Pros: A smaller, cosmetically updated version of the 2006 Tango audio system, preserving the prior model’s audio hardware, Infrared remote control, and shape while dropping its price and adding both AM and FM radio tuners. Cool black, silver, and blue LED design is consistent with other XtremeMac products and look of the iPhone, all features work pretty well.
Cons: Radio and iPod audio performance is only a bit above acceptable for the price; system’s appeal is more in its versatility and value for the dollar than its exceptional sound. Bass and treble tweaks are required to make music sound more than fair; bass and treble performance aren’t what we’d expect from a five-driver array.
When XtremeMac introduced the original version of Tango two years ago, we weren’t exactly sure what to make of it: the $200 2.1-channel white and black audio system was undeniably sleek and modern, but its minimalist design seemed like it was designed to blend in at a time when other iPod speakers were standing out. Then Apple released iPod Hi-Fi, at $349 a considerably more expensive but aesthetically very similar speaker, which validated Tango’s design choices and made it look like a bargain. When it shipped months later, Tango’s only major flaw was a wonky down-firing subwoofer, which rendered its audio unpleasant, despite all of the system’s other positive design traits.
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