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Posted by T3 Online on Tue 17 Mar 2009

1. Cambridge Audio One
£349, www.cambridgeaudio.com
PERFORMANCE The audio maestros lend their hands to the mini hi-fi with spectacular results. Punchy 25w per channel, X-bass enhancement, requisite iPod dock and reads from SD cards, makes the Audio One top of the mini ladder.          
LOVE Decent connectivity. More-than-decent sound
HATE Limited LCD screen. Incredibly ugly remote
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2. TEAC Reference Series 380
£499, www.teac.co.uk
PERFORMANCE Tucked away in this cosmetically unique mini-system you’ll find a 45W+45W stereo amplifier, infrared full remote, tri-band DAB tuner to make up for the not so marvellous CD player.                                                                              
LOVE Audiophile sound and super-versatile internet radio
HATE The kind of design that was last acceptable in the 80s
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3. Vita Audio R4
£500, www.vitaaudio.com
PERFORMANCE  This retro-tastic music system admirably excels on the sonic front, with a 2.1-channel speaker and subwoofer combo delivering sweet, clear treble and powerful and flab free bass.
LOVE Lush walnut finish and warm sound
HATE Hefty, half-grand price tag is a bit rich
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4. Arcam Solo Mini
£1,000, www.arcam.co.uk 
PERFORMANCE All you need to start a mini-mood - Bundled with CD, DAB and FM you can also play your tunes straight off a digital device, while the Muso speakers deliver tight highs, crisp mids and lean, tight bass – just how a hi-fi should sound.
LOVE Serious hi-fi system in a relatively small box
HATE It’s small, but it leaves a big dent in your wallet
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5. Roberts Sound 43
£200, www.robertsradio.co.uk
PERFORMANCE  With the usual CD, DAB and iPod dock suspects onboard, you get more than a nifty pair of stereo speakers, touchscreen-style controls, and a six position equaliser all wrapped up in a classy piano black finish.
LOVE Detailed sound and touch-sensitive buttons
HATE The volume will never bother them next door
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6. Onkyo CS 325
£195, www.onkyo.com
PERFORMANCE A truly micro system that offers a quality, if not volume, of sound to defy its small stature. The small design has also ruled out most novel features, but there is an iPod dock thrown into the bargain.
LOVE Bargain price and decent sound
HATE Minimal features
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7. Denon S-52 DAB
£500, www.denon.co.uk
PERFORMANCE With built-in Wi-fi capabilities for streaming the usual audio format suspects and the ability to access hundreds of digital radio stations, the S-52 is a veritable music hub. Pumping out warm, smooth sound this hi-fi does not disappoint.
LOVE Plenty of features and very good sound
HATE Ugly as sin. Cheap-feeling remote
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8. Yamaha M430
£350, www.yamaha.co.uk
PERFORMANCE Equipped with DAB/FM tuner, CD, MP3/WMA playback and an integrated iPod dock the accompanying speakers can belt out 25W of power a piece. The best feature though is the iPod dock which charges while you play your iTunes.
LOVE Top-mounted iPod dock. Beefy bass. Cheap
HATE Limited connectivity and features
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9. Sony UMT-U1BT
£250,  www.sony.co.uk
PERFORMANCE This attractive system sports A2DP Bluetooth to provide wireless connectivity to your mobile phone or MP3 player. The sound quality is pleasantly balanced and looks aren’t bad either.
LOVE Great Bluetooth sound.
HATE DAB radio is missing
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10. TEAC Reference 300
£250,  www.teac.co.uk
PERFORMANCE An old-school micro stack that lets you add in optional extras as you choose. The amp provides excellent acoustic quality although is slightly let down by the CD player.
LOVE Great amp, upgradeability
HATE Cheap speakers and CD player
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