Yamaha introduces four mini audio systems, all with iPod docks

We sure hope you're an iPod owner if you're looking seriously at any one of Yamaha's latest mini audio systems, 'cause every last one of them packs an inbuilt dock front and center. Kicking things off is the MCS-1330, which features 60-watts of amplification, an integrated CD player, two speakers and a few other inputs for non-Appleites. The MCR-330 and MCR-230 only seem to differ in connection type, with both units packing 40 total watts of power and a USB socket. The CRX-430 finishes things off with 50-watts of RMS juice and a built-in CD player. The whole lot should ship by early December and will range in price from around $300 (CRX-430) to $1,233 (MCS-1330).

[Via TechDigest]

[Najakwa @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:27AM]

Its good practice to market a new product by using another than isn't sold anymore. I think I read that in a book somewhere.

[Dustin Hess @ Oct 3rd 2008 12:43PM]

I doubt that yamaha was on Apple's shortlist to notify them about the new nano's

[Najakwa @ Oct 3rd 2008 2:21PM]

the 4G nano was introduced almost a month ago and yamaha just introduced this. No shortlist necessary.

[johnzilla @ Oct 3rd 2008 4:02PM]

You're right, because as soon as the new nanos were announced, everyone who had one of the old ones threw it against the nearest wall in disgust and immediately ran out to buy the new version. So, it would be really silly for Yamaha to show the old version in an ad because obviously there's not a single person in the entire world who has one.

[GoVegan @ Oct 4th 2008 5:36AM]

@johnzilla
Yes, but it does cast some doubt on the compatibility with the new iPod Nano for any potential buyers.

BTW I remember when people purchased a Hi-Fi system they planned on keeping it for 10+ years. Nowadays they only last about 2 years when Apple releases a new iPod connector specification. I know I won't get sucked into buying an iPod compatible Hi-Fi speaker system again.

[Reason @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:33AM]

Hopefully these will sound as good as their studio monitors.. Any plans for a Zune version?

[Ry @ Oct 3rd 2008 11:07AM]

you can connect the zune to this unit or any stereo system. Anything with a mini audio jack input or rca cables, can have any mp3 device with an audio output connected to it.

[Chris @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:41AM]

The do iPod systems for quiet a while, these look much better:
http://www.ifun.de/content/view/4808/2/

[bob sakamano @ Oct 3rd 2008 10:52AM]

what's up, docks?

[Ry @ Oct 3rd 2008 11:12AM]

these mini doc stations are over priced..Just because it has a place to sit your ipod doesnt mean its the only way to connect it to your stereo system..

[ZaxCG2 @ Oct 3rd 2008 11:25AM]

You have to keep in mind that these are the "boomboxes" of today. They serve merely to make whatever music you have louder. The fact that it has an iPod dock doesn't make them expensive, I'm sure, but the technology and hardware used to make it sound pretty probably does.

[LostPhil @ Oct 3rd 2008 12:00PM]

The good thing about iPod dock connectors are that you can control the iPod and get a lineout from it, whereas you'd be using a headphone signal that in the case of the iPod, is lower quality for inputting into a stereo.

Same with the USB I guess - the stereo is doing the decoding instead of the player. Not to say you can't get good sound from a headphone jack but it's easier this way.

The old Yamaha PianoCraft stereos were great little things, you'd be hard pressed to find a mini system that sounded better. Should have picked one up over the Denon I ended up with.

[JLR @ Oct 3rd 2008 11:37AM]

ill it works with iPhone 3G ?

[Mike @ Oct 3rd 2008 12:00PM]

28

[pc @ Oct 3rd 2008 12:59PM]

does this mean i can plug and external hard drive in and it will recognize folder structure and play mp3s located in those folders?, anyone know of a shelf system that does this?

[tekdroid @ Oct 4th 2008 12:45AM]

I'm guessing it would:
"And in front of the CD player, USB memory and USB compatible digital portable music player equipped with a USB port to connect, iPod or USB HiFi quality music in high-quality sound to enjoy."

The joys of automated translation.

[Tom @ Oct 3rd 2008 3:19PM]

I don't really understand the mini-system rationale, unless perhaps you're putting it in an office. If it's going to be your primary receiver, you'd want a much more full-featured unit. For example, today Amazon is running a deal on the Onkyo TX-SR606 Home Theater Receiver with 7.1 surround, HDMI switching/upconversion and more. Oh..and it's only $326.

http://www.techdealdigger.com/deals/onkyo-tx-sr606-326-at-amazon/4448

[Unknown @ Oct 5th 2008 1:51PM]

All fits on one bookshelf, sounds nice and does not bother neighbours.