Which music centers are considered the best. How to choose the right music center. Where are popular music centers used?

A music center is a product created back in the last century for playing music. Previously, they were cassette, a little later models began to appear for listening to discs of various formats, and now modern devices have become significantly different from their predecessors. Details are below.

The music center is in great demand, despite the fact that there are many other units for listening to music. Regardless of the size of the device, it will perform all the functions described below; it may differ in quality, which directly depends on the manufacturer.

Music centers have a fairly simple classification:

Micro system;
Mini system;
Midi system.

It is worth noting that music centers are speaker systems that have a device for reading and playing audio files, as well as modules, one of which is responsible for collecting radio waves, and the second for converting music into a pure and higher quality form.

How to choose the most powerful music center

Can there be an inexpensive music center with good sound, and how to choose a device for your home or garden? It is worth noting that high-quality centers will not always have an attractive price and all the necessary characteristics that correspond to the cost.

High-quality devices have an active system through which noise is suppressed. Modern manufacturers have begun to give preference to digital tuners.

There are characteristics that it is better to pay attention to first. Having a disc player is no longer considered so relevant, and therefore you can safely choose models with 1 slot.

Criterias of choice:

Equally important is the presence of an excellent module for picking up radio, which is of interest to fans of listening to this particular type of music. The module must have fine-grained channel tuning, squelch functionality, and memory to store detected radio waves.
When choosing sound quality, you need to pay attention to a number of points. In particular, the power that the amplifier and DAC have. The audio processor is considered the heart of any speaker system, as it is responsible for many processes such as high-quality sound reproduction, frequency upscaling, downscaling, signal processing and post-processing. It is worth noting that not every music center model has a DAC, and therefore it is necessary to exclude those products that do not have such a function.
It is also important to pay attention to external data, namely, design and dimensions. Many people tend to take systems labeled Micro, but the choice is not the best, since the device will actually be small in size and can be easily moved to the right place, but the music center will not be the most powerful, and the sound quality may suffer.

A music center and karaoke are 2 interconnected devices, since there are modern music centers with this function. In general, the choice of design and cost is purely a personal preference for each buyer. Today on the market of such equipment you can find an incredible number of models, each of which has its own specific features.

Where are popular music centers used?

How to review products that are in demand? It is worth paying attention to the forum, reviews of which are considered the most popular, and the manufacturer. In addition to choosing a brand that manufactures music centers, you need to pay attention to what it is needed for.

For example:

For the dacha;
For children's;
For kitchen;
For field trips, etc.

Experts recommend choosing devices for playing music of average cost, since the desire to save money can result in the purchase of a low-quality product, and the desire to become the owner of mega-expensive equipment will not live up to expectations.

Basically, a high price is not a guarantee of quality, but simply the banal popularity of the company that manufactures it.

There are other differences in price, for example, a music center with karaoke will be much cheaper than a device without a speaker. The difference will be in price and nothing more, but the quality depends on the manufacturing company. According to statistics, a less cool brand sometimes makes better quality products compared to many well-known brands, and therefore you should not rely on the manufacturer.

How to determine a good music center

In order for the music center to fully meet your expectations and investments, you should pay attention to a number of features when purchasing. It’s not worth buying an installation solely based on these criteria, since there are also so-called pitfalls that can significantly spoil the impression of the purchased product, especially if the cost was very high.

Naturally, among the main characteristics we can note:

Sound;
Design;
Price;
Manufacturer.

It is important to pay attention to the dimensions, since if you not only need to listen to the radio in places such as the kitchen or balcony, but also play various audio media of excellent quality, then you should not choose devices that are too small.

It is better to give preference to larger equipment, but be sure that it has a DAC and other necessary functions.

The main features of the device include the presence of a high-quality equalizer and a function that allows you to adjust the bass and treble. In addition, you need to pay attention to the playback quality of all formats declared by the manufacturer, especially flash drives, since most often problems arise with reading them. Those who value advanced functionality will 100% appreciate the ability to record radio broadcasts or record files from one medium to another.

When choosing power, you should be guided by the size of the product, since the larger it is, the higher the power consumed and output will be. Among other things, you need to take into account the parameters of the room in which the audition will be conducted. For example, for a kitchen, a small-sized design is sufficient, but for a hall or summer cottage, you need to choose larger products. You should not make a purchase of a music center only for its aesthetic qualities, but also forget about its attractiveness. As for the finish, a body made of wood or wood-like with metallic inclusions looks more stylish. Naturally, many manufacturers strive to significantly reduce the cost of manufacturing musical equipment, and most often use plastic, which affects both the attractiveness and the sound. Speakers made of wood have a more stylish look and high-quality sound, but the price literally bites.

Buying a music center is a non-trivial task and directly depends on personal preferences, however, before purchasing, you need to ask a specific question about what exactly you need. For example, many functions, high-quality sound, a lot of possibilities or a stylish look.

Selecting a music center (video)

Finding a music center is not a very difficult task, but it requires a competent individual approach, which will allow you to get a device that fully meets your expectations and investment. It is preferable not to choose those products that have questionable operating instructions and are not the most well-known brand, since such equipment is often a Chinese counterfeit or, in other words, an analogue of higher quality products.

Ladies and gentlemen, do you like to listen to high-quality music? I'm sure you do, you can purchase a wide variety of equipment for this. A good music center can satisfy the needs of any music lover for high-quality music. It is very important to choose the right model so that no problems arise during operation. Today we will talk about how to choose the best music center for your home in 2015.

Types

Conventionally, all the cool music centers that the modern market offers can be divided into several large groups, namely microsystems, minisystems and midi systems.

First of all, such a classification means the dimensions and sound quality of an individual piece of equipment. For a small room, a small microsystem is quite suitable, but for a hall or living room it will no longer be suitable. Here it is worth taking care of purchasing a more bulky system. Belonging to one group or another will directly depend on the availability of additional functionality.

Format

Many people limit themselves to purchasing stereo systems; indeed, they are capable of providing fairly high-quality sound in almost any conditions. Such budget music centers are presented in a wide range on the modern market.

Sometimes speakers are additionally equipped with a subwoofer, which allows you to make the low frequencies more saturated. Many people prefer surround sound, in which case the music center should be equipped not with two, but with several additional satellite speakers, their number can vary from 3 to 7. It is quite easy to purchase such systems today. Thanks to them, you can achieve sound quality comparable to that of a concert. Everyone chooses a certain type of system for themselves.

Power

Output power is one of the most important indicators of any popular music center. Not everyone knows that there are three indicators of this characteristic. Manufacturers indicate rated power, maximum and peak. It is advisable to make a choice, focusing specifically on the average power; it shows to what extent the speakers can be used so that they reproduce quality sound.

Of course, not all manufacturers indicate this particular parameter on their devices; for advertising purposes, many indicate the maximum or peak power value. In this case, to obtain a reliable result, it is worth dividing the existing parameter by 10. This will be the approximate value of the average power.

Nobody knows exactly how many watts a cool music center should have. You need to be guided by the fact that the higher the power, the better; of course, for a small room you should not purchase systems of huge dimensions and high power. It is better to limit yourself to a budget model, the power of which will vary from 75 to 120 W.

Media type

CD drives are considered the generally accepted standards for modern music centers; some models are still equipped with special connectors for cassettes. Modern reality dictates its own rules; today almost no one uses ordinary disks and cassettes.

The best music centers are equipped with USB connectors, which allows you to play music from external media. There are models that require additional connection of memory cards, however, this phenomenon does not occur very often.

Additional functionality

Today, a music center can contain many additional functions and options:

Equalizer, it allows you to adjust the sound quality by individual frequencies. A very convenient thing if a person is interested in diverse music;
Karaoke can also come in handy if you often have guests in your home;
The microphone will allow you to arrange a real holiday even in not the most cheerful conditions;
Network interfaces will always allow you to connect a music center to a computer. Moreover, recently it has become possible to use wireless communications, namely Wifi. This allows you to play files that are located on a remote computer.

Ergonomics and appearance

Everyone decides for himself what appearance his music center should have. The cheapest models are those placed in a plastic case; such inexpensive music centers can create rattling as a result of operation.

If you want to have really high-quality acoustics in your home, then give preference to models whose body is made of wood; they will fit perfectly into any interior, and the sound quality will always be at its best.

Manufacturers

sony

Today on the market you can find a huge number of models, both expensive and budget music cents. Do not pay attention to cheap fakes from Chinese manufacturers; it is better to give preference to well-known brands. Excellent models are produced by companies:

Samsung
Panasonic

These are the ones you should focus on when solving the problem of choice.

The top music centers are opened by the BBK AMS115BT model, which has starting capabilities and an affordable price. However, the simplicity of the equipment is more of an advantage than a disadvantage: there is no optical drive, which simplifies the operation process, and the model has small dimensions. However, the absence of a subwoofer is already an obvious flaw - the maximum power is 20 W. The advantages include the presence of an equalizer and a radio receiver that operates in VHF and FM frequencies. There are 2 microphone outputs, USB and Bluetooth. The storage capacity is designed for 50 stations. At the same time, the device supports most existing formats, does not require knowledge to set up, and offers good sound.

pros

sound quality;
karaoke function;
stylish design;
light weight;
easy setup;
low energy consumption.

Minuses

no subwoofer;
low power.

Quite a long time ago, the Pioneer company won the recognition of customers by producing high-quality acoustic equipment at an affordable price. The Pioneer X-EM16-B model in the 2018 music center rating is a clear confirmation of this. The product has characteristic classic features with high-tech elements. Despite the low cost, all the parts are expensive. The build quality is also attractive. The FM radio stores up to 50 channels. Product power is 2x5W: not for loud parties. Thus, this budget device is suitable for small spaces, but attracts with high sound quality. There is no karaoke function.

pros

corporate design;
expensive parts;
very low price;
sound quality;
radio.

Minuses

power;
few functions;
no karaoke.

If you are planning to buy an inexpensive music center from the famous PHILIPS brand, we recommend paying attention to the MCM2300 model, equipped with an intelligent Bass Reflex system. The device provides users with high-quality, deep bass sound. It differs from simple analog systems by the presence of a bass reflex, optimized for a low-frequency emitter. In addition, digital audio control is provided. Direct control is provided for launching MP3. You can also connect portable devices via the audio input. For ease of use, the developers have equipped the new product with a CD loader. There is also a digital tuner that allows you to quickly save frequencies. The total power is 15 W. Judging by user reviews, the sound quality is excellent.

pros

Bass Reflex system;
presence of a drive;
price;
connecting portable devices;
direct control of mp3 format.

Minuses

not the best power;
no memory - every time it starts from the first track.

Speaking about the best music centers with karaoke, it is necessary to talk about the LG FJ3 model, which supports Voice Canceller (vocal volume control) and Key changer (voice pitch control). In addition, the device with a built-in battery supports 18 vocal effects in karaoke mode. In particular, the volume of the echo. Despite the reasonable price, there is a high-quality LED screen. In addition, the device is protected from moisture according to the IPX4 standard. The power of the equipment is 50 W. For lovers of volumetric bass, Bass Blast technology is implemented.

pros

equalizer;
bass boost;
perfectly implemented karaoke;
Cluster2 EQ;
PLL tuner.

Minuses

no headphone jack.

The best inexpensive music center of 2018 is the SONY GTK-XB60 model, which has a five-inch low-frequency and two-inch high-frequency speakers. With patented ClearAudio technology, you can play audio at high volumes without worrying about sound quality distortion. There are connectors for a microphone, a USB port and another XB60. Another feature of this product is the LED backlight implemented on the body. The device weighs about 8 kilograms. Under the body there is a fairly high-quality battery, with which the device can operate for 3 hours at maximum power with the backlight on. Judging by the reviews, it attracts with very good sound, but the design is not for everyone.

pros

high volume;
LED lights;
autonomy;
sound quality;
many ports.

Minuses

The appearance is not for everyone.

The best premium music centers

If you are looking for a music center for your garden with good acoustics, pay attention to the LG FH6 model with two subwoofers and backlighting for each speaker. The total power of this device is 600 W. Attracts with its convenient design, allowing for both vertical and horizontal installation. The model is aimed at large groups: it allows you to create a club atmosphere in a room of any size. Users have the ability to create their own playlists and store them on any device. Connects up to 3 smartphones via Bluetooth. The advantages of the device include support for the Wireless Party Link function, aimed at increasing sound power. A karaoke function has also been implemented with the ability to adjust the volume of vocals. If desired, you can install a soundtrack.

pros

karaoke quality;
high power;
convenient design;
synchronization with 3 smartphones;
backlight

Minuses

Syncs well only with Android.

A compact music center with good sound, which is explained by the presence of 4 low-frequency and 4 high-frequency speakers. The total power is 1700 W. A powerful base fills a room of any size. Amazing performance and very high-quality sound are complemented by a stylish hexagonal design of the device, which fits perfectly into the interior of any room. All buttons are touch sensitive and are additionally backlit. The developers took care of installing an optical input and a proprietary Panasonic MAX Juke application. Judging by customer reviews, the only flaw of this product is its high cost.

pros

appearance;
very high power;
excellent bass and sound overall;
8 speakers;
synchronization with smartphones;
Panasonic MAX Juke proprietary software.

Minuses

price.

We are talking about a compact music center with good sound from SONY. Honestly, everything about this model is impressive: from the 2000 W power to the ability to control the device using gestures. The device is suitable for organizing large parties, due to the presence of 10 speakers and an open housing, which guarantees even wider and more voluminous sound. Unlike analogues, a karaoke function for duets is implemented. Speaking of inputs, you can connect a guitar, several microphones, and additional speakers. To organize powerful sound stages, the Fiesta mode is implemented. Another nice bonus is the Music Center application, which is responsible for quick synchronization with smartphones.

pros

built-in player;
10 speakers;
total power;
design;
karaoke for duets;
dimensions of a powerful product;
brand;
Gesture control.

Minuses

overpriced.

One of the best Hi-Fi music centers of the current year is the PIONEER X-HM51-W. Great for playing CDs, and connects via the front USB port. The total power of the speakers is 100 W, and there is no reason to doubt that this device has the best price/quality ratio this year. Consider that this epitome of versatility, power and compactness is perfectly synchronized with the iPad mini or iPhone. However, you can transfer data via other smartphones, laptops and even PCs, since the developers have equipped the new product with high-quality Bluetooth.

The music center is a specially equipped system that allows you to listen to various compositions at a high quality level. There is a wide range of devices on the electronics market, so choosing the right option is quite difficult. It is important to know what criteria should be taken into account when purchasing such equipment.

What is important to know when choosing a music center

Today, reproducing and recording equipment operates with the support of various media, cards, CDs, and is capable of working in certain audio formats.

To decide on a model, you need to know what classes of acoustic equipment exist.

The classification of such products provides:

Micro systems, the front panel of which is no more than 18 cm in size. The kit usually includes a disk, cassette deck, optical drive, receiver (radio signal amplifier). As a rule, this is a portable system, it is compact, does not take up extra space and is more suitable for small rooms - living room, bedroom, office. Despite the ideal sound reproduction, such a center has low power (about 50 W), so it is not suitable for large rooms.
Mini systems(28 cm) can be made in a monolithic style or have detachable speakers. The equipment is equipped with a hard drive, power amplifiers, radio tuner, tape deck, and equalizer.

Devices of this class can vary in type:

simplified options that have higher power compared to microsystems;
medium, equipped with many useful options and additional functions;
expensive models that are priced the same as professional equipment.

Medium and high-end music centers can be successfully used both in residential premises and to serve small halls and auditoriums.

Midi systems, have a multi-block structure, that is, they consist of many components. Such equipment necessarily includes an optical drive for discs (CD, DVD), radio tuners, a graphic equalizer, and in some modifications there are vinyl disc players. The power of such equipment can reach 200 W, and the speakers have impressive dimensions. Midi systems support most known audio formats and have a wide range of additional options. It is natural that such a center costs several times more than conventional sound-reproducing equipment intended for home use. They are used for halls where discos, music competitions, and parties are held. The disadvantage of these devices can be called the large size of the speakers, which makes it extremely difficult to place the equipment in a small room.

When choosing a music center, first of all, you need to decide on the purpose for which it is being purchased. For home listening to music, micro or mini systems, which are intended for an apartment or house, are quite suitable.

Medium mini models successfully serve small public events. If you need to organize a holiday for a large number of people, it makes sense to opt for the category of professional equipment.

Basic criteria for audio systems when choosing

When the scope of operation has been determined, you can begin to study the main criteria for purchasing a music center.

This is a whole list of equipment characteristics that are most important:

Power is paramount. You should not choose a model that will have to be used at full blast, including at full volume. This significantly degrades the sound quality, in addition, it is mixed with unpleasant noise emitted by the speakers. For a home or cottage, a power of 50 to 100 W is ideal. If you need to use the device for public holidays, you can select electronics with a power of 150-200 W.
It is better to choose speakers that are not made of plastic. It significantly spoils the sound with its rattling and crackling, and natural wood or pressed wood (MDF). These speakers guarantee clear playback. And plastic is allowed only in the upper part of the speaker. The presence of a special Surround system ensures uniform sound dispersion throughout the room.
MP3, WMA, DVD support. It’s good if the center has a built-in hard drive, can be combined with a smartphone or computer, and allows you to listen to songs from a USB drive.
Useful additions. It's always nice if the audio system has a receiver, timer, and equalizer, which makes any party unforgettable. Those who like to sing to music will find the additional karaoke option useful.
Not least important is the design of the music center.. You can choose the optimal appearance of the device by style - a wide range of classic and ultra-modern models with unusual decor, made of metal and plastic, equipped with lighting are sold. So there are almost no restrictions in this matter, all that remains is to choose the technique to your liking. It is clear that the size should be chosen taking into account the room or hall where the equipment will be placed.
It is worth paying attention to the model’s equipment. Many systems are equipped with noise reduction options, tone controls, multi-disc drives, decoders and other functional parts that are very useful to the owner.

By the way, the cost of a music center often depends on the number of functions. If you can easily do without some options, you should not pay extra money for the product; you can choose an equally high-quality, but more modest modification.

Speakers play a very important role in sound quality. You can read how to choose the right speakers for your home.

Models from famous manufacturers

The most popular and in-demand speaker systems remain models from well-known manufacturers such as Sony, LG, and Yamaha. Music centers of these brands always have high ratings and are included in the top ten.

Sony– a two-way microsystem of music centers, supports different playback formats, has a wide range of functions: connection to a local wired network and Wi-Fi, USB DAC options and support for flac 24/192, equalizer, optical drive. The price range of models is from 3 to more than 70 thousand rubles.
LG– high-quality sound reproduction, optical drive, all types of CD and DVD media, 50 radio stations in memory, karaoke, timer, clock, inputs for microphones and headphones. Today they are considered one of the best music centers with high-quality karaoke functions. Price range from 4 to 50 thousand rubles.
Yamaha– music centers from this company are ideal for listening to sound files at home; they are compact in size and have a nice design. They produce good sound, high and low frequencies can be adjusted. Almost all models have: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, support for AAC, MP3, FLAC, WMA formats, a CD receiver, a tuner for listening to the radio. Prices vary from 5 to 100 thousand rubles.

Top 10 best music centers

Sony MHC-ECL6D

Multifunctional premium mini-system (3 thousand rubles).

Advantages: Plays audio and video from any media. Excellent sound quality with 120 W power. It features simple controls, memory for 30 radio stations.

Flaws: not everyone likes the retro design, insufficient weight of the model (when pressed, the body moves from its place).

The center is suitable for both apartments and large spaces due to its power.

Philips BTM2310

A micro-system with a power of 30 W can be controlled from mobile devices (6.2 thousand rubles).

Advantages: Bluetooth available, connection to a tablet, laptop, support for CD-R/RW and CD discs, USB inputs, good sound with deep bass, connection to listening to the radio.

Flaws: No DVD playback.

The equipment is only suitable for small rooms.

Mystery MMK-750U

Compact micro-system, equipped with remote control, power 30 W (3 thousand rubles).

Advantages: digital audio processor, stylish design, 40 radio stations in memory, ability to update software.

Minuses: dependence on the remote control.

The music center will fit perfectly into the interior of any living room; the optimal sound is designed for small rooms - living room, bedroom.

Sony CMT-SBT100

Two-way acoustic device with a power of 50 W (14 thousand rubles).

Advantages: optical drive, tone control, light weight (2.6 kg), equalizer, radio AM, FM (30 stations), timer.

Flaws: lack of screw AC connectors, uninformative display, overpriced.

The system has a wide range of options, suitable for home and small parties.

Pioneer X-PM12

A device with a classic design, with good power of 76 W (12.5 thousand rubles).

Advantages: Possibility of connecting to a tablet, excellent sound when listening to audio from a USB flash drive in MP3/WMA formats, speakers can be installed both vertically and horizontally, amplifier for radio broadcasts (50 channels).

Flaws: the clock does not work correctly, the display does not reflect a full menu.

The model is suitable for sound reproduction at home.

Yamaha ISX-800 Black

Professional equipment, adapted to any placement in an apartment or house, power 80 W (40 thousand rubles).

Advantages: a miniature modification reproduces perfect sound, has a modern design that fits harmoniously into any interior, the device has a large number of useful options, and is synchronized with an IPhone.

Minuses: The monitor is not informative enough.

A model from a leading brand is definitely worth the money invested in it and can decorate any living space.

LG CM2460

Compact, stylish model with a power of 100 W (9 thousand rubles).

Advantages: powerful high-quality sound, rich bass, support for MP3, FLAC, WMA formats, pressed wood speakers, convenient controls on the top panel, remote control, several sound modes, equalizer.

Flaws: weak speakers for installed power.

The music system is easy to install and connect, and can be successfully used for home parties.

LG RBD-154K

The mini model is popular because of its karaoke function and high output power of 150 W (12 thousand rubles).

Advantages: Has two speakers and four speakers, outputting excellent sound in 2.0 format. Plays DVDs, has a graphic equalizer option, a remote control, and an HDMI connector.

Minuses: in fact, there are none, except for unusual designs.

The modification is suitable for home, apartment, large halls, and can be used at corporate events and discos.

Yamaha PianoCraft MCR-N560 Black

Home music center with a power of 64 W with wide functionality (40 thousand rubles).

Advantages: modern stylish case, Air Play support, control via mobile devices, network connection via Ethernet port.

Flaws: no Wi-Fi.

A convenient model for home use with clear sound, despite the low power.

Phillips MCM3150/12

It has an impressive power of 120 W and is capable of producing clear, crisp sound. Moreover, both high and low frequencies can be heard well, thanks to the bass radiator. Estimated price – 5-6 thousand rubles.

Advantages: The center is equipped with a Digital Sound Control function, which allows you to listen to songs of any genre in four modes - jazz, pop, classic, rock. Plays CD, CD-R/RW and MP3-CD. It has a dome speaker, RDS mode for listening to the radio, and a CD loader.

Flaws: no karaoke, equalizer.

To buy a high-quality speaker system that can last a long time and without problems, you need to follow simple but important tips:

You must always take a closer look at the appearance of the equipment; there should be no scratches or other defects on the body and speakers;
It’s better to choose modern models that have more functionality and provide software updates; it doesn’t hurt to check the current software version;
before purchasing, you can ask for reviews about a particular music center, visit forums to learn about all the advantages and disadvantages, and also analyze the price of the equipment;
Before purchasing, it doesn’t hurt to look at the working display; if there is a backlight, it should be bright;
It’s worth checking the outputs/inputs - if you hear a crackling or clicking sound when you turn it on, there may be some defects;
You need to check everything - from the operation of the remote control to the insertion of a cassette or disk, so you can completely protect yourself from defects.

After studying all the parameters, you can inquire about the documentation for the audio system and look at the quality certificate. You can immediately find out how far away the service center is located, which is obliged to service the equipment for some time if problems arise.

Many people, until the last moment, cannot decide for themselves what is preferable to purchase - a stereo system or a home theater. It all depends on what is more important for a person – music or watching movies. Many audio systems have the ability to read DVDs. As for the price, branded devices can cost about the same.

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