Tannoy I30

Sleek design, Compatible with most digital audio players

Sound quality is mediocre, Expensive

If you need a cool iPod speaker for your loft, the i30 definitely looks the part. But stylin' design can't compensate for lackluster sound

Shiny black fabric-over-steel mesh speakers reminiscent of silk. High quality, room filling sound. USB and video-out sockets for video and iTunes sync

Adapters get stuck in the dock, making it difficult to switch from your 3G to your nano. Our inexplicably buggy remote control only works correctly half the time

Powerful amp; USB port for syncing to iTunes

Bass lacks oomph; could use S-Video. Not worth $500

Props to Tannoy for including a USB port that allows you to sync your iPod to iTunes (a feature the Zeppelin lacks), but why limit the speaker’s video output to composite? Granted, the iPod is a low-res device, but an S-video connector would definitely...

Sleek design. Loud, distortion-free sound. Good speakers. Built-in carry handle

Expensive. Video doesn’t work with newer iPod models. No controls on main deck

U.K. based Tannoy, known for its professional and home audio loudspeakers, decided to give us iPod listeners the benefit of their years of audio expertise with a quasi-portable stereo system. The sleek and brawny Tannoy i30 looks impressive on any su

Sleek design. Loud, distortion-free sound. Good speakers. Built-in carry handle

Expensive. Video doesn’t work with newer iPod models. No controls on main deck

U.K. based Tannoy, known for its professional and home audio loudspeakers, decided to give us iPod listeners the benefit of their years of audio expertise with a quasi-portable stereo system. The sleek and brawny Tannoy i30 looks impressive on any su

The i30 is a versatile speaker with the chutzpah to contend with anything from Green Day to OutKast to Mahler. I do, however, wish there were bass, treble and/or EQ controls, because the audio quality of most MP3 and AAC (compressed audio) files is...

For comparison's sake, we took the time to play tracks through i30 and a few other options, such as the SoundDock, AudioStation, and Apple's iPod Hi-Fi, expecting that the i30 would best at least one of the systems in some way. Unfortunately, Tannoy's...

Great separation and vocal presentation, nice mids, USB connection, stylish design

Bass could be a little more punchy, no external controls, cost

If you aren't listening to dance music or something requiring a ton of punchy bass, and think you can manage to hang on to the i30's remote, this is one of the best iPod docks on the market. Do keep in mind though that it isn't cheap.

Rich, enveloping audio. Uncluttered, elegant design. Wall mountable. USB connection for synching.

Bass is a little weak. Control is via remote, which is teeny and could get lost. Would look bulky on the wall. Pricey.

The i30 is a solid performer in a refined-looking package, if a little wanting in the bass stakes.