As iPod culture continues to grow, manufacturers are increasingly looking to integrate Apple's all-conquering device into their music systems. Denon is the latest to do so with the announcement of the
Smart Life S-101 - a DVD player and 2.1 home cinema system with iPod compatibility taking centre stage. AVReview got to see the S-101 in action at a recent demo and it certainly looks and sounds like an exciting proposition.
The Smart Life comprises two metal composite surround speakers, both featuring a 19mm balanced dome tweeter and a 10cm mid-bass driver. Accompanying these is a robust looking 100-watt subwoofer with a 200mm long-throw driver. Dolby Virtual Speaker means you effectively get surround sound from the 2.1 set-up. The main unit that drives the system is surprisingly small considering it houses a progressive scan-capable DVD player (capable of reading CD, MP3, WMA and CDR discs), an AM/FM radio with RDS and an amp that, coupled with the subwoofer, will provide 200 watts of power.
But the S-101's main draw is it can sync with an iPod (3rd and 4th generation), iPod Photo or iPod Mini via the supplied plug-and-play cable, and once connected, all basic iPod features, including volume control, menu navigation, play, stop and skip, can be accessed on-screen via the Denon remote.
There are further options as well - with a TV connection, iPod photo pictures can be displayed on your TV with music if required and you're also able to recharge your iPod while it's connected. Any other portable audio device can be connected via the 3.5mm input socket on the front panel but on the upcoming S-303 there will be a USB input for other non-iPod hard disk MP3 players.
So if you want to make sure your next system is iPod-friendly, for £850 the S-101 looks like a very strong contender. More information can be found at www.denon.co.uk
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Specifications: |
Touch sensitive main controls with illuminated feedback
DVD & CD replay, plus MP3 and WMA CDR replay
Denon AL24 processing - AM/FM radio with RDS
200 watts total power including 100-watt powered subwoofer
iPod Connect feature + analogue MP3 in on front panel
Progressive scan DVD picture via component
4mm alloy front panel and steel chassis
2-way flat-screen friendly speakers
19mm balanced dome tweeter, 10cm mid-bass
Bookshelf/table stands included
Wall mount brackets included and floor stands optional
Denon DSP Boundary Gain Compensation
2x50-watt amp for L & R channels
100-watt subwoofer with 200mm long-throw driver
5 metre speaker cable loom
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