The IS201 IS Marantz's first sortie into the dock market, and we're very impressed by its efforts. The IS201's design is different from other docks, with its cradle separated from the connection case. This means only one wire juts out from the back of the cradle.
The reason for this arrangement is to squeeze in all the IS201's connectivity options. Not only does it have stereo audio and S-Video outputs, it also comes with RS232, IR-Flasher and RC-5 connections, allowing you to connect your iPod to your computer.
The IS201 comes with its own remote, so you can control your iPod connected to any system. Saying that, if we had to offer one complaint about the IS201, it's that the remote control is a tad on the flimsy side, and might break if you look at it hard enough.
The IS201 is dynamic and detailed
It's not just the wealth of features that impresses, either: the IS201 sounds great. It's dynamic and detailed, with superb timing.
We liked this dock when we first tested it back in February 2007, and we still like it. However, it's not even close to matching the Arcam rDock for sound quality.
