You can retract the iPod dock when you’re not using it.

You don’t always need a big, booming iPod speaker like the Zeppelin. Sometimes, you just want something for your desk that won’t take up a lot of space, but sounds a lot better than a portable radio. You’ll find such a speaker in the Tango Studio, and best of all, it costs well under $100.

Measuring 11.5 by 6.5 by 3.875 inches, The Tango Studio has what XtremeMac calls a pair of “full-range loudspeakers” behind the cloth grille. Though the Tango Studio’s sound lacks warmth, it can produce a nice range of sounds clearly. The bass may not drop heavy enough for hip-hop fans, and unfortunately, you can’t adjust the treble or bass levels to your liking. But for this price, the sound quality is surprisingly good.

The Tango Studio has a blue LED that lights up to indicate what mode it’s in, as well as the volume level. You can play iPod audio, connect another audio device through the auxiliary port, or use the Tango Studio’s FM radio (an AM radio would’ve been nice, so we could listen to baseball games or the weather channel).

Considering the Tango Studio’s $80 price, it’s pretty hard to knock it, but the remote left something to be desired. It has basic track controls and volume adjustment, as well as the ability to switch between audio sources. XtremeMac claims the remote has a range of 50 feet; we found it closer to 35 feet.

The bottom line. The Tango Studio is an excellent deal for budget-conscious shoppers who want to get more out of their iPods.

COMPANY: XtremeMac

CONTACT: www.xtrememac.com

PRICE: $79.95

REQUIREMENTS: Dockable iPod

Good price. Decent sound.

Mediocre bass response. Limited remote controls.