The Best Stereo Systems
Every entertainment center needs a quality stereo system. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster or jamming out to your favorite album, these stewards of sound will elevate your listening experience, allowing you to enjoy the music as it was meant to be heard. Consisting of various parts, these music machines usually include a CD player, a radio, and a couple of high-def speakers. And since we're living in the 21st century, most options have tons of extra features like Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Granted, the market is flooded with stereos of varying quality, so it can be kind of hard to find the perfect pick. Thus, in service to our love of music and high-fidelity sound, we've whittled down the list to the best of the best, focusing on key features like audio quality, connectivity options, and overall value. Our favorite is the LG CM4590 Bluetooth Audio System, which features top-of-the-line technology in an easy-to-install package. Alternatively, if you're looking for a great sound system for your car, we recommend the Boss Audio Systems 616UAB Multimedia Stereo. Read on to discover more of our top favorites, from the best budget option to the premium pick.
LG CM4590 XBoom XBoom Bluetooth Audio System
An extra dose of boom
If you want a stereo system that does it all, go with LG. A pioneer in the world of electronics, LG has consistently remained ahead of the curve. That’s why we recommend the LG XBoom XBoom for anyone in the market for a stereo system that doesn’t yield in quality as you crank up the volume. Perfect for parties or casual listening, this pick features Bluetooth connectivity and dual USB ports. And thanks to the user-friendly interface, it’s easy to fine-tune the EQ settings to match the configuration of the room. You can even connect two devices simultaneously to share files and transfer music. When a 700-watt, high-fidelity stereo system comes along this price point, we say grab one while you can.
Pros:
- At this price point, you usually have to sacrifice some audio quality, but this set really sounds great all around. It even has a deep, heavy bass, which fans of hip hop and rap should love.
- The USB tethering works with a whole range of devices, including mp3 players.
- Other features we love include an Auto DJ function and latency-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Cons:
- The subwoofer doesn’t have an independent volume control (but EQ can be managed via the main console).
Boss Audio Systems 616UAB Multimedia Car Stereo
Drive like a boss
Car stereos have come a long way since the days of tape cassettes and wired phone consoles. They’ve also become far more affordable, such as this option from Boss Audio Systems. Although the price is low, this pick is anything but cheap. Featuring high-fidelity audio output and an easy-on-the-eyes LCD display, the Boss 616UAB is a crispy music machine. And rather than limit you to only one method of connectivity, this option sports all three. So whether you want to connect via auxiliary cable, USB, or Bluetooth, Boss has you covered. Heck, it even has a built-in microphone to eliminate that awful feedback when you make hands-free calls. Affordable and adaptable, the Boss 616UAB is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- For the quality and features you’re getting, this is a great value.
- This offers multiple ways to connect devices, from USB to Bluetooth, which makes it easy to pass on the role of DJ to your passengers.
- This unit even comes with a remote, so you can control the music from a distance.
Cons:
- We find it pretty frustrating that this doesn’t display the time while music is playing.
Innovative Technology Victrola Bluetooth CD Stereo System
Looks great and sounds even better
Looks aren’t everything, but we certainly don’t want to plop a funky off-color stereo system into the middle of our living room. That’s why we give major props to Innovative Technology for their aesthetically pleasing Victrola system. This beauty sports shiny chrome dials, a brushed metal faceplate, and LED backlights. Even the speakers themselves look sweet, with a minimalist design and hidden seams. Of course, we wouldn’t recommend a stereo based on looks alone. The Victrola is a powerful system with Bluetooth connectivity, a CD player, and a nifty remote control. Another great overall option, the Victrola has an attractive look and an even more attractive price tag.
Pros:
- We love that we can easily fine-tune the bass, treble, and balance with the comfortable built-in knobs.
- The sleek, somewhat vintage look of this stereo is sure to complement any living space.
- If you’re looking for a quality stereo that won’t break the bank, this is an ideal option.
Cons:
- While they will still deliver moderately loud sound, the 20-watt speakers won’t blow the house down.
Jensen JTA-475B 3-Speed Stereo Turntable
Long live vinyl
You don’t need to be a nerd to appreciate the timeless quality of vinyl (not that there’s anything wrong with nerds; in fact, we know a couple ourselves). Indeed, there’s something about the light crackle of a spinning record that warms the cockles of our hearts. So for all the folks out there looking for a stereo system that will breathe new life into their record collection, look no further. This turntable from Jensen comes at an unbeatable price and sports enough modern features to make it a worthy system for any modern entertainment center. It includes an auxiliary input jack, cassette deck, AM/FM receiver, CD player, and that coveted turntable. So whether you want to groove to a vintage LP or vibe to a modern hit, the Jensen JTA-475B makes sure you won’t miss a beat.
Pros:
- We like that the stereo and speakers come in two different finish options, black or walnut, so we can choose one that best suits our space.
- In addition to playing vinyl, this also has a CD player, which makes it great for fans of retro audio tech.
- Even with the include speakers, the footprint of this whole system is relatively small, allowing it to fit on our compact entertainment table.
Cons:
- While the HD speakers are great for casual listening, they’re probably not loud enough for a big party.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I set up my stereo system for surround sound?
Most systems on our list come with two speakers. To get the most dynamics out of your stereo system, we suggest placing the speakers in adjacent corners of the room and angling them towards the opposite wall. Facing two speakers towards each other will reduce the surround sound effect since the two separate channels will bounce off opposite walls and mix together.
Although these stereo systems come with wire, you may want to invest in some extra if you plan to place the speakers far apart. The copper wire used for connecting the speakers to the consoles is very inexpensive.
How loud is my stereo system of choice?
Although the maximum volume of a stereo system depends on more factors than wattage, you can usually get a good idea of the loudness of a system from the power input. In other words, if you want a stereo loud enough to blow the house down, you’re going to need a lot of juice. For example, our fourth option from Rockville hosts a 1000-watt subwoofer, so you can rest assured that it’s a good pick for parties.
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