Articles: Mini, Midi and Micro Systems – Buyers’ Guide

Ashley Kramer on the ins and outs of mini, midi and micro systems

If veni, vidi, vici translates as “I came, I saw, I conquered”, then mini, midi, micro might well read, “I came, I listened, I ignored”. Such is the unfortunate reputation of the mini system and its close cousins, the midi and the micro.

There are generally two types of buyers for these devices: brash young men who use them to drive the neighbours to distraction at one in the morning, or people who just want a small and relatively inoffensive music system. Sonic excellence was never really high on the agenda when these things were designed or purchased and, with very few exceptions, they were never taken seriously as ‘proper’ hi-fi.

Things have changed to a degree. JVC was among the first to make a real effort sonically with its wood cone woofers and that started a bit of a trend. The sound quality of mini and micro systems has continued to improve, courtesy of better materials, amplification and construction. They’re also packing ever longer lists of interesting (and sometimes even useful) features. In addition, there are a number of options available that combine good sonics with small form factors, often at a premium price to cater for upmarket buyers.

Panasonic SC-AKX10GN-K Mini System
www.panasonic.co.nz
At a bargain price point, this system from Panasonic is quite restrained in appearance for an entry-level offering. It uses Panasonic’s rigid bamboo cone speaker drivers and has 16cm woofers to get the sonic quality up where it needs to be. It offers a USB port so you can play computer -ased audio files, and there’s a handy remote.

JVC UX-LP5 Micro System (pictured top)
www.jvc.co.nz
This relatively discreet slant-style system takes a laid-back approach and looks all the better for it. The flip-out iPod dock is a neat feature, and JVC ticks the right boxes with USB and 3.5mm audio inputs, along with a video output for the iPod.

JVC NX-D7 Mini System
www.jvc.co.nz
A ‘mini’ system that’s more than a little bit in your face, this JVC does double duty as an upsampling, HDMI-equipped, 1080p DVD player. It’s got heaps of power and lots of blue speaker drivers to maximise its room-filling abilities. There’s a touch panel for control, three USB ports and a 3.5mm input, along with surround sound modes for both speakers and headphones, and optional Bluetooth support.

Panasonic SC-VK680GN-K Mini System
www.panasonic.co.nz
Panasonic calls this a mini system but it definitely isn’t what we’d call discreet. Still, when you need to make an impact, you have to go big and this beast packs a five-disc DVD changer and the text and price on p30 a high-power speaker set complete with subwoofer. It’s got the obligatory USB and 3.5mm inputs as well as ye olde tape deck (believe it or not).

Tivoli Music System
www.dencocaudio.co.nz
This classy Tivoli system is an outside-the-box option for those who insist on all style and all substance, all the time. The Music System uses hand-lacquered wood on the outside and high-quality components on the inside, so this little unit really does deliver a high-end experience. It’s super-compact, beautiful to look at and sounds impressively warm and fulsome.There’s a 3.5mm aux input for an MP3 player and it even comes with a polishing cloth to keep the shiny finish in tip top condition.

JVC RV-NB50S Boomblaster
www.jvc.co.nz
The darling of the ’80s music lover was the boombox and it’s been given a fresh look in 2010. It’s not really a mini system but it does the same job and it’s portable, assuming you can rustle up enough D-cell batteries to keep it chugging along. The Boomblaster has an iPod dock with a locking door for protection, plus a CD player, FM tuner and a USB port. There are twin super woofers to drive the neighbours mad or to power up the sounds at a barbecue.

Yamaha MCS-1330 Mini System
www.soundgroup.co.nz
Yes, that price tag is correct. But this is Yamaha’s no-holds-barred, audiophile-grade compact system. The quality of the components matches that of the company’s hi-fi separates, as do the build quality and finish. The amplifier is rated at 60 watts per channel (those are real hi-fi grade watts without any fudging, mind you), which bodes well for the sound. Besides a CD player and FM tuner, the MCS-1330 has an iPod dock, USB port and – holy cow – an MM phono stage for a turntable.

How to Buy a Mini System

Sound Quality
Rule number one: listen before you buy. Rule number two: see rule number one. It really is that simple. Make sure you test a system by listening to the sorts of music you enjoy, and see if you still appreciate hearing it. If you plan to lift the roof on a regular basis, then crank that sucker right up and listen for distortion or a nasty treble when things get loud. If you’re after delicacy and finesse, listen carefully and make sure the system can deliver the right touches.

Build Quality
While you’re at it, check out the build quality. Cheap chipboard speaker cabinets or thin flexible plastic do not sonic happiness bring, so feel free to tap, knock and pick up the units. Durability matters if kids (or drunk friends) are going to be using the system, so have a good long look at the way the controls are laid out and how solid they are – fragile or exposed switches probably won’t go the distance.

Also check how long the supplied cables are (where applicable) to ensure you can place the speakers where you want. If a remote is included, give it a whirl and see if it will control the unit at the longest range you’re likely to use it – you’ll be frustrated if you can’t adjust the volume or change tracks from the couch.

Features
The feature set crammed into modern units is impressive and even bewildering. You know how you prefer to listen to your music, so make sure the system plays along.

If you’re an iPodder, ideally you need a dock. At the very least everyone needs a 3.5mm aux in and/or a USB port – there’s no excuse not to have at least one of these options. Most of these systems do CDs only but some play DVDs, which could make them far more useful in your environment if you pair them with a TV as a simple home theatre system. Check the tuner to see that it receives the band you listen to – a few units out there are FM only.

Looks
Some of these systems shout LOOK AT ME!; others are quite discreet. While the flashing lights, chrome plastic, multicoloured stickers and pulsing blue LEDs might look cool in the shop, they could be a bit much at home, especially at night.

Size
Each manufacturer seems to have its own idea of what differentiates a mini system from a micro system or what makes a midi system midi. Don’t let the product categories (or the salespeople) bamboozle you. Just be aware of how much space you’ve got in the area you’ve earmarked for the system and choose accordingly.

This article is from Tone issue 83. Click here to check it out.