Customer Reviews

Sony CPF-iP001 Cradle Audio System for iPODs

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't know anything about the technical specs for a product like this, but I know what sounds good and what doesn't. This Sony docking station makes the music coming out of my iPod sound fantastic. I tried (and returned to a local store) several other iPod docking stations, including a tin can of a product from iHome, and I couldn't be more pleased that I perservered until I got something I love. I am pleased that I can adjust the treble and bass with precision and that music sounds good at low and high volume and everything inbetween. This sounds every bit as good as a $400 shelf system I used to use for CDs, maybe better. The remote works great and the unit takes up very little space. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I went to the Sony Style store near me looking for a small speaker system that I could use in a small office on a small desk. I strolled around the store thinking the music that was playing was coming through the store surround sound system. To my surprise, the sound was coming from this little device on a shelf at about waist level. I toyed with the features and really liked it, bought it and think it is the perfect device for someone who wants their iPod sound in their bedroom or office but can't or won't have those giant, gawdy, blinking bookshelf systems in their office or would spoil the decor in a bedroom.

The sound is full, not tinny or brittle like so many systems (read iHome). The only drawback (other than it costs about as much as the iPod itself) is that the subwoofer component that is key to the full sound is so large that you may not be able to easily pack it up and take it with you on a trip (as some of the photos may lead you to believe, if they show that component at all). It's about the size of brick and is about as heavy as one. Of course, no sound comes from the subwoofer so it can easily be put on the floor, or behind books, or somewhere else out of sight.

While that subwoofer component makes the entire unit best for stationary locations, the versatile size of the actual docking station makes it really easy to have this stereo on the smallest of desks or rooms. It has the advantage of NOT being one of those other rather ugly iPod docking stations that attempt to be stylish but really come off as looking cheap, monstrous and poorly thoughtout.

I am going to toy around with it a bit more to develop a more comprehensive list of Pros and Cons (which I find really helpful) but so far:

PROs: Small size, stylishly "neat" looking (won't clutter your desk/office), easy to use (plug your iPod in and hit "play"), feels durable unlike a lot of the other toyish docking stations available. Great full sound (enough to fill a room without struggling, unlike most iHome products), reasonable price for what you get.

CONs: Actual docking station only seems to come in silver. Many, like me, prefer black to match either other equipment such as a computer. Subwoofer portion is too big and heavy for easy transport. Seems a bit pricey for such a small device, but again, you already paid for the iPod so this is a really good visual complement to it if you want to play your iPod in the open air, not on headphones.

I had previewed this item when browsing through a Sony Style store, while on a business trip in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, and recently received it as a gift (I suppose the various hints I had eluded to helped in "closing the deal")! Thank you "Santa"!

The first thing that caught my eye was its good looks...compact speakers that boast of style and quality. The subwoofer system, necessary for the unit to achieve its incredible full sound, is easily tucked away, out of view. Speaking of sound; it's rich and full, without tinniness, and quite frankly the best that I've ever heard coming from a compact ipod speaker system, rivaling that of Bose and the other top line companies.

Features are surround sound, and a miniature, slim remote that duplicates the features of the ipod flywheel- you can alter the volume, bass, treble, EQ, menu, function, genre, pause and move "up and back", all from the comfort of your seat! The fact that the unit doubles as a charging docking station completes the picture!

I would place this unit anywhere you'd want to have a superior secondary speaker system: the office, kitchen, bedroom, study. You won't be disappointed!

Thank you Sony, for finally "coming around" and developing something for the ipod enthusiast!

It is interesting to note that I have found no consumer reviews less than a "4/5" regarding this unit as opposed to some "professional" reviewers. I went into a Sony Style location and was very impressed with the sound... bass was tight, highs were clear, and the mid's were definitely there. It produces some of the best sound with the smallest footprint I have heard, and these are musicians' ears. If you want to rattle the walls, use a canon for a subwoofer. If you want decent sound that will fill the room and baffle your friends as to the source... this might be the unit, and there is agressive pricing out there.

The sound from this little machine is amazing. I originally bought an iHome portable station mainly because of the cheap price. However, the old saying of you get what you pay for held true for that product. The sound from the iHome device was awful and after only a month it stopped working properly. Luckily I was able to return it and decided to purchase a new one from an electronic company I trust-Sony. The Sony was more expensive and larger than the iHome but well worth the extra money. Although it's a big larger, it is still quite portable. The only drawback is there is no battery back-up, therefore, an electrical outlet must be accessible. I highly recommend this product. The sound generated from an iPod is excellent, therefore, the amplifier should be just as good. You will not be sorry with this product.

This was the third external speaker that I have purchased for my iPod. This is the best. The control of the iPod with the remote is easy and precise and the sound is very good. When not using it for music, I connect it to my desk TV. Very pleased.

The sound quality that comes from these tiny speakers and associated subwoofer is amazing. Great product! The line in connection and the included slim remote control made this jump to the top of my list. I am extremely pleased with the purchase.

I was looking to buy a Bose for my teenage daughter for Christmas, but when I compared the sound of this unit to the Bose, this won hands down. It's hard to believe all of that rich sound comes out of this tiny device. I'm so excited that I plan to download some of "my music" from the 70s and 80s to play on it (when my daughter's not around!). Great value for the price. I would highly recommend.

The sound from the Sony docking station is terrific...equal, I'd say, to docking stations I've checked out that cost far more. Part of the reason for that is the subwoofer...and that's also the main drawback. The subwoofer is big and ugly. This is not a sleek docking station, once you throw in the subwoofer. Also, you have to connect your ipod by plugging an actual cable into the ipod; the clunky black cable that goes from the ipod into the docking station isn't pretty. I got around the aesthetic challenges by putting the whole works into a space where you can't see the cable and the subwoofer kind of blends in with the background. I think it's worth it because of the price and the great sound. Just be aware what you're getting.

I'm a big audiophile and have been looking at docking stations/speaker systems for my iPod classic for a long time. I just needed a little somethin' for the office and was looking for the least expensive thing I could find. But then I got a hint that I shouldn't buy one because Christmas was coming up. Imagine my surprise when I opened up this baby! I absolutely LOVE Sony as it is, and this unit did not disappoint at all. The sound is amazing for such a little set of speakers, plus its got the powered subwoofer feature. I would have never spent this much money on an iPod dock/speaker system...thank you Santa!