CD/Internet radio/ipod dock solution

[bbrook]

Trying to find something to keep the wife & son happy in the Kitchen

Requirements are max 50cm wide

CD player
Wireless Internet Radio - radio reception is poor and it it would be difficult to run a cable to an external radio.
Wireless Ipod dock - or maybe a remote that operated the ipod would do, it's a 4th generation ipod touch

I've looked and haven't really found an ideal unit, any suggestions?

[belleair302]

Ruark R4i.....however this is only DAB. You are going to struggle with internet radio . The Ruark is a beautiful piece or engineering with a wonderful sound, loads of options and looks great. It fits the space too. With wireless speakers now taking over the day of the CD is limited as more people stream their music and pluck digital radio from their phones or tablets.

Have a look.

Should you wish to dump the CD option....wireless speakers and music streaming from a phone or iPad / Android is the future. Hundreds of products to explore here from the cheap through to the very expensive.

Or you can go down the 'olds school' route of a mini system with separate speakers, such as a Denon DM 39 or a Marantz MCR 610.

[bbrook]

The CD is only for occasional use so isn't essential, but still useful on occasions.

The Ruark R4i does not have wireless internet radio so I discounted that.

ROBERTS STREAM 64i DAB Internet Radio/CD and iPod Dock seems to tick a lot of boxes The Ruark R2 might fit the bill as well fits most of the requirements apart from the CD, but it may be possible to stream a CD from a pc via windows media player.

An all in one device would be nice for convenience, working out compatibility is a real pain. Son has an HTC phone and wife uses an ipod both using an aux inpout cable so it not a problem at the moment. The only real problem is radio reception and operating the ipod remotely.

It may be possible to use something like the Contour 200i Air with an ipod and stream the CD from a computer when that is required using Airplay. Slightly less convenient, but a lot cheaper.

It just seems a bit of a minefield at the moment while the technology matures and I don't want to make an expensive mistake.

[belleair302]

Why not just steam web radio off of your home wifi via a tablet or phone and go for a wireless speaker that offers Airplay and Blue Tooth, along with Aux cables etc? Most can charge and play a separate device.

[bbrook]

Maybe because it not quite as convenient, but I see how she feels about losing the dedicated radio and CD as there does not seem to be a stand alone unit that will fit bill.

[belleair302]

I would still look closely at the DAB / CD / Ruark option. With Airport Express (for Airplay) or a decent Blue Tooth receiver attached away you go, all bases covered. Internet radio and a charging option too. Otherwise it is wireless speakers and a subscription streaming system which is where the smart money is today.