Sony AIR-S20PK review

This wireless music system delivers multi-room in simple style Tested at £250.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

As long as you don’t expect the world sonically, this system delivers multiroom in simple style on a budget

Pros

  • +

    Smart build

  • +

    simple to connect and use

  • +

    wireless music in three rooms

  • +

    stereo output from main unit

  • +

    FM/AM radio

Cons

  • -

    Sound quality is a little lacklustre

  • -

    no DAB radio

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This isn't the first time Sony has tried its hand at wireless music systems. Its Gigajuke range didn't quite hit the mark, so now it's over to the Sony AIR-SA20PK to take up the multiroom music baton.

There are three boxes in all, each of which needs mains power. A slimline iPod dock and wireless transmitter box is the most crucial component, which is joined by two wireless receiver music systems.

The main dock unit has a headphone connection, stereo output for connecting straight to an amplifier – giving three rooms of music alongside the receiver systems – and a composite video output for watching iPod video content on a TV.

Strictly iPod for your music
There's no hard disk or CD drive, so we're talking strictly iPod for your music. Plug in the receiver systems and instantly they sniff out our iPod's tunes.

Each also boasts FM/AM tuners, though no DAB, allowing you to listen to the radio on one unit while listening to your iPod on the other.

There's a remote for each box giving you full functionality on the main dock, or volume and skip track/station on the wireless systems.

Sound is good but not perfect
The receiver systems' sound is satisfactory-to-good in sub-£100 iPod dock category, but not much better than that. Bass is a little boomy, detail could be better and there's a lack of overall finesse.

But there is scale and solidity, as well as a fairly even tonal balance.

The Sony AIR-SA20PK remains a fine-value product, representing a simple and versatile wireless multiroom system available online for just over £200.

If only sound quality was a little stronger, this would have taken all five stars.

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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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