Introduction

A Hi-fi system can refer to one of two things. A system made up of separate units connected together by wires, or a power supply, pre and power amplifier and source unit (CD player etc.) placed in the same box.

Guides

• Micro, Midi or Mini
• Features

Articles

• Cambridge Audio release their first micro hifi
• Arcam release a new mini hifi system

Introduction cont...

This page only aims to provide a guide to those hi-fis which feature a completely integrated system into a single box. For a hi-fi to be classified an as integrated system, it has to contain a power supply, a pre-amp, a power am, and one source unit, such as a tuner.

However, larger integrated system commonly include three or four source units, such as a CD player, record player, a tuner and a cassette deck.

Integrated systems were especially popular during the 1970's and 1980's, when they were somewhat of a novelty.

Whilst audiophiles and audio experts have continued to disparage the sound quality of integrated systems, specialist manufacturers such as Denon and Bang and Olufsen have attempted to build high-end integrated hifis which try to replicate the quality of a system made up from separates.

The advantage of integrated systems is the lower cost, wider selection of budget and midrange systems, space saving, lack of wires and tidy appearance. The chief disadvantages of integrated systems is the lack of high end manufacturers, and the inability of upgrading specific parts.