Sony XDR-S10HDiP HD Radio with Dock for iPod/iPhone Review

Excellent product for something that I wasn't so sure at first. Reading the other reviewer's comments, I was afraid that the giant voltage converter (the "brick") was going to make a lot of noise. But it doesn't and quiet actually. The sound quality was acceptable (the surround sound is a very old feature of Sony, all the way from the 80's). There is an audio in, for your non-iPod gadgetry. It works fine for my iPod Touch and iPod nano (3rd gen). The remote can play playlists. The iTunes tag, a cool feature, is not used often enough by me, since I listen mostly to NPR, not music stations. I do notice the tag light will light up at times (if the station identifies the song at all).

At first I didn't know how to take off the universal dock adapter (supplied), causing a little problem and a nick on the plastic with a sharp surgical blade. There is a little recess at the back of the plastic adapter to take off the whole adapter. The universal adapter does not work for the two iPods I have. And the connector works fine without it.

The reception is generally good for HD Radio. However, I had to use my own radio amplifier to get the best reception. There is a little drop if the signals are not "locked" in (almost like stuttering of human speech, repetitive words here and there if the signals are not strong).

I also like the auto scan feature, reminiscent of most car audio. Other than that, the unit delivers what it promises for a $150 radio. Now there is a 50 bucks off rebate if you buy it right now before the end of Sept 2008. This would bring the price to almost just a $100 for an exceptionally cheap HD radio/ iPod dock charger. Yes, it should work with iPhone 3G, as per other reviewers. And the speakers are shielded, since I can put my Motorola Razor next to it without any problem. No buzzing sound!

Highly recommended for its price (to get the rebate of course). The remote is not lighted, but nobody is going to fault it for its generic design. Have not tested the alarm system, but do NOT think that it is going to be a real alarm clock for you in the morning. There is no Snooze button. Having used a few times of its alarm function, I can tell you that it is better to use your cell phone (like my Razor, which has a snooze button). This is not a real alarm clock. It will wake you up, but not for a lazy guy who hopes to hit the snooze a few times.

Buy this only if 1. you need an ipod charger, compatible with 3G iPhone (my girlfriend's does work!); there are cheaper HD radios out there 2. cannot live without HD radio's promise of multi-cast, like digital TV. Local NPR and classical stations have mutli-cast features, which are very nice. 3. Beautiful black design, which complements any decor. I always like Sony's look and built. Look expensive! 4. Awesome adaptation as a wifi radio, if you happen to own an iPod touch with wifi connection. I listen to Pandora and AOL radio on the net, using this unit.

Don't buy this if you 1. expect HD radio exceeds your audio expectations and needs. The quality of HD radio is not that much better. My stereo system pumps out excellent analog radio sounds, similar to this unit 2. expect this to replace a real clock radio. No snooze button. 3. no audio outs or a headphone jack. Why???!!! Every radio needs an audio out. But this doesn't.


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