I bought myself an iPod Touch last Autumn and loved it, the only problem was that it sounded tinny if playing it without the headphones. I decided I needed to be able to connect it to a music system. The problem being that my music system was a cheap CD/radio player with no ability to connect my iPod to it. So off I went on a search to find a new music system. I wanted something to not only plug my iPod into, but also to play CDs (as I have hundreds of them) and radio functionality (depsite the awful signal we get up here in the hills of Mid Wales).

This is where the Sony CMT-BX70BI comes in. It fitted the bill perfectly! It's got an integrated iPod docking station, CD player, a radio tuner and a DAB digital radio.

The iPod dock is fitted neatly into the top of the mini hifi system. In the box you'll find a set of inserts (which fit most iPods), just pick the appropriate insert for your iPod and slot it into the top, this ensures the iPod sits nicely into the dock. However, once or twice it has taken me a few seconds to actually get my iPod to connected properly, but that's probably more to do with the fact that I'm clumsy than anything else.

When docked into the top of the mini hifi system, the iPod can either be controlled from the iPod screen or using the remote control supplied with the hifi system. I tend to use the remote control, but I must admit that it can be difficult to see the iPod screen from a few metres away (maybe I should put my specs on!). I usually stand a metre or two away to choose my songs. I guess if you don't mind what you listen to (after all, it should be music you like on your iPod) then you can just press play and let it go.

Something to note is that this mini hifi system will charge your iPod. I have the latest iPod Touch and had read some reports on the internet about some systems not charging the new range of iPods. Well, I can safely say that this system will charge your iPod. In fact, my iPod Touch often sits in the dock charging. And yes, it charges while playing (and even while switched off), so a bonus all round.

If you have an MP3 player which isn't an iPod, you can attach this to the hifi system via the "Audio In" plug at the front.

The CD player is as simple as you'd expect it to be. You put your CD in the tray, push it in and away you go. The CD tray slots nicely into the front of the system and you can barely tell it's there.

Also on the front of the system is the screen which shows which setting you're on (e.g. if you've got your iPod connected and playing it says "iPod"). When on standby, the time will be displayed (which always comes in handy).

I can't comment much on the radio as we have such poor reception and can't yet get DAB radio. The system comes with a wire ariel - I've always found these a bit useless as there's usually a need to tape it or somehow affix it up the wall. I found I got the best reception when I was stood on a stood holding the wire in the air, but somehow that's just not practical for everyday radio use! Mind you, that would happen with any system, so I make do with a crackly reception until such time that we're able to get a DAB signal (or I move the system to another room). What I will say is that its relatively easy to tune stations in.

As well as using the remote control, you can also control the hifi using the flat buttons fitted neatly onto the top of the system. They don't stand out at all and fit in nicely with the design.

Now to the look and feel...

The CMT-BX70DBI comes in black and silver (CMT-BX70DBI-S), although the silver one (which I have) is half black anyway! I would say the main box of the system is about the size of a shoebox and so fits nicely into most spaces (making sure there is enough room for the iPod to be docked on top). It comes with 2 speakers which can be placed either side of the box (as I have done) or further away should you wish (as the length of wire is adequate).

This hifi system not only looks great with its sleek, stylish design, but also sounds fantastic. I was amazed at how much better than my old system this system sounded. The sound is crystal clear and the music fills the room.

All in all, I would defintely say this system is worth it's price. It has great functions and "does what it says on the tin". It's just what I wanted!

How much is this nice bit of kit? Well, a bit more than what I would usually pay, but it was the only one I could find that did what I wanted it to and had great reviews. Plus, Sony is a great brand name so you know you're getting a decent product. Sony's RRP (recommended retail price) is £159, but at the time of writing this system can be bought for around the £129 mark from Amazon UK, but the priced dropped quite a bit before Christmas before coming back up again, so you may be lucky to get it cheaper.