Any serious audiophile is likely to agree that you can't get big, full sound from those small MP3 docking stations; you need a real stereo receiver for that. But this doesn't mean you have to break the bank either. Onkyo has introduced a pair of new AM/FM receivers, the TX-8522 and TX-8222 ($349 and $249 list), which each feature three audio inputs, a phono preamplified input, and two audio outputs. Each also includes multi-room/multi-source capability and are compatible with Onkyo's DS-A2 iPod control dock. The TX-8522 features XM Satellite Radio compatibility.

If you're still sold on a smaller system for an office or den, the Onkyo CS-315 CD Receiver System ($299 list) might do the trick. It features a built-in CD player (compatible with CD, CD-R/RW, and even MP3 CDs). This system features a pair of matched 2-way bass reflex loudspeakers that will work well for smaller rooms, while the unit is expandable with three audio inputs, one audio output and a subwoofer preout.

While these systems don't compare with a multi-channel surround system costing thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars, they'll provide much fuller sound than the average iPod docking station.

Post by Peter Suciu