Newer stereos—whether integrated, component, or mini—work on direct current internally. This means that they will work on a transformer without a hitch—and that includes turntables, cassette decks, and CD’s. The one problem will be if you have a digital receiver. The tuning in Israel is on the even numbers, in America on the odd. You can either buy a multi-tuning digital receiver. Speakers receive their power from the stereo and need no transformer.

There are three types of stereo systems: components, mini, and portable. For tax-free import, your stereo can include a turntable or compact disk, cassette player/recorder, receiver (which is a combination pre-amplifier, amplifier, and am/fm radio tuner), and two pairs of speakers—if your amplifier will play both and you bring them in with the stereo. A component system is usually a combination of better quality individual units. All component pieces may be the same brand, or each may be a different brand. They offer the best option for high quality sound.

Sony, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sharp are the most reasonably priced and widely available brands made for export. They are multi-voltage and should be checked before playing to insure that the pin located inside the cabinet is adjusted to 220V for use in Israel. There are matching middle-high level compact discs and cassette decks.

It is possible to find very high-level stereo components in the USA made for 220 volt, so those who demand quality hi-fi sound often buy 110-volt models and use them with a transformer.

A compact disk player is in the same customs category as a turntable, so you can bring either one or the other, not both, on your rights.

Boston Acoustics, Advent, and Infinity all make very good speakers in a wide range of prices are made Since most speakers receive the little power they require from the amplifier, you can shop for them anywhere—not only in 220-volt stores. A great buy is the Bose satellite system, which has multiple pairs of tiny speakers for mounting on the wall and a single sub-woofer which can be placed anywhere in the room.

Though KEF, Wharfdale, and other English speakers are excellent, you may find that prices in Israel are comparable to those in the USA, and less expensive in Europe.

Mini-systems are ½-1/3 size versions of components. They are economical both in terms of cost and in space efficiency. Often a radio tuner, amplifier, cassette deck, and CD come as one piece.

Daewoo, Sanyo, Sharp make units with a variety of features: detachable speakers, double auto-reverse cassette players, equalizers, compact disc (and/or turntable), and am/fm tuners. Some are high quality and reasonably priced.