Compare prices on home audio equipment on Ciao
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Technika MC-208 Vertical CD micro system with iPod Dock from £49.97
Best for a budget
A stylish audio system doesn't have to cost a fortune. If you're on a tight budget or just want a mini hi-fi for a spare room, there are plenty of home systems for under £100 that look the business.
Never underestimate what a simple MP3 docking station can do for you. Small and subtle, this will give your bedside table a new lease of life and allow you to enjoy your tunes while you chill.
Alternatively, if you prefer to be able to fall back on your CD catalogue, check out the Technika MC-208 Vertical CD micro system. Its flat design wouldn't look amiss on a desk or worktop, and for under £50 you can't quibble with the fact you get an iPod Dock thrown in to boot.
Green Sounds
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Roberts Solar DAB radio from £67.28
Looking to cut down on your electricity bill and do your bit for the environment? Then this is the solution for you. If you thought the wind-up radio was a stroke of genius, check out the Roberts Solar DAB. It's a must-have for eco-conscious music bods. The world's first solar-powered DAB is not only compact, but has a solar panel on the top of the unit which uses sunlight to recharge its in-built battery for up to 27 hours playback. Available in a range of bold colours, you have lots of opportunity to match this portable radio with the décor in your home.
Retro appeal
Vintage addicts needn't trudge around car boots and antique shops looking for a scuffed bakelite model. There are some gorgeous retro radios out there from the likes of Bush and Roberts. As well as being über-cool, with a convincing nod to the 1950s, these quirky radios also come with DAB on top of FM for a clear, crisp sound.
Portable picks
There are some wonderful portable multimedia players available, letting you immerse yourself into your music while you're on the move. But MP3 players don't have to be all about the iPod. Even the most hardcore music addict will find it difficult to fill the whopping 120GB worth of memory space available with the Microsoft Zune, capable of holding up to 30,000 songs, 25,000 pictures or 375 hours of video. Sadly not yet available in the UK, this is one you'll either have to wait for, or get when you're next on holiday in the US.
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Edifier MP300 Plus 2.1 Speakers from £49.99
Concerned your portable speakers aren't doing your tunes justice? With its slim 9W subwoofer and compact but punchy satellite speakers, the Edifier MP300 will give you the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome sound even if you don't have a lot of room. As it offers punchy bass and distortion-free treble, it's also perfect for giving an extra dimension to sound if you're listening to music on your laptop or home computer.
Ready for digital
Without digital radio you're missing out on a whole host of radio stations you wouldn't receive on an analogue radio, not to mention better reception minus the annoying hiss and crackle you might get on FM or MW. Pure Digital has a wide range of portable digital radios offering easy access to a stack of different stations, all with autotune features and a neat scrolling text display.
Did you know it's possible to pick up DAB stations while you're in your car? You don't even need to reinstall your existing stereo or spend a fortune thanks to the Pure Digital Highway In-Car DAB. With a nifty flexible mount it's possible to attach this device to your car windscreen, just like a sat nav.
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Goodmans Wall mountable CD/FM Micro system from £67.99
Space savers
You wouldn't think twice about mounting your flatscreen TV on your wall, so it seems an awful shame to need shelf space for your stereo. Goodmans have come up trumps with their wall-mountable Micro 1467 I Audio Home System. With a vertical motorised CD door and a neat little compartment for your iPod, it would look fantastic hanging pride of place in your living room.
Alternatively, if you'd rather make a whole wall feature of your stereo then the iLuv I 9200 Vertical should turn a few heads. With four CDs, an iPod dock, 40w speakers and a prominent digital display, its glossy black finish and chrome trims will be sure to please gadget lovers with a style conscience.
