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At Abt, we carry a variety of Mini-Systems for all of music
lovers. When shopping for a Mini-System, be sure to know what size system
you want. Also be aware of any special features you might be interested
in. We have created a Glossary to help with questions you might have on
many Mini-System features. For any other information needed or missing
you can always contact our knowledgeable sales staff.
Nowadays, many people are turning toward mini-systems to
provide them with the highest quality sound when viewing movies or watching
television. When shopping for a Mini-System, be aware that many mini-systems
aren't so "mini" anymore. Some systems come with a complete surround sound
package including Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic and DTS. These systems
also include five to six speakers including subwoofers for deep bass.
You should be aware that Mini-Systems come in different
sizes and each size is classified differently. The different classifications
are bookshelf, floor-standing/tower, wall/ceiling-mounted, a multi-speaker
home-theater package. Each manufacturer will refer to the size of a mini-system
differently.
are small
yet pack great sound. These systems are also lightweight and can actually
sit on a bookshelf. Speaker sizes vary on each model as well as special
features. Bookshelf systems can also be classified as compact mini-systems.
are
larger systems that can be placed on the floor. The speakers often come
with stands to compliment the receiver unit of the system. Features for
floorstanding systems vary per model.
can actually be hung on a wall or ceiling.The speakers and output vary
on each model as well as special features. These systems are used to save
space and are available for customers who want a more modern look to their
audio equipment.
bring theater sound into your home. Most systems include
Dolby digital or DTS sound. These systems are used for theater entertainment
at home. Multi-speaker systems come with 6 to 7 speakers, usually one
of those speakers being a subwoofer. The wattage per speaker varies per
model. These systems are great for surround sound and for any one who
likes really loud music.
include detachable
speakers, weather it be two or seven speakers no mini-system comes with
attached speakers.
include
Mini-Disc players and are also CD recorders. These are just some features
you might want to consider when purchasing a Mini-System.
Unfortunately, CD-R discs are non-erasable. Once recorded, a CD-R disc
can be played back on any conventional CD player.
This allows a user to sing along with special cassettes or compact discs.
Such discs typically have vocals on one track and instrumentals on another.
By selecting the music-only track and plugging in a microphone, the user
can add his or her voice in place of the original.
In systems with multiple cassette decks, this feature will automatically
play the next cassette once the first cassette is finished.
Most CD and mini-disc components offer basic track programming. With this
feature, you can make your own playlist by programming the sequence of
tracks to be played back from a single disc or multiple discs.
A compact disc changer that can store and play back multiple discs. These
are loaded via a magazine cartridge into which the CDs are placed. Discs
can be permanently stored in these magazines and the cartridges usually
can be used with compatible car-audio CD changers. There are also Mini-Systems
on the market that play multiple CDs but load via a carousel type mechanism
for easier access to the discs.
The system that includes surround-sound capabilities and audio/video inputs
are useful for home-theater use. A/V inputs are handy for connecting various
video devices (one or more VCRs, videodisc player, DVD deck, etc.) to
the main system, and use it to select which source to view via the television's
corresponding input. This is a good feature if your TV set includes only
one set of audio/video inputs and you own more than one external video
source.
Some players offer "virtual" surround sound, which manipulates standard
2-channel audio to add depth and separation. This is a great feature for
those without six surround speakers or a 6-Channel Decoder (Dolby Digital
or DTS).
This is the number of discs a Mini-System is capable of holding at one
time. Most Mini-Systems can hold 1, 3, or 5 discs but others can go up
to 50.
Since cassettes can be noisy on their own, tape decks usually include
some level of Dolby noise reduction to decrease the background "hiss".
Dolby B reduces background noise by 10 dB, but it is the oldest, least
efficient noise reduction system. Dolby C and Dolby S are the newer, better
noise reduction systems.
This is a form of signal processing during recording that prevents self-biasing
of the signal.
This refers to the number of discs the Mini-System is capable of holding
at once. Most Mini-Systems can hold 1, 3, or 5 CDs.
This refers to the number of cones that are used in each of the two main
speakers. Full-Range speakers use one cone.
At Abt, our Mini-System brands include Sony, Panasonic, Bose, Denon, JVC,
Nakamichi, Onkyo, and Yamaha.
Equalizer (EQ) presets slightly alter the amount of bass and treble in
the music to give a customized sound. EQ presets can always be turned
off.
These are electronic controls (commonly referred to as "feather touch"
controls) that endure less wear because the functions (play, fast forward,
etc.) are initiated electronically.
Music scan is a feature on some cassette decks that will automatically
locate the beginning of a song when you're fast-forwarding and rewinding.
This feature enables a user to change the discs that are not playing without
interrupting the one in play mode.
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