High quality sound is something all music lovers want to have when it comes to audio equipment. Not only that, it is wanted at a level where performance is not compromised by price. As vinyl gave way to cassette, which gave way to mini disc, then CD, and now to MP3s, sometimes it is difficult to put faith in new technology for a music collection that lasts.

Although some media for music storage remains tried and tested and preferred, its availability is not always guaranteed. A classic example is vinyl. This is no longer available in record superstores, only through specialist outlets. It remains a favourite for real music lovers, but is a huge impracticality for the everyday music listener.

In the advent of the I-pod, the preference for digital versions that can be stored on a hard drive is tantamount to the proverbial sliced bread. There is an array of audio reviews available for digital music technology, and many of them seem to compare themselves to the mighty pod, which has distinctly cornered the music market.

There are alternatives however, and it then becomes more of a question of compatibility and end use. The days where there was a separates system for the living room, a midi player for the kitchen and a walkman for the morning jog are long gone. Today, time is taken to invest in one portable drive that contains all the music a rave could shake a glow stick at, and then combine this with additional peripherals. Most people choose to create a definitive playlist on their home computer which can then be transferred to a portable MP3 player. There is a much underrated alternative being used though.

Rather than using the computer, which has a tendency to eat up its own hard drive out of some sort of technical malice, MP3 Hard Drive micro Hi Fi systems are gaining popularity. These eliminate the need for a computer altogether and enable the recording and storage of all the CDs in a music collection. Essentially, once a CD has been popped in and played, it is stored on the hard drive and then can safely be stored from scratches as a master copy of sorts.

These devices, although small are not portable, but do give a high quality play back that may not be got from some MP3 players on the market. However, with the usual array of connectors and cables, these little beauties are also compatible with portable players, so can be used as a high quality amplifier and speaker system for home use from a portable player. To complete the modern day music system, other docking systems can be purchased for other areas of the home.

These docking systems come in all shapes and sizes to suit personality and place. From the cute and cuddly desktop delights in the shape of sheep, bunnies and cows to guitar amp themed and back to traditional sleek speaker sets that would put the design of the Millennium Falcon to shame. Docking systems have built in amplifier and speakers, allowing for a higher quality sound definition.

Thanks to the popularity of the new digital media, acceptable quality playback can be had through phones, MP3 players and other portable storage devices as long as an investment is made in a superior quality amplifier and speaker system.