Yamaha PDX-30 review

When it comes to looks and performance, this Yamaha dock does it big and bold Tested at £130.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you like big, bold looks and big, bold sound, this Yamaha's a perfect fit

Pros

  • +

    Sturdily built

  • +

    choice of colours

  • +

    big, bold sound

  • +

    happy to go loud (ish)

Cons

  • -

    Sacrifices midrange resolution in favour of prodigious bass

  • -

    restrained at the top end

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The world'd not short of iPod dock systems, but your choice is severely curtailed if you fancy a pink one. Or blue, for that matter. The Yamaha PDX-30 comes in both these finishes, as well as black and the grey we're testing here.

It feels sturdy, and comes with a useful credit-card-sized remote. As well as iPods, it works with all iPhones.

With a lossless file of The XX's VCR playing, the PDX-30 wastes no time in establishing its credentials. It's solidly punchy and produces a remarkably large-scale sound for a product of this size, happily attacking the low frequencies.

Midrange is a touch recessed
Such assertiveness is at the expense of the midrange, though, where voices can retreat to the rear of the soundstage.

Things are a touch reticent at the top-end, too, where the Yamaha rolls off the highest of the treble information. This results in a sound that's either enjoyably refined or frustratingly curtailed, depending on your preferences.

There's no doubting the PDX-30's overall competence, though. It's one for the shortlist.

See our review of the Yamaha PDX-50

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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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