Speaker docks review

03.Product profiles

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.