Features

Currently there are few, if any systems which feature a record player, no matter what the cost of the system. The width dimensions of a record player has all but made this source unit extinct in integrated systems. However, in the 1990's is was quite common to find integrated systems with one. Likewise, twin cassette decks have become rarer for the same reason.

If your budget is £30-100, then,

RMS output between 0-80 watts (watts defines the power and how loud a system is)
CD Player.
Cassette deck.
Analogue tuner, with RDS and a selection of presets.
Headphone socket.
Remote control.
Stop, play, pause, skip, repeat, random play functions.

If your budget is £100-200, then the above features, plus,

RMS output between 80-150 watts.
DAB digital tuner.
LCD display, to read CD and Radio station information.
iPod dock.
MP3 encoding, transfer music from a CD to an mp3 player.
Built-in subwoofer, to produce extra bass.
Five or more, mode preset equalizer.
Three or five disc CD changer.

If your budget is above £200.

It's at this price region that most general manufacturers like Philips, Panasonic and Sony stop their model range. The baton is then taken up by high-end specialist manufacturers. Some notable brands include Denon, JVC, Onkyo, Teac, and Yamaha.

Whilst the feature list of these systems may not be any more extensive, and in some case even more spartan than the £100-200 hifis, the sound quality is a leap ahead. Also, the overall appearance, components, and build quality is a class above, as exemplified by the below images

Overall, the general aim of a system above £300 is to match the sound quality of hifis made up from separate units. But, to do so in a mass market 'micro' form. Of course, you may have noticed that the micro denon system above features two separate units.

This is the paradox of hifis. Alot of high end micro system, classified as 'integrated' systems, actually come with separate units for the amplifier and source units. This is usually due to the fact, that high end manufacturers of micro systems, primarily manufactured larger, separate hifi units.

They have therefore downsized their larger units to appeal to a larger market, and hopefully increase sales. Pretty much following the same route of elite fashion houses, like Calvin Klein, who realised they could cash in on their reputation by releasing cheaper fashion lines for the mass market.

However, it's a double edged sword, at some point the brand may be seen as 'selling' out, and lose their reputation amongst enthusiasts.