
Pros:
- support for Wi-Fi, AirPlay, LAN, Bluetooth interfaces;
- LAPC technology – adaptive load phase calibration;
- double power circuit;
- digital noise isolation;
- support for TIDAL, Spotify, vTuner services.
Minuses:
- price 140 thousand rubles.
The Technics Ottava SC-C500 music center has received wide recognition from experts and music lovers for its impeccable sound quality, modern appearance and a large number of additional functions.
Philips BTB-2570 – a high-tech streaming device
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
92%
buyers recommend this product
The output power of the Philips BTB-2570 2.0 format micromusic system is 70 W, frequency range is 60-20000 Hz.
For ease of use, the device is equipped with an LED display, an alarm clock (with playback of melodies from a CD, radio or USB), and a sleep timer. You can buy such a music center for about 12.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- Stream music via Bluetooth from your smartphone;
- powerful and rich bass due to bass reflex acoustics;
- motorized CD loader;
- digital sound regulation;
- DAB antenna and remote control included.
Minuses:
- no Wi-Fi;
- Does not support iOS devices.
The Philips BTB-2570 audio system allows you to listen to music wirelessly, on CD or via a direct USB connection. You can listen to your favorite radio programs thanks to DAB+ and FM support.
Mac Audio MMC 240 – elegant audio system from Germany
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
88%
buyers recommend this product
The secret of the demand for the German-made Mac Audio music center lies in the use of high-quality components and innovative technologies.
The design solutions of the model's creators meet all modern requirements for devices of this type. The average cost of an audio system is 11 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- built-in DAB+ tuner;
- Bluetooth;
- USB input on the front panel;
- additional RDS tuner;
- 5 band equalizer.
Minuses:
- no Wi-Fi;
- limited number of supported audio formats.
The black wooden casing of the Mac Audio MMC 240 speakers and the same color front panel of the system add attractiveness to the appearance of the music center. And the equalizer capabilities allow you to adjust the optimal sound of music of any style.
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Criteria for choosing good home acoustics
When choosing modern Hi-Fi acoustics, the following parameters are taken into account:
- Device location. First of all, they decide on the place where the acoustics will be installed. Today, 2 types dominate the market: floor-mounted and shelf (or wall-mounted). Floor-standing acoustics, as a rule, have a massive body and large drivers that produce powerful sound with fat bass. Bookshelf speakers are compact and do not take up much space in the room. They are inferior to floor-standing models in terms of power, but they reproduce detailed sound.
- Acoustics type. Speakers can be active or passive. The former have an amplifier inside, so they are ready to work immediately after switching on. Savings follow from this. But due to the fact that the developer places both speakers and electronics in one housing, the sound quality often suffers. For passive acoustics, you need to additionally buy an external amplifier. Even if it is expensive, this way the user gets more opportunities to upgrade the audio system.
- Number of lanes. In theory, the greater the number of “highly specialized” speakers, the better. However, crossovers distribute the signal between them, and in many ways their quality and tuning accuracy affect the purity of the reproduced audio. Therefore, two-way or three-way acoustics are optimal.
- Smooth frequency response. The smoother the amplitude-frequency response, the clearer the music sounds across the entire frequency range. It’s unlikely that anyone wants to buy a speaker whose highs are swamped and the lows are raised. The frequency response is indicated by manufacturers or in publications conducting similar tests.
- Speaker power. The power of the acoustics should not be lower than the power of the amplifier. Otherwise, when you try to raise the volume to maximum, the speakers will begin to wheeze. In addition, when choosing power, the installation location of the speaker is also taken into account. For example, if you need to pump up the hall with music at a concert or organize a disco, you need a powerful model. Conversely, there is no point in buying 400-watt speakers for a small apartment.
The best music centers 100-200 W
A power of 100-200 W, as a rule, is enough to sound not only a room, but also a small open area. Music centers in this category are usually equipped with a large number of additional functions, while remaining quite affordable.
Denon CEOL N10 - a multifunctional device with Wi-Fi support
5.0
★★★★★
editorial assessment
95%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The developers have endowed the Denon CEOL N10 music center with many useful functions, including: wireless communication with mobile devices, Multiroom support, Internet radio, etc.
The output power of the audio system is 130 W, impedance 6 Ohms. The frequency range is quite decent - 50-20000 Hz.
Pros:
- support for AirPlay, Wi-Fi, LAN, DLNA interfaces;
- Amazon Alexa voice assistant;
- DSD format support;
- Remote App – control from a smartphone;
- Radio Data System (RDS) technology.
Minuses:
- a rather high price - 45 thousand.
When listening to music performed by a symphony orchestra with the Denon CEOL N10 music center, you will hear every instrument. All thanks to a high-tech amplifier and new two-way acoustics.
Blaupunkt MS70BT – micro stereo system with Bluetooth and CD/USB
4.7
★★★★★
editorial assessment
89%
buyers recommend this product
The Blaupunkt MS70BT music center features clear sound with soft bass, a simple, attractive design and an intuitive user interface. And the presence of a Bluetooth module allows you to play your favorite music from your smartphone.
The LED display shows the playing order of tracks, the current radio station or the time (when the device is turned off). The cost of the model is relatively low and amounts to slightly less than 11 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- FM tuner with PLL memory (up to 40 stations);
- support for drives up to 32 GB;
- AUX and USB inputs;
- the ability to recharge batteries of mobile devices;
- Remote control included;
- karaoke.
Minuses:
- limited number of supported audio formats.
The Blaupunkt MS70BT audio system is a good solution for connoisseurs of high-quality sound, high technology and classic design.
LTC Audio Karaoke Star 2 MKII – a simple and compact karaoke system
4.6
★★★★★
editorial assessment
85%
buyers recommend this product
The LTC Audio Karaoke Star 2 MKII music center is a 100 W karaoke system with 2.0 acoustics format.
The device reproduces frequencies in the full audible range of 20-20000 Hz, the signal-to-noise ratio is 76 dB, the amplifier size is 220x150x60 mm. The price of a music center is less than 10 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- availability of Bluetooth;
- USB input and SD with control group;
- 2 microphones included;
- Mic/Music volume control;
- Bass Boost function.
Minuses:
- microphones that are not sensitive enough.
If singing is your hobby, the LTC Audio Karaoke Star 2 MKII is perfect for you. This music center will allow you to fully express your vocal talents and have a pleasant time with friends or family.
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Cheapest LG CM1560
The home microsystem consists of a control unit with a CD player and two 5-watt single-way speakers. The power buttons, selecting the equalizer mode, adjusting the volume and managing the playlist are located on the front panel. Below is a USB connector for a flash card and headphones.
The audio system supports playback of MP3, WMA, FLAC files. Easily and quickly synchronizes with a smartphone or home computer via Bluetooth. The music center does not take up much space and weighs only 2.7 kg.
If you need a compact music center for the kitchen, cottage, or children's room, it is better to choose the LG CM1560.
A regular music center with radio and CD player. Unfortunately, you can’t expect high-quality sound – a flat plastic sound without depth, bass or treble. Among the disadvantages, users cite the small display size, lightweight body and lack of a function for remembering the last track.
The best music centers with a power of 200 W or more
Audio systems with a power exceeding 200 W are the most versatile devices that can be used both for home listening to audio material and for holding public events outdoors or in a spacious room.
Panasonic SC-AKX710 - the best audio system for a home party
4.9
★★★★★
editorial assessment
97%
buyers recommend this product
The new Panasonic SC-AKX710 music system features a compact and stylish design, powerful and clear sound, and also allows you to listen to your favorite tunes from your mobile device. The output power of the audio system is 2000 W. The volume of built-in memory is 4 gigabytes.
The dimensions of the amplifier are 137x458x264 mm, and the center itself weighs almost 18 kg. The cost of the system in stores varies between 23-26 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- karaoke function;
- Bluetooth;
- Remote App – control from a smartphone;
- recording to USB drive;
- Bass Boost function.
Minuses:
- against the backdrop of powerful bass, there are not enough high frequencies;
- When you turn down the volume you can hear the cooler working.
AirQuake technology allows the Panasonic SC-AKX710 audio device to produce powerful and rich sound in the low tones that are extremely important when hosting a house party.
The signals generated by the woofers pass through the speaker without distortion and produce impeccably clear sound at the output.
LG CK-43 - an inexpensive audio system with extensive functionality
4.8
★★★★★
editorial assessment
91%
buyers recommend this product
See review▶
The LG CK-43 stereo music center with a power of 300 W is equipped with a CD player, FM tuner and Bluetooth module for direct music playback from mobile devices. The average cost is 10.5 thousand rubles.
Pros:
- Multi Jukebox technology supporting up to three connections simultaneously;
- Wireless Party Link function for combining two systems into one;
- 2 USB ports;
- LG TV audio sync;
- over-the-air Fota firmware update.
Minuses:
- There may be a delay in sound when synchronizing with TV;
- no app for IOS.
LG CK-43 is a budget audio system available to a wide range of users. Such a music center can easily provide sound in a closed room or small open area.
The most powerful
Panasonic SC-UA3GS-K
pros
- clear powerful sound
- acceptable price
- convenient control
Minuses
- no headphone connection
- no HDMI
From 24,468 ₽
AT SBERMEGAMARKET FOR PURCHASES YANDEX.MARKET
Compact (65x20x28 cm) lightweight (6.1 kg) single-block system with two front speakers of 150 W each. Suitable for listening to CDs. There is Bluetooth, USB and karaoke. Good sound quality is due to the fact that the speakers are three-way.
LG XBOOM OL75DK
pros
- plays loud
- suitable for undemanding users
Minuses
- voice distorted in karaoke
From 24,990 ₽
AT SBERMEGAMARKET FOR PURCHASES YANDEX.MARKET
Single-block midisystem with front speakers (2 pcs. 193 W each) and a subwoofer (214 W), microphone connectors (2 pcs.), headphones (2 pcs.), HDMI and USB. There is karaoke, dynamic lighting and DJ mode.
Mystery MMK-915UB
pros
- price
- backlit speakers
Minuses
- bugs when connecting via bluetooth
- the sound leaves much to be desired
From 9,295 RUR
AT SBERMEGAMARKET FOR PURCHASES YANDEX.MARKET
Single-block midisystem with two 75 W speakers and karaoke function. There is an FM radio, a USB connector, and the ability to connect to TV. Buyers note that this Chinese model has not very good quality materials and insufficient volumetric sound.
TOP microsystems
Pioneer X-HM22-K
There is a music center with a good remote control.
The device is equipped with all the necessary connectors, and you can also connect a USB flash drive or smartphone. Overall, the device is very good, customers are satisfied. It is not surprising that it was decided to include it in the TOP rating of the best models today. But keep in mind that you won't be able to connect a microphone to it. But the minus is compensated by the presence of a Lightning connector with a docking station, which will appeal to owners of Apple gadgets.
Advantages:
- AM radio and RDS function;
- there is an equalizer;
- 2 audio inputs;
- there are USB and Lightning ports;
- connecting a smartphone via wireless technology;
- remote control;
- docking station for player and mobile gadget.
Flaws:
- support for audio formats exclusively WMA and MP3;
- high price;
- does not read DVDs;
- no karaoke.
Yamaha MCS 1330
The music center is made in 2 colors.
It is expensive, but it also produces maximum sound in all respects. The device operates with a total acoustic power of 140 W. But this is enough for home use. There are 3 audio inputs available. The manufacturer also equipped USB and Lightning; the latter option can be equipped with iPod and iPhone.
Advantages:
- there is RDS support;
- connection of smartphones and players from Apple;
- speaker power 140 W;
- 3 audio inputs;
- there is a USB connector;
- subwoofer output;
- sound at the highest level;
- There is a docking station for a smartphone and player.
Flaws:
- reads audio formats only MP3 and WMA;
- There are no karaoke facilities.