Sony RDP-X500IP

Sony RDP-X500IP Personal Audio Docking System

Sony hasn't made a splash with a high-end iPod dock thus far, but the new RDP-X500IP Personal Audio Docking System changes that. This $299.95 (direct) speaker dock looks and sounds great, considering its size and price. Whereas past Sony products, like the RDP-XF100iP ($249.95, 3.5 stars) suffered from bass distortion at high volumes, the RDP-X500IP pumps out tremendous, thunderous bass response that remains very clear. Sony has also emulated the competition's features; like Altec Lansing's Octiv 650 ($199.95, 4 stars), the system comes with a free alarm clock app for your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. A couple of design flaws keep the RDP-X500IP from true greatness, but overall, this system delivers in the sound department. Design and FeaturesLike two recent Editors' Choice speakers, the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air ($599.95, 4 stars) and the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker ($299.95, 4 stars), the RDP-X500IP is wearing the required speaker dock uniform—black cloth speaker grilles and silver-colored metallic accents.