Aura's new Note Premier is a well-specified all-in-one system. Alongside traditional sources such as CD and FM/MW tuner there's the now-essential iPod connection, plus a USB input to accept digital audio from a PC.

Style is a matter of taste

The main unit's build quality is pleasingly sturdy, though we have mixed feelings over the styling. Not all of us were bowled over by the extensive use of chrome, or its ability to pick-up fingerprints.

While we're complaining, the remote handset could be better laid-out, too.

Still, this is a good-sounding system. With CD it sounds fast, detailed and articulate: it does a fine job in unravelling Massive Attack's Heligoland.

Sure, greater dynamic expression would be nice, as would a higher level of transparency, but for a system in this class the Aura covers most sonic bases pretty well.

The FM/MW tuner section is a good one, providing you can get a decent signal to it. Sound is nicely full-bodied, and smooth without being dull.

Still, using the USB input to accept a digital signal from a laptop is worthwhile, while the iPod connection is equally useful.

The Note Premier comes with an iPod cable as standard.

All in all this Aura is a decent little hi-fi system.