Yamaha TSX-130BL Desktop Audio System (Black)

• iPod Dock on top panel
• Connect USB player/devices via port on top panel to play MP3 and WMA tracks
• CD Player, Clock with dual alarm modes
• Handy card-type remote unit

I decided to abandon separate components in my new (small) apartment. Having made the leap into the Ipod world, I figured a good-quality docking system would be fine. I've trusted the Yamaha brand many times, and liked the look of this piece.

That being said, this system doesn't really cut the mustard. Yeah, it's real convenient Ipod, CD, USB, receiver (I couldn't care less about the alarm clock), but the sound is disappointing. The DSP settings what the #*$&% ever happened to tone controls? simply do not give enough treble. It's either massive bass with no high end, or tinny high end with no definition.

I wasn't expecting audiophile quality, but for $400, I think Yamaha blew it with this piece. The $30 speakers I hooked up to my MacBook sound significantly better, frankly.....

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This Yamaha unit is pricey, but well worth it for us. It has outstanding sound that greatly exceeded expectations. The alarm functions are great and have several options to choose from. The alarm is also easy to use, which is a relief after some complex systems we have tried in the past (and considering all its options and functions)...we found it extremely easy to use for set up and to snooze/cancel each morning. My iPod Classic works great with the unit and keeps charging too. Unsure about whether newer iPod Touch gen2+ or iPhones will get a charge, but there are lots of adapters included to choose from.

My only minor complaint is the remote could be glow in the dark or lit a bit. The remote is easy to use and useful in a lit room, but when the lights go out, I have to turn a light on if I want to use the remote (unless I just keep my finger on a button).

I recommend this unit without reservation. Even the wood finish on top looks good.

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First off, this is not my primary listening portal nothing comes close to the auditory bliss of separates. That said it is definitely used on a regular basis. The TSX-130 is a fine little piece of audio and fully commands the price for the sound it delivers. Since Yamaha is known for making trustworthy digital portals and even better receivers, it's no surprise that even at a measly 30 watts amplification, the sound here is bright and clean enveloping the room (large, wooden floored living area) and creating a respectable soundstage even casual listeners have come to expect. And like many skeptics who fear quality of bass oozing out of a small system, simply channel Brian Bromberg's double bass masterpiece Wood. Within seconds of the opening plucks, I was completely blown away as one hears the low range of the TSX-130 being put to test. The resonating strings are crystal clear as they reverb along the wooden neck. No rumbling, just straight clean bass. To take it even further by discounting the modern state-of-the-art studio recording of Wood, I put the TSX-130 through a `tougher' test by slipping in James Moody's mid 50s Verve recordings Moody's Mood for Bluesonce again Eldee Young's acoustic bass was crisp and had a full bodied tone. In fact, album after album I found that all the frequencies are well defined be it the mid-range of Dylan's pipes Together Through Life or Macca's alter ego as The Fireman on Electric Argumentsto the higher ends typical of the late 70s proto-disco/soul heard on Philadelphia Classics....and as a good sound system should be, deserve no tone adjustments (as absent here). The only downside to this system is the absence of a rear input jack to for a video connection. Overall an excellent product that goes beyond casual listening.

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Wanted to have a clock radio that would also work as an iPod dock, could not believe how poor the sound quality was on the iHome and a few Sony products so decided to move up in price a little. Very happy that I did. The sound quality is infinitely better and the look is much nicer. I am actually more impressed with little things that I didn't know that it did when I purchased it, like the gradual increase in volume when the alarm goes off so that it is not jarring and the gradual dimming of the display when the room lights go down making it less bright for sleeping. A very nice product, only 4 stars because it is a little expensive for what it is.

I am really impressed with this unit. I bought it because I wanted something that is very light and compact, plays both CDs and my ipod, but still sounds excellent. This is the only unit out there that really fits the bill. The sound quality is incredible for such a small unit, it is warm and broad, filling my 700 square foot apartment with ease you will be amazed. I tried Bose units in the store, even some really pricey ones ($500+) and they just cannot compare to this. I recommend using just the "normal" DSP setting, or switch to "mild" if you have music with sharp treble. The other settings have too much bass or treble. I think it was a mistake for Yamaha to have the unit start in the "heavy" DSP setting when you first plug it in.

The look and style of the black unit is aesthetically the best you can find for such a unit. It looks very much like a fine piece of audio equipment, rather than the junky, plasticy look of most other comparable units (even Bose pales in this regard). It looks rather sophisticated on my bookshelf.

It has various alarm clock functions, but I have this in my apartment's living room, so I don't foresee trying those out any time soon.

The only downside is the lack of an AUX input. I'd really like to be able to connect a vinyl record player, as the speakers have great bass output, and the richness of vinyl would shine through. Too bad. It's particularly disappointing since the cheaper model without the CD player DOES have an AUX input. This tempted me to give the unit 4 stars, but every other aspect of the unit is so superb, and so beyond the competition, I would be silly to do so.

Overall, a pricey unit, but a fantastic one. You get what you pay for, as they say.