Sierra rolls out audiophile iPod speakers

Sierra Sound has just released the iN STUDIO 5.0, its new bookshelf audio system designed for higher-end listening with iPods. Patterned after discrete speakers, it includes a dock on one unit for charging and playing music from recent iPods, including the second-generation iPod nano. Power is one of its strong points, says the company. The system includes a dynamic amp that avoids the need for a separate component to drive sometimes weaker digital audio. The iN STUDIO also packs an S-video connection for linking the video signal of newer iPods to a TV. Dual aux-input jacks are also relatively unique; owners can hook up dedicated second sources such as CD players through RCA or minijacks while still freeing a second port for other MP3 players.

The company says the iN STUDIO is shipping now for $399 in iPod-matching black or white, as well as a more conspicuous and stylized Ferrari red.