Best hi-fi systems 2023: CD, vinyl and streaming music systems for the home

Whether it's an all-in-one microsystem complete with speakers; a single box of streaming, CD- or vinyl-playing electronics to which speakers must be added; or a pair of integrated stereo speakers housing everything you need – an integrated hi-fi system can save you money, space and, let's face it, a fair bit of time and effort too.

As the hi-fi system is an eclectic product category that varies wildly in size, price and features, our pick of the best hi-fi systems on this page covers many form factors and budgets, so even if our top pick doesn't suit your needs, something in the top 10 should. We have CD and turntable systems, just-add-speakers streaming amplifiers, and integrated stereo speaker systems, each with varying functionalities, sonic chops and, naturally, asking prices.

But needless to say, whatever their differences, every combination below has in common the great features, design and class-leading sound quality that make them fantastic value – and, consequently, worthy contenders on this curated list. All of them sound pretty special, too...

Written by

Written by

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her eight years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech.

The quick list

You can see a quick breakdown of all the hi-fi systems on this list with a summary of what they’re best at and why we think they’re worth your money below. If you need more detail, just click the photo of a product to go to the in-depth entry.

The best hi-fi systems in 2023

Below, you'll find our picks of the best hi-fi systems available righ. Every set has been tested by our team of product experts to ensure it delivers great performance and value, so you can trust our buying advice.

Best microsystem

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The default budget all-in-one system choice for years, this Denon multi-Award-winner is still at the top of its game, so much so we're yet to really find anything of its type that can outdo it at a similar price.

You can buy the D-M41DAB with or without Denon's own speakers. Without, the system is called RCD-M41DAB and can be found online for under £250 / $350 / AU$500. The speakers are dubbed SC-M41. Put the two together and you have the D-M41DAB – we'd happily recommend Denon's speakers if you don't have your own already.

The inclusion of Bluetooth (which can be turned on or off to avoid affecting the D-M41DAB’s overall performance) is cause for celebration, as is the superb sound quality. In terms of performance, this system could hold its own against groups of separates at a greater cost. The drop in sound quality from CD to Spotify stream has no effect on the D-M41DAB’s sonic mastery – it remains graceful, insightful and expressive. A truly remarkable system for the money based on our experience using it.

Read our full Denon D-M41DAB review

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Best budget speaker system

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KEF’s LS50 Wireless II (below) and more recently launched LS60 Wireless stereo speaker systems have stolen a lot of headlines in recent years, but we shouldn’t forget there is actually a third member of KEF’s wireless speaker system family – the LSX, now in its second generation. Essentially a more modest, miniature member of the clan, the LSX II are pretty much perfect for smaller rooms.

For the LSX II, KEF’s taken what was already a winning formula, introduced some key upgrades that improve functionality and usability, and without really altering the speaker hardware has produced a talented set-up that sings with any genre of music sent its way.

The KEF LSX II is a stylish streaming system that comes with none of the baggage and boxes a separates setup brings. If you have a smaller space, the LSX II will happily fill it with clear, musical sound, and at this level, nothing else really comes close.

If you're still in the market for a pair of small speakers but don't want to spend quite so much as the KEF LSX II, the Triangle Twin AIO, found below, are a fantastic bargain desktop system at an extremely attractive price. 

Read our full KEF LSX II review

Best premium speaker system

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The follow-up to the outstanding KEF LS50 Wireless speakers improves on greatness – no easy feat, even for an audio brand as surefooted as KEF. While the recent release of the more expensive JBL 4329P (£3499 / $4500) and the (also more expensive) KEF LS60 Wireless (£2250 / $2499 / AU$4295) has muddied the waters somewhat, we still favour the LS50 Wireless II as being premium class leaders that don't make quite such a hefty dent in your finances as their aforementioned rivals.  

Like their illustrious predecessors, the LS50 Wireless II serve as a superb all-in-one system (streaming and amplification is built in) by dint of their advanced connectivity. Improvements include upgraded components and a new KEF Connect app where you can access the likes of Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon Music and Deezer. Not that you'll need to reach for any of the aforementioned apps; these speakers are capable of streaming via AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast and Bluetooth, and are also Roon Ready.

KEF's striking design is matched by stunning sonics, enhanced by refreshed Uni-Q drivers and KEF's all-new MAT absorption technology. The presentation is spacious and the addition of the new MAT technology can be heard in the refined treble and clean mids.

Quite simply, if you're in the market for a high-fidelity all-in-one system packed with streaming smarts, this sophisticated sequel should be somewhere at the top of your list. 

Read our full KEF LS50 Wireless II review

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Best budget streaming amp

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The SA-C600 really is a well-equipped streaming amplifier, to which you just need to add speakers. Technics has seen fit to include a CD player alongside the more usual network streaming capabilities with up to 32-bit/384kHz file compatibility. 

There is support for Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer and Amazon Music, as well as DAB/DAB+ and FM radio. You also have a choice of Bluetooth, Chromecast and AirPlay 2 in addition to a raft of physical analogue (stereo RCA) and digital connections (USB Type A, USB Type B, coax and optical). Note, there is also a moving magnet phono stage, which makes sense given the brand’s strong connection to record player manufacturing.

Usually, such systems are all about looks and features, but Technics has shown that it is possible to add great sound into the mix. It's a really well-conceived product and fully deserves its What Hi-Fi? Award win, even with tough competition from the similarly outstanding Marantz PM700N (£999 / $999 AU$1999) and the Bluesound Powernode (£849 / $899 / AU$1599). 

Highly recommended.

Read our full Technics SA-C600 review

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Best premium streaming amp

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To describe the multi-award-winning Uniti Atom as a streamer would be akin to describing Wagyu beef as sustenance. From the coffee-coaster volume dial on the roof – the pleasure of spinning it is almost enough in itself to justify buying this system – to its full-colour LCD front panel display exhibiting album art as it plays, Naim has nailed a gorgeous aesthetic.

This is another streaming amplifier, so all you need do is add a pair of suitable hi-fi speakers – Naim promises 40W per channel at 8 ohms, so a pair of £1000/$1000/AU$2000 standmounters, say, would be ideal. Once you've soaked up the delicious design cues, you'll be wowed by the Atom's performance – levels of clarity and insight and truly exceptional – and connectivity. Google Chromecast, Tidal, Spotify Connect and Internet radio are built-in, with further wireless connection available via AirPlay and Bluetooth aptX HD. You can also play music stored on a USB stick.

All in all, the talented Uniti Atom is everything we've come to expect from Naim. A superb blend of lifestyle product and premium hi-fi – as it's consecutive What Hi-Fi? Awards every year since 2017 go to show. The superb Sonus Faber Omnia and the excellent Naim Mu-so 2 are fantastic alternatives, but for our money, the Uniti Atom remains the finest premium streaming amp you'll find today.

Read our full Naim Uniti Atom review

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Best turntable system

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If you’re after a simple-to-use vinyl set-up that’s a great deal of fun to listen to, this Rega system is a great place to start.

The three-product turntable system under our noses here is the entry-level Rega System One, comprised of two What Hi-Fi? Award winners – namely Rega’s excellent Planar 1 turntable and integrated io amp – and the company's Kyte stereo speakers.

You can get a slightly more sonically transparent combination by swapping out the Kytes for something like the Dali Oberon 1, but that doesn't mean this all-in-one triple-threat option isn't a very good one. Its keen, zealous musical presentation especially makes it a great bet for those of us who like their music with plenty of vigour and spice.  

Judged as a complete package, the System One gets the basics of music reproduction spot-on, delivering musical cohesion and dynamic expression in a way that eludes most alternative set-ups. Comprehensive, easy to set up and surprisingly compact in terms of what you actually get, this is a great way to get yourself a really solid hi-fi setup without tearing your hair out in the process.

Read our full Rega System One review

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Best radio System

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A modern radio often needs to be a jack-of-all-trades while retaining the signature look, feel and function of a classic piece of tech in order to survive in its own particular market niche. That’s exactly what Revo's original SuperConnect delivered with its feature-packed original model back in 2014, and now, almost ten years later, the brand’s sequel has arrived with more stations, more streaming support and, crucially, stereo sound.

It also looks great – “retro with a dash of modern”, as we described its aesthetic – and is made to a supremely high standard. It might be slightly on the large side for a product of this type (18 x 36 x 15cm) but packs a lot of features and sound quality into its dimensions. What's more, it's highly competent at everything it does, be it streaming, internet radio access or just sitting in your home looking sexy.

Revo’s long-awaited sequel has been worth the wait; it’s easy-to-use, fantastic to look at and a pleasure to listen to, and while it may sport a vintage aesthetic, nothing about the SuperConnect Stereo feels remotely out-of-date.

Read our full Revo SuperConnect Stereo review

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Best desktop system

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The Triangle AIO Twin is an all-in-one wireless speaker system akin to the superb KEF LSX II (above) but at half the price. That was more than enough to pique our interest: music systems that integrate all amplification, connectivity, streaming and more features into one box or a pair of speakers are an increasingly neat and attractive way to get hi-fi sound into your home.

Not only are they lifestyle-friendly (not everyone has space for so many separate boxes), but their feature set means you can play just about anything through them.

And that’s the case with the versatile Triangle AIO Twin: it may look like a pair of ‘normal’ speakers, but this a fully-fledged, versatile music system in its own right, with a whole host of features and a level of performance that makes for quite the bargain at this price point.

Read our full Triangle AIO Twin review

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How we test

How we test hi-fi systems 

Here at What Hi-Fi? we review hundreds of products every year, from TVs to speakers, headphones to hi-fi systems. So how do we come to our review verdicts? And why can you trust them? Allow us to explain.

Collectively, the What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years experience of in reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics. We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our expert reviewers do all of our in-house testing. This gives us complete control over the testing process, ensuring consistency and scrutiny within an industry-leading context of every core field in hi-fi.

All hi-fi systems are tested in comparison with rivals in the same price category, and all review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than a single reviewer, helping to avoid individual subjectivity. That's why our reviews are trusted by retailers, manufacturers and shoppers alike.

From all of our reviews, we choose only the top products to feature in our Best Buy buying guide lists, such as this one. That's why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended on this page, or on any other Best Buy page, you can rest assured you're getting a What Hi-Fi?-approved product.

You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.

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