Apple
made a rather interesting announcement this past week. They
introduced their own "docking station with speakers" for the iPod.
This was a bit puzzling to me, as there are already a multitude of
devices like this on the market - why add one more?
At $349, Apple's new iPod Hi-Fi is quite expensive. It has some
nice features, like a remote control, but is it really worth the
price? I'm going to look at a couple other devices that are
available for listening to music on your iPod while at home or
work.
Generally there are two types of sound systems: larger ones,
similar to the size of a tabletop radio, that feature more volume
and better bass response, and smaller ones, which are meant to be
portable at the expense of some loss of sound quality.
One feature to look for on the larger units is
tone controls. These days, stereo systems tend to accentuate the
bass and treble, leaving the midrange significantly lacking. The
general sound quality from many modern radios and stereos is one
that is "cold". While this is excellent for hip-hop, pop, and some
modern rock, it's not very desirable if you're trying to listen to
jazz or classical. This is just one thing to keep in mind when
buying speakers for your iPod.
The other factor is where you'll be using it. Many of these
models have convenience features, like the ability to use batteries
(most have this) or a remote control. If you're going to be
bringing this from home to work daily, batteries might be nice to
have, but a remote control might get lost easily.
For $300,
you can buy Bose's
SoundDock. This unit looks like one great big speaker, which
the iPod sits in front of. It automatically adjusts the
equalization of the speakers to adapt to the type of music you're
listening to, so there are no bass and treble controls. Like the
iPod Hi-Fi, it also features a remote control. The
Apple Store has had the SoundDock on display for some time, and
it's proven quite popular. It supports all iPods, from the original
to the latest models.
For the same
price, one of my favorite concepts is
JBL's OnTime, which basically converts your iPod into a
clock-radio, allowing you to wake up from the radio, the iPod, or
auxiliary input connected in the back. It's similar in concept to
the OnStage
($100 from Amazon.com), however the "ring" of speakers is vertical,
instead of positioned flat. Unlike Apple's iPod Hi-Fi, it doesn't
have a remote. But it supports older model iPods without dock
connectors, which Apple's device doesn't. (Unfortunately, OnTime
suffers from the blue LED
problem.)
If you don't need the clock, JBL's OnStage
is a perfect option. It provides the very aesthetically pleasing
speaker ring, but like the OnTime, it's not too portable. This
device costs $200, which is more than JBL's
Creature speakers - a 3-piece unit that can be used for either
iPods or a computer.
$250 buys you the Altec-Lansing iM7 ($180 from Amazon.com). I've been
consistently happy with the sound from Altec-Lansing computer
speakers (and ended up recently purchasing a pair for my G5, but
that's another column), and it's nice to know that they have an
iPod speaker system as well. Some reviews have rated this higher
than the Bose SoundDock for sound quality, which is a pretty
impressive feat given Bose's reputation. Unlike the Bose or the
JBLs, iM7 has tone controls that can be adjusted for your preferred
sound.
Smaller
Those are some of the larger speaker systems available, but what
if you're traveling from home to work with this system every day
and would prefer something a bit smaller?
Altec-Lansing's
InMotion is no doubt the most popular. At $150 ($120 from
Amazon.com), the new IM3 is extremely portable (it folds into a
small unit about the size of a large transistor radio), yet it
features four drivers and something Altec-Lansing calls MaxxBass
Technology. It also comes with a remote control.
If you'd like
to have something to bring with you to wake you up on vacation,
iHome's iH26W (what a catchy name) may just be the speaker
system for you. Not only is it extremely portable, but it's also
affordable at $100. It comes with a carrying case, and, like the
InMotion, it ships complete with a remote control. The sound
quality was not mentioned on their website, and the speakers look
very small and basic, so I wouldn't expect fantastic sound from
this unit.
The last
device I want to look at is one that I have myself. Logic3's
iStation ($85 from Amazon.com) is similar in a way to
Altec-Lansing's InMotion, but it features a built-in subwoofer. It
also supports iPods from the original one up to the latest 5G
models and can recharge those that use the dock connector.
Both the InMotion and the iStation can let you connect your iPod
to your computer through the device, replacing Apple's iPod dock.
I've been pleased with the sound quality - while it's not
especially good at high volumes, it's not bad for listening to
music in a small room. The only complaint I've had has been that
you must place the clear protective cover over the unit after you
fold it up or risk the exposed speaker cones sustaining damage.
(Oh, I've also had to cover up the blue LEDs.)
There are so many speaker systems available, I'm a little bit
surprised that Apple felt they needed to design yet another one.
However, their premium-priced model may indeed actually sound the
best out of what's available, I haven't heard it yet. In general,
the only way to buy speakers is to listen to them first. Different
models sound different, and it's easy to be unhappy with what you
buy if you don't give a few different models a listen first.
