Philips’ £400 Fidelio DS9000 iPod dock has been joined by a more affordable £250 version.
Philips DS8550 with iPad Philips DS8550 with iPad
The new DS8550 is smaller than its predecessor and features a similar curved cabinet design which Philips claims minimises sound diffraction. It can play and charge an Apple iPad, iPhone or iPod. Bluetooth’s on board for wireless streaming and it has a pair of full-range 3in speakers powered by a 30-watt amplifier.
Also on board is Philips’ PureDigital sound processing technology which allows the digital-to-analogue conversion to happen via the DS8550’s own DAC. Its rechargeable battery promises up to five hours of playback time and a proximity sensor means the controls light up when you approach the dock.
There’s also a free Fidelio iTunes app which allows easy browsing and playback, a five-band equaliser and a battery monitor.
The Philips DS8550 is available now for £250.
Denis Guérin