

Varied tones from Hans Zimmer’s “Discombobulate” (Sherlock Holmes) spilled into a larger living room setting where quick violin attacks supplementing the playful hammered dulcimer and accordion melodies were clean and enjoyable. Tested with an iPhone 3GS and 5th generation iPod nano, the PDX-31 produced rich audio at a comfortable 50 percent volume level. This also avails users limited mixing options as audio from both the 30-pin connector and mini stereo jack can play on top of each other. Needed cables aren’t included in the packaging, but a quick trip to an electronics store lets the speakers play more than just mobile i-devices. Looking at the feature set, a few major differences separate the PDX-31 from the previous PDX-30 aside from the inclusion of an auxiliary audio-in port. Yet no matter it’s location, as a “Made for iPod/iPhone” device, Yamaha’s dock welcomes and charges all current-generation Apple devices (in some cases even while encased in protective outerwear), including iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod classic, iPod nano, and 5th generation iPods. Made for convenience, a textured top side gives you back any counter space the system takes up, allowing you to put all of your out-the-door essentials in one place. Related: If you like this device, you might be interested in our Yamaha Yas 108 review. This isn’t too different than some of the top floor-standing speakers, which often require an outlet to work. Don’t expect to stray too far from an outlet, though, since the only way to juice your music is by way of a 15-volt plug-in. Its light weight, along with the limited-albeit-universal color palate makes for a product that’s easy to transport and rearrange anywhere in a house or office. Weighing in at 3.7 pounds, similar in weight to the Marshall Stockwell II, the PDX-31 is a featherweight of stereo options. It’s definitely a contender against the highly-rated Bose speakers. To match the all-black, all-white, or burgundy-with-black-trim choices, similarly colored fabric mesh covers the forward-facing speakers, altogether making for a casual, unobtrusive design. Still built as a box-within-a-box construct, the flattop device houses twin 3 1/4-inch cone woofers inside of a 13 3/4-inch by 4 1/4-inch by 4 7/8-inch plastic shell. Not much has changed since their release of the PDX-30. Check them out.Īvailable in a set of color schemes, Yamaha’s PDX-31 docking station is the company’s iterative successor to their prior desktop audio solutions. Speaking of perfect, some of our choices for the best speakers certainly come close. Housing compressed audio files, iPods and their cousins can’t replace the aural fidelity of physical formats nonetheless, docking station-speaker hybrids, like Yamaha’s PDX-31, embrace that user-friendly, portable mindset to create easily accessible amplifiers that are perfect for passive listening areas. From workout companions to digital black books, their ubiquity is matched only by the various appliances and accessories created to enhance, protect and customize them. With just a handful of rivals, Apple’s i-products permeate nearly every facet of consumer culture.



Crisp, clear audio presence at medium volumes.One-size-fits-all for current iPods and iPhones plus an AUX-in.Little to no sound distortion or interference.
