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Sony RDP-X50iPBLK Speaker Dock for iPod & iPhone review

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars Very good

CNET Editors' Rating

3.5 stars Very good
  • Overall rating: 7.3
  • Design: 7.0
  • Features: 7.0
  • Performance: 8.0
Review Date:

Average User Rating

0.0 stars No reviews. Write a review

The good: The Sony RDP-X50iP delivers impressively powerful sound for its size and comes with a remote control and iPhone support.

The bad: The buttons on the top are difficult to distinguish. A version with FM radio, rechargeable battery, OLED screen, and EQ sells for only $50 more.

The bottom line: The Sony RDP-X50iP is a powerful iPod/iPhone speaker with a classic design that surprises with its deep low-end sound, but we suggest springing for the better-equipped portable model.

Editors' note: 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 of 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. Total dimensions are 6.5 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 4.75 inches deep.

 

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Quick Specifications

  • Release date10/1/10
  • Product type Speakers
  • Speaker type Portable speaker
  • Amplification type Active
  • Input impedance 4 Ohm

Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series. Full Bio

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