Group test: DAB micro systems

If you haven't the inclination (or the dosh) for a multiroom installation, and don't feel the need for hi-fi separates in every room, a decent micro system can offer a perfect compromise where space is premium and convenience paramount.

These days micro systems can pack in a lot for relatively little cost, with an amp, CD player, FM/DAB radio and in some instances, iPod connectivity all thrown in. We gathered up four leading systems to see how much you should spend on plugging that audio gap in the bedroom or kitchen.

Overview Price comparison: Denon D-F102DAB More info: Denon Size (WxHxD): Receiver - 250x74x250 mm Power: 35Wx2 (RMS) Playback formats: CD (Audio, MP3, WMA) Connections: Receiver - phono (turntable) in, 2 x line in, 2 x tape loops (in and outputs), Subwoofer pre-out, system connector, iPod dock interface, 4mm banana plug/binding posts for speaker outputs, 6.3mm jack socket for headphones, 6.3mm line in; CD player - 2 x optical digital out, system connector, stereo line out Features: CD player, DAB/FM/AM tuner with RDS and Radiotext, iPod operable via supplied D-F102 remote with optional ASD-1R Denon D-F102DAB The DRA-F102DAB may cost a fair bit more than the others in the group, but immediately you can see why - it's impeccably built and the lush brushed metal finish makes some of its rivals look distinctly bargain bin. For that audiophile touch, the CD player comes separated from the main DAB receiver, which itself is stacked full of connections for fattening up the system with the option to add Denon's ASD-1R iPod dock (around £80), cassette deck (remember those?!) and even turntable. The remote is similarly well prepared, with comprehensive features that are a doddle to master. A system connector helpfully allows you to control both receiver and CD player with the one remote, and there are even dedicated buttons for operating your iPod should you choose to buy the dock. The DRA-F102DAB also serves top-draw performance, the stylish speakers dishing out crisp and detailed tones that stay controlled even at blistering volumes. We especially liked the warmth of sound, which breathed life into even the grottiest MP3 files. Radio playback is similarly impressive, with nippy tuning, tons of presets and strong reception for both DAB and FM. Considering the price we'd have welcomed even more features, say a DAB recording function, but we're not going to lose sleep over this. Overall, the D-F102DAB reigns supreme in this company.

Verdict Plus points Top quality build and design, tons of connections, excellent sound quality, iPod friendly Minus points At this price, we'd like even more features

Overview Price comparison: Onkyo CS-515DAB More info: Onkyo Size (WxHxD): 205x116x353 mm (excl. speakers) Power: 20Wx2 (RMS) Playback formats: CD (Audio, MP3) Connections: 1 x line in, 2 x tape (in and outputs), Subwoofer out, iPod dock interface, 4mm banana plug/binding posts for speakers, 6.3mm jack socket for headphones, 3.5mm line in, optical in Features: CD player, DAB/FM/AM tuner with RDS and Radiotext, iPod operable via supplied remote with optional DS-A2

Onkyo CS-515DAB
Smaller in cost is the CS-515DAB, which packs all its features into one bite-sized unit. While perhaps a rung down the style ladder from the Denon or TEAC, it's still very attractive, the wood veneer speakers in particular giving a touch of class. The unit's front display is clear and bright, too.

There are plenty of connections, including inputs for Onyko's optional DS-A2 iPod dock (£65). If you don't need or want to shell out for that, alternatively there's a mini jack on the front for your portable pal.

Setting up is easy and sorting out presets and timers proved to offer noticeably less hassle than other systems we've tried. Once tuned in, DAB reception is exceptionally good with quick tuning and crisp sound quality. The remote is well laid out and easy to master, with the handy facility to operate other connected Onyko equipment, such as an iPod dock or MiniDisc recorder.

The CS-515DAB also does a great job for music, and while the overall sound lacks a teeny bit of warmth for our liking, the speakers are nonetheless full of sparkle with a tight response and wide soundstage. The CS-515DAB is versatile too - while there's a deftness and detail to quieter acoustic music, there's also enough power in its locker to comfortably fill a decent-sized room.

At £300 the CS-515DAB is frankly a steal, so if the Denon is a bit out of wallet range we reckon you can't go wrong here.

Overview Price comparison: Sony CMT-SPZ90DB More info: Sony Size (WxHxD): 163x280x220 mm (excl. speakers) Power: 50Wx2 (RMS) Playback formats: CD (Audio, MP3) Connections: 3.5mm line in, 6.3mm headphones in Features: CD player, DAB/FM tuner with RDS

Sony CMT-SPZ90DB
The catchily titled CMT-SPZ90DB is the bargain of the group, comfortably weighing in under two hundred quid. And to be honest, it shows. The speakers look quite neat but are extremely lightweight, while the main unit has a rather tacky build that is surprisingly style-free considering it wears a Sony badge.

Nevertheless you do get a lot for relatively little - a three-disc CD changer, tape deck and DAB/FM tuner. While there's a dearth of any connections round the back, but there is at least a 3.5mm line-in on the front for an iPod or other MP3 player, plus a headphone socket.

For radio reception the CMT-SPZ90DB is a cinch to tune in, while DAB stations pick up well and navigating between stations is extremely fast. The compact remote is clear and functional too, clock and timer settings being particularly easy to master.

Music playback is pretty much what you'd expect at this price point - bass response is strong and punchy, but there is a general lack of tonal clarity. At 50 watts per channel the CMT-SPZ90DB does go pretty loud, although this only exposes a lack of definition with the sound muddying a fair bit, too. It doesn't help either that the EQ settings have all the subtlety of an on/off switch.

For a system this cheap we weren't expecting miracles and all in all the CMT-SPZ90DB makes a decent fist of things. However, it's ultimately a little too lacking in functionality and audio quality to be recommended over anything else here.

Overview Price comparison: TEAC CR-H255 More info: TEAC Size (WxHxD): 215x110x359 mm (excl. speakers) Power: 25Wx2 (RMS) Playback formats: CD (Audio, MP3, WMA) Connections: 1 x line in, 2 x tape loops (in and outputs), subwoofer out, 4mm banana plug/binding posts for speakers, 6.3mm jack socket for headphones, 3.5mm line in, optical out Features: CD player, DAB/FM/AM tuner

TEAC CR-H255
Pretty much the same size as Onkyo's all-in-one system, the TEAC CR-H255 is beautifully put together, the brushed aluminium finish really looking the part.

As well as a DAB/FM/AM tuner and CD deck, its most intriguing feature is a USB port on the front which not only allows you to plug in an external device such as an iPod or MP3 player, but also lets you record from the radio (although not DAB), CD player or any external source directly onto your USB device.

Plug in a standard MP3 device via USB and it all works fine with the front display leaping into life, making browsing through files a cinch. With an iPod though, we had a bit of a nightmare. For some strange reason if you've got more than 2,000 songs on your player it won't read the thing at all - a point we only found out after growing old waiting for the CR-H255 to sync with our 60GB player. Fortunately though there's a standard mini jack input to save the day.

Another niggle is the remote which isn't particularly intuitive, and though the CR-H255 has tons of neat functions (like setting timed recordings), we had to get pretty intimate with the manual to master it all.

However, these useability issues can't detract from what's on the whole an excellent system. When hooked up to a good pair of speakers (none were supplied), the CR-H255 sounds fantastic, with a tight, detailed listen that's plenty for the bedroom. DAB reception too, is extremely stable. Add to this a fairly attractive asking price, and the CR-H255 is well worth a look.