PLUS
Very good sound for a compact system
Easy to use
Elegant cosmetics

MINUS
On some material, the sound can be slightly strident or cavernous

The iPod is the centre of many listeners' musical universe; so not surprisingly, some form iPod connectivity is becoming de rigeur on all kinds of audio equipment. Pretty well all manufacturers of audio-video receivers have some models with iPod support. And seeing the success that companies like Bose and B&W have had with iPod speaker systems, other audio manufacturers are launching similar products.

One of these is Yamaha. In addition to a built-in iPhone-compatible dock, its TSX-130 audio system has a CD player, FM tuner and USB connector for attaching a thumb drive. The TSX-130 sells for $499, and will play MP3 and WMA tracks (but not Apple's AAC format) stored on a CD or USB drive. At $379, the TSX-120 is similar, except for its lack of CD player and USB port. Both models have dual-alarm clock functions.

Like the TSX-120, the TSX-130 employs an 8cm full-range speaker for each stereo channel, powered by a 2x15-watt amplifier. The systems are available in two finishes. One version has a dark oak top and black front and sides, while the other has a light maple top and white front and sides. Both look very elegant.

Put your iPhone or iPod in the cradle on the top surface, and the system will charge the battery while it plays tunes. You can navigate the player's menus using the iPod's own controls, control buttons on the top surface of the audio system, or with the supplied remote control. Using the Yamaha's controls isn't as speedy at scrolling through a big library as swiping the player's screen or rotating its scroll wheel. But it certainly works well. On both the remote and the main component, the function of all buttons is very clear. Unless you missed the 20th century entirely, you probably won't need the manual.

The big question about an audio component is, how does it sound? This Yamaha system sounds very, very good for what it is: a compact desktop system. You can't expect really deep bass, but mid and upper bass are good with good impact and no boom. The mids are generally very natural, and highs clear without sounding screechy. As long as you don't go overboard with the volume, the system will play without any signs of distortion or distress. It can certainly play loud enough to fill a small room with sound. Of course, you can't expect a realistic stereo image from a desktop sound system.

In my listening tests, I noticed a touch of stridency in "Fallen Leaves" by Toronto rockers Billy Talent; but otherwise the compact system delivered lots of volume and impact, and no signs of distress, filling a small room with sound. Moving to the sublime, on a recording of J.S. Bach keyboard concertos, Murray Perahia's piano had lots of sparkle and sounded natural. On a recording of Debussy's impressionist masterpiece, La Mer, played by the Berlin Philharmonic, orchestral textures were commendably transparent, though there was a slightly cavernous character in the upper bass.

If you're looking for an attractively styled, versatile, good-sounding iPod sound system for bedroom, study or other small space, the Yamaha TSX-130 (or TSX-120 if you don't need CD and USB capability) will fill the bill beautifully.

Article Tags:  system, audio, player, yamaha, compact, desktop, component, remote, ipod, iphone, using, controls,