It would seem that the dominance of digital technology had long had to write off the format of individual musical devices that performed only one function - playing music. However, this did not happen! Universal devices could not be replaced by strictly specialized ones, for which there are significant reasons:
- First of all, this is the price. It is extremely expensive to make equipment that can not only play music in a high-quality manner, but also plays the role of a multimedia center, and the existing samples of such an integrated approach, inexpensive in price, are far from sounding to modern music centers.
- Another reason is the simplicity of handling a ready-made technical solution and, therefore, accessibility to the widest sections of the population. Several control buttons, a display that displays the most necessary information, frequency and volume control knobs are a familiar set of music lovers, which can be sorted out in a couple of minutes.
How to choose the right
When planning to purchase an audio system, you need to pay attention to the following:
- the size. This parameter is important when there is a space limitation or mobility need. Usually there are three categories: large, medium and small;
- the presence of additional functions and features: karaoke, radio, noise reduction system, high-quality DAC, body material of speakers and diffusers;
- design. This is a bonus. Great when the appearance of the audio system captivates. After all, it is not only a technical device, but also a detail of the interior and even a certain artistic idea;
The first and main characteristic is sound quality. Therefore, it is important for a future buyer to have a good understanding of this issue. It matters:
The output power of an amplifier or amplifiers. The saturation and depth of sound depend on this. It is necessary to take into account the size of the room in which the placement of the audio system is planned.
DAC - otherwise a digital-to-analog converter. It processes the signal, converting it into the corresponding spectrum of pulses, adapted for the speakers. The presence of this module in the music center is a pleasant moment.
The best speaker body material is wood. But it is definitely certain to say that composite or plastic is worse now, as the most advanced and eminent manufacturers have learned to create new generation materials. Technology can now provide very good sound, for example, helping to create a specially crafted plastic.
Rating of the best music centers 2019
Still, it’s difficult to immediately become an expert in the field of audio systems, therefore it will not be superfluous to pay attention to such an option of equipment selection as familiarizing yourself with the reviews of experienced music lovers and, as an option, viewing at least one rating or a brief overview of music centers.
Best Karaoke Music Centers
Panasonic SC-UA3GS-K
- excellent price / quality ratio;
- good sound;
- the ability to control a smartphone;
- combination of compactness and power;
- portable;
- energy efficiency
- interesting design.
- single line menu and a small number of control buttons;
- small display;
- remembers no more than 30 stations.
The device reads everything from CD to CD-RW, has a radio and karaoke function. Despite the size, it is able to pump a small room. Wide range of reproduced frequencies. The sound is clear and pleasant, crisp and deep bass. The unit is one-piece, easy to carry, does not take up much space. Bonus is multifunctionality.
Sony SHAKE-X30D
- great sound;
- range breadth: good high and low frequencies;
- modern design.
- complex terrain of the speakers - dust is not easy to remove;
- the speakers and the player itself are all separate.
Classics: control from a smartphone, reading flash drives, radio and karaoke - multifunctionality on top. Ease of interaction is also on the top five. The presence of Bluetooth. The fact that the speakers and the player itself separately will be a plus for some will seem a minus to some. If you often need to change the location, buying is not recommended. Feature of the model is LED backlight. Model number one for fans to arrange discos. The center copes with music of various genres.
LG CM9950
- great rich sound;
- ergonomic control panel;
- bright and extraordinary appearance.
- big size;
- low tone control sensitivity.
The sound is beautiful, but with a peculiarity for an amateur: medium and high frequencies are impeccable, but the bass is a little buzzing. The system is very powerful, in a small apartment it will not reveal itself completely, for the full effect you need a large room or yard. Own operating system is able to independently update via the Internet. It can interact with a large number of USB devices.
The best mini systems
Panasonic SC-UX100EE-K
- good balance between high, low and medium frequencies;
- strict and stylish design;
- a large number of tone controls;
- good operation of the radio module, confident reception and easy tuning;
- portable;
- adequate price / quality ratio.
- somewhat inconvenient remote control, without number keys.
An example of stable quality and durability of products of a Japanese company. If you find fault: at high volumes from 50% of the nominal frequency, floating and distinguishing medium from high is problematic. however, it should be noted that the apartment already has 25% of the power, sound pressure is felt, and this is a sufficient volume. The system is not for large areas. At the time of writing, you could only control the music center using Android smartphones.
Sony SHAKE-X30D
- There is a technology for improving sound, and it helps a lot when listening to old recordings;
- the speaker design allows you to play very deep bass - ideal for dancing;
- support for the most modern interfaces: USB, HDMI ARC and, of course, the Bluetooth communication protocol;
- supercompactness.
- hard notes are felt, still not tube electronics.
Guest from the previous nomination of centers with karaoke. In addition to the wonderful additional functionality, the system is quite compact and sounds surprisingly pleasant, retaining its charm even at full volume. It is also prepared for carrying: corners are protected from impacts like in professional equipment. In general, a very interesting complex, but I want to repeat the remark about the price again. This is the case when the cost is adequate, but I want some more magic, because the audio complex is home and not professional.
Pioneer X-HM76-B
- stylish design, very small size;
- support for FLAC and DSD formats;
- modern networking capabilities;
- excellent sound.
- remote control with a small number of buttons.
The design is modular, consisting of compact elements. Fully weighs about 10 kg. Outwardly it looks very simple and minimalistic. On the front panel everything you need. Inside the tuner, CD / DVD player, Internet connection module, through USB-outputs you can connect capacious storage media, such as hard drives. The system can be synchronized with a smartphone. Characteristics traditional for Pioneer: the assembly is perfect, the materials are very high quality, durability and reliability.
Top Premium Music Centers
Pioneer p2-k
- excellent sound;
- compactness;
- excellent performance and reliability;
- classic design;
- supports any network connection: LAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth;
- premium quality;
- able to work with Android and iPod.
- rather high price;
- not very convenient remote control;
- missing CD / DVD drive;
- few analog outputs.
The main advantage of the system is its musical capabilities. The most advanced audio formats are supported.As an audio system with an integrated Wi-Fi module, it has no competitors, except perhaps from models of the same manufacturer. There is a small drawback: it is inconvenient to switch and sort tracks directly, it is much easier from a smartphone or computer. Moreover, the equipment is synchronized with any computer system and even supports the latest multimedia content exchange protocol - DLNA. And one more thing - support for the Russian language is incomplete. Although the audio system interface is Russified, it is very difficult to enter the name of the radio station in Russian letters.
Denon D-M41 black
- blocky, very compact, but powerful;
- great sound: clear, tangible bass, bright high frequencies;
- when transmitting via Bluetooth, music is not distorted;
- Separate adjustment for bass and treble, balance control.
- considerable weight;
- there is no CD eject button on the remote.
The volume of the music center is sufficient, enough for a large room. The center plays the sound perfectly, and in almost any format. To customize the perception there is an equalizer setting. There are not many shortcomings in this audio system, and one of them is the inexpressively working radio, which receives the signal uncertainly. A good option for a home audio system, powerful enough for any apartment.
Sony SHAKE-X1
- Great premium sound
- detailed equalizer with a large number of presets;
- interesting highlight;
- there is karaoke with two microphones;
- It works not only with Android smartphones, there is support for iPhone and iPod.
- the speakers have relatively short wires;
- not supported by FLAC;
- excess buttons on the control panel.
Lows give a little at low volume up to 25%. But even in this vein, the sound of the lower classes is dense, and the upper and middle ones are very clear. If you overcome this border, everything falls into place - the bass sways and sounds in all its strength and depth. This is not every subwoofer. There is also a Mega Bass feature. Apart from the usual FM, the radio also receives AM. From the interfaces there is an input for micro, two USB A and, of course, wireless - bluetooth. In addition to regular recordable and rewritable CDs, the drive also reads DVDs. It is recommended to buy only if you intend to install it in a large room or listen to music with sound at high amplitude. For an ordinary apartment, however, the volume is excessive, and for much less money you can pick up a system of lower power, but of excellent quality.
In conclusion, I would like to say that planning a purchase of a music center only by reviews or rating of music centers for a house or a bar is not enough. This information is original, which is intended to orient. The final choice should be made only after listening to live. People have many tastes and preferences, even experienced music lovers do not agree in their preferences and argue about the merits of reproducing particular models. Only your own hearing will help make a final decision.
The easiest way is to save the reference audio recording on your smartphone and ask to listen to it on the system of interest in the store. It is advisable to pre-listen to the recording on several systems in order to make sure of its quality.
Only Sony! and only Shake x10d! best of all!