Hifi System

[smurfchops]

Can anyone recommend a 'cheapish' but not tinny mini hifi system for a spare room ? Wont be used much, but needs to sound good when it is used! Thanks everyone :-)

[Buenchico]

If you're anywhere near to a branch of Tesco Extra, that should probably be the first place to try. Unfortunately, I think they've discontinued the system I bought there for about �40 but they still sell a good range. (One of the reasons I recommend Tesco Extra is that they've normally got the sets plugged in so you can listen to the sound quality before you buy. This isn't usually as easy in places like Asda or Argos). A quick look at their online prices shows them starting from �24.99 (with a nice-looking Sony system at �81.89).

If you've not got a Tesco Extra near to you, many of the larger Tesco stores sell some of the range but they're not always plugged in (so you can't easily sample the sound quality). Another place to find cheap (but reasonable) quality systems, with the chance to listen before you buy, should be any larger branch of Sainsbury. They often have some great bargains in their January sale so it could be worth taking a look. Keep an eye open for their own-brand products (under the 'Red' label) as these Chinese-manufactured electronics items are usually of good quality but relatively inexpensive.

Just a small hint: Wherever you go to buy a hi-fi system, take a CD with you to test the sound quality. Choose something which has got a good range of sounds - I've got some world music 'sampler' CDs which are ideal for this sort of thing. It's probably wisest to explain to an assistant that you want to test the system with your own disk (just in case the security guy sees you take something out of the system and put it in your pocket!) but this shouldn't cause any problems.

Chris

[smurfchops]

Buenchico, (not The Chico I presume...) - thanks very much, and I can even get Tesco points!