Hi-Fi Systems

Are you in the market to upgrade your existing music system? Or would you simply prefer to have all your CDs, DVDs, MP3s and DABs in one convenient place?

Hi-Fi systems have followed the trend in electronics and become smaller but with more features than ever before. Mini Hi-Fi systems are the smallest and usually more basic models, including a CD player, cassette player/recorder and an MP3 player. Micro Hi-Fi systems are slightly larger and often include MP3 players and the new DAB digital radio.




Hi-Fi is an abbreviation of high fidelity, which means that you get accurate sound reproduction with little or no distortion.

Most units make use of digital technology and will play normal CDs as well as recordable CDs and MP3s. Those with integrated DAB digital radios provide up to 99 preset DAB stations and up to 99 FM channels.

Some Hi-Fi’s include the latest ReVu technology which will ‘pause’ the radio and let you return to the same place later, perfect if you want to make a cup of tea or answer the telephone. You can even go back and listen again to something you’ve missed, all at the touch of a button from your remote control

Depending on the model, you can connect your Hi-Fi to your computer via a USB cable, which allows the Hi-Fi to receive audio signals and make CD recordings straight from your PC. More expensive systems offer wireless USB links with your PC, doing away with the need for cables altogether.

Most models are fully programmable so you only have to make your settings once and they’re automatically stored when you turn off the unit.

Integrated DVD players will plug directly into your TV through a scart cable so you can watch music videos or feature-length movies on your television while listening to the audio through your Hi-Fi speakers (which are usually more powerful than those on your TV).

At the top end of the market you can purchase systems with integrated DVD recorders which allow you to record videos direct to DVD. This is useful if you make your own videos with a camcorder and edit them yourself. You can then watch your home movies on your television in your front room.

Portable systems (formerly known as ‘ghetto blasters’) are also being manufactured which include the facility to play recordable CDs and MP3s. Many models come with built-in microphones so you can record while you’re out and about (usually onto cassette tape).

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