Sony RDP-X50iPBLK

Sony RDP-X50iPBLK Speaker Dock for iPod & iPhone

The Sony RDP-X50iP is essentially a less expensive version of the Sony RDP-XF100iP that sacrifices features such as battery operation, FM radio, OLED screen, and EQ. There are a few design tweaks, as well, such as the use of mechanical buttons along the top instead of touch sensitive controls, and the addition of a bass-boost button to make up for the lack of EQ presets. Sonically, both systems use identical components and enclosures to achieve a similar sound (accounting for differences in the integrated EQ). If you can spare the extra $50, we recommend buying the RDP-XF100iP over this model, for its added features and portable flexibility. The following review is a modified and abbreviated version of our review for the Sony RDP-XF100iP. The Sony RDP-X50iP speaker dock may not have the catchiest name, but its sound is unmistakable. Compared with other compact systems we've tested in this price range ($199), this little Sony speaker dock packs a low-frequency punch that seems impossible for its size. The RDP-X50iP has all the hallmarks of a Sony product. The design is clean, modern, and restrained, using a mix of high-gloss black plastic across the top, matte black plastic around the back, and a satin-finish metal speaker grille on the front.