Audiophiles wanting big sound in small spaces often find themselves in something of a bind.Component systems are engineered to fill large rooms but compact all-in-one units underwhelm anyone wanting an A-grade audio experience.

So when specialist NAD introduces an integrated system, it comes with unavoidably high expectations. Of course, there's also a price tag that'll rock mainstream buyers onto their heels - for the $1700-odd of the Viso Five you can pick up a complete "home theatre in a box" 5.1 surround sound system with a Blu-ray player. However, we can assure you that the sound quality won't be a patch on what the Viso Five delivers. The Viso range is NAD's nod to modern lifestyles where space is at a premium.

The CD-DVD player upscales to 1080i and also supports DiVX video playback, with MP3 support on the audio side and a full complement of connectors including one for NAD's optional iPod dock.

The surround sound processor has five channels at 45 watts apiece but is also very effective at simulating surround effects through just two speakers to create a wide, deep and immersive sound field. Buyers will need to partner the Viso Five with a suitable pair of speakers tailored for their room as well as their taste in music and video. We'd expect the Five would most often be matched to mid-sized bookshelf speakers.

Add a flat-screen panel and you've got a sophisticated AV system.The Viso's soundscape is sharp without being brittle or too cold. It's a textured richness. Think of it as "primo grade" gelato for the ears and you won't be far wrong.

And while NAD equipment is customarily styled for function more than flair, the Viso Five sports a modern sculpted look (so much so that it won a Red Dot international design award) matched with NAD's reassuringly solid engineered-to-last feel.