Yamaha TSX-140 Desktop Audio System with iPod Dock (Brick)

• Play and charge your iPod
• Play MP3 and WMA music files via USB
• Built-in CD player and AM/FM radio
• Two 15-watt full-range speakers to fill any room with sound
• Ideal for offices, bedrooms, kitchens, or other smaller rooms

To begin, I am a research junkie. I can hardly purchase a stick of gum without referring to Consumer Reports. When my teenage son busted my I-pod dock, I began to search for a desktop stereo system. It took me a month to decide on this particular unit, and it was with real trepidation that I did so. I was going to go with the Yamaha MCR O40, but everything I had read indicated that this was a superior device. Also, I wanted something that I could easily move from room to room; the MCR 040 has unattached speakers which I did not want. I needed something that I could quickly pack up to take to the cottage, or upstairs to my home gym, without having to lug separate speakers, wires, etc.

The most important concern is how music will sound. I could care less what colour it is, whether or not it has an alarm clock, or matches the furniture. It could be hideous looking, but if the sound meets my expectations, that is all that matters to me. Luckily, this system is rather cute to look at it looks humble.

At home, we have an excellent surround stereo system Mordaunt Short speakers with a Marantz receiver. I don't know anyone whose stereo sounds as good as ours, and anyone who visits our home always comments on it. We are also musicians, and we seem to hear things that other people don't notice. Suffice it to say, we are picky.

I listen to a lot of acoustic music Celtic and folk (ie Joni Mitchell), but when I'm working out, I prefer AC/DC, the Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. When I'm cooking, I listen to Italian opera, and I have a big collection of jazz. My tastes are wide and I am mentioning this, as music that has alot of air or space around it requires a far more sensitive apparatus than if you prefer to listen to top-40 mush on the radio.

This little system is an absolute gem. There are so many things that I appreciate about the design: For starters, you don't have to use the remote if you don't wish to. So, if it gets lost or one of your kids breaks it, no worries. The knobs are sturdy and traditional, and you're not pressing tiny little sensitive buttons that end up breaking. Programming radio stations was a breeze, and I like that my i-pod headphones plug in to the FRONT of the unit, not the back. This is handy, as you don't have reach behind it and risk knocking it over.

Adjusting the bass, mid-range, and treble is completely straight forward, and I appreciate being able to fine-tune according to my preferences. Many systems either don't allow for this, or there is a token equalizer that really doesn't transform the sound in any meaningful way -it either muddies it, or makes it tinny.

This unit also plays cd's they slide in easily at the top. So you get an I-pod dock, a CD player, and AM/FM radio. What else do you need? I tested the system by listening to an Irish CD of acoustic guitar. The sound was so resonant, and so warm, I just stood staring at this little box, wondering how such clarity and richness could emanate from something so unassuming. Then I popped in my I-pod and listened to some jazz and some Fleetwood Mac. Equally pleased everything sounded very round and full. A Chopin etude on piano, that is extremely quiet, sounded wonderful; often you hear a hissing sound when there is only one instrument featured. Finally, my son asked to hear a bit of his dreadful rap-crap. He was thrilled with the sound but I can't testify to this, as my ears were plugged. Torture.

Suffice it to say, I am beyond happy my search is over, and I can recommend this without reservation. Next to my home stereo system, it is without a doubt one of the best sounding pieces of equipment I have ever had the pleasure of owning. Hope this helps let me know if you have any questions.

Buy Yamaha TSX-140 Desktop Audio System with iPod Dock (Brick) Now

I was looking for a small stereo system for my bedroom that can also dock an iPod. This Yamaha system hits all the right spot. It is relatively small while producing sound that is much larger than its size might suggest. The sound is so clear and very natural. I listened to this system and Bose Sounddock 10 (which costs significantly more than this) at the store and this Yamaha system won hands down. The Bose, although produced more bass, sounded muddy and unnatural by comparison. Did I mention that this Yamaha also plays CD, FM, and things in your USB drive?

The materials and finishes are done tastefully. The control and remote is straightforward and extremely easy to use. Everything works flawlessly. Although I wish the system can display the song name from the iPod or the file name in the USB drive like some of the Yamaha models can. The remote can control the menu of the iPod, but without means to see what you are doing from the distance, it's a little pointless. This unit appears to gear toward an alarm clock function. Even the radio station display will quickly turn into a clock. There is no "display" button that can change this behavior.

This system is probably work best for bedroom or small rooms. Although the sound is quite open for what it is, it won't fill your large living room because the speakers are close together (as any machine of this kind) and doesn't produce enough bass for that purpose.

Read Best Reviews of Yamaha TSX-140 Desktop Audio System with iPod Dock (Brick) Here

Let me start by saying, I'm a music producer that

enjoys a variety of different genres of music, so

when shopping for a stereo system I need for

the unit to be able to have all genres of music

sounding good.

I tested the unit by bringing my phone (with mp3s)

to the store I bought it from and played a few

songs. I could tell right away this stereo was

REALLY good. If you like way your music sounds on

a Bose, then you'll like the TSX-140. It really

sounds great, whether you're playing pop, easy-

listening and even sounds great when playing dance

music.

In addition to the unit being able to play audio

via AUX, I also wanted a CD player and USB input.

This box does it all!~ So, I was pretty much sold~

I actually paid more than Amazon is selling it for,

but I'd buy it all over again. To me, it's that good.

But don't take my word for it, go have a listen for

yourself~ I think you'll be shocked at the vividness

of the music you've been listening to all this time!

Want Yamaha TSX-140 Desktop Audio System with iPod Dock (Brick) Discount?

Purchased March, 2011, through Amazon. Good AM FM sensitivity, excellent sound. You can use the equalizer to really customize the sound to both the room and the music. My iPhone 4 with Speck cas fits easily and securely with the dock insert removed. The unit feels solid, and the knobs and buttons all work well. I am surprised that after 6 months there have only been two reviews on Amazon. It's been my experience that Yamaha knows how to make good sounding music, both instruments and electronics.

I got this unit used, from Amazon, and it is simply amazing.

I sort of collect these things and the sound is astonishing.

It sounds much, much better than the ___ Wave Machine (either

model).

The CD player is clever and seems to detect when you have put

a new cd in. Same seems to go for the IPOD.

I must admit that I've been using this a great deal more than

my twelve inch hi fi system.

Good job, Yamaha. Let's see: I have a Yamaha keyboard, a Yamaha

real piano, and on and on. All are fine

Jerry O'Dell