Yamaha MCR-042 Bookshelf Micro Component System, Orange

The Yamaha MCR-042 Bookshelf Micro Component System (Orange) is an All-in-One unit that can serve as a bedside alarm clock or as a stereo system in your kitchen, conservatory or anywhere you'd like to hear music. It has pretty much everything you need to get you started, with its integrated CD player and DAB+/FM tuner built in. The handy iPod dock on the top lets you plug in and charge your iPod whilst listening to it and all of this can be controlled via the included remote control.

There's a USB port which has a dual purpose - you can either use it to link an iPad to the MCR-042, or use a USB memory stick (MP3 and WMA file formats are supported) and play back music that way. There's even an Aux in if you have anything else you'd like to throw at it! All are handled equally well and for a diminutive system you should enjoy the crisp sounds regardless of what you are listening to.

The MCR-042 is, as well as a music system, an alarm clock. It's fairly easy to set up via the unit itself, however Yamaha have developed an app for the iPhone that allows you to set, control and monitor your alarms through the touch screen interface of the iPhone (also available for the iPad and iPod Touch!). This gives you far more control and is a nice add on feature that makes the most of the iPhone.

The alarm also features Yamaha's own 'IntelliAlarm' system, an optional system that, rather than launching into a massive sound immediately, gently wakes you with a slow increase in volume over time to ease you into the day.