Sony's midrange AV receiver improves on its predecessor with new HDMI features like standby pass-through and 3D compatibility, but it lacks a compelling reason to pick it over its competitors.

The iP49 makes for a decent home iPod/iPhone audio system that easily converts into a portable system for travel.

Six HDMI inputs, easy iPod connectivity, and sweet sound quality make the Pioneer VSX-1020-K an excellent midrange AV receiver, although it's missing some minor HDMI features.

Though the DSS has its moments of excellence, most are less than stellar. Factoring in the clutter associated with setting up such a device, we think gamers who are passionate about surround sound are better off buying something that natively supports that feature.

Though its $150 price tag places it among the more-expensive devices on the market, its great sound, feature set, and comprehensive iPod control make the i525 a worthy AM/FM iPod alarm clock radio.

With the iP90, iHome has slightly improved the design and audio quality of its classic iPod-iPhone clock radio for 2010.

With the iP90, iHome has slightly improved the design and audio quality of its classic iPod-iPhone clock radio for 2010.

The iHome iPhone app converts the otherwise basic iA5 into a feature-loaded alarm clock.

The sleek and beautifully designed NPR Radio by Livio is a talk-radio junkie's dream despite some missing extracurricular features and having average sound quality.

The Olive 4 is a fantastic-sounding digital audio server, but its high price and limited feature list limit its appeal to die-hard audiophiles.