Yamaha Has a Thing for iPods

Mini audio systems are quite a cool thing, especially when one is looking for a nifty way to enjoy great audio in places where space is an important aspect; thanks to their diminutive dimensions, these miniature audio racks usually find their way in bedrooms and offices alike. Loaded with a heap of handy features and easy to operate no matter whether we're talking adults or children, these audio gadgets keep on increasing their ranks by the week. And now it's time to announce that Yamaha have just released not one or two but four such mini systems.

Such gear has always looked precious and these days, as high-end technology has become a more affordable thing, these new systems look even better.

And if anyone thought that a manufacturer like Yamaha would simply miss the chance to make its products more popular than they already were, they were wrong. All of the four new mini audio systems come with iPod docks, thus letting the Apple player owners integrate their precious portable gadgets with the rest of the audio equipment and be even happier with that.

The MCS-1330 system boasts dual-channel architecture and can blast 60W on each of them; it comes loaded with an MP3-compatible CD player, phono/aux inputs and USB port to let you hook up more than one digital player, for what matters. Then it's the CRX- 430, MCR 330 and 230 models, the “lesser” ones, boasting smaller power rating, from 25 to 20 W per channel, in stereo mode with separate cabinets as well and full-range response, and the (slightly becoming classic) USB ports.

Coming in various finish options to suit your room, these new mini audio systems retail for prices between $220 - which is very cool, actually - and up to $800 for the top model, the MCS-1330. And since they are due to start shipping in early December, you can already think about making very useful presents for some of your friends.

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