Micro systems: Features explained
Tuner
Many systems now come with a digital DAB tuner
All the systems have a conventional FM tuner and most also receive Medium Wave (MW) too, but over half also come equipped with a digital DAB tuner giving you access to a whole of digital radio stations.
Record radio
Some models with DAB radio come with a memory buffer, so that radio programmes can be paused and rewound. Some also have a slot for an SD memory card so you can record (and play back) DAB radio recordings.
Cassette deck
It may be old technology but a few still come with this – some are poor performers though.
Speakers
Connect your MP3 player via USB
All the systems came supplied with speakers but you can often get better sound quality by upgrading. Some models have built-in speakers so this isn't always possible.
USB
This is a type of socket usually found on a computer. Some micro hi-fi systems have USB slots on the front that allow MP3 or WMA files to played from (or recorded to) a separate MP3 player or memory stick.
Memory stick
Many portable devices use SD memory cards
A type of memory card that can plug into other devices such as MP3 players or mobile phones.
SD memory card
An alternative type of memory card used by an assortment of portable devices.
MP3/WMA
These are different types of 'compressed' music file where some digital data is thrown away to keep them small, but which does impact on quality.