Having read reviews for the majority of ipod speaker docs, chose this for my home office, mainly due to the lack of negative reviews and size, the general consensus of reviewers is that the system sounds good out of the box. I am always a little nervous of buying audio equipment without audition, however the JBL On Stage 200iD has not disappointed. While not a replacement for my main hi-fi (a very unfair comparison) a more than adequate system for on a desk. Good clear vocals, bass is present but not substantial (albeit impressive for something so small). Most impressively the sound is well balanced. In fact in a bedroom/office (12'x10') this speaker doc is a pleasure to listen to even from 12' away. Sound could be more spacious and the stereo sound stage could be greater. However even if this doesn't improve as the drivers break in, I anticipate a great deal of enjoyable listening. I grabbed one while priced at £99.99 and consider it very good value. The unit is nicely finished and easy to use...plug, play and enjoy. NB remote lag, commented upon by many reviewers, is noticeable but not in my opinion intrusive; ability to operate all menus and select albums remotely (within viewing distance) is preferable to pressing buttons on docked ipod. No USB pass through. Charged iPod Video (5th gen) without trouble, with unit switched on or off as long as connected to mains.