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Polk Audio I-Sonic

*Est. $600

Polk Audio I-Sonic

High-end table radio

pros
  • Excellent sound quality
  • CD, DVD, HD and XM satellite radio compatibility
cons
  • Expensive
  • Some owners complain about buggy units
  • iPod dock costs extra
 
 
 
 

The only feature of the Polk Audio I-Sonic table radio that reviewers take exception to is its price. This unit has four speakers, two of which fire from the rear to bounce sound off the walls and give any room great sonic depth (the sound quality of this table radio is often described as spectacular). Along with CD, the Polk Audio I-Sonic includes HD and XM satellite radio compatibility and a DVD player (when hooked up to a TV). An iPod dock is available as an accessory, but is not included in the base price, as it is with the cheaper Cambridge Soundworks CD 745i (*est. $350). Bear in mind that although we found excellent professional reviews of this model, some owners complain about durability and say they received bad units.

The Polk Audio I-Sonic table radio is reviewed individually, or compared to other table radios, by several publications, including CNet.com, CrutchfieldAdviser.com, Home Theater Magazine, and Sound & Vision. A large number of owner ratings can be found at CNet.

Where To Buy
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
CrutchfieldCrutchfield rated 5.00 (4091 reviews)4091 store reviewsIn Stock. Special Purchase: Save $100 - was $399.99$299.99
OneCallOneCall rated 4.50 (169 reviews)169 store reviewsIn Stock. FREE SHIPPING! POLK AUDIO Authorized Dealer and WARRANTY! Award-winning customer service and price guarantee! Marked down 40% off regular price.$299.00
AmazonAmazon rated 3.50 (1675 reviews)1675 store reviewsIn Stock. Get free shipping on orders over $25!$399.99
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. CNET

In this otherwise glowing review of the Polk table radio, Falcone criticizes its DVD playback; aside from this, he calls the unit "impressive for its size." About 50 owners post mixed comments. Some love the Polk system, but others complain of a buzzing sound and customer-service run-ins.

Review: Polk Audio I-Sonic, John Falcone, Aug. 28, 2006

2. CrutchfieldAdvisor.com

Loren Barstow pits the latest table radios from Bose and Polk against each other. He awards his highest rating to the Bose for FM quality, while the Polk's playback of MP3 disks is called notable. In the end, he recommends the Polk as a total entertainment package.

Review: Bose Wave Music System vs. Polk I-Sonic, Loren Barstow, July 3, 2007

3. Home Theater Magazine

The Polk I-Sonic is the highest-rated "home theater in a box" reviewed on this site, finishing ahead of the Cambridge Soundworks Radio CD 745i. In fact, the only thing Darryl Wilkinson can find to complain about in this detailed review is the small remote control.

Review: Polk Audio i-Sonic, Darryl Wilkinson, Dec. 2006

4. Sound & Vision Magazine

Doug Newcomb provides an in-depth review of the Polk I-Sonic table radio system. All tests produce superb results, and he praises this table radio's powerful volume output and realistic tones. The small quibbles include awkward top-mounted controls and the high price.

Review: Polk Audio I-Sonic Tabletop Audio System, Doug Newcomb, Dec. 2006

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