Yamaha PDX-50 review

It's still a great product, but close rivals have pipped it the the post as far as we're concerned Tested at £200.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

It's still a worthy product, but close rivals have gained the edge

Pros

  • +

    Lossless wireless transmission

  • +

    great sound for a dock

  • +

    sensibly small transmitter

Cons

  • -

    Bass is a touch detached

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We bestowed our ‘Best Dock System £100-£300' Award on Yamaha's PDX-50 only three months ago, so its reduction to four-star status will surprise many.

Luckily, we can reassure any owners that the PDX-50, in some ways, remains among the best dock systems around this price.

It's certainly the most convenient to use. The bulk of other docks in this price bracket include remote controls of varying quality, but the Yamaha transforms your iPod itself into a remote control: attach the little transmitter to the bottom of your player and it sends music wirelessly to the dock.

It's a stable, elegant solution and, for us, it makes the PDX-50 one of the most desirable shop-floor propositions around.

Sonically, though, the Yamaha's exposed by leading rivals. It offers good scale, energy and drive. But a slightly detached bass and relatively flimsy treble are apparent alongside competitors such as B&W's Zeppelin Mini and the Bose SoundDock II.

Of course, some of these are more expensive and don't have the Yamaha's winningly wireless configuration: if those factors sway you, you'll find the PDX-50 a gregarious companion.

But where out-and-out sound quality is concerned, there are very serious alternatives.

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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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