Best music center of the year rating. Music center: how to choose the best model for your home. The best music centers with light and music

The music center is a special device for high-quality drying of melodies. To choose the right model for your home, you need to clearly understand why it is needed, and also look at the rating of the most popular options.

A music center is a device that allows you to play music from different media, as well as listen to the radio. It consists of several parts connected to each other and having a common power supply. The main advantage of this technique is the ability to obtain optimal high-quality sound.

Types of music centers

Models can be divided according to different parameters, but the main thing is size. Many device features depend on them: power, equipment, etc. There are 3 types of music centers:

1. Micro: panel size is up to 18cm, the body is connected to . They are suitable for small rooms such as living room, kitchen or bedroom. The kit usually includes an optical drive, an amplifier and a radio tuner, as well as a cassette or disk deck.

The advantages of such a system include its low price, size and weight: it is easy to carry and does not take up much space. The disadvantages include weak power.

Attention! Don't think that the micro-system produces bad sound: music reproduction is quite high-quality, but it's just not enough for large rooms.

1. Mini: their size reaches 28 cm, they can be either monolithic or with detachable speakers. They can be used for small events. The kit includes a radio tuner, an amplifier, a hard drive and space for 2-3 discs at once; it is also possible to record music onto USB drives.

Such music centers are also divided into 3 types:

1. Simple: inexpensive, but high-quality sound-reproducing systems. They are better than micro-systems, but still fall short of professional equipment;
2. Medium: have additional options and wider functionality;
3. Higher: the most expensive, almost “reaching” professional equipment.

Music centers of medium and high levels can be used at home, but their power is enough for small halls.

Their “disadvantages” include the price (such models will not be cheap) and size: due to the large speakers, it will be difficult to install such a system in a small room.

What to look for when choosing

First, you need to understand exactly why you need a music center: if its main task is “pure” sound, a modest system is enough. If the device is required for discos, you will have to fork out more.

When choosing, you should pay attention to:

1. Dimensions described above;
2. Power: low-power centers (up to 50 W) are suitable for listening to music in small apartments, but still it is often not enough. A capacity of 50-100 MB is considered the most optimal even for picky amateurs. But more than 150 MB is the capacity for large events;

Attention! Low-power speakers often greatly distort the sound when the volume is increased.

Some popular models

Clients highlight the following models:

1. “Mystery MMK-750U”: an inexpensive and unpretentious option with a power of 30 W. It is not enough for large rooms, but it is suitable for a bedroom or living room. Plays discs and USB drives and supports video files when connected. Among the disadvantages, users consider the preset to be not the most convenient: when the center is turned on, the disc is immediately played.
2. "Philips BTM2310": a model of the same power that can be controlled using a computer. Produces clearer sound, but does not support video files.
3. “BBK AMS 110BT”: this Chinese company has long established itself as an excellent manufacturer of music centers at affordable prices. Customers are offered 2 speakers of 60 W (total 120 W), the ability to play music from a variety of media and excellent sound. Some disadvantages include the ability to load only 1 disc, but this problem is easily solved by using other media.
4. “Sony CMT-SBT100”: this company is familiar to many music lovers for its so-called signature sound. The advantages of the model also include a strict appearance, support for a large number of media, including smartphones, and the ability to transmit data via Bluetooth. However, the model has one significant drawback: the center only supports MP3 format on discs. This can be easily fixed using a computer connection or .

Choosing a music center should begin with the question of its purpose. If you need a small device to play songs, you shouldn't spend too much money on it. If a music connoisseur is going to use it, you should choose the more expensive option.

How to choose a music center: video

Music centers were the first to occupy the home shelves of domestic users. This happened long before satellites were hidden in compact soundbars and large boomboxes. Oddly enough, the music center format is not only alive today, but is also in high demand among buyers. This is due, first of all, to the versatility of the format itself, the convenient form factor of the device and its excellent acoustic properties. Karaoke machines have become very popular, they are not much more expensive, but can significantly expand the possibilities. Many users are connoisseurs of the high-quality sound that hi-fi class models have. All these qualities make the music center a relevant and sought-after device that can meet modern needs and trends. To choose the best music center, we present a rating of 10 models, including both new products of 2018 and devices that received flattering customer reviews in 2017.

The rating of music centers for 2018 opens with a model from the Sony Corporation. This manufacturer is known primarily for the excellent sound that its devices can reproduce. Engineers are constantly introducing innovative solutions to improve acoustic parameters, making the mini 2.1 system sound just great. The device cannot be called cheap; rather, it is a solution in the format “ all in one", relating to the upper price threshold. But such a high price will seem justified; it’s worth getting to know the device a little closer.

Device form factor - monoblock without accompanying satellites. This is very convenient if you need to install the device in conditions of limited free space. Another obvious advantage is the absence of many different wires running from the satellites to the control unit.

The center is equipped with a full-fledged high-speed DVD drive and a 2.1 acoustic solution: both a subwoofer and front speakers fit in one housing.

The display shows a functional equalizer. The sound decoder is the well-known DD format. The front speakers have two stripes. Dedicated subwoofer power up to 200 W. There is only one mechanical tray for receiving CDs, but it is capable of playing all the most common formats. The built-in active radio receiver operates in the frequency range from 87.5 to 108 MHz. The plug compartment is equipped with all necessary inputs and outputs. The radio memory for 20 radio stations will be a pleasant bonus for all listeners. As additional interfaces there are USB Type A and Bluetooth. A wonderful music center, the only drawback of which for the mass consumer is the rather high price, but in this case it will be completely justified.

• high quality;
• unique design;
• strong body;
• powerful subwoofer;
• a proven manufacturer, a recognized leader in the acoustic industry;
• support for multiple formats;
• wonderful sound;
• rich reproduction of low frequencies.

• is quite expensive;
• large dimensions;
• no USB 3.0 support.

Prices for:

In ninth place is a device from the well-known brand “ElG”. The manufacturer's recognition allows him to maintain interest in his equipment at a constantly high level. The brand's musical equipment is famous for its balanced and surround sound. ElG music centers always cost a little less than their main competitors, which allows them to earn additional popularity points among ordinary users. The average price for the model in question is 15,990 rubles, and this is a completely logical price tag, given the capabilities.

The single-block mini-system is equipped with a high-quality optical drive in CD format. Acoustic sound is provided in 2.1 format. The maximum total power of the device is as much as 500 W, which is a remarkable indicator. The equalizer deserves special praise, having as many as 22 presets, each of which allows you to listen to different music formats, taking into account the features of the bitrate. There are two front stripes. The subwoofer has its own power of 180 W. Traditional loading is used mechanical tray.

The drive is capable of reading all CD format discs, both one-time and rewritable. The functional FM receiver has a memory for 50 radio stations. The compartment with sockets is equipped with a microphone input and everything necessary for listening to high-quality music. On the front side there is a functional timer, as well as a digital clock. The system is equipped with a karaoke option. This is one of the best music centers by sound quality. A reliable, functional and stylish model that will undoubtedly delight any music lover with its sound. Considering the average price, you can count on increased demand among buyers who are in the middle price range.

• famous brand;
• build quality;
• stylish body;
• pleasant sound;
• good transmission of low frequencies;
• convenient control;
• support for multiple formats;
• You can connect two microphones at once.

• short power cord;
• low-performance satellites;
• no USB 3.0 support.

Prices for:

The Pioneer company is famous for producing only high-quality music centers. The brand, which occupies the eighth position in today's ranking, appeared on the domestic market quite a long time ago, and already has an impressive base of fans of its equipment. The distinctive features of music centers from Pioneer are a clear commitment to tradition, a recognizable classic design that skillfully combines modern high-tech notes, high quality assembly and components. The key to success is an affordable price. The manufacturer keeps the price tag at a humane level, even in difficult times of currency instability and the market as a whole. The proposed music center costs only 10,199 rubles. For this price, the user receives a fairly impressive set of characteristics.

This single-block micro-system CD format, colored in black tones. Moreover, both the speakers and the main control module are black. There is no active subwoofer here, so formally this device is 2.0. The maximum power of the model is 76 W. The equalizer has as many as 5 preset programs. The mechanical tray can accommodate one CD. The radio receiver has a memory set for 50 stations. There is also DRS support. The compartment with sockets is equipped with an outlet for plug-in third-party subwoofer, so that if you wish, you can also enjoy the reproduction of low frequencies. Among modern communication protocols, the device supports USB and Bluetooth. A wonderful model that will be of interest to anyone interested in an entry-level device with ample capabilities.

• the manufacturer is one of the leaders in the acoustic market;
• wonderful build;
• corporate design;
• strong body;
• many supported formats;
• memory for 50 radio stations;
• stereo sound;
• many outputs for connection;
• reliability.

• no karaoke function;
• low overall power;
• no subwoofer.

Prices for:

New products of 2018 are also participants in today's rating. For example, a model from the highly specialized brand Denon Caol. A powerful and elegant music center that will be interesting for experienced users. The cost of the device is 34,990 rubles. The price is quite high, but even when looking at the elegant lines of the case, doubts about the justification of the investment begin to disappear.

The microsystem is made of black plastic and supports the CD format. There is no active subwoofer here, so the format is 2.0. Peak power is 120 W, 60 W per speaker. The radio receiver is capable of receiving AM and FM signals, storing up to 50 stations. Those who like to connect external devices will be able to appreciate the list of interfaces; it is much wider than that of its price competitors. In addition to USB and Bluetooth there is support for Ethernet, Wi-fi, and AirPlay.

A pleasant surprise will be the ability to connect an iPod.

It is possible to connect to a computer and use the center as a sound output device. There is support for Windows 8 and Android.

• high functionality;
• excellent assembly;
• reliability of each node;
• corporate design;
• great sound;
• many supported interfaces;
• wide multimedia capabilities;
• compact dimensions.

• quite high price tag;
• there is no support for Windows 10, only iPod from the entire Apple product family is supported.

Prices for:

New music centers continue to rank the best. In sixth place is the model from BBC. The company is a recognized leader in the acoustic market throughout the world. Most of the sound-reproducing equipment produced today is either produced by BBK or contains its components. This model belongs to the entry level with starting capabilities. The cost of the device is only 6630 rubles. Minisystem does not have an optical drive, which greatly simplifies its design, allowing it to be reduced in size. The center format is 2.0, which means that there is no active subwoofer here. The maximum power is 20 W, there is also an equalizer. The radio receives VHF and FM frequencies with a memory storage of 50 stations. In the nesting compartment there is output for two microphones. USB and Bluetooth interfaces are supported. An interesting solution for both beginners and advanced users.

• stylish modern design;
• good sound;
• there is karaoke with two microphones;
• support for all major media formats;
• compact dimensions;
• light weight;
• wide radio range.

• few equalizer settings;
• no subwoofer;
• no drive.

Prices for:

In fifth place is a hi-fi class music center from the Mystery brand. If you want to choose the best option, you should pay attention to the proposed model. The cost of the device is only 3220 rubles. This is one of the most affordable acoustic centers on the Russian market. The traditional single-block microsystem with an optical DVD drive is made in dark colors. The package does not include an active subwoofer. The maximum combined output is 30 W. The decoder is the time-tested DD format.

A nice bonus will be the presence of a powerful central audio processor with 24-bit (96 MHz) performance.

The disc is loaded vertically. Available progressive scan. The drive can distinguish and read many popular formats, including blanks, which were recorded independently from a burner drive. The music center has a built-in FM receiver. There is an active headphone output. Communication interfaces include classic USB and Bluetooth. The device reproduces many popular multimedia formats thanks to the latest codec library pre-installed on it.

• the price is one of the most affordable today;
• reliability;
• built-in DAC;
• great sound;
• support for multiple formats;
• low power consumption.

• no karaoke;
• no active subwoofer;
• low overall power.

Prices for:

The best music centers in today's ratings should have a number of positive characteristics. The model from Onkyo, which is in fourth place in the top 10, has a whole range of interesting and useful features. The device itself belongs to the middle price class, so you shouldn’t expect any technological breakthrough from it. But the device is able to please its owner high-quality sound and a strict, attractive design made in dark colors. This mini-system has an optical drive and is capable of playing regular CDs.

There is support for a gadget from Apple: if the owner has an old iPod lying around, you can easily connect it to the device and play your music collection.

The speaker layout is 2.0, there is no active subwoofer here. The maximum total power is only 40 W, 20 per speaker. You can switch the timbre, experiment with high and low frequencies. The mechanical disc tray can only accommodate one copy. The number of playable formats is large, but not all popular codecs are supported. In general, the device turned out to be quite balanced, and, despite some design flaws, it will be of interest to a wide range of buyers.

• excellent sound;
• low power consumption;
• stylish body;
• ease of use;
• support for multiple formats;
• work with high low frequencies;
• compact dimensions.

• small number of settings;
• poor equipment;
• high cost of the device.

Prices for:

The top three are opened by a device from Yamaha. Based on expert advice, you can choose an expensive model that has a large number of settings, but does not meet the basic needs of the owner. The presented model will definitely appeal to the majority of even the most sophisticated buyers. The cost of this center is 36,990 rubles, but in this case it is fully justified by the number of settings and additional characteristics.

The microsystem has an optical CD drive. The body is made of black plastic. There is no active subwoofer, so the 2.0 model format peaks at 64 watts. The mechanical tray can only load one disc. There is support for all the most active formats. Present on the music center built-in radio receiver. The connection compartment has an active subwoofer output. Of the connection protocols, there is only support for USB and Ethernet. Airplay support is also announced.

In addition to the usual mp3, the system is capable of playing higher quality flac.

A wonderful device that rightfully takes its place in the ranking. Best choice for highest price range.

• excellent sound quality;
• high-quality case;
• support for all popular formats;
• dimensions, convenient for carrying;
• light weight;
• many active outputs;
• It is possible to connect a non-standard subwoofer.

• very high cost;
• no subwoofer included;
• few settings;
• Bass and treble cannot be adjusted.

Prices for:

The second place is occupied by a device from the Philips company. The manufacturer is famous for producing cool stereo systems at an affordable price. In particular, the presented model will cost the buyer only 5,730 rubles. The device is equipped with everything necessary for high-quality sound: a reliable and silent CD drive, two powerful 15 W speakers, a mechanical disc tray. The FM receiver's memory for 20 stations will help you enjoy listening to them without constantly searching. Pleasant stereo sound will ensure complete immersion in music. Two connection interfaces will help you connect to the gadget without additional manipulations. On the front side there is a convenient display that displays the clock.

The timer can turn on the radio or play melodies from a disk according to a given algorithm.

A compact device that is suitable as a daily multimedia player. Recommended for most buyers.

• reliability;
• good sound;
• durable body made of high-quality plastic;
• reliable CD drive;
• small dimensions;
• two protocols for communication with external devices;
• presence of a radio receiver;
• low electricity consumption.

• no karaoke;
• there is no adjustment of treble and bass;
• no equalizer.

Prices for:

The best music center of 2018 from Panasonic, widely known throughout the world. Its musical acoustic systems have received the most prestigious awards from many reputable publications. This device continues the tradition of quality. The cost of the model is 6130 rubles. For this price, the buyer receives many benefits. Reliable optical drive for CDs, select from three colors(silver, chrome and titanium). 2.0 speaker format without active subwoofer. Maximum total power 20 W.

The built-in equalizer has five presets and adjustable treble and bass.

The radio tuner is equipped with an FM and AM frequency receiver with a memory for 45 stations. There is an LCD display with a timer on the center console. The best model of today's rating, optimal ratio of quality and price.

• affordable price;
• bright design;
• ability to choose color;
• reliability;
• famous brand;
• compactness;
• good sound;
• advanced radio capabilities;
• built-in equalizer with settings.

• no karaoke;
• there are no active microphone outputs;
• no USB 3.0 support.

Prices for:

Conclusion

The top 10 includes the best models of music centers from various price categories. Despite the general pattern, each device has a unique set of functions that sets it apart from the rest. Budget models of this rating are suitable for most ordinary buyers who do not have special requirements for the quality of the reproduced sound and its format. And premium class equipment is aimed at music lovers who want to understand all the subtleties of modern sound and get additional features.

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.

Selection criteria:

1. 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 capabilities, squelch functionality, and memory to store detected radio waves.
2. 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.
3. 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 of 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 the 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 too small devices.

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 lives up to 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.

Thinking about how to choose a music center? So you are a fan of good, clean music. Of course, you can listen to your favorite tunes using a computer, tablet, or even a phone if you buy good speakers. However, the music center is still better: it is capable of reproducing almost perfect sound, you just need to choose the right model.

• micro-systems with a front panel width of up to 180 mm;
• mini-systems consisting of one or several blocks, up to 280 mm in size;
• midi systems consisting of individual components.

Before choosing a music center, it is important to determine for what purposes you need it. If you are going to listen to music in a small room (kitchen, bedroom or living room), then a micro-system from one single unit will be enough for you. Despite their compactness, such models are quite capable of coping with the most basic tasks.

Mini systems are designed for a large house or apartment. Their power is enough even for small corporate parties and other not too large events. As a rule, they have a hard drive, a tuner, an amplifier and a changer for 2-3 CDs. They can read different formats, continuously play music, switching from one media to another, and also record songs onto a USB drive.

Midi systems can be classified as professional equipment. Their power is enough even to organize major holidays. They are not cheap and have all the necessary attributes of expensive audio systems: gold-plated inputs, high-quality wooden speakers, etc. They will be appreciated by ardent fans of high-quality sound and avid music lovers.

Power is the basis of choice

The main thing here is not to make a mistake. If you choose a low-power model that will have to be used at more than 70% of the power, then you will have to forget about good sound. When straining, the speakers will crack, which will ruin the sound quality of the melody. On the other hand, it’s also not worth overpaying for professional equipment if you just want to occasionally listen to music in a small bedroom.

Choose a music center based on its future purpose.

A power of 50-100 W is considered good. This is quite enough even for demanding music lovers. Audio systems designed for discos and clubs have a power of 150 W and higher. But for a dacha or trips out of town, a compact music center with a power of up to 50 W is quite suitable.

Columns – choose a tree

If you even once listen to the sound of speakers made of wood or MDF, you will no longer want to go back to plastic. From such speakers the purest music flows, unclouded by artificial rattling. Most often, they are lined with high-quality plastic on top. Some music centers have two main and several additional speakers that can be arranged at your discretion.

Some models have a Surround system that can diffuse sound throughout the room due to the fact that its speakers have different directions.

Also pay attention to the number of lanes of your future speaker system. The criterion is simple: the more there are, the better.

Other important characteristics

Some buyers are able to choose a stereo system only because of its appearance. And in general: I want it to be not only of high quality, but also beautiful - so that it can be proudly shown to guests. Manufacturers have long understood this, and therefore pay a lot of attention to design. Most often you can see stylish models in black or steel color on the shelves.

When choosing, remember that your music center must read a variety of formats: DVD, MP3, WMA and others. It is desirable that it has space for several discs and the ability to listen to music from a USB drive. Other functions will not be superfluous:

• Bluetooth;
• Wi-Fi;
• Internet radio;
• Compatible with PC or TV.

If you like to sing, choose a music center with karaoke. Fortunately, today this is not a problem. Little things like a clock, timer, backlight, etc. will be a pleasant, but not at all necessary, addition. As for the brand, give preference to proven brands. Samsung, Philips, LG, Sony, Hyundai, Sony, AIWA, Yamaha and Panasonic have already made a name for themselves in the music center market.

Comparison of models

Finally, let’s compare several popular models of music centers:

Of course, there are quite a lot of worthy models, it’s just that they can’t all fit into one review. Compare, choose, buy and enjoy great music at home!

Son, don't go to the disco - you'll go deaf!
Thank you mom, I've already had lunch.

Music as a means of conveying the greatest depths of human thoughts and emotions has gone through three stages in its development. At the first, brilliant composers, having reached unprecedented heights in their creativity, developed the same methods of conveying feelings and thought-images through music, as literature did. At the same time, instruments known today were created, halls were built, and vocals were improved. However, all this in all its diversity was available only to an extremely limited number of people. At the next stage, with the invention of sound recording and electronic devices, music entered every home. However, throughout this time, due to the imperfection of technology, the main thing became the transmission of meanings, and not the reliability of the transmission of sounds. Currently, the third stage is beginning, when computer technology at the peak of its productivity began to copy live sound sources with a plausibility indistinguishable from nature itself. A person, being in such a three-dimensional sound field, has difficulty distinguishing a real signal from its imitation. While such systems are still at the initial stage of development, the vector has been set and only progress lies ahead...
So what kind of music centers are currently being produced and how do they differ from each other?

Speaker format

The format gives an idea of ​​the composition of the acoustics of a music center, that is, the number and purpose of the speakers that are connected to it.

Speaker cabinets are also constructed from natural wood (oak, stained beech or pine), but their production and pre-processing are extremely labor-intensive (especially drying). It is also necessary to make design decisions to compensate for the deviation of the geometric parameters of the array over time from various factors, for example due to humidity.

The latter leads to the fact that such acoustic systems (if they are not made of wood) during the heating season must be used together with an air humidifier. Also, solid wood enclosures, unlike acoustically neutral MDF, introduce their own overtones to the sound palette.
It is worth saying that minerals (mostly marble) and metal (mostly aluminum) and glass are used as materials for speakers.

Price range

3,000 - 6,000 RUR - the simplest single-band systems up to 30 W, wired interfaces.
A good option for comfortable listening to any type of music, and models with built-in multimedia codecs will also be an economical alternative to a home theater.

6,000 - 12,000  rubles - the first two-way systems, the simplest multirooms, displays, equalizers with several presets, karaoke with adjustable microphone sensitivity and echo level, programming of the playback sequence, the ability to zoom the image, frame-by-frame and slow-motion playback (in models with multimedia) appear player), CD-ripping (converting audio tracks from CD to USB), ability to update device firmware, USB x2, etc. The appearance is more elegant and the technical specifications are more realistic than the previous group.

12,000 - 25,000 - the first three-way systems appear; subwoofer; technologies to improve sound quality; Dolby Digital decoder; communication with TV and other devices simultaneously connected to the network to play streaming media via Bluetooth; equalizer with several dozen presets; tone control; karaoke with reverberation, tone control and performance evaluation, as well as an attached disc for several thousand songs; Auto DJ, when the end of one song is superimposed and the beginning of the next for continuous playback; DAB digital radio; technologies for restoring the quality of compressed audio; interfaces: NFC, Ethernet RJ45, HDMI, etc. The build quality is at the highest level, instructions are in correct Russian. In the same group there may be status models or just new items.

More than 25,000 - especially powerful models (sometimes even with two bass sections) full of various functions, which can most often be controlled from a smartphone or tablet.

After purchase

Some manufacturers in their operating instructions indicate the need for initial operation of acoustic transducers at a reduced level. This is a workout, warm-up or run-in.
Acoustic system: 50-70 hours at 1/3 power. Sub: 70-100 hours at 1/3 power. And then you can “pile it on” to the fullest....