Rating of music centers by sound quality

With the advent of such acoustic systems as sound bars and sound amplifiers for computers and laptops on the market, many expected that stereo systems would soon sink into oblivion. However, such playback systems not only have not become a relic, but are also in constant demand. Modern manufacturers are trying to adapt music centers to all current information transmission technologies, and an increasing number of modern models are appearing on the market. How not to get lost in the diversity and make the best choice?

Criteria for choosing a music center

Many people know three standard types of music centers:

• mini;
• midi;
• micro.

When choosing a device, first of all you should decide on the type of system, but this is far from the only criterion on which you can rely. For example, the power parameter of the device is of great importance for the quality and volume of sound.

ATTENTION! When calculating the required power, you should focus not on the maximum power and volume, when audio playback begins to be accompanied by interference, but on a value closer to the middle of the scale.For home parties, the optimal power range will be 50–100 watts, and for clubs and discos, midi systems from 150 to 200 watts of power are perfect.

Experienced music lovers know that the material from which the speakers are made plays a huge role in the quality of the reproduced sound. Plastic systems are considered to be of the least quality, since the source material negatively affects the sound. It is better to give preference to models made of wood or at least MDF.

In order to choose a center “for yourself”, you need to decide on a list of basic functions and options that you would like to receive. Among other things, music centers may have the following functions and characteristics:

• Karaoke mode;
• built-in hard drive;
• equalizer;
• clock, timer;
• remote control;
• support for wireless types of information transfer and inputs for flash drives and SD cards.

ATTENTION! If we are talking about playing music from a CD, then the sound will largely depend on the quality of the recording and the parameters of the disc itself. Low-quality “pirated” products can negatively affect not only the sound, but also the condition of the device itself and even lead to its breakdown.

Rating of the best music centers by sound quality

Over the long period of existence of music centers on the market, users and specialists have been able to compile approximate lists of those models and manufacturers that are distinguished by truly good sound quality, long service life and wide functionality. To make it more convenient for the reader to decide on the choice of the best models, the quality classification will be presented in three price categories.

The best inexpensive music centers

This category presents high-quality models at an affordable price.

Mystery MMK-915UB

The model from the Mystery company, which opens our rating of budget music centers, will be easy to notice on the store counter due to its attractive and unusual design. What distinguishes this model from others (of the same manufacturer) is the absence of an absolutely useless device in the form of a screen for watching video from DVD media.

The model is easy to operate, has inputs for connecting to a video player and TV, and has two speakers with a power of 75 watts each, but do not be fooled by the rather high figure, because the high power of this model is offset by the low sensitivity of the speakers.

BBK AMS115VT

Quite a strange looking model. The MC consists of a single block, with a control panel located at the top of the device. The device is quite heavy, and the manufacturer has provided special handles for carrying. The design features of the device actually “hint” to the user that this MC is, in fact, a very powerful and high-quality portable speaker, perfect for a noisy party in the country.

The model is equipped with a manual analog equalizer, which will certainly appeal to conservatives. There is also a karaoke function.

The best music centers in the mid-price category

Sound quality and options at a reasonable price.

Onkyo CS-265 Black

High-quality sound, laconic design and reasonable price - what else do you need for a good music center? Manufacturers from Onkyo have set themselves the goal of creating a mid-price class MC model with good power (20 watts per speaker) and high sensitivity.

ATTENTION! When handling this model, you should not “add too much bass” on the equalizer, since after just a few months of use in an excessively “bass” mode, the sound may acquire unpleasant wheezing.

For those who love high-quality sound and who don’t mind spending a little more than 21 thousand rubles on it, the CS-265 is actually the ideal option.

Pioneer X–CM56-B

This model is perfect for those who gravitate toward vintage style. Having a fairly compact size, the system is capable of producing powerful and high-quality sound, however, some users believe that the low frequencies of this model are rather weak.

The device looks solid and sounds no less solid. As for the price, it fluctuates around 13 thousand rubles.

The best premium centers

This category is for those who are not used to compromises and can afford the best.

Pioneer XC-P01-S

Another “Pioneer” on our list is intended for those who value sound quality above all else. The system consists of two blocks, one of which is an amplifier, and the second contains the necessary drives and inputs. It is possible to connect a subwoofer, which somewhat expands the possibilities for further sound improvement, although it adds to the overall cost of the model. The power of one channel is 75 watts.

Sony MHC-V77DW

A vertical monoblock MC from Japanese manufacturers is perfect for those lovers of good sound who count every centimeter of free space in the room. The model weighs quite a lot (about 22 kilograms), but the main role for the MC is not the weight, but the quality of the reproduced sound, which is really excellent for this device. The top panel is protected from dust and moisture, which suggests that the center can be used in any conditions.

The system creates truly spacious and deep sound, has a huge number of additional functions, and supports DLNA, which makes it one of the best in its price category.