MP3 speaker dock reviews: FAQs
Will all speaker docks work with my MP3 player?
The most important consideration when buying an MP3 speaker dock is whether or not it will be compatible with your MP3 player.
As Apple leads the market with its various iPods, many speaker docks are designed specifically to dock, play and charge an iPod via its unique 30-pin connection point.
Due to changes in the charging technology of the latest iPod ranges, these devices may not charge through older speaker docks, even though they will play through them.
Check our comprehensive explanation of speaker dock compatibility with new iPods and the iPhone if you are in doubt over whether the speaker dock you are keen on will function with your MP3 player.
However, virtually all speaker docks are compatible with other types of MP3 player via a 3.5mm mini audio jack (see features explained).
The disadvantage of this approach is that it will not charge the MP3 player as it plays.
You can also connect an MP3 player to any stereo or hi-fi system in this fashion, often with superior sound-quality results.
Check the Which? reviews of MP3 players to see which Best Buy models outperformed iPods in our exhaustive tests.
Will a speaker dock play music from my iPhone?
You may experience interference from an iPhone’s mobile reception while using it to play music through a speaker dock.
When docked, a message will often appear on the iPhone suggesting that you set it to ‘airplane mode’.
This turns off its phone functionality and lets it function purely as an MP3 player. The disadvantage is that you won’t be able to make or receive calls.
Can I listen to my MP3 player via my stereo instead of using a docking station?
Yes, assuming that you have the right cables and that your stereo is recent enough to have the right connectors.
In fact, many new micro hi-fi systems are being released with built-in MP3 player slots to make it easy to play your portable music through good quality speakers.
A speaker dock is a cheaper and often smaller alternative, but sound quality won't match a mini system.
If you are a discerning listener, you're better off investing in some cables to connect your player to your existing equipment rather than buying a speaker dock.