Yamaha TSX-130 iPod dock

Quality player?

Tue 16 Jun 2009 // 08:02 UTC

The TSX-130 is compatible with the iPod touch, iPod from 4th Generation (Click Wheel, including iPod classic), iPod nano and iPod mini, iPhone and iPhone 3G. However, you do have to source your own adapter. The unit will also charge all iPods. Again, audio reproduction is strong. An iPod Nano with a bit of Eight Miles High by the Byrds came across with most of the required wispy Californian atmosphere and spiky guitar intact.

USB storage can be used for playback, but there's no audio input

From the remote control, the TSX-130 offers close to full control of the iPod range. The layout mirrors that of the iPod, so Apple owners will feel at home right away – it also has a decent six-metre range and good level of sensitivity.

By default, the main unit's screen shows song number and elapsed time. From the remote, further information can be called up for display such as remaining time, song name, artist name and album name are also available for iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod 5th gen or later, iPod nano and iPhone 3G. However, Yamaha does not guarantee the TSX-130 will display all of these categories, as it is dependent on the iPod software version in use. In tests, we didn’t experience any problems, so just keep your iTunes software up-to-date and your iPod should be OK.

Verdict

Agreed, it isn’t cheap and some movement in the price might be necessary for this dock to make a big splash. However, the TX-130 delivers enough functionality, control, information and sound quality to hold its own and marks an interesting new chapter for Yamaha. ®