Speaker dock reviews

The following models scored the best results in our test 

The tested speaker docks can be used with most iPods (Apple's MP3 player), however, some early models may not fit. All docks except the Bose have an auxiliary input jack so you can connect other sound input sources such as a CD player, radio, computer or another brand of MP3 player.

Without an auxiliary line input, the Bose can be used only with an iPod. We think this is pretty limiting, especially as this model cost a fair bit more than the others in our test. It scored well overall but because of this limitation we’ve excluded it from the What to buy list (below).

The XtremeMac performed best in the test. The Teac scored lower for sound quality but is cheaper to buy.

About our test

The XtremeMac dock was the only one that our expert panel thought produced enough bass for dance music. It scored 73% for sound quality overall, whereas the others ranged from 40% to 67%.

Three of the four docks that scored 45% or less for sound quality were among the lightest and smallest in the test. Such low bulk can come at the cost of sound quality. They simply lack the power to fill a larger size room with good quality sound — some started to distort the sound when played at higher volume.

Energy use of the smaller docks in standby mode was generally good, but it can show how underpowered they are. Most only used about double their standby power when playing rock 'n' roll music.

XtremeMac Tango #

Price: $299

Good points

• The only speaker dock in the test that handled all test music without major faults.
• The only dock with enough bass for dance music.

Bad points

• None to mention, unless you’re put off by the white, unusual design.

# This model will be discontinued in June 2008, but may still be available in some stores after then.

Teac SR-Lxi-B #

Price: $199

Good points

• Handles vocal pieces well.
• Includes AM/FM radio.

Bad points

• Some distortion at the very low end. 

Bose SoundDock #

Price: $449

Good points

• Nothing to mention.

Bad points

• The only dock tested that does not have an audio input jack, so you can’t use it with any sound source other than an iPod.  

Logic3 JiveBox MIP100K #

Price: $299

Good points

• The best standby power score of the docks tested.

Bad points

• Nothing in particular.  

EDS SP250 #

Price: $250

Good points

• Handles mid range and top end well.
• Includes AM/FM radio.

Bad points

• Larger dock without carry handles.  

Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 #

Price: $299

Good points

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery as well as mains power.
• Compact, easily portable.
• Two-year warranty.
• Includes FM radio.

Bad points

• Some distortion at higher volumes.

Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere #

Price: $230

Good points

 Rechargeable lithium-ion battery as well as mains power.

• Compact, easily portable.
• Two-year warranty.

Bad points

• Lacking in dynamic range.
• Distorts at higher volumes.
• Not capable of a very high volume.  

Cyruslink Link Dock #

Price: $150

Good points

•  Compact, easily portable.

Bad points

• Lacking in power.
• Some distortion at higher volumes.
• Poor bass response.

JBL on stage III #

Price: $330

Good points

 Compact, easily portable.

• Can run on batteries (6 x AA)

Bad points

• Lacking in power.
• Some distortion at higher volumes.
• Poor bass response.

# Discontinued, but may still be available in some stores.

Philips Docking Entertainment System AZ1330D #

Price: $210

Good points

• Can run on batteries (6 x D cell).
• Includes CD player and FM radio.
• Carry handle.

Bad points

• Sounds thin and lacks warmth.
• Poor bass response.

# Discontinued, but may still be available in some stores.

When choosing a speaker dock, the following features can be worth looking for. (Note, the results table includes some of these features.)

Auxiliary input line

This is an analogue input that connects a DVD, portable CD, computer or tape player. All the docks tested, except Bose, have an auxiliary input line. Some of the docks also come with a 3.5mm lead, such as the Teac, EDS, JBL and Philips.

Rechargeable dock

To play music outside, or wherever there’s no mains power, the speaker dock needs to be able to run on battery power. The Altec Lansing and Logitech have an internal, rechargeable battery. Two of the other docks tested can run on batteries you supply — the JBL and Philips take AA and D cells respectively. The Philips needs six batteries, which increases its weight considerably.

Recharge while docked

This feature means you can recharge your MP3 player while you play music, so you don’t need to attach it to a PC via a USB cable or buy a separate iPod charging dock.

Special effects abilities

Some of the tested docks have special features, such as a stereo field enhancer on the Altec Lansing, stereo widening effect on the Logitech or bass booster on the Philips.

Portability

This is important if you want to take the speaker dock with you on holidays, to picnics or the like. The smaller and lighter the dock, the higher the portability. Carry handles are useful too.

We consider four of the tested docks to be highly portable: the Altec Lansing, Logitech, Cyruslink and JBL.

Remote control

Well-spaced keys and clear and intuitive labelling make a speaker dock easier to use. All the tested models have one.