New all-in-one stereo box

[admin_exported]

Hi,

I am shopping for a new shelf stereo system WITH A BUILT IN IPOD DOCK. To this moment I have tried (unfortunately not side-by-side) two all-in-one boxes: ONKYO CS-545 (GBP 280) (http://www.eu.onkyo.com/products/CS-545.html) and PIONEER X-HM50 (GBP 200) (http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/products/42/202/227/X-HM50-K/index.html).

These systems feel and look pretty good, very similar, both come with their original speakers. However, the sound from ONKYO was better, but still not good enough to meet my expectations for a shelf system. I think it depends on speakers, so I have decided to pair one of these systems with different brand of speakers. I am willing to spend 200-400 GBP including speakers.

My question is: which one of these units itself could be better with other good speakers? Some other options at this price? Maybe two bookshelf seperates like YAMAHA MCR-640 (http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/hifi-systems/micro-components/mcr-640__g/)?

 

[dave_k]

The Denon DM-38DAB is certainly well regarded on here, maybe you should add it to your list.

 

[richardw42]

Reading the latest edition of WHF might help as there is a test of one box systems.

 

[Anonymous]

Which edition do you mean? Also, a question for What Hi-Fi magazine reviewers: is there any chance to see ONKYO CS-1045 and CS-545 micro system reviews in a foreseeable future?

 

[Sizzers]

GS2010:Which edition do you mean?

The one you can buy in the shop now.

The DM38 is the recent replacement for the DM37; I had the 37 and that was simply superb IMO. People DID pay up to £400 for speakers to partner with it (B & W 685's spring to mind), so please consider it. Mine was partnered with Tannoy Custom F1's at £100 and what a great combination that was(along with many other speakers other's partnered their's with). There replacement the V1's would be well worth a listen, along with the Mission MX 1's.

Good luck.

 

[8009514]

DM38,

. (+1)

Rich

 

[Tibor]

I have Yamaha MCR 640. Not realy cheap compared with Denon DM 38. It has a smooth, polite sound, not realy exciting at low volumes.It sounds much better with my Acoustic Energy Aegis Neo 1 speakers than with the Yamaha speakers . Try rather Denon, TEAC, Onkyo mini systems.