These all-in-one sound systems offer decent sound in an economical, convenient package.

A minisystem can be just the ticket if you're cramped for space or don't have the time or inclination to search out individual components and set them up. Minisystems typically include a receiver, an AM/FM tuner, a CD changer, and a dual-cassette tape deck in a bookshelf-size box with two separate speakers. The sound on the better models is quite good, but even the best won't match the sound quality you can get from a component-based system. Still, a minisystem costs considerably less than the $1,000 or so you'd pay for a full complement of decent components, so it can be a good value for many listeners.

WHAT'S AVAILABLE

Aiwa is the dominant brand. Other top-selling brands include Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Sharp, and Sony.

Three-quarters of the models sold are two-channel stereo systems. You'll also find surround-sound systems that come with multichannel decoders like Dolby Digital on the receiver. Such systems complement the usual two speakers with additional speakers for center- and surround-channel sound.

Models with a DVD player or CD player/recorder instead of a playback-only CD changer are becoming more common. Some systems eliminate the tape deck for maximum compactness.

Most minisystems integrate everything but the speakers into a console that's more or less a 12-inch cube with a black or silver chassis and blinking displays. More compact minisystems, or microsystems, are as narrow as 6 1/2 inches--considerably smaller than a 17-inch standard-size component.

Price range: $120 to $500.

Lower-priced minisystems may have limited power and anemic bass. Buying one of the more expensive models may get you more amplifier power, CD recording capability, Dolby B noise reduction, or more speakers. 

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Minisystems have some of the same features of full-size components. But controls are more integrated, and displays are often more vivid, even hyperactive.

Minisystems vary in how much power their amplifiers deliver to the speakers--from 15 to 70 watts per channel. In recent tests, Consumer Reports found that all the systems tested, regardless of claimed wattage, produced enough sound to fill the typical office, dorm room, or bedroom, but would probably strain in a large room or noisy party. Also, power ratings in minisystem ads are calculated in so many different ways that the claims are of little use when you're comparing between brands.

Among worthwhile CD-player features, play exchange lets you change the CDs that are not being played without interrupting the one being played. Direct track access lets you go straight to a specific track. A display of the time remaining on either the track or the disc is useful when you're taping off a CD. Music peak finder sets the recording level for the highest sound level on the disc, and digital output lets you record onto a CD or MiniDisc using a separate recorder. Some models can play CD-R or CD-RW discs you've recorded yourself.

Some models have dual-cassette tape decks; such players are becoming less important and somewhat less common, given the predominance of CDs. If you are a tape listener, though, one feature Consumer Reports considers important for basic tape use is auto reverse, so you don't have to flip the tape over to play the second side. An auto tape counter helps find a particular location on a tape. High-speed dubbing doubles the speed when you're copying from one tape onto another, though with some loss of quality. If you're likely to play the tapes on a stereo or component system, look for the ability to record and play Type II tapes and for Dolby B Noise Reduction, which reduces background hiss.

Full-logic controls are soft-touch electronic buttons on the body of the device. The remote control may group two or more functions on one button, sometimes confusingly, although remotes for the latest models have improved. Some features are only accessible with the remote, which can be a problem if you lose track of it. A few models have a microphone input jack, along with karaoke capability.

A subwoofer output lets you connect a separately powered subwoofer, helpful for maximizing the lowest tones from a movie's surround-sound encoding. (This is not the same thing as a “built-in powered subwoofer,” which is a speaker component.) Instead of bass and treble tone controls, some models provide a three- or five-band equalizer, which gives you slightly more control over the full audio spectrum and is a bit easier to use. Some models have only tone settings such as Pop, Jazz, and Classical, which automatically determine the bass/treble mix, often overboosting the bass in the process.

A clock lets you program the system to turn on at a predetermined time; an accompanying timer lets you make timed recordings. Some systems permit you to set the cassette deck to record from the radio, just as you time-shift with a VCR.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Performance differences. Overall sound quality varies, largely depending on the quality of the speakers. Models in the last round of testing by Consumer Reports were judged anywhere from fair to very good for sound quality. Most systems had adequate power for their speakers, although a few distorted the sound when played at very high volumes.

The FM tuners on most minisystems are fine, Consumer Reports has found. The AM tuners are mediocre, but that's true of component receivers, too. The CD players' sound quality is typically excellent across the board. Tape deck performance was adequate for playing and recording cassettes, according to the most recent Consumer Reports tests.

Recommendations. By bundling all the major audio functions in one package, a minisystem can save you the trouble of choosing separate components--and several hundred dollars in the bargain. While these units would disappoint a demanding listener, the quality of the better minisystems is surprisingly good considering the price. Don't expect top sound quality much below $200, however.

Take along a few familiar CD recordings to play when you go to the store. If you expect to play tapes much, consider trying out a few cassettes as well. Adjust the tone controls to see if you like the sound. Check out the controls and the appearance, which can be anything from sedate to high-tech. Ask about return or exchange policies in case the sound of the minisystem isn't to your liking when you get it home.

For the latest information on this and many other products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org. Click here to try ConsumerReports.org FREE for 30 days.

Copyright © 2002-2006 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All of the above text is provided by Consumers Union. GuideBuy disclaims any liability for the content provided above.