It seems that every electronics manufacturer is bringing out devices that offer iPod integration these days. The DCM230 is a very stylish and modern looking audio system. It's a CD player and digital radio tuner as well as an integrated iPod docking entertainment system.There are button controls on the top of the unit providing play, pause, radio search and skip functionality for the device but you will need to use the well-designed remote control to use all of the functions that this device offers, particularly when it comes to using your iPod.
The DCM230 offers a self-loading CD drive nestled nicely within the polished silver front panel, sitting below a nice blue lit LCD display, which shows you CD track information, AM/FM radio information and an alarm clock. There is also a USB port on top of the device which allows you to play MP3 and WMA files stored on a USB stick, however navigating USB content is hard task at best as the DCM230 doesn't display ID3 tags. The DCM230 CD drive supports MP3 and WMA CD playback but does not support AAC files or copyright protected WMA content.
The remote allows you to browse your iPod's playlists, navigate the iPod menu and even add items to your ‘On-The-Go' playlist. Selecting a new album or playlist to listen to is not an easy feat when you're across the other side of the room and trying to make heads or tails out of the text on your iPod screen.
The performance of the DCM230 for audio playback is very good. There are two 15W speakers hidden behind the perforated silver front grilles and the DCM230 has a Dynamic Bass Boost function that is also very good.
At low volumes with the DBB function switched on, the DCM230 was crystal clear and had a nice low end thump to it. You do get a lot of volume out of this device, but will lose definition at higher volumes.
One drawback with this is that you still need to be close enough to see your iPod screen when navigating your iPod menu by remote control, But its definitely not a substitute for high end audio.
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