Want big sound but have little space? Check out some my favorite compact audio systems. No cheap boomboxes here, just great sound and flexibility. These units are perfect for the office, bedroom, apartment, or recreation room.
1. Sonoro Cubo Model AU-1300 Compact CD Player and Clock Radio
Photo (c) Robert Silva
Do you have a great home theater or audio system in your home, but listen to a cheap clock radio for your bedroom or kitchen? If you are looking for a compact CD player/Clock radio combination that actually delivers great sound, then you might consider the Sonoro Cubo Model AU-1300. The Cubo features a built-in slot load CD player that is CD/CD-R/RW, CD-MP3, and CD-WMA compatible. Also, this compact unit also has a rear mount audio input jack for connecting an iPod or other digital audio player. In addition, the Cubo also contains an FM tuner and Clock, and is available in ten different colors. To find out if the Cubo is right for you, or if you are looking for a great gift for a special occasion, check out my product review.
2. Klipsch CS-700 2.1 Channel Audio System
When you think of Klipsch, you think of large horn loudspeakers. However, Klipsch is also developing innovative concepts for compact home theater systems. The CS-700 is a 2.1 channel system that features two small satellite speakers and a wireless subwoofer, combined with a 75 Watt-per-Channel AV receiver/amplifer. To release the surround sound effect, the CS-700 employs Dolby Virtual Speaker technology. Another innovative feature is the incorporation of KlipschCast. This is a wireless audio technology that allows you to access audio anywhere in the house using Klipsch's RoomGroove iPod speaker system. If you are looking for something little different in a home theater system, especially for a small room, check out the Klipsch CS-700.
3. Chestnut Hill Sound - GEORGE Compact Audio System
GEORGE is a unique combination product that blends a compact audio system with full iPod connectivity and control. In addition to providing great room-filling sound from your iPod, GEORGE also features a built-in AM/FM radio and an auxiliary input for the connection of a CD or Cassette player.Adding to its flexibility is the inclusion of the detachable front control panel, which also doubles as the GEORGE's wireless remote control. Some drawbacks, however, are the large external power supply, inconvenient subwoofer control, no incorporation of XM or Sirius Satellite Radio connectivity, and a high price tag.
To find out if the George system is right for you, check out my Review
4. Yamaha MCR-140 Micro Hi-Fi System
The MCR-140 is a compact system that consists of a CD Receiver and detachable compact speakers. The CD transport is compatible with CD/CR-R/RWs as well as WMA and MP3 discs, while its USB port can access WMA or MP3 audio files from flash drives. Other features include a 30-channel preset FM tuner, integrated iPod Dock, and wireless remote control. This system also features Yamaha's Yaired technology which allows wireless connection for iPods (wireless iPod dock transmitter included) or a subwoofer via an optional wireless subwoofer kit. However, it is important to note that the MCR-MCR-140 does not have additional analog audio inputs for connecting components, such as an audio cassette deck, turntable, or additional CD player.5. Denon D-M38 CD/AM/FM Micro System
Here is a compact audio system that really packs a punch. The Denon D-M38 features a separate mini-size CD player and Receiver, combined with newly designed compact efficient 2-way loudspeakers. In addition, the D-M38 provides for an optional external subwoofer, via a dedicated subwoofer pre-out connection. The amplifier of the D-M38 delivers 30wpc (at 6ohms/1 KHz) and the CD player is compatible with both CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 and WMA discs. Other practical features include an AM/FM tuner, and iPod/iPhone connectivity via USB. The D-M38 has extra analog audio inputs. The D-M38 even has an subwoofer preamp output. This system is targeted for office use, but makes a great bedroom or dorm system as well6. Panasonic SC-HC55 Micro Hi-Fi System
Panasonic has always done well with their compact audio products and the SC-HC55 is no exception. For $199 you get a compact audio system that can be table or wall mounted, with a single tray CD player (CDR/RW playback), AM/FM tuner with 30 FM and 15 AM presets, iPod/iPhone connectivity via onboard dock or wireless bluetooth, and wireless remote control. A great added bonus is that this system also access internet radio stations if you have the vTuner for Panasonic app installed on your iPhone or iPod Touch. Another interesting feature is that the speakers are made out of bamboo. This a great little system that is both stylish and sounds good.7. Sony CMT-BX20i Micro Shelf System
The Sony CMT-BX20i is a great basic micro-system. Included in its compact, stylish, black cabinet is a built-in CD player with CDR/RW/MP3 playback capability. Also included: built-in iPod dock with iPod control, a PC/Audio in for connecting your PC or Digital Audio Player, an AM/FM tuner features 30 presets, and a wireless remote control. How does is sound? Not bad for a small microsystem priced at about $129. Th CMT-BX20i makes a great gift for any occasion, or an inexpensive gadget self-indulgence for yourself.8. Yamaha MCR-232 Mini CD/iPod System
The MCR-232 is a compact system that consists of a CD Receiver (20wpc) and Two compact two-way Bass Reflex speakers. In addition, the CD transport is compatible with CD/CR-R/RWs as well as WMA and MP3 discs, while its USB port can access audio files from connected flash drives, and an iPad. Other features include, a 30-channel preset AM/FM tuner, integrated iPod Dock, and remote control. This system also features a subwoofer line output for connecting an external powered subwoofer of your choice. The MCR-232 also provides a headphone output, plus an additional analog audio input for connecting other analog audio devices, such as an audio cassette deck. The Yamaha MCR-232 provides great music listening performance in a small package.9. JVC UX-J51 Compact Stereo System
The JVC UX-J51 features a separate CD player and Receiver, combined with compact 2-way loudspeakers. In addition, the UX-J51 also features a dedicated subwoofer pre-out connection, as well as both an analog and digital optical input. There is also a digital optical output that can be used to connect UX-J51 a home theater receiver, if desired. The CD player is compatible with both CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 and WMA discs. Other practical features include an AM/FM tuner, iPod/iPhone dock, and USB port for accessing audio files stored on flash drives. This system is a little pricey, but delivers on features and sound quality.10. Onkyo CS-345 CD/iPod Micro System
The Onkyo CS-345 is a compact system featuring a high current 15 WPC amplifier (measured at 1khz @ 6 ohms), 2-Way bass reflex loudspeakers featuring 4-inch midrange/woofer drivers and 1-inch tweeters. Inside the main unit there is a slot loading CD player, AM/FM Radio Tuner, and subwoofer preamp output. The Onkyo CS-345 also features a built-in iPod/iPhone dock.Additional features that make the CS-345 more flexible and easy-to-use are active bass control, which increases bass output at lower volume, a video output for playing back video files stored on iPods/iPhones, a headphone output that is great for late night or private listening, and a wireless remote control. This system may be small but delivers great sound for home or office.
