How to choose a good music center: review, features and reviews

Music centers slowly began to fill our houses and apartments about ten years ago. Since then, they have changed dramatically, and not only externally. Devices with cassette decks have gone into oblivion, and technical evolution has made it possible to abandon all the usual CD players, which today far from every center is equipped with.

Let's try to identify the main points and criteria that will help determine the purchase of this kind of equipment: reviews of music centers, how to choose what to pay attention to first, etc. All the models described below will be presented in the form of a rating for a more visual picture. The opinions of specialists in this field and the reviews of ordinary device owners will be taken into account.

Rating of the best music centers:

1. LG OM7550K.
2. Pioneer X-PM12.
3. LG RBD-154K.
4. Philips BTM2310.
5. Mystery MMK-750U.

In order for the reader to be able to make a choice and decide for himself which stereo system is more suitable specifically for his needs, we will consider each model in more detail.

Mystery MMK-750U

This is a relatively compact stereo system that fits perfectly into the kitchen or bedroom. In general, the Mystery company differs from other brands in that it produces, without exaggeration, the best inexpensive music centers. This model is no exception and deserves special attention.

The MMK-750 stereo system is made in strict designer colors with a slightly perceptible retro-flight. Despite the fact that the center supports DVD and SD disks, the model cannot be called outdated: there are USB interfaces, there is a single-chip encoding technology, a high-tech processor with Hi-Fi support and modern error correction standards.

Model Features

This quite good music center can be used not only for listening to music, but also for watching videos (of course, coupled with a TV). Like many other models of this brand, the center is extremely dependent on the remote control, that is, all basic and advanced settings are performed only from it. The output power of the MMK-750 stereo system ranges from 30 watts.

Owners speak very warmly about the model. They appreciated the compactness of the stereo system and convenience (multifunctional remote control). This is a good music center for the home, it just fits perfectly into the familiar apartments and other small rooms.

Advantages of the model:

• good power for its class (microsystems);
• model refers to 4th generation systems;
• sensible digital audio processor;
• good internal memory (40 radio stations);
• Attractive design with a retro touch;
• there is the possibility of system firmware and software updates;
• price.

Disadvantages:

• the model is too dependent on the remote control;
• inconvenient basic settings (starts the DVD player when turned off; exit - flashing).

Estimated cost - about 3500 rubles.

Philips BTM2310

Pretty good music center at a reasonable price for small rooms. One of the distinguishing features of the stereo system is the fact that the equipment can be controlled using any mobile gadget, be it a laptop, smartphone or tablet, that is, a device that supports wireless bluetooth protocols.

If you don’t want to delve into modern and high-tech wilds, then please - insert a CD and enjoy your favorite music. In addition, the model is equipped with a universal USB interface, with which you can not only play tracks from a USB flash drive, but also recharge your mobile gadget.

System features

The best speakers for the Philips Music Center (in its segment) with the Bass Reflex system will provide the owner with very decent bass. The stereo power output ranges from 30 watts, which is more than enough for the same bedroom, kitchen or any other medium-sized room. The owners rated the quality of the eminent brand in their reviews. Very many users liked the modest size of the system and the sound quality at the output, as well as support for “forgotten” SD formats.

Pluses of model:

• universal appearance that fits into almost any design;
• the presence of wireless protocols for synchronization with third-party devices;
• the ability to recharge mobile gadgets;
• a good indicator of power for its class (microsystems);
• memory for 20 points;
• good value for money.

Minuses:

• no DVD player.

Estimated price - about 6000 rubles.

LG RBD-154K

This quite good music center has an unusual appearance. The model is not at all like the systems that we are used to seeing at home. It may seem that the center is equipped with four speakers at once. But upon closer examination, it turns out that this is not so - the system works in the 2.0 format, traditional for MIDI centers.

Both speakers give out about 150 watts of power, which is sure to please any “apartment” music lover. You can listen to music from both USB-drives and from disks. It is also possible to use the center as a video player: on the back of the device there is a modern HDMI interface. Fans of karaoke will surely appreciate the capabilities of the system: your singing can be recorded on a USB flash drive and processed by built-in filters.

The owners appreciated the capabilities of the center in their reviews. Many were more than satisfied with the device’s power and sound quality, as well as the presence of a well-designed control panel.

Advantages of the model:

• loud and powerful enough for medium rooms;
• there is an equalizer;
• the presence of a DVD drive;
• the ability to connect a TV via HDMI-interface;
• karaoke function;
• sensible remote control.

Disadvantages:

• the design cannot be called universal in any way, so the system does not fit into every room.

Estimated cost - about 10,000 rubles.

Pioneer X-PM12

Surely many will answer the question of which music center is better without hesitation: “Take a closer look at the Pioneers.” The brand has earned a reputation for decades and, as we see, has excelled in this business.

The X-PM12 model received the classic "Pioneer" design along with traditional functionality. For a system of its class (mini), the sound quality at the output deserves all praise. And if this is not enough for someone, you can always connect an external subwoofer.

Distinctive features of the system

A good music center from Sony is equipped with universal speakers that can be placed both vertically and horizontally, thanks to self-adhesive legs. The system supports all types of CDs and also plays music from flash drives. The only restriction in this case for the file format is MP3 and WMA.

In addition, the free proprietary application Pioneer Wireless Streaming will become an indispensable assistant for synchronizing stereo systems with devices based on iOS and Android. The output power of the center ranges from 76 watts. Judging by user reviews, the model is perfect for those music lovers who value quality along with tradition.

Advantages of the system:

• really high-quality sound;
• Attractive design in classic style for the brand;
• the ability to control the basic functionality of the system from mobile gadgets;
• You can optionally connect an external subwoofer;
• impressive memory with 50 points.

Minuses:

• the display could be more informative;
• when disconnected from the outlet, the clock is reset.

Estimated price - about 13,000 rubles.

LG OM7550K

At the top of our ranking is the best music center from LG. This system is perfect for organizing noisy parties, thanks to its enviable power of 1000 watts. In reality, of course, it is smaller, but the figure and the sound itself are very impressive.

In order to fully reveal the potential of the system, it is necessary to acquire external acoustics; the same LG or almost any of Sony's mid-range and premium ones is best suited. Own subwoofer produces almost 500 watts of output, so he is quite able to “service” an apartment or a private house.

The optical drive reads all types of CD and DVD drives. And this is probably the only moment that connects this model with traditional stereo systems. The center is equipped with a professional and multifunctional karaoke function, where already by default there are about 2000 songs, coupled with a microphone.

Stereo Features

In addition, the model can be easily used as a home theater, since the system is equipped with everything you need: HDMI-interfaces, outputs for additional speakers and a competent control panel.

Reviews of owners without exaggeration are full of laudatory praises regarding the capabilities and sound of the music center. Also, many were pleased with the ability to control the device through mobile gadgets via bluetooth protocols. The only negative, which, in fact, doesn’t turn out to be critical, is weight. The rest is an ideal option for all music lovers, without exception.

Advantages of the model:

• enviable power output;
• high-quality and clear sound;
• professional and multifunctional karaoke system;
• the ability to remote control from a smartphone, tablet or laptop;
• serial connection to third-party systems;
• extremely nice and original backlight;
• memory for 50 points.

Disadvantages:

• too heavy.

Estimated cost - about 21,000 rubles.