GEAR OF THE YEAR 2009
SPEAKER DOCK
SYD 5
■ KANTO ■
WWW.KANTOSPEAKERS.COM ■ $359 ■ RECEIVED 4 OUT OF 5 STARS, AUGUST 2009
After testing a lab full of iPod speaker docks this year, we’ve determined an incontestable truth: Either go big or go home. Indeed, after being bombarded with
flimsy, tiny, tinny docks festooned with clocks, radios, cute graphics, and other distracting
“features,” we found audio excellence in the Kanto SYD 5. It’s large, it bumps deep, deep
base, and its only “feature” is the color you choose for its smooth, shiny shell. At 22 lbs, the
SYD 5 feels like speakers of days gone by—and when a speaker has heft, it usually also has
the audio to back up the extra weight.
The SYD 5 accomplishes its feats of strength with four speakers hidden behind a
removable front cover. Two 5.25-inch drivers and a bunch of reflex ports push deep, rich
bass for your hip-hop mixes, while two 3-inch drivers deliver the high end for all the wailing
guitars you can handle. Weeeee!
The SYD 5 includes an audio auxiliary input and AC power outlet for Hessian-caliber
i Tunes rocking with an AirPort Extreme. RCA and S Video outputs allow you to watch videos
from your iPod on your TV. The weight lifter’s belt for your lower back? That one’s on you.
The SYD 5 system comes in black,
green, and blue—and a curious note
on the Kanto website reads, “other
Pantone colors possible.” Someone out there please order Flame
Orange, 15-1157 TPX!
2009
#5“Mr. Pitiful,” Matt Costa Pretty much just a solo piano with drum
accompaniment. McCartney-esque music-hall
schmaltz, but harmless.
an
th
de
#4“Submarine Symphonika,” The Submarines
Poignant piano pop, reminiscent of Aimee Mann.
Too bad Apple only used the instrumentals.
#3“No You Girls,” Franz Ferdinand Bowie-esque, glammy, rock-and-roll romp.
Franz Ferdinand is good—who knew?
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