High-end iPod Speaker Docks

tech: High-end iPod Speaker Docks

July 28 2008 | WilHarris

Today on the testing bench we’re looking at speaker docks for your iPod - but not the average thing you might splash £50 on and stick in your kitchen.

These docks all cost upwards of £125 and are designed for those who appreciate serious audio quality. Hailing from JBL, Bose, Harmon Kardon and Bowers & Wilkinson, they have some pretty high-end audio heritage.

In this epic video - which runs to 10 minutes, no less - I take a look at the stylings, features and performance of each, ending up with my ‘must buy’ recommendation. Enjoy the video.

comments

Norbit

July 28th, 2008 - 3:42pm

Good review Will

I have to say the only one I would allow in my house is the B&W because the others look bloody hideous especially the JBL which looks like an indoor TV ariel lol

BTW the audio and player were all spot on for me and the video looked a bit better quality than recent ones which was good also

Stu Scrace

July 28th, 2008 - 4:23pm

Awesome episode Wil loved the passion and it felt un-scripted which i really liked big up the Harris

Robert

July 28th, 2008 - 8:34pm

I had those exact Bose speakers, which were excellent for me and pretty portable - however, someone managed to drop and break it!

I now have an iPod Hi-fi which is a regrettable purchase, too large and bulky with minimum features for an Apple product.

cedgray

July 29th, 2008 - 9:16am

From wired:

“The folks at ChannelFlip do a good service, if only to distract us from iPhone news and MobileMe angst.”

http://cultofmac.com/ipod-soundblaster-roundup/2416

lawrence

July 29th, 2008 - 9:38am

nice one you should make more episodes this long !

Luke

July 29th, 2008 - 4:08pm

What happened to the really cool Polk Audio I-Sonic 2? It has “serious audio quality” and iTunes tagging, HD Radio, and a video pass through to watch your iPod video on your TV. The iTunes tagging is a really great feature. I think the Polk product hasn’t been getting enough press. It’s great.

Charles

July 29th, 2008 - 5:23pm

Will, In the B&W manual it stats \USB slave socket for software updates to Zeppelin\. Were you able to use the USB port on the Zeppelin to sync to a mac/pc?

Justin

July 30th, 2008 - 8:05am

Thank for posting that link Chris!

Burak Alpar

July 31st, 2008 - 7:56pm

Really useful reviews, but does anyone think there’ll be a half decent set of speakers that work with thie iPhone/Touch in video mode? Turning the zeppelin and balancing it on one end just doesn’t seem like the right solution.

zac_in_ak

November 1st, 2008 - 3:27am

try this for high end http://www.wadia.com/products/170i/170iTransport_home.htm just a dock!