Stephen Mejias

Was it really only yesterday? It feels like it was a hundred years ago.

I received a press release from Canton yesterday. It was about their new DSS 303 Digital Soundstation, designed specifically for the Apple iPod. I'm endlessly impressed by the fact that an entire world of products have risen from the popularity of the smart, little iPod.

Canton's DSS 303 seems similar to the many other iPod audio systems out there in that it combines an integrated iPod dock and charger with an AM/FM clock radio in a curvy, glossy black or white package.

It uses a 4" aluminum-cone woofer with a coaxially-mounted 1" fabric-dome tweeter, and provides a useful USB port. The Canton DSS 303 costs $499.

Canton has been around since 1973 and claims the dominant share of the German loudspeaker market. In the past, both John Atkinson and Wes Phillips have been impressed by Canton's interesting designs, most recently the Canton Vento Reference 1 DC and the 809 DC. Kal Rubinson was similarly impressed by the smaller Reference 9 DC.

Can Canton bring the sound and sophistication of their larger designs to the small, attractive DSS 303?