Our editors' choice of the best music systems that nail the balance between performance and convenience
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Building a 'separates' hi-fi system, where every component (amplifier, speakers and at least one source) is a separate box, is far from straightforward. It requires space, a fair budget and, above all, time to research and setup. It understandably isn't for everyone and that is where hi-fi systems come in. These integrated multi-tasking music machines typically pack every job of a system into fewer boxes, making your journey to audio nirvana much easier.
The hi-fi system is an eclectic category that varies wildly in form factors, features and, of course, prices. There are all-in-one microsystems complete with speakers; pairs of streaming stereo speakers housing everything you need; or single boxes of streaming, CD- or vinyl-playing electronics to which speakers must be added.
Each kind is covered below with our top 10 picks (and Also Consider alternatives), but they all share one thing in common: class-leading performance at their price. They combine best-in-class features and intuitive control too.
Our expert in-house reviews team tests hi-fi systems throughout the year and across the market, with each one benchmarked against its closest competitors. Naturally, only those that come out of our comprehensive testing critera with flying colours make it into this definitive hi-fi system buying guide.
The multi-Award-winning M41DAB is an awesome piece of kit at a fantastic price, boasting excellent sound quality and great flexibility.
Best budget speaker system
In the market for a compact speaker system packed with streaming smarts? These surprisingly sophisticated entry-level KEFs should top your wishlist.
Best premium speaker system
A multi-Award-winning streaming speaker system that is both innovative and entertaining, with clean, punchy sound and all-encompassing connectivity.
Best high-end speaker system
As mature as streaming stereo speakers come at this level, these Award-winning JBLs offer a thrill ride few of its all-in-one kind can offer.
Best budget streaming amp
The multi-Award-winning SA-C600 boasts entertaining sound, punchy dynamics and a strong feature set without costing you a fortune.
Best premium streaming amp
The highly insightful Atom earns its haul of What Hi-Fi? Awards thanks to its class-leading insight, precise timing and impressive looks.
Want a great place to listen to your records without a fussy setup? If so, the System One is still the entry-level setup to beat.
The handsome, retro-modern all-in-one speaker system is feature-packed, super-sounding and a pleasure to use.
These Award-winning desktops are compact, elegant and versatile, all while offering enthusiastic and competent sound Highly recommended.
A flexible, function-rich and great-sounding system that somehow manages to be a good-looking piece of furniture at the same time.
December 2024: The newly crowned What Hi-Fi? Award winners have been labelled as such. Since our last update, we've reviewed and can recommend the stupendously expensive Focal Diva Utopia and Yamaha R-N800A but neither make this definitive list.
I'm the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, with 11 years of experience in reviewing hi-fi, have seen first-hand the hi-fi system category evolve into what it is today. Now smarter than ever and with fewer compromises than before in the sound department, the integrated systems you see below are fantastic ways of obtaining proper hi-fi sound without needing to go the whole hog and set up a purist 'separates' system. Whether you simply want an easy vinyl playback solution or everything the streaming world offers, you can now get it from high-performing and space-efficient offerings that don't need to break the bank.
The default budget all-in-one system choice for years, this Denon multi-Award winner is still at the top of its game, so much so we're yet to really find anything of its type that can outdo it at a similar price.
You can buy the D-M41DAB with or without Denon's own speakers. Without, the system is called RCD-M41DAB and can be found online for under £250 / $350 / AU$500. The speakers are dubbed SC-M41; put the two together and you have the D-M41DAB. Indeed, we'd happily recommend Denon's speakers if you don't have your own already.
The inclusion of Bluetooth (which can be turned on or off to avoid affecting the D-M41DAB’s overall performance) is cause for celebration, as is the superb sound quality. In terms of performance, this system could hold its own against groups of separates at a greater cost, with a graceful, insightful and expressive sound.
"The combination of low-end stability and dynamic sensibilities leaves us with a remarkably human performance for a hi-fi system at this price," our in-house experts penned in our D-M41DAB review.
Microsystems may seem like a dated concept nowadays, but this Denon proves that they can still be a perfect route to convenience and great-value sound; a way to get true stereo room-filling sound that a one-box system can't always deliver. A truly remarkable system for the money.
Wireless Speaker Read our full Denon D-M41DAB review