Unlike here in Canada, really small speakers are available in Europe from dozens of manufacturers, domestic and imported. If you drop in to any ‘Richer Sounds’ store in the UK you will find whole walls of them. Even their floor standers are compact by our standards. the auto-play of cds as soon as you insert them means you can sit down without waiting for the disc to cue and then press the play button. There are, of course, other very good compact speakers around, and certainly some quite highly regarded candidates by Proac and Harbeth that would challenge the little Spektors. But on a price versus performance basis there is really no contest. Invoking those brands in my comparisons should let the reader know that I take these baby DALIs seriously. You even get colour choices.

Channeling 2 x 50W of power per channel, inputs and outputs can be found on the rear. Connections include RCA line-in, sub-out, external IR, 3.5mm aux, optical-in, USB charge port and speaker terminals with a Bluetooth receiver extending out. There’s also an on/off switch for disconnecting the BT II from the mains. Bluetooth is of the aptX variety. Software developments have also created a more user-friendly operation particularly in multi-room environments or where commercial applications limit operation via the remote control.There’s a single pre output for a subwoofer and a USB-A port for charging a phone or running a USB-powered device. As well as its ability to power on and off automatically, Tangent has gone to considerable lengths to ensure that the Ampster can be controlled when not in line of sight. An IR extension cable is bundled and can be attached to the rear and will automatically power up when it detects an incoming signal on the Aux input.

The Tuner II is a radio with access to FM/DAB/DAB+ stations. The Tuner has a discrete antenna, which is detachable to allow you to connect an external antenna. In the mid 1990s an array of mini-systems were still available in the shops. I lived in the UK for a couple of years during that period and if you went into a Dixon’s (something like Best Buy here), they were everywhere to be seen. The CDR can be stored in the caddy with the original CD. I just labelled mine “ DSOTM single file version” Job done.The unified remote also controls the CD II player (yes, if you buy the Ampster and CD II, you’ll have two identical remotes) and all the standard buttons are there, including the eject button which pushes the CD out for removal. Fortunately the compact disc will not emerge until the eject button is pressed. This is unlike automobile CD players that often eject the CD after it has played and maybe not at an opportune moment. The CD Box S3 is the first product of Pro-Ject’s new S3 line. Not only is the circuit design reworked, the case has also been significantly changed and the CD Box S3 introduces a completely new S3 size. Besides the new full aluminium casework, the CD Box S3 also features a 1,54“ display with colour inversion function which shows you all relevant information you need to enjoy your favourite CDs. Easily control the CD player with the buttons on the front, or with the supplied remote control. I strapped everything together and set the units up on an equipment table (see photo). I placed the speakers flat on the equipment stand about 4.5 feet apart and at knee high level. From a purist’s viewpoint this is not ideal, but it is a mini-system after all and many potential owners will set it up this way – for example in a student’s dormitory, or in a bedroom system or an office. Some compromises are often going to be necessary. At 70 x 194 x 195mm (HWD), the Ampster BT II is a diminutive amplifier. There’s obviously the size of the accompanying speakers to take into account, but a compact bookshelf speaker would do the job here.

High quality components are used by Danish company, tangent, to deliver a smooth and detailed sound. The robust slot-load mechanism uses fewer moving parts than a draw system, giving improved reliability. Tangent’s CD II is a multi-format disc player that’s compatible with “all current CD formats” (including home made MP3 files) and with both digital optical and regular line-outputs.High-Quality Sound: The Tangent CD Player II is meticulously crafted with premium components and advanced digital technology, ensuring an unparalleled sound experience. From crystal-clear highs to deep, rich bass, it elevates your music to new heights. Since its launch in late 2018, the Ampster BT II has proven to be very popular. It’s a compact mini-stereo amplifier that can be used within a larger, modular hi-fi system if you include the CD II and Tuner II, both of which are available separately.

The front panel is simple and uncluttered, with a row of LED indicators in the centre for Bluetooth, CD optical, tuner line-in and aux inputs. To the right of these is a dial for changing the volume or switching inputs. Remote Control: Navigate your music library with ease and adjust settings from anywhere in the room with the included remote control, adding convenience to your listening experience. While not weighty, the remote feels good in the hand and is big enough not to get lost easily. Button presses are responsive, and despite the number of buttons on the remote, they’re spaced out well – misplaced presses will be few and far between.The supplied remote control doesn’t just operate the CD player, it also controls a full tangent system, including amplifier and tuner – making the full Tangent system every bit as convenient as an all-in-one system. Overall operation of the CD II player was smooth and consistent, and through both the optical output and the RCA outs the sound was a joy to hear. You really cannot ask for much more at this price level. Compact, stylish and sparkling-sounding, the Tangent CD II is the perfect CD player for enjoying your disc collection. Beyond rhythmic capability, the most notable attribute it consistently brings to material is tonal realism. Voices are very impressive. There’s no unnatural emphasis that makes them feel separated from supporting instruments, but they always come across as distinct and the focus of attention. Other standard challenges like piano notes and strings come across well and sound right. The CD II player is also a fine candidate for comment, whether through the optical cable or the RCA outs. It is a dead simple player. Instead of a drawer or tray it has a slot feed that grabs the CD and pulls it into the player and then registers it and begins play. I generally prefer slot loading devices to trays.