14 best music centers – from micro systems to extremely powerful devices

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Now you can listen to music using a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, portable speakers and even a TV. In a word, any electronic equipment seems to be capable of playing MP3 files. But she does it, so to speak, carelessly. If you are a true music lover, then you should get a music center. With its help, you can hear your favorite music in ideal or close to that quality. Not to mention the fact that stereos are capable of sounding very loud. In a word, they are the ones that will be discussed in this rating.

Rating of the best music centers

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best music centers – microsystems	1	Denon ceol n9	RUB 32 800
	2	YAMAHA TSX-B235 Black	RUB 32,990
	3	Onkyo CS-375D	RUB 24 900
The best inexpensive stereos	1	Pioneer X-PM12	RUB 13,200
	2	BBK AMS115BT	RUB 6 405
	3	LG CM2460	RUB 7,050
The best music centers in the middle price segment	1	Onkyo CS-265	16 400 rub.
	2	Sony CMT-SBT100	RUB 11,945
	3	Philips FX10	RUB 8,999
	4	Pioneer X-CM66D-B	16 435 RUB
The best premium music centers	1	YAMAHA PianoCraft MCR-N670	–
	2	Pioneer P2-K	RUB 74,990
	3	Sony CMT-SX7	RUB 30 360
	4	Denon D-M41	RUB 24,990

The best music centers – microsystems

Denon ceol n9

Rating: 4.9

This microsystem may seem quite expensive, because more than 35 thousand rubles are asked for it. But on the other hand, the product is equipped with solid speakers, the total power of which reaches 120 watts. This is quite enough to fill not only your summer cottage with sound, but also several neighboring areas. But they don't even ask for a lot of money. If you are an audio expert, then you know how high-quality Denon products are. It uses great sound processing algorithms so you can hear every musical instrument (assuming you play FLAC music).

This microsystem is endowed with a large number of wired and wireless interfaces. The former include the USB port and line-in. With their help, you can play music from a regular flash drive, or connect a smartphone. The second type is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The presence of the latter can greatly surprise an unprepared buyer. In fact, everything is very simple. The Denon Ceol N9 includes not only a regular FM and AM radio, but also a full Internet radio! Of course, there is also a CD-player here (DVDs are not supported).

It remains to add that each speaker is two-way – the high price is also due to this. That is, a separate 120mm speaker is responsible for reproducing low frequencies. Perhaps all of the above makes this model the best choice. For such money, there is simply nothing similar.

Advantages

• Not only MP3 is supported, but also FLAC;

• There are headphone and subwoofer outputs;

• Available Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi;

• There are several audio inputs;

• You can listen to internet radio;

• Powerful two-way speakers are used;

• There are two USB ports.

disadvantages

• Not everyone will like the price tag;

• Wi-Fi may be unstable.

YAMAHA TSX-B235 Black

Rating: 4.8

Our rating cannot be complete without YAMAHA products. The Japanese know a lot about sound, and their digital pianos and synthesizers are good examples. Also, this manufacturer produces acoustic systems and, of course, stereos. The model called TSX-B235 belongs to the class of micro systems. The width of this device barely reaches 37 cm, and this is taking into account the two dimamics built into the case. That is, the product turned out to be slightly larger than an ordinary radio tape recorder. Although the music center is much farther in terms of capabilities, which is why it costs completely different money – in Russia the price tag reaches 33 thousand rubles.

The device has a CD deck. However, many buyers hardly use it at all. The fact is that the music center has a wide variety of interfaces. For example, it allows you to output sound to 15-watt speakers from your smartphone. Either Bluetooth or line input is used for this. By the way, the wireless connection will significantly speed up if the phone has an NFC chip. You can also find a USB port on the case. With its help, the device plays music from a flash drive. Present in this music center and FM-radio.

Unfortunately, the device is deprived of any additional functions, which makes it not the best choice. But on the other hand, all the modules and connectors present here work without interruption, and the sound quality of seemingly not very powerful speakers is very decent. If the price of the music center was a little lower – absolutely everyone could recommend its purchase.

Advantages

• In terms of sound quality, the device has no complaints;

• Modern appearance;

• There is an FM radio with a memory for 30 stations;

• CD-player is not forgotten;

• Bluetooth and NFC available;

• There is a line-in and a USB port.

disadvantages

• High price;

• There is no support for the FLAC format;

• The sound is not particularly loud.

Onkyo CS-375D

Rating: 4.7

This micro system comes with freestanding speakers. The power of each of them is 20 W, which is quite enough for a small apartment or even a country cottage. The device is painted black. It weighs only 4.8 kg, which greatly simplifies transportation. Like other audio equipment sold under this brand, the music center allows you to separately adjust the bass and treble. This is facilitated by the two-way speakers mentioned above. Low frequencies are reproduced by a 130 mm speaker, while high frequencies are reproduced by a 25 mm tweeter.

The device is capable of playing music from a wide variety of sources. The easiest way is to keep a USB stick close at hand, the connector for which is located on the front panel. The device also includes a CD-deck (as in the case of the music centers already considered in this rating, DVDs are not supported). You can output sound to the speakers and through other devices. For example, music can be streamed over Bluetooth from any mobile gadget. If you want to achieve a minimum loss of quality, then it is better to use an AUX cable, one of the ends of which is inserted into the line input.

It remains to add that the microsystem is supplemented by an FM radio with a memory of 30 stations. There is also DAB + support here, but in our country this is not relevant.

Advantages

• Present Bluetooth;

• Two-way speakers are used;

• Good sound quality;

• Decent power for a microsystem;

• Not forgotten USB-connector and line-in;

• The cost does not exceed 25 thousand rubles.

disadvantages

• No support for FLAC format;

• The performance is poor;

• Control panel overloaded with buttons;

• Supplied with short speaker cables.

The best inexpensive stereos

Pioneer X-PM12

Rating: 4.8

One of the most inexpensive single-block systems in our ranking. The device has a very compact size, especially the main unit (the height of the speakers is already quite decent 29 cm). The weight of the entire set does not exceed 4.48 kg, there are hardly any problems with the transportation of such a music center. Despite the low cost, equal to about 8500 rubles, the manufacturer tried to achieve good sound. To do this, he made each speaker two-way. Bass reproduction is assigned to a 90mm speaker, while a 50mm tweeter emits mid and high frequencies. The total power of the speakers is 76 W – not bad for such a small microsystem!

As expected, the device is equipped with an FM radio with RDS support. A maximum of 50 radio stations can be stored in the memory. Also, music playback can be performed from a CD (DVD is traditionally not supported). There is also a USB connector on the body, to which a flash drive with MP3 music is connected. Unfortunately FLAC format is not recognized. But music playback in such high quality can be started on a smartphone by transmitting sound to the microsystem via Bluetooth.

In a word, this is a very good music center, albeit without Internet radio and other unusual functions. If the dimensions of the subwoofers seem insufficient, then no one forbids connecting a separate subwoofer – the connector for it should be found on the rear panel.

Advantages

• Small size and weight;

• There is a USB port;

• Available Bluetooth;

• There is an output not only for headphones, but also for a subwoofer;

• Equalizer with five presets is implemented;

• Two-way speaker technology;

• High power;

• Adequate price tag.

disadvantages

• There is no support for the FLAC format;

• Low-function remote control;

• When the power is turned off, the clock and the timer are lost.

BBK AMS115BT

Rating: 4.7

The Chinese company BBK Electronics produces various household appliances that are sold for little money. Among other things, you can find her music centers in stores. BBK AMS115BT could not fail to get into our rating, since this product with a very affordable price tag has a lot of positive reviews. In fact, buyers are confused only by the strange appearance of the device, even, one might say, frightening. But much more important is the fact that the music center sounds great. Although the sound cannot be called particularly loud, because the total power of the speakers does not exceed 20 watts.

This device, oddly enough, does not have a CD deck. The manufacturer suggests that it is now much easier to play music from a USB stick. He also introduced Bluetooth into his creation – a module, thanks to which the signal from a smartphone or tablet is transmitted directly over the air. If you want to achieve minimal loss in sound quality, then it is better to connect your mobile gadget via an audio cable, the input for which is also present here.

Otherwise, this is a typical mini-system, weighing 8.48 kg. There is a radio receiver operating in the VHF and FM bands (50 stations are memorized). The only significant difference from the above music centers is the presence of two inputs for the microphone, which allows you to use the device as a simple karaoke.

Advantages

• There is a line input;

• Present Bluetooth;

• You can connect a USB stick;

• It is possible to connect two microphones;

• Comparatively good sound quality;

• Affordable price tag.

disadvantages

• No support for FLAC format;

• There is no CD drive;

• No remote control;

• Inconvenient buttons and volume control.

LG CM2460

Rating: 4.6

Another microsystem in our rating. Its cost varies from 6600 to 7900 rubles. For that kind of money, you shouldn't expect any advanced features. Here the manufacturer saved on functionality, but did not do it on sound volume. Each supplied speaker has a power of 50 W, which will be enough for an ordinary user. As for the main unit, it is complemented by a CD-player (DVD is not supported) and an FM tuner. The maximum device is able to memorize 50 radio stations. There is also support for RDS.

Of course, you can play music not only from CDs. There is a USB connector on the body of the device, which is much easier to use. By the way, the device even recognizes music saved in FLAC format, which has a minimum compression level. Also, the music center is able to independently record the radio broadcast on a flash drive. Like the previous examples reviewed, LG CM2460 is able to receive a signal from a smartphone. For this purpose, you can use a wired connection (requires an AUX cable) or transfer music via Bluetooth.

In a word, this is a very good musical center. But the authors never forget the flaws. Traditionally, this model is not trained to recognize folders on a USB drive. But most of all, the device disappoints with the sound quality. If you are a music lover, flat sounding can scare you off, so it is better to consider buying a more expensive music center.

Advantages

• Optimal price tag;

• High power speakers;

• Equalizer with five presets;

• Present Bluetooth;

• Line-in and USB-jack are not forgotten;

• Support for FLAC format has been implemented;

• You can write radio broadcast on a flash drive.

disadvantages

• Flat sound;

• Music playback from USB is not implemented in the best way;

• The speakers are single-lane.

The best music centers in the middle price segment

Onkyo CS-265

Rating: 4.9

This device exists in several colors at once – sky blue, white and black. Such a mini-system is on sale for 16-17 thousand rubles. The price tag in this case does not indicate high power – only 20-watt speakers are supplied with the main unit. But on the other hand, they give out sound of very good quality, it will be difficult to find fault even for an ardent music lover. I am glad that the speakers were created using two-way technology. This means that a separate speaker is engaged in reproduction of low frequencies – it has a 100 mm diameter. It also allows the user to adjust the bass and treble tone.

Here you can play music from different sources. In particular, there is a CD-drive here (traditionally it does not read DVD). Among the connectors you can find a USB port for a flash drive and a line-in for any device with a headphone jack. You can also receive sound from a smartphone via Bluetooth, but this way you will quickly notice a loss in quality. There is also an FM radio with a memory for 30 stations.

Advantages

• Bluetooth and NFC available;

• The speakers are two-way;

• There is a linear input;

• The USB connector is not forgotten;

• Several color options are available.

disadvantages

• Low power;

• There is no support for the FLAC format;

• The cost cannot be called very low.

Sony CMT-SBT100

Rating: 4.8

A music center from Sony, a company that has made a name for itself on all kinds of audio equipment, could not fail to get into our rating. Sony CMT-SBT100 is a microsystem sold in Russia for 13-15 thousand rubles. As expected, it is mainly tailored for the reproduction of CD-albums. However, other options are also available here – you can easily find a USB connector on the case for connecting a flash drive. Also, the sound to 25-watt speakers can be output from a tablet, smartphone or even an MP3 player. For these purposes, either an AUX cable or Bluetooth is used. In the second case, the sound will be slightly less high quality. You can also enjoy music through radio that works in the FM and AM bands. In the first band, you can store up to 20 stations, in the second only 10.

The satellites here are two-way, with a separate speaker responsible for bass reproduction. An equalizer can be considered a pleasant bonus to the ability to change the timbre of low and high frequencies. The whole set weighs 4.6 kg.

Advantages

• Built-in wireless modules Bluetooth and NFC;

• There is a USB port;

• There is a linear input;

• Two-way speakers are used;

• The total power cannot be called low;

• Equalizer included;

• The bottom of the main unit is highlighted in white;

• The speaker case was made of chipboard.

disadvantages

• No support for FLAC format;

• There are no number buttons on the remote control;

• The FM tuner lacks power in some conditions.

Philips FX10

Rating: 4.7

This mini-system pleases both with its design and some characteristics. In particular, each of the two speakers used here has a power of 115 watts. The volume reserve is more than enough for an ordinary buyer! And each satellite is, importantly, two-way. The reproduction of all kinds of bass is assigned to a 130 mm woofer, while the rest of the sounds are output using a 51 mm tweeter.

Like other stereos discussed in this rating, Philips FX10 is designed to work not only with CDs. The device has a couple of stereo inputs, with which you can output sound from an MP3 player, smartphone, tablet or some other gadget. Also, somewhere inside the device is Bluetooth – a module. And on the front panel you can also see a USB connector that allows you to connect a flash drive. Unfortunately, the music center can only play MP3 files on its own; you will have to forget about high-quality FLAC.

Advantages

• Aggressive and original design;

• Two-way speakers are used;

• Very high power;

• There is a USB port and two stereo inputs;

• Not forgotten Bluetooth;

• The cost does not exceed 11 thousand rubles.

disadvantages

• No support for FLAC format;

• Not the best method for playing music from a USB stick.

Pioneer X-CM66D-B

Rating: 4.7

An excellent musical center, the body of which was created from plastic, painted in wood colors. Belongs to the class of microsystems, and it comes with a remote control. The speakers of this device have a 15-watt power, which is quite enough for a small apartment. Much more important is the fact that they are two-way. That is, the low frequencies are produced by a separate speaker having a 94 mm diameter. As for the tweeter, its diameter is 50 mm.

The best sound can be obtained by listening to music from a CD album. There is also the possibility of connecting a USB-drive, but the music center recognizes only MP3-files, and they are known to have some compression. The quality becomes even worse when receiving a signal from a smartphone via Bluetooth. When playing music from a portable gadget, it is better to use the AUX cable, since there is a connector for it here. The product also has an Ethernet port and built-in Wi-Fi. They are needed to connect to a router for Internet radio to work.

Advantages

• The total weight does not exceed 4 kg;

• The speakers are made using two-way technology;

• There are built-in modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;

• There is a line-in and USB-connector;

• Built-in internet radio function;

• Equalizer with four presets;

• The speakers and the main unit are painted wood-like.

disadvantages

• FLAC format is not supported;

• Low power;

• They ask for more than 16 thousand rubles for the music center.

The best premium music centers

YAMAHA PianoCraft MCR-N670

Rating: 4.9

A very nice device, the main unit of which has a body, buttons and regulators in silver. The music center belongs to the class of mini-systems, so you should not expect a very loud sound from it. But the device is capable of a very clear sound. The device will be appreciated by any music lover. He will definitely listen to his favorite CD-albums with the help of this music center. Also here you can connect USB-flash drives, while the device will play not only MP3, but also FLAC files.

The YAMAHA PianoCraft MCR-N670 is incredibly versatile. It will offer absolutely everything you can want from a music center. For example, the FM tuner is supplemented with an Internet radio function. The connection to the router can be carried out using a network cable or via Wi-Fi. Continuing the theme of wireless modules, the device is endowed with a 'blue tooth', with which you can interact with a smartphone. Moreover, for iOS and Android special applications have even been released that simplify the management of the music center. Also, DLNA support is introduced here. This technology will allow you to play music from your computer or external hard drive connected to the router.

Perhaps this is one of the most advanced music centers in our ranking. We could talk about it for a very long time. Of course, this device is not limited by the capabilities of its own two-way speakers. On its rear wall there are connectors for connecting other satellites and even a separate subwoofer. In a word, it remains to be regretted that they are asking for more than 60 thousand rubles for this musical center. Not every Russian is ready to fork out that amount.

Advantages

• The speakers are two-way;

• The total power reaches 130 W;

• Stylish and modern appearance;

• Built-in wireless modules Wi-Fi and Bluetooth;

• Implemented control from a smartphone;

• DLNA technology support introduced;

• A large number of audio outputs and inputs;

• You can connect a subwoofer;

• There is support for the FLAC format.

disadvantages

• Very high cost.

Pioneer P2-K

Rating: 4.8

One of the most expensive products under the Pioneer brand. For P2-K in our country they ask for at least 73 thousand rubles. Any buyer wants to get the maximum possible for that kind of money. And he really gets it! With one exception. There is no optical drive here. It is suggested that you either buy the CD player separately or listen to music in any other way. For example, there is an input for a USB stick, which can store MP3 and FLAC music. Also, the music center is able to interact with other devices via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The first module is used to work with a hard drive connected to the router. The second is required to play music stored on a smartphone or tablet. And there is also an Internet radio, which is complemented by a regular FM tuner.

The included speakers are made using two-way technology. The bass is produced by a 120 mm diameter woofer, while a 25 mm tweeter is responsible for the rest of the frequencies. Each speaker has a power of 75 watts. If two satellites seem small, then you can connect additional ones – for this purpose there is a scattering of connectors on the rear panel (there is even an optical output).

Advantages

• Subwoofer connection available;

• A huge number of audio inputs and outputs;

• FLAC format playback is possible;

• Internet radio is present;

• Built-in modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi;

• The speakers are two-way;

• High enough power;

• AirPlay support has been implemented;

• Outstanding sound quality.

disadvantages

• Many will not be able to afford it.

Sony CMT-SX7

Rating: 4.7

Top-end, but relatively inexpensive music center from Sony. It looks just perfect, there is not a single extra detail on its body. The functionality of the device is also in order. In particular, the product is capable of playing almost any music from a USB storage device, including those saved in FLAC format. You can also output sound to the speakers directly from your smartphone. And you don't have to use one of the two stereo inputs here. You can use Bluetooth, speeding up the connection via NFC. Also, a Wi-Fi module is built into the music center, so you can use it too. There is also support for DLNA – a technology for remote playback of audio files from a computer or external hard drive.

The Japanese device could not fail to receive a radio receiver, because it was with the production of such devices that the history of Sony began at one time. The radio works in the AM and FM bands, a maximum of 30 stations can be stored. Not forgotten and support for RDS, which is sometimes very useful. As for the CD-drive, it is completely normal here – DVD is not supported. The speakers are much more pleasing. They are implemented using two-way technology, a separate 100-mm speaker is responsible for low frequencies. The total power of the speaker system is 100 W. Unfortunately, it won't be possible to connect a subwoofer separately, since there is simply no corresponding connector here. Perhaps, it was on audio outputs that the Japanese manufacturer saved the most.

Advantages

• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC modules implemented;

• There is support for DLNA and AirPlay;

• Built-in two USB ports;

• There is support for the FLAC format;

• Both speakers are two-way;

• High enough power;

• Stylish appearance;

• Comparatively affordable price tag;

• Good sound quality.

disadvantages

• Of the audio outputs, there is only a headphone jack;

• No internet radio.

Denon D-M41

Rating: 4.7

A very good music center from a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment. Available in two versions. The first one is painted black, while the body of the premium version was created from chipboard. The cost of these music centers is approximately 25 and 27 thousand rubles. respectively. The device cannot be called particularly loud, the total power of the speakers used here does not exceed 60 watts. As expected, the satellites are two-way. The user can easily adjust the bass, treble and balance.

The Denon D-M41 includes a traditional CD drive that cannot recognize a DVD. But this is the fault of all the musical centers considered in this rating. The device also has an FM radio. But much more often the user will transmit sound to the acoustics from some smartphone or tablet. For these purposes, a regular audio cable can be used or, if the loss of quality is not afraid, Bluetooth – a module. The device also has an optical input, which allows you to use the music center paired with, for example, a TV or game console. Also on the rear wall there is a subwoofer outlet, which is extremely rare in devices in this price segment.

The musical center has exactly one significant drawback. There is no USB port, which is why listening to music from a flash drive is excluded.

Advantages

• The speakers are made using two-way technology;

• There are line and optical inputs;

• Connection of a subwoofer is possible;

• Nice and modern look;

• Not the highest price tag;

• Good sound quality;

• Equalizer included.

disadvantages

• Not the most stable radio reception;

• There is no USB port.

Conclusion

This is the list of the best music centers available in Russian retail. We assure you that buying any of the reviewed models will definitely not disappoint. Nevertheless, be sure to remember the shortcomings that you will have to put up with – these or those shortcomings, as you might have noticed, are possessed by absolutely any device, even the most expensive one.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.