Best hi-fi music center, 2021 rating of audio systems by sound and power

We have compiled a detailed rating of the best music centers for home use. All models of hi-fi systems were carefully selected by an expert and assessed by sound quality, combination of price and quality, as well as the presence of additional functions (karaoke, wireless connection interfaces, connection to popular music services and cloud storage). These are mainly audio devices from well-known manufacturers Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, Sony, Panasonic and LG . The first three specialize in sound quality, the rest in entertainment capabilities (increased bass and power, beautiful lighting, high volume, karaoke, etc.). We have selected music centers both for noisy parties and for audiophiles who value the transmission of the entire frequency spectrum.

Modern Hi-Fi systems have all the necessary functions. You can connect other devices to them to play music via USB or Bluetooth. Home models are compact in size, yet the volume and frequency of sound will satisfy the most demanding user. However, recently many models of Hi-fi equipment have appeared on the market. To make the right choice, you need to know what parameters you should use to choose a music center.

Go straight to the rating of music centers =>

Which music center should I buy?

To choose a good music center, you need to carefully study the characteristics of the devices. It is recommended to pay attention to the main criteria.

View of the music center. All Hi-Fi devices are divided into the following types:

Microsystems . Compact, portable systems that are suitable for small spaces. They are characterized by low power, but good sound quality.
Minisystems . Inexpensive and high-quality devices with good speakers. Most models come with an internal hard drive. Mini-systems are purchased for home use or for small concert halls.
Midisystems . They are large in size and are made in the form of several blocks. These systems are highly functional. Due to their power and support for a large number of playback formats, midisystems are used for large rooms where discos and concerts are held.

In addition, we recommend that you look at the Rating of the Best Computer Speakers.

Play audio from different sources. The sources from which music can be played on an audio device is an important indicator of its ease of use. The following options exist:

Via Bluetooth. In such a system there is no need to download music in advance. It is transmitted via Bluetooth from a smartphone or other device.
USB. A port into which you can insert a flash drive with audio files. Some models can not only play music, but also convert it from a CD to a USB drive.
CD, DVD. Play audio using discs. In modern centers, this option is gradually being removed and only USB is left.

Power. The maximum volume and its quality will depend on this parameter. For home models, the power value should be in the range from 50 to 100 W. If the music center will be used in a large room, then it is better that its power is 150-200 W.

Number of stripes. The sound quality of the hi-fi system depends on this parameter. The single-band system is used in the cheapest models. Two-way speakers have better sound quality. Moreover, these systems are economical and simple. Three-way systems are considered the best. But their cost will be higher.

Conclusion: what to buy?

The choice of a music center depends on where and under what conditions it will be used.

If you need inexpensive acoustics with which you can watch a movie and listen to music in good quality, then we recommend choosing the Panasonic SC-PM250. This is a Hi-Fi microsystem with support for the Bluetooth protocol, which will save the user from unnecessary wires.

If you are buying a music center not only for home, but also for listening to music outdoors or while traveling, we recommend taking the Ginzzu GM-887B. It is quite compact, and the built-in handle makes it easy to transport.

The best music center in terms of power, of course, is the LG CK-99. The parties thrown by these acoustics are almost impossible to forget.

Rating of music centers with the best sound

For use in small spaces, it is best to choose micro or mini systems. They are perfect for connoisseurs of clean, high-quality sound. Those who want to install a Hi-Fi center in an apartment should pay attention to microsystems. Thanks to their small size, they will not take up much space even in very small rooms.

Denon CEOL N10 Black – Best sounding

Rating:5.0

minisystem
power 2×65 W
CD playback
AM, FM radio, internet radio
support MP3, FLAC formats

Average price: RUB 49,990

According to various tests, it is the best audio system in its category. It has a pleasant and modern appearance. On the top panel there are touch buttons, thanks to which control of the center has become as comfortable as possible. In addition, the model supports the HEOS system, which allows you to control your smartphone or tablet device via your home Wi-fi network. The improved wireless module avoids data transmission problems even when the network is congested.

The new internal changes are also surprising. The LP5912 stabilizer significantly reduces noise and ripple. Also, a headphone amplifier appeared. It is assembled on a separate board and has 4 powerful bipolar transistors at the output.

Other features of the system include the following:

a large number of audio playback formats;
compact size and light weight;
insufficiently developed smartphone application;
13 music streaming services.

YAMAHA MCR-N570 Black

Rating:4.9

microsystem
power 2×15 W
CD playback
FM radio
MP3 format support

Average price: RUB 39,990

Stylish hi-fi system that is perfect for any interior. It features not only high-quality sound, but also good bass. The latter was achieved thanks to the presence of new full-range speakers. Yamaha is capable of playing music from almost any source: Bluetooth, USB, smartphone, computer, CD, DVD. In addition, you can charge mobile devices through the port on the case.

System Features:

high-quality assembly and easy setup;
three-band equalizer;
inability to select a track or radio station - you need to scroll to the desired one;
support for audio formats MP3, WMA;
wireless connection via Wi-fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay.

Denon D-M41 premium silver/black – Good quality sound

Rating:4.7

minisystem
power 2×30 W
CD playback
FM radio
MP3 format support

Average price: RUB 34,990

A high-quality audio system consisting of a receiver and two branded speakers. The receiver supports a wireless connection via Bluetooth and plays CDs. Hidden in miniature sizes is a real monster, assembled according to High End canons. Inside is a fully discrete Class AB amplifier rated at 30W per channel. It performs well in the mid and high frequency ranges and shows high resolution. The ideal compositions for the Denon D-M41 are jazz compositions with a female voice. Most buyers recommend purchasing a subwoofer right away.

Key Features:

appearance suitable for any room;
high-quality support for audio transmission via Bluetooth;
single-way acoustics;
support for CD, MP3 formats.

TOP 5 microsystems

Hyundai H-MS260

Classic music system: main unit and two separate speakers with connection to TV, playback of music from CD/DVD discs, flash drives and SD cards. Price - 2300 rubles.

Pros:

AVI support.
Connection to TV.
Russian-language application interface.
Karaoke, FM radio with 30 presets, like the Sony CMT-SBT100.
Memory Stick support.

Minuses:

There is no Bluetooth, like in the Panasonic SC-PM250.
Does not accept MKV format.
When you remove the flash drive, the drive comes out.

Verdict. Classic system with main inputs located on the front panel. For home use only: the power is enough for one room of 20–25 m2. According to reviews, it does not cope with dubstep, unlike the LG CM2460 or Panasonic SC-PM250.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Panasonic SC-PM250

Micro system with wireless music streaming, clear, bass-rich sound and low power consumption. Price - 5990 rubles.

Pros:

Low power consumption - 0.2 W (standby). Automatic shutdown.
Plays music from USB drives, like the Sony CMT-SBT100.
Internal vibration suppression function. Increased quality of low frequencies and bass.
Bluetooth Re-Master improves wireless audio quality.
5 equalizer presets are more than in the LG CM2460.

Minuses:

There are no numbers on the remote control.
Weak receiver.
No AUX.
Does not support ETHERNET interface like Pioneer X-CM66D-B.

Verdict. An excellent solution at a low price for a small room, such as a child’s room. High sound quality, unlike the Hyundai H-MS260, transmits voluminous bass. Connects quickly with mobile phones. Simple, instant control from the app.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

LG CM2460

A system with high output power, support for Bluetooth, CD, USB, FM radio, with the simultaneous ability to connect 2-3 smartphones at the same time and wirelessly synchronize sound with TV. Price - 7300 rubles.

Pros:

Activation and control from your phone.
Tuned Bass Blast sound matrix for powerful, rich bass.
Direct transmission of sound from TV. Wireless synchronization using Sound Sync Wireless technology.
Support for FLAC files.
2 DSP modes.
The number of presets is greater than in the Panasonic SC-PM250. (50/45).

Minuses:

With a large library, it is impossible to select a thematic folder.
You cannot select a song by number in the list.

Verdict. Reliable, easy to use, with a useful option to remember the last played file. Produces powerful bass, clear sound, like the Panasonic SC-PM250.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Sony CMT-SBT100

Hi-Fi system with Bluetooth NFC, CD player, supports AAC, atp-X codecs, instant music playback at the touch. Price - 14850 rubles.

Pros:

The Bluetooth transmission standard is higher due to support for AAC and atp-X codecs.
NFC technology allows you to listen to music with just one touch: just tap your compatible device.
Bass Boost function.

Minuses:

Non-standard connection of speakers to the device.
There is no mute button on the remote.

Verdict. A system with good sound, chic soft bass. There is no wheezing when turned up to maximum volume. Excellent wireless connection. Holds the radio wave clearly. Slightly worse than the LG CM2460, it transmits sound from the iPhone.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

The best music centers with high power

If you plan to regularly use the Hi-fi music center for parties, then it is better to pay attention to one of the best midisystems.

Sony MHC-V90DW – Bomb disco machine

Rating:4.2

midisystem
DVD playback
FM radio
support MP3, FLAC formats
USB playback

Average price: RUB 63,390

That’s what they write on the official website – the crowd will jump in amazement! The best large-sized audio system, which is perfect for discos and parties. Four midrange drivers, extended bass with JET BASS BOOSTER technology, bright pulsating lighting - all this will make your party the best. All device control is done using the touch panel located on the top of the column. The acoustics play panoramic sound, 360 degrees around you and an ordinary apartment will not be enough for such a monster. The Sony MHC-V90DW has separate microphone and guitar inputs.

Peculiarities:

2000 Watts of power;
wheels and retractable handle for moving the speaker;
high-quality, loud and surround sound;
the presence of digital sound enhancement technology Digital Sound Enhancement Engine;
omnidirectional powerful and bright party lighting;

LG XBOOM OL100 – The Best Music Center for Entertainment

Rating:4.3

midisystem
acoustics 2.1
total power 2000 W
CD playback
FM radio

Average price: RUB 42,765

One of the best audio systems for events. It uses Meridian technology, thanks to which it achieves the most powerful and high-quality sound. The Pro DJ feature allows you to make changes to your favorite tracks. There is a wheel right on the top surface of the block that creates various effects. You can also do this through an application on your smartphone. A special Party Accelerator toggle switch allows you to create a truly atmospheric party. Just pull it and a deafening beat with light illumination will make the dance floor even brighter. In addition, the advantages of the system include the ability to move it on wheels, synchronization with a TV and wireless connection with a second similar device.

Peculiarities:

many connection options - Bluetooth, USB, CD, radio;
the ability to control the device using the TV remote control;
high quality sound and bass;
the presence of a retractable handle for moving;
column size is too large;
There is no DVD drive.

Panasonic SC-TMAX40 – Best Wireless Audio System

Rating:4.7

minisystem
CD playback
FM radio
MP3 format support
USB playback

Average price: RUB 33,990

Compared to other mini-systems, it has a very powerful sound. It is an excellent option for parties - the bass reflex system provides excellent bass and resonance. And Airquake Bass technology allows you to get clear sound without distortion. The MAX dance lighting allows you to make your party brighter and more unforgettable. It is located on the main unit and can rotate. Together with the illuminated speakers, MAX sets the mood on the dance floor. Also worth noting is the presence of the DJ Jukebox application. It has a built-in memory of 4 GB, which allows you to download your favorite tracks directly to the system.

Peculiarities:

Sound power 1200 Watt;
super woofer with dual amplifier;
full illumination;
work through the application;
new, modern design;
excellent sound and bass quality;
MP3 audio format support;
The pre-configured equalizer supports the Russian language.

Sony SHAKE-X30D

Rating:4.6

microsystem
DVD playback
FM radio
MP3 format support
USB playback

Average price: RUB 35,970

Powerful audio system for home and small parties. It uses Sound Pressure Horn technology, which creates the most rich bass sound. In addition, the music center has LED backlighting for the speakers. It synchronizes with the tracks and creates an atmosphere on the dance floor. The technique will also please those who love to sing. The center has a karaoke function and a connector for an electric guitar, so you can play your favorite songs yourself. If you have no musical skills, then you can take advantage of the capabilities of DJ effects and give a new sound to familiar tracks. This is very simple to do - control is done through an application on a smartphone.

Features of the center:

the presence of the Sony Music Center application, which allows you to create and manage your own music collections;
MP3 audio format support;
multifunctionality;
short wires from the main side to the speakers;
High definition tracks cannot be played using a USB flash drive.

LG CK43 – The best budget hi-fi audio system for parties

Rating:4.8

microsystem
power 2×150 W
CD playback
FM radio
MP3 format support

Average price: RUB 9,310

One of the best inexpensive models. Despite the cost, it boasts a good set of characteristics. Can be used not only for listening to music, but also for watching movies. Owners of LG TVs can synchronize devices wirelessly. In addition, the Wireless Party Link function allows you to connect two music centers and double the sound volume. This opportunity is suitable for lovers of noisy parties. Via Bluetooth, you can simultaneously connect up to three devices to the system and select tracks to play on them.

Peculiarities:

support for MP3, WMA, CD formats;
high-quality sound with clear highs and tight bass;
short audio system wires;
inconvenient built-in equalizer;
high-quality Bluetooth performance.

LG XBOOM FH2 – The best speaker on wheels with a handle

Rating:4.5

minisystem
without optical drive
FM radio
MP3 format support
USB playback

Average price: RUB 13,990

LG XBOOM FH2 was nicknamed - Power on wheels! Compared to other models, it is the most mobile device. And it’s not only about the compact size, but also about the telescopic handle and wheels, like on a suitcase. Thanks to this, moving the system from place to place will not be difficult. In addition, XBOOM can be taken with you outdoors. The center has a built-in battery, thanks to which it can work up to 15 hours without recharging. Switching tracks can be done through the application on your smartphone. At the same time, if the music center is in sleep mode, it will turn on on its own.

Peculiarities:

support for audio formats WMA, MP3;
creating multiplaylists on several smartphones or tablets;
build quality of the case, which is very important when constantly moving;
After a year, the battery discharges much faster.

TOP 4 midisystems

Ginzzu GM-207

The rating opens with a budget portable music system with Bluetooth, karaoke, FM radio, audio player, equalizer for popular settings, and spectacular dynamic backlighting. Price - 3990 rubles.

Pros:

Dynamic pulsating bright RGB lighting.
5 equalizer presets.
Microphone with connection for karaoke.
Built-in chip for reading flash memory. You can display images and videos on the TV screen.
Connect to any source via Bluetooth or LINE IN.
Convenient handle on the body for transportation.

Minuses:

Sound without bass.
Does not correspond to the declared power: at maximum - 15–20 W, no more.
Low-quality condensers without low esr.

Inexpensive midisystem for home karaoke and parties. Easy to transport. The power is small, slightly less than in the LG OK 65. There is no support for DVD-R, as in the Sony MHC-V 21D, but there is a flesh-reading function.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

LG OK65

A music center for any size party with a Multi-Color Lighting woofer, a deafening beat, DJ Sharing function, and Star karaoke. Unlike the previous model in the rating, you will have to pay four times more for the LG OK65 - 16,580 rubles.

Pros:

Multi-colored lighting that changes to the rhythm of the music using Multi-Color Lighting woofers.
Pro DJ function for creating sound effects, including scratching or repeating a track.
Mix and play audio tracks from two different USB drives, DJ Sharing function transfers mixes to your mobile device.
Karaoke Star - muting vocals in any audio track or song, changing the key of the track to match the timbre and voice.
18 voice effects.
Bluetooth support, connect to compatible LG TV with remote control.
The total number of tuner presets, as in the LG OM7550K, is 50.
Compatible with LG audio systems, combining two similar functions of Wireless Party Link.
Multi Jukebox – allows you to connect up to 3 people to the system to create a playlist without interrupting the party.

Minuses:

You can't scroll through videos like you can with the Sony MHC-V 21D.
There is not enough optical input.

Excellent sound, the ability to mix tracks during a party or listening to music, large volume reserve, good bass, high-quality assembly. Karaoke is CD only, not DVD, as in the LG OM7550K.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Sony MHC-V21D

Audio system with tilting speakers, streaming via NFC and Bluetooth, two microphone inputs, control from a smartphone via a proprietary application. Price - 19,900 rubles.

Pros:

NFC One-touch with instant Bluetooth pairing and streaming.
Angled tweeters provide wide sound dispersion.
The system can be used for karaoke and as an amplifier with three modes for guitar.
Party Chain function with the ability to connect up to 50 compatible speakers.
Control music, sound, backlight color, DJ effects from your smartphone in the special SonyMusic Center application for iOS or Android.
You can share the status from each party in the Fiestable app on social networks.
Football match mode.
Built-in DVD player.
HDMI output, like LG OM7550K.
Set - 2 speakers and a subwoofer, like in LG OK65.
Built-in handle for transportation, like in Ginzzu GM-207.
Simultaneous connection via Bluetooth wireless protocol to 3 mobile devices at once, as in LG OK65.

Minuses:

Weak bass.
Heavy to carry.

Verdict. Excellent clear sound, football match mode, control from a smartphone, like in the LG OK65, simultaneous connection of 2-3 mobile devices, online mixing, broadcasting. The presence of HDMI will not always make it possible to use a midisystem for home theater; you need to look for compatible brands. Supports more formats than LG OM7550K.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

LG OM7550K

Powerful 1000 W midisystem with a karaoke disc for 2 thousand songs. There is a microphone and a songbook. Price - 22900 rubles.

Pros:

Portable heavy duty system.
Large information base for karaoke.
Like the Sony MHC-V21D, you can control it from your smartphone and stream music to the speakers.
DJ turntables in design.
Excellent synchronization with LG TV via Bluetooth.
Programmable playback, memory.
Slow and fast forward.
Karaoke with echo suppression.
Like LG OK65, removing vocals from the disc.

Minuses:

Mono sound.
There is no 3.5 mini-jack headphone jack.

Verdict. Powerful midisystem with voluminous bass, control from a smartphone, many common parameters with LG OK65. Large library of songs.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

What factors influence the purchase of a Hi-Fi music center?

It is worth noting, first of all, that such devices are characterized by small overall dimensions. A similar center consists of a head element and two columns. The most modern products are equipped with a remote control and wires for connecting elements. On sale you can find products that can be connected to various kinds of gadgets via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and setting up the devices is not very difficult.

Front Hi-Fi music centers can be floor-mounted or wall-mounted. The former are best suited for fairly spacious rooms, the latter are intended for rooms with limited free space. A fairly functional device can act as a sound source or receiver, which includes several players and is almost always equipped with a radio receiver.

It is very important to warm it up properly before using this product. Thanks to this operation, it will be possible to perfectly balance the elements of the music center, so in the future they will sound as harmonious as possible. During this process, the diffusers of the emitters stretch and become elastic. To do this, experienced music lovers recommend using music that can fully cover the entire frequency range. Of the existing genres, symphonic rock fully meets this requirement, but you can turn on a radio station that plays music belonging to a variety of genres.

There is one more important trick: when warming up the music center, the speakers included in it should be placed next to each other in such a way that they are close, but not touching; they are covered on top with any material that impedes the passage of sound.

When choosing models for our ranking of the best Hi-Fi music centers of the year, we were guided by all the points above, but we also took into account several more factors. In particular, we took into account the price-quality ratio of the model, and also relied heavily on user reviews. We tried to include mainly budget models in the review, so that each of our readers could choose for themselves a product that will fully meet their music lover’s needs. Now is the time to begin directly analyzing the performance characteristics of music centers.