YES Music Docking Station

The latest craze these days is to have some sort of Docking Station for your MP3 player. I know “Docking-Station” sounds really space aged but it’s a really simple concept. It’s basically a set of external speakers that you can be connected to well… your iPod. But these days it’s not so restricted. They can be used with any MP3 player to share music with everyone around. Lets see how this one worked out.

Form Factor
Honestly I think it looks like the steering wheel that’s been ripped off a Maruti 800. But it does have a certain aesthetic slash compact design. So it’s round, with the docking port in the center and the volume dial in front. The e-sets of speakers run on either side the rim of this wheel-like device.

At the rear is the mini USB port that you can use to hook up to your PC, power switch, DC charger outlet and the Line In socket. Since the Line In is a simple 3.5mm pin it can be connected to virtually any media player with either a Line Out or earphone outlet. And of course a short (really short) wire for the same is provided.

Functions
Setting up is child’s play. The Dock can be used just like your iPods propriety USB cable. You can easily connect your Pod through the Dock to the PC and manage your files, playlists, videos etc. Like I said before, you can also connect any other media device to the Dock as long as you have the appropriate cables. Simply put, if your PMP, MP3 player, or even your cheap radio has a 3.5mm earphone socket, you’re good to go.

The Dock comes with connectors and converters. It’s got converters for the Mini, Nano and little slip indicators for the larger iPods. There are no drivers or any other software requirements when you connect it to your PC. iTunes will take care of it. The Dock can also be used to charge your Pod. In Addition there’s also a short 3.5mm to 3.5mm wirer that can be used for connecting any other device.
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Performance
Now, what you’ve all been waiting for. I have to say I was quite impressed with the output as well as the quality of sound from the Dock. Although I have to admit the quality of sound will greatly depend on the device you use considering the various ranges. Never the less it’s still good. Since most media players, iPods included, have EQs (presets or custom) you can alter the sound to your preference. I tested the Dock without the EQ however and well … the sound was quite good. All ranges could be head as well as can be expected form speakers like these.

To be a bit more specific, the highs do tend to sound shrill at times, but that also depends on your recording. Otherwise, on an average, they’re okay. Mids are okay too. I can’t say the Bass packs a punch but lets just say it’s more like a hard slap (that resounds in your head for a bit). What I didn’t like about the dock is the fact that it doesn’t have any provision for batteries so it’s not as portable as I thought. That’s too bad, as this could have made a great picnic take-along.

Conclusion
I’ll be straight with you, the Dock is not enough to host a party with, but it’s good enough to just lay back and chill out in your room. It isn’t enough to rock your world or anything but give it a pleasant nudge. And for a price of just Rs. 2490, I think it’s a quite alright. If you need more information, the YES Rhythem-Sound Dock is available on HomeShop 18 .