CD SYSTEMS: BUYING GUIDE
All-in-one or speakers? If you have the space in your home, I’d always go for a hi-fi system with separate speakers. Stereo just sounds better, helping to create a wider soundstage and a fuller performance, especially with orchestral recordings. Features Choose at least CD, DAB/FM radio and Bluetooth to cover your main musical bases, but look for RCA inputs if you want to plug in a turntable. Optical can be used to enhance the sound from your TV while Wi-fi connected systems can often be used in multi-room and hi-res streaming. Which speakers? Make sure your speakers’ recommended power (in watts) is greater than the amplifier’s output. This will ensure you won’t damage the speakers at high volume, and there’s little point, either, spending thousands on a CD system and playing it through £50 speakers.