Give the gift of audio

December 15, 2005

Everybody likes music, so you can almost never go wrong with a sonic-centric gift. That's why we've corralled six home-audio products that are relatively affordable. Each of them is available for less than the price of a standard iPod. In fact, at least two of them--the Tivoli iPal and the Belkin TuneStage--are great gift choices for those who already own an iPod. We also have a great pair of wireless headphones for home-based listening, a cool tabletop satellite radio, an affordable and stylish network audio player, and an ultra-affordable A/V receiver with some surprisingly high-end features.

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Product name	Sony MDR-DS4000	Tivoli Model Satellite (Sirius)	Roku SoundBridge M1001	Belkin TuneStage	Roku SoundBridge M1001

Review date	July 27, 2005	January 21, 2005	March 27, 2006	September 29, 2005	March 27, 2006

Editors' rating (Editors' rating explained)	8.0 Excellent	7.6 Very good	7.7 Very good	7.0 Very good	7.7 Very good

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Review summary	The Sony MDR-DS4000s are simply the quietest and best-sounding wireless headphones we've tested to date.	The world's first Sirius satellite table radio also offers AM and FM radio, as well as enviable sound, style, and connectivity.	Striking looks, easy setup, and great file compatibility make the Roku SoundBridge M1001 a solid option for streaming digital audio and Internet radio to your home stereo.	The Belkin TuneStage makes it easy to play back your iPod's music over your home stereo.	Striking looks, easy setup, and great file compatibility make the Roku SoundBridge M1001 a solid option for streaming digital audio and Internet radio to your home stereo.

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Basic Specs
	• Surround Sound • Headphones - Binaural • Ear-cup Full specifications	• 3.7 lbs • Stereo • Sirius satellite/AM/FM radio • 8.4 in x 5.2 in x 4.5 in • Remote control - Infrared Full specifications	• Stereo • Remote control • Network audio player • Audio line-out , Network , SPDIF output • WMA , FLAC , WAV , Ogg Vorbis , AIFF , MP3 , AAC • Remote control - Infrared Full specifications	Full specifications	• Stereo • Remote control • Network audio player • Audio line-out , Network , SPDIF output • WMA , FLAC , WAV , Ogg Vorbis , AIFF , MP3 , AAC • Remote control - Infrared Full specifications