SONOROHIFI

Get awesome audio without the hassle with this simple all-in-one hi- fi system

All-in-one audio system offers hi-fi sound in a small space.

Big\ elaborate hi-fi systems sound fantastic, but not everyone has the space or will to play with all the different components and cabling you need for a truly knock-out set-up. Sometimes, you just want a simple way to get top-notch sound. That’s where sonoroHIFI comes in. It’s a single box that’s amp, connection centre, CD player, DAB radio and 240 watts of speaker power all in one. This is wrapped up in a gorgeous package that comes in glossy white or piano black finishes. The box itself is designed to go out on a sideboard or table, but Sonoro sells an optional stand (in matching colours, of course) so you can have it freestanding. Handily, the stand also acts a cable tidy, which keeps things fully minimalist.

Compared to a system of hi-fi separates, it’s a really compact unit, though in real terms that still means you need to find a place for a 536 x 297 x 400mm box that weighs over 20kg. That’s not too difficult for most, but it’s not just about size – it’s also about positioning.

The sonoroHIFI’s eight speaker drivers (two subwoofers, four mid-range drivers, and two silk dome tweeters) are located around its body, including on its sides. For the unit to be able to fill the room in the way it should, you need to make sure the grilles aren’t blocked (so don’t tuck it in a corner), and that you don’t place it anywhere that means you’d be sitting close to one side of it when listening.

Okay, so maybe there’s some of the classic hi-fi hassle when setting up this otherwise simpler system, but it’s well worth it in the end, because it sounds glorious. It’s a clean, open soundscape that’s just packed with detail. You can hear ever croak in a singer’s voice and every finger movement across a guitar string. The balance is excellent too, with punchy bass that some may find a tad strong out of the box, but we loved. It has no problem radiating this enveloping sound across a large living room. Inevitably, the audio coming from one spot means you don’t get the same level of channel separation as with individual speakers – in a £1,200 speaker, you could fairly argue that’s a disappointment, but it’s ultimately a trade off for the more convenient aspects of the sonoroHIFI, and we think it still justifies its price.

That’s not to say it’s perfect – it has aptX Bluetooth, but lacks Wi-Fi for AirPlay and Chromecast. It also misses out on being a true all-in-one for those taking part in the vinyl revival, though you can just plug a turntable into its aux-in sockets. (We similarly plugged a Yamaha WXAD10 to add Wi-Fi features.) It even has an optical in, so you can use it as a really chunky TV soundbar…

If you’re a high-end audio lover looking for a one-box sound solution well beyond what a non-specialist speaker would offer, we think you’ll really love the sonoroHIFI’s big sound and good looks.