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The Como Audio Musica represents one of the most feature-complete all-in-one music systems ever created, combining premium build quality with comprehensive connectivity options. This compact bookshelf system packs a CD player, wireless streaming, multi-room capability, and retro aesthetics into a single package that originally retailed for $599-$649.
However, before diving into this review, there’s critical information potential buyers need to know: Como Audio closed operations in March 2023, leaving customers without warranty support, software updates, or official customer service. Despite this closure, existing units continue to function, creating a complex purchasing decision for audio enthusiasts.
After extensive testing and research, the Como Audio Musica is the best all-in-one system for CD collectors who value retro aesthetics and are willing to accept the risks of purchasing from a closed company. The sound quality and build materials remain exceptional, but the lack of support creates significant ownership concerns.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll analyze everything from the Musica’s construction and sound performance to its connectivity options and long-term viability as a purchase in today’s market. I’ve also researched alternative options from currently active companies for comparison.
The Como Audio Musica immediately stands out with its distinctive retro design that pays homage to vintage audio equipment while incorporating modern materials and technology. The cabinet features genuine wood veneer options in walnut or black, wrapped around an MDF core that provides both acoustic benefits and structural integrity.
Measuring approximately 14.5 x 8.5 x 10 inches and weighing around 15 pounds, the Musica occupies substantial desk or shelf space without overwhelming a room. The front panel is dominated by a 3.5-inch color display flanked by physical controls, including a prominent volume knob and several buttons for direct source selection.
The construction quality is evident throughout – from the anodized aluminum control knobs to the slot-loading CD mechanism that feels solid and reliable. The removable grille cloth covers dual speaker drivers, and the overall fit and finish exceed what’s typically found at this price point. Customer photos consistently highlight the premium feel and attention to detail in the craftsmanship.
What’s particularly impressive is how the retro aesthetic doesn’t compromise functionality. The layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled controls and responsive buttons that provide satisfying tactile feedback. This thoughtful design extends to the rear panel where connections are logically arranged and easily accessible.
The Como Audio Musica distinguishes itself in the crowded all-in-one market through an unusually comprehensive feature set that addresses nearly every conceivable audio need. At its core is a 30W per channel Class D amplifier that drives dual speakers consisting of 19mm soft dome tweeters and 3-inch woofers, creating a surprisingly robust soundstage from such a compact enclosure.
The slot-loading CD player supports standard CDs as well as MP3 and WMA discs, making it increasingly rare in today’s streaming-focused market. This feature alone makes the Musica valuable to CD collectors who struggle to find modern systems with optical drives. The CD mechanism is slot-loading rather than tray-based, contributing to the sleek aesthetic while maintaining reliable operation.
Wireless connectivity is equally comprehensive, with dual-band Wi-Fi supporting 802.11 b/g/n networks and Bluetooth 4.0 with aptX support for higher quality streaming. The system includes built-in support for popular streaming services including Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music, alongside internet radio access through vTuner.
Multi-room capability stands out as a key feature, allowing the Musica to connect with other Como Audio devices throughout your home. The system supports both Wi-Fi-based multi-room playback and can be controlled through the Como Control app, which – as of current reports – continues to function despite the company’s closure. This app independence is crucial, as it means core functionality doesn’t rely on company servers.
Voice control integration includes Amazon Alexa functionality, allowing hands-free operation of basic functions and access to Alexa’s full ecosystem. The system also includes a USB input for playback from flash drives, an auxiliary input for wired connections, and an optical digital input for TV connection. For private listening, a headphone jack is conveniently located on the front panel.
The sound quality of the Como Audio Musica is where it truly justifies its premium positioning. The dual speakers produce a remarkably wide soundstage that belies the system’s compact dimensions, with excellent stereo separation and imaging that creates an immersive listening experience.
The 19mm soft dome tweeters deliver crisp, detailed highs without becoming harsh or fatiguing, even at higher volumes. High-frequency reproduction remains clean across various genres, from the delicate strings in classical music to the crisp cymbals in jazz recordings. There’s a sense of air and space to the treble that’s uncommon in systems at this price point.
Midrange performance is particularly impressive, with vocals and instruments occupying the center stage with natural warmth and clarity. The Musica handles complex passages well, maintaining separation between instruments while preserving their individual characters. Whether reproducing intimate acoustic performances or densely arranged rock tracks, the system maintains composure without congesting.
Bass response, while not thunderous, is surprisingly deep and well-defined for the system’s size. The 3-inch woofers produce tight, articulate bass that extends to around 60Hz before rolling off. While there’s no replacement for the visceral impact of a dedicated subwoofer, the Musica’s bass performance is more than adequate for most musical genres and room sizes.
The 30W per channel amplification provides sufficient power for medium-sized rooms, reaching satisfying volumes without noticeable distortion. The Class D amplifier design ensures efficiency while maintaining clean power delivery. Dynamic performance is excellent, with the system capable of sudden volume swings without compression or clipping.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the system’s coherence across the frequency spectrum. There’s a seamless integration between the tweeters and woofers that creates a unified sound signature. This consistency makes the Musica suitable for extended listening sessions without fatigue, regardless of musical preference.
The Como Audio Musica excels in connectivity options, addressing virtually every possible connection scenario with both modern wireless standards and traditional wired inputs. This comprehensive approach ensures compatibility with both current and legacy audio sources.
Wireless connectivity begins with dual-band Wi-Fi that supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, providing flexibility for different home environments. The Bluetooth implementation includes aptX support for higher quality streaming from compatible devices, reducing compression artifacts for better sound quality.
For those seeking audio interfaces with more comprehensive input options, the Musica provides multiple avenues for connection. The USB port supports playback from flash drives with common audio formats, while the 3.5mm auxiliary input accepts connections from virtually any analog source.
The optical digital input enables direct connection from modern TVs, gaming consoles, or other digital sources, bypassing the internal DAC for potentially better sound quality. This feature adds versatility, allowing the Musica to serve as both a music system and TV sound improvement solution.
Headphone users will appreciate the front-facing 3.5mm jack that automatically mutes the speakers when headphones are connected. The output provides sufficient power to drive most headphones adequately, though it’s worth noting that very high-impedance models might not reach their full potential.
Multi-room setup through the Como app remains functional despite the company’s closure, though new users should be aware that this functionality might not be supported indefinitely. The system can connect with other Como Audio products, creating synchronized playback throughout your home or different audio in different rooms.
The most significant consideration for potential buyers is Como Audio’s closure in March 2023. This company status creates a complex purchasing situation that requires careful consideration of both the benefits and risks involved.
Tom DeVesto, the founder of Como Audio and previously of Tivoli Audio, built the company around high-quality, design-focused audio systems. The closure came relatively suddenly, with the company ceasing operations and leaving existing customers without official support channels. This situation means no warranty coverage, no official customer service, and no software updates for the foreseeable future.
However, based on community reports and user experiences, core functionality remains intact. The app continues to work, streaming services maintain connectivity, and all hardware functions as designed. This resilience suggests that the Musica’s essential features don’t depend heavily on company servers, providing some reassurance about continued operation.
The community that has formed around Como Audio products provides some informal support through forums and social media groups. These resources can be valuable for troubleshooting and sharing experiences, though they don’t replace official support channels.
For understanding audio equipment from defunct companies, the Musica represents an interesting case study. Its use of standard components and open protocols for streaming suggests that basic functionality should remain reliable for the foreseeable future, though advanced features might eventually become unsupported.
Evaluating the Como Audio Musica’s value proposition requires consideration of both its original market positioning and its current status as a product from a defunct company. At its original retail price of $599-$649, the Musica offered fair value considering its premium materials, comprehensive features, and excellent sound quality.
In today’s market, the situation is more complex. Remaining inventory can sometimes be found at significant discounts, potentially offering good value for risk-tolerant buyers. However, the lack of warranty support and uncertain long-term software support creates a significant value penalty that must be factored into any purchase decision.
When compared to currently available alternatives from active companies, the Musica holds up well in terms of sound quality and features. Systems like the Roberts Stream 67 offer similar functionality with the benefit of ongoing support, while premium options like the Ruark R5 provide superior build and sound quality at a higher price point.
The Musica’s unique selling proposition remains its combination of retro aesthetics, comprehensive features, and the increasingly rare inclusion of a CD player. For buyers who prioritize these specific elements and are willing to accept the ownership risks, the Musica can represent reasonable value, especially if purchased at a discount from original retail pricing.
The Como Audio Musica is an exceptional all-in-one audio system that delivers on its promises of premium sound quality, comprehensive features, and distinctive design. The retro aesthetic appeals to those who appreciate vintage-inspired audio equipment, while the modern connectivity ensures compatibility with current listening habits and technologies.
However, the company’s closure creates significant purchasing considerations that cannot be ignored. The lack of warranty support, uncertain future software updates, and limited repair options represent substantial risks that potential buyers must carefully weigh against the system’s strengths.
For CD collectors who value the Musica’s combination of optical disc playback and modern streaming features, and who are comfortable with the ownership risks, the Musica remains one of the best options available. The build quality and sound performance suggest that the hardware should provide reliable service for years to come, even without official support.
Buyers seeking peace of mind and long-term support should consider alternatives from currently active companies like Roberts, Ruark, or Technics. These systems may offer similar functionality with the benefit of ongoing customer support and software updates.
The Como Audio Musica represents a bittersweet chapter in audio history – a brilliantly engineered system that exemplifies innovative design and quality manufacturing, but whose legacy is complicated by the company’s untimely closure. For the right buyer willing to accept the risks, it remains a compelling option in the all-in-one audio system market.
