After textbooks and stationary supplies, a stereo music system may be the most important back-to-school purchase. Stereo systems come in different styles and prices, including iPod docks, mini and micro systems and shelf systems. I've put together my top pick list of the best-sounding, most affordable, name-brand stereo systems for college dorm rooms. Click on the 'Compare Prices' links to find the most competitive prices.
1. Best Value - Yamaha PDX-30 Portable Player Dock
Yamaha
The Yamaha PDX-30 is a compact system for music fans that want to enjoy high-quality sound from their iPod or iPhone. The PDX-30 has two 3 ¼" speakers powered by a Yamaha digital amplifier for dynamic bass response and comes with a card-type remote control. It's great sounding, affordable and available in four colors -- black, blue, gray and pink. Its small size makes it ideal for a dorm room, where space may be limited.
2. New Style and Great Price - Sony MCH-EC69i Mini System
Sony
The Sony Mini System is a complete stereo system, with 100 watts of power and two 2-way bass reflex speakers, a CD player and an AM/FM tuner with 30 preset stations. The CD player will also play CD-R and CD-RW discs. The system includes an iPod dock that can be controlled with the Sony remote control. It has an audio-in jack to connect portable music players and PCs and other audio components to the stereo system.
3. Space Saving System - Onkyo CS-325 CD-Receiver Shelf System
Onkyo
The Onkyo CS-325 CD Receiver is a space-saving shelf system with two 2-way bass reflex speakers, an AM/FM receiver with 40 preset stations and a built-in CD player. The receiver has 14 watts per channel and is powered by Onkyo's WRAT Wide Range Amplifier Technology for wideband frequency response. It also has a subwoofer output. The receiver has two additional audio inputs for connecting external audio devices, a headphone jack for private listening and a system remote control.
4. Best Sound Quality - Denon D-M37 AM/FM/CD Player Micro System
Denon
The Denon D-M37 system includes an AM/FM stereo receiver with a built-in CD player with 30 watts per channel. The system has audiophile features, including precision digital-to-analog converters and speakers designed with extended frequency response for the best sound quality. An optional iPod dock is available, and the receiver has a USB port for connecting a portable music player. The Denon system is available with a black receiver and speakers or a silver receiver with wood-tone finished speakers.
5. Great Value with Clock Radio - JVC UX-G200 Micro Component System
JVC
The JVC UX-G200 is a micro system that has an AM/FM tuner with 10 AM and 20 FM presets, a single disc CD player and two stereo bass reflex speakers. This stylish system has a front panel USB port for connecting a digital music player and a front panel clock with alarm and sleep timer, a great feature for college students. The system includes a remote control.