XtremeMac Tango Audio System for iPod

XtremeMac is no stranger in iPod accessory land, but the company made its first foray into the tabletop audio arena with the Tango. (XtremeMac now also offers an iPod radio alarm clock, the Luna.) Indeed, the Tango looks a bit like a tabletop itself, a design that won't appeal to all users. However, we do have to give XtremeMac credit for coming up with a creative, music-centric product name. Of course, no one wants to tango to poor audio quality. Luckily, the Tango succeeds at offering decent music playback and plenty of bass. At $199.95, this speaker system ain't exactly cheap, so make sure you have all its faults and merits in mind before you go plunking down that credit card.

The XtremeMac Tango isn't ugly per se, but not everyone will like the look--it's rather stark. In fact, it reminds us a lot of the Apple iPod Hi-Fi, and although the Tango has a smaller footprint, it still takes up a decent chunk of tabletop real estate at 14.5x10x5 inches. It's a simple design with a single piece of high-gloss plastic curving over the top to form the supports on the sides. A simple black speaker grille covers the front of the unit, while the rear houses various ports: S-Video, A/V out, auxiliary line-in, and DC power in. On the top of the Tango, you'll find the iPod dock as well as three silver buttons for controlling power and volume. Those and additional controls reside on the included remote.

The included remote has a substantial, high-quality feel to it along with plenty of handy buttons.