The Go+Play is total Ear+Candy. Harman/Kardon is known for its kick-ass home theater receivers, so it’s no surprise it can make an iPod roar. Sure, this unit is pricey, but the extra dough gains you more speakers — two on either side, four in all — along with extra power. The system achieves ribcage-rattling volume without the distortion or the bass or treble bloat that mar its competitors.
Pros: Huge, round, powerful bass. Amazing sonic detail. Speakers on curved panels radiate music in all directions. Spring-loaded hatch stores RF remote. Battery-powered (about 12 hours on eight D cells).
Cons: Confusing remote. Low-arching handle hinders view of docked iPod’s screen and access to its controls.