Audio systems: Something new in the air

Compact audio systems: Mini-Hi-Fi and micro-Hi-Fi
Compact audio systems are the perfect option if space is limited or if you're looking for an all-in-one system or a system you can use in a specific room, such as an office or a teen's bedroom. The principal differences between a mini-hi-fi system and a micro-hi-fi system lie in their size and power (expressed in watts). Mini-hi-fi systems are approximately 30 centimetres wide, whereas micro-hi-fi systems are never wider than 22 centimetres and are considerably less powerful.

Mini or micro, many of the compact systems now read CD-ROMs as well. Some models can handle up to five audio CDs at a time, and a few even feature a CD burner. An important point to consider: Sound quality does not depend on the power of the audio system. To determine your needs in terms of power, make sure you take into account the size of the room and, if necessary, consult an audio expert.

As for sound, Digital Sound Processing (DSP) offers some interesting options because it simulates the acoustic properties of environments such as a stadium or concert hall. In general, compact audio systems are sold with speakers. And while ordinary speakers do a decent job of rendering the bass tones, a subwoofer will enhance the bass frequencies considerably. If this is an important consideration, look for a model with a subwoofer output. Also check if the audio system you have in mind features a graphic equalizer (GE), which makes it possible to adjust the bass, mid-range and treble tones.

A good proportion of compact hi-fi systems are compatible with MP3 music files. And though some only read MP3 CDs, others feature a memory card reader or a USB port, which allow the user to plug in a Walkman or a USB key with MP3 files. As well, an increasing number of compact hi-fi systems come with an iPod dock or cradle. SoundDoc, one such system currently available, features a relatively powerful speaker and provides far richer sound, and the remote control unit lets users select songs and control volume from a distance.

The digital Radio Data System (RDS) is also worth a look, as users can find and memorize their favourite radio stations with a simple press of a button. RDS sometimes offers a text option as well – the artist and song names appear on the display unit as you listen – but this service is only offered by certain radio stations. A few models also have a “programmable” function that lets you configure the CD player so that it only plays songs from the disk you want to hear. The “karaoke” function, for its part, lets the user plug a microphone into the system. If you're a cinephile, a hi-fi system that connects to your DVD player or includes a DVD player may be an even better option.