Cambridge Audio iD100 review

The Cambridge Audio iD100 dock is iPad-compatible Tested at £150

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If digital iPad docking is what you require, jump in – with a decent DAC, of course

Pros

  • +

    Great flexibility, spec-wise

  • +

    open, nicely focused sound

Cons

  • -

    Bass could be better defined

  • -

    treble is on the hard side

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Docks that extract digital information from Apple devices are rare, so Cambridge Audio is to be applauded by also making its new iD100 digital dock iPad-compatible.

It’s well equipped, with S/PDIF, digital optical and balanced XLR outputs for connection to a DAC, AV amp or the like accompanied by switchable composite/S-Video/component video outputs for hooking up to a screen or projector.

There’s no doubt that listening to the likes of Foo Fighters’ Monkey Wrench via the iD100 and a dedicated DAC wipes the floor, in performance terms, with using your Apple device’s on-board digital-to-analogue conversion.

Detail, focus and staging are all superior, and timing is of a different order altogether. But while the Cambridge is better than no digital dock at all, it’s not the best-sounding one we’ve heard. Some rivals offer more detail, tauter bass and less splashy treble.

That said, no rival can dock an iPad, but if outright quality is your absolute top priority, the iD100 falls slightly short.

See all our iPod dock reviews

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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