NEED TO KNOW

Which features? Make a checklist of the features you need, such as DAB radio, Bluetooth or headphone output; but be warned, if it’s cheap and bursting with hitech features, sound quality may well be an afterthought. Look for products that do the basics well, with the money spent where it counts on quality components such as DACS and robust speaker cabinetry.

Which brands? For the best sound quality, stick to well-established audio brands such as Denon, Marantz and Cambridge Audio who have a track record in great-value products, plus their reputation to maintain. Bigger brands also drip down features from premium ranges to the cheaper collections.

Extras Remember to factor in costs such as speaker cables, speaker stands and possibly even a phono stage if you’re looking to connect a turntable to your amplifier.