ABOUT AUDIO & HI FI SYSTEMS

Audio and hi fi systems provide excellent quality sound reproduction from CDs, radio, and DVD cinema sound tracks. There are three main types: home cinema audio systems, designed specifically to work with plasma or LCD televisions; micro systems, which are compact and sit readily on a bookshelf; and separates. Separates, sometimes known as components, are separate tuners, amplifiers, speakers, and players, which can be selected individually to provide a cumbersome but high quality solution.

Increasingly, audio systems are being offered on a whole-house wireless basis, so that music can be enjoyed in, and controlled from, any room.

CONSUMER ADVICE ON AUDIO & HI FI SYSTEMS

Richer Sounds publishes an excellent set of more than twenty Tip Sheets giving buying advice on subjects from amplifiers, bi-wire and cables to recordable CDs, setting up systems, and stands.

Which? publishes an online report on micro hi fi systems. This provides a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about micro hi fi systems; and product comparisons. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial.

What Hi Fi publishes more than 30 online guides to buying audio and hi fi systems. Topics covered include: bi-wiring and bi-amping your speakers; buying used hi-fi; cabling alternatives; futureproofing your system; choosing headphones; and matching the impedance of your speakers to your amplifier.

LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF AUDIO & HI FI SYSTEMS

Bose is an innovative manufacturer of audio and hi fi systems. It is well known for its compact and stylish Wave music systems. These provide a surprisingly rich sound from a small box, about the size of a shoe box. The Bose website also covers home cinema systems, stereo speakers, and headphones.

Denon is a specialist manufacturer of audio and hi fi systems. Its website covers complete systems, including home cinema packages, slim design systems, and micro DVD systems. It also has a section on hi fi components, including amplifiers, tuners, receivers, players/changers, and speakers.

Hitachi. The Hitachi UK website has a section on audio and hi fi systems. This covers CD/radio cassette recorders; DVD home cinema systems, and DVD players. The customer service section of the Hitachi UK website has sections on frequently asked questions, and downloadable manuals.

Philips is a leading manufacturer of electrical consumer goods, including audio and hi fi systems. Its UK website has a section dealing with audio systems. Philips audio products include the Streamium wireless music centres, providing music throughout the house.

Sony UK website has a section dealing with audio systems. This covers: cinema surround kit; home cinema receivers; home cinema speakers; cinema surround kit with DVD player; hi fi systems; and hi fi components, enabling you to build up the system of your choice.

LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF AUDIO & HI FI SYSTEMS

Richer Sounds is an expert company selling audio and hi fi systems online and via 43 stores across the UK. It presents its audio and hi fi systems in six categories: one box home cinema systems; mini stereo systems; hi fi separates systems; home cinema separates systems; flat panel home cinema systems, complete with LCD or Plasma TV; and wireless multi-room systems. There is also an audio systems clearance bargains section.

Empire Direct is a leading online supplier of electrical equipment, which prides itself on offering goods at prices up to 30% lower than those charged by high street stores. Its website has a section on audio systems. Orders for audio systems are normally processed and delivered within three working days. UK mainland delivery charges start from £1.49 per order. Empire Direct offers a nationwide in-home service on all non-portable equipment.

John Lewis is a highly reputable retailer selling through stores and online. Its website has a section on audio and hi fi systems. This covers micro systems and home cinema systems. In addition to the manufacturer's first year guarantee, John Lewis provide a free second year service guarantee for audio systems. John Lewis provides free standard delivery when the order value to one address is more than £100.

PRICE COMPARISONS FOR AUDIO & HI FI SYSTEMS

The following websites provide UK price comparisons for audio and hi fi systems: Ciao UK; Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK.