I’ve been writing about and reviewing hi-fi (and home cinema) kit for well over a decade and I think it's fair to say that, during that time, convenience has been consistently high on the list of people’s priorities.
Of course, in an ideal world, if you were looking to build a high-quality hi-fi system, I’d recommend you strip everything down into individual boxes to give you the best performance possible.
But I also realise that for a lot of people that isn’t realistic. Speaking from my own experience, I barely have room to swing a cat in my living room, never mind fire up four of five different hi-fi separates. And that's before we talk about the cost of having them all powered up!
And this is why I’ve been paying particular attention to deals on all-in-one systems. And I’m pleased to report that there are some sensational deals to be had, three of which I’ve highlighted below.
- Audiolab Omnia
was £1599now £799 (save £800) - Cambridge Audio Evo 75
was £1799now £1099 (save £700) - KEF LSX II streaming speaker system
was £1199now £899 (save £300)
Audiolab Omnia
Now, we thought the Audiolab Omnia was “a very capable and well specced just-add-speakers system” when we reviewed it. At the time it cost £1599 and it received a very positive four-star review. Fast-forward almost 12 months and the same box of tricks can be yours for half price!
Not only does it have a competitive array of streaming abilities (powered by DTS Play-Fi technology), the Audiolab also has a CD player built-in; handy if you have a stack of shiny discs gathering dust at home. Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music and Deezer are all catered for too.
Cambirdge Audio Evo 75
This is another streaming all-in-one that needs speakers added, but it’s also a serious piece of kit with an equally serious discount. Tested at £1799, this five-star sensation has had its price slashed to £1099.
The Cambridge Audio Evo 75 packs in 75W per channel of amplification, an array of analogue and digital connections to connect your kit, including optical and HDMI ARC, plus all the streaming smarts you could wish for, including support for Tidal Connect, and aptX HD Bluetooth.
KEF LSX II
While the Audiolab and Cambridge Audio both require speakers (think around the level of the excellent Dali Oberon 5), my third entry already has that covered. For those looking for complete versatility from their all-in-one streaming system, then it’s hard to look past the excellent KEF LSX II.
This KEF set-up looks stunning but it has the substance to back up the style too. The company's own W2 wireless streaming platform lies at the beating heart of this system and delivers multiple streaming options, from Amazon Music to AirPlay 2. Sonically, you get “an engaging, refined performance… with excellent imaging and dynamics.” And now you can make a £300 saving.
