The term
shelf stereo refers to any home
stereo system that is small enough for placement on a shelf or other similar location. Shelf stereo systems are becoming more popular as their capabilities increase while their size decreases. In the 2010s, the price of shelf stereo systems are declining and they give consumers a better product for less money. The term may be used to describe systems ranging from a basic,
battery-powered
boombox to a sophisticated, multi-function high-powered receiver and speakers. Shelf stereos are often rated using the
total system power in order to "beef-up" their apparent power.