STK SMC Stereo Boombox review

The STK SMC Stereo Boombox is a dock with lots of features including a graphic EQ Tested at £100

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Slick design and some neat features can only get you so far: this dock just doesn’t sound good enough to be a contender

Pros

  • +

    Loads of features including a temperature gauge

Cons

  • -

    Poor sound

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The compact SMC Stereo Boombox from STK, best known for its mobile phone accessories, is dominated by a large, comprehensive display.

As well as clearly displaying your choice of source – iPhone/iPod dock, FM radio or 3.5mm input – it doubles as digital clock, a pretty cool graphic EQ or – wait for it – a temperature gauge. Yep.

There are touch controls on the top and also a standard compact remote.

We like the design, but the same can’t be said for the sound. There’s some decent competition around and this dock just can’t punch in its class. Gem Club’s I Heard the Party sounds closed, and voices muffled.

Switch on the ‘3D sound’ mode and some treble appears but sounds snappy and lacks detail. The STK is simply outclassed by other similar products out there – even with its temperature gauge…

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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