Gone are the days when people used to listen to their favorite music on walkmans or Discmans. iPods and MP3 players are in vogue today. They are a great means to listen to music while on the go and, also, when you want to play it loud amongst your friends. Thatâs the main reason why an audio dock is a must-have accessory for any music lover. Presently, iPods are selling like hot cakes and are the most sought-after gadgets in the market. So, if you are one of those guys who own an iPod and are a music junkie, at the same time, iPod dock is an accessory you just canât live without.
Here, we present to you the 10 best iPod docks out there in the market up for grabs for any audiophile like you.
1. Klipsch iGroove SXT
Price: $136
This low-budget docking station is compact and packs a lot of punch when it comes to performance. Itâs simple and the petite design incorporates a lot of features like an S-video output for connection to TV, a quick-charge circuit that charges your iPod/iPhone rapidly and, of course, not to mention, that itâs very portable due to its lightweight frame. Performance-wise, this little guy doesnât disappoint you one bit. High volume levels are easily reachable with clear and balanced audio quality at all volumes. Controlling the iGroove is plain and easy (there is not much to control though). Most iPod related functions are directly controlled from the iPod. However, the major drawback of the iGroove is absence of battery power option and lack of other features such as FM Tuner, limited control of iPod or iPhone and cable for 3.5mm audio input.
USP: Overall, the iGroove is a very good bargain considering the price at which itâs being offered to you because, in terms of performance, there is none to match it in its price range.
Pros: The salient features of the iGroove SXT are its big and muscular sound (considering itâs from a compact speaker), attractive design and affordability.
2. BOSE SoundDock 10
Price: $599.99 plus $150 for the Bluetooth accessory.
Anyways, itâs a very compact and classy looking iPod dock. Other features that add to its credibility are a composite video output or line input, interchangeable dock system and GSM shield for iPhones. Something that is missing from this though, is a built-in radio and ability to charge your devices while using the Bluetooth accessory. The quality of sound it projects is excellent (taking into account itâs from a single speaker) and fills the room completely. BOSE seem to have perfected the art of delivering best-quality audio from a solitary speaker. The SoundDock 10 plays impressively loud and clear and sound quality doesnât get distorted even at high volume levels.
USP: The SoundDock 10 builds its impression, largely, upon its unmatchable sound quality that any compact iPod/iPhone speaker can deliver.
Pros: Ultimately, the features that will compel you to buy this product are its sleek design, classy looks and superb sound quality (that seems to have become a trademark of BOSE).
3. Altec Lansing Mix iMT800
Price: $216.42
The heavy duty performer form Altec Lansing is like the new-age boom box with awesome sound quality and a lot of oomph to it. Itâs armed with great features, like FM radio, two auxiliary inputs placed on top of the unit for easy access and the fact that itâs portable (as itâs powered by 8 D batteries that can power it for 30 hours without any hitch), which make it extremely desirable. Everything about the Mix is very loud and expressive, from its design to its 5.25-inch sub-woofers. It, also, comes equipped with two 3-inch drivers and a 1-inch tweeter. You can adjust the bass and treble settings from the equalizer button given on the unit itself or the remote. However, the iMT800 fails when it comes to video capability and option of a rechargeable battery.
USP: All said and done, itâs the iMT 800âs versatility as an iPod speaker and well-rounded design that highlight its worth.
Pros: Despite the heavy price tag, the iMT800 will attract a lot of buyers due to its killer combination of retro looks and great performance, coupled with its portability, that make for a great iPod speaker option.
4. Cambridge SoundWork i765
Price: $127.49
The i765 is the latest and greatest creation of Cambridge till-date. This iPod/iPhone speaker is fitted to the top panel. The model is equipped with an S-video and audio output jack which, according to Cambridgeâs claims, supports the latest models of the iPod but not the iPhone. All the speakers and woofers of the i765 have amplifiers integrated in them which power them to produce awesome quality sound. The speakers are, also, magnetically shielded. The i765 boasts of a CD/DVD player which makes it a miniature home theatre system. The i765 is equipped with Cambridge Soundworkâs Creative X-Fi sound processing technology that gives a very balanced sound which sounds bigger than your expectation. The bass, treble and loudness controls give you a feel of the i765âs ability to cater sound to your taste. The audio dock boasts of other great features, like dual alarm clock, AM/FM radio and powerful remote control access for full iPod navigation, that add might to its repertoire.
USP: Cambridge Soundwork adds DVD capability and an integrated iPod dock to its brilliant sounding tabletop radio.
Pros:The i765, although a bit overpriced, has superb sound quality, great features and comprehensive iPod control to match its price tag.
5. Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro
Price: $219
The speakerâs stunning design, iPhone compatibility, video output and remote access make it one classy boom box. The Microâs aesthetic appeal hits fever-pitch with its metallic handle thatâs an inch thick in diameter and fits snugly in the hands. Considering the Micro, that weighs 8 pounds, a nice grip really helps. However, the Harman Kardon Go + Play Micro has its lows, as well, in the form of underpowered speakers that hinder the Microâs performance as a boom box. The Micro works at the half the Wattage as compared to the earlier versionâs 120Watts of awe inspiring power. Absence of built-in radio is another drawback of the Micro sans which it could have achieved cult status. Surely, the Micro is not a match to its legendary predecessor that set the tone for its development. Also, there are many better-performing docks available in the market for the price of the Micro.
USP: The only aspect of the Go + Play that justifies its price tag is its striking, almost alien, and futuristic looks that will compel you to buy it.
Pros: The highs of the Go + Play Micro lies in its design which simply screams for attention. The other positives you take home along with the Micro are its compatibility with the iPhone and 18 hours of non-stop music that you get from an array of eight C cell batteries.
6. iHome iP1
Price: $198.19
The compelling design of the iP1 with its sleek look, transparent face and big bulging speakers surely leaves you exasperated. The iP1 has a set of 4-inch woofers and 1-inch silk dome tweeters and is powered by Bongiovi Acousticsâ indigenously developed Digital Power Station Processor. Other features include a line-in jack, GSM shielding for iPhones and decent sound quality. The features in which this audio dock is found wanting are built-in radio and alarm, and, its inability to play softer and acoustical tracks in a comprehensive manner.
USP: The USP of the iP1 is certainly its jaw dropping design coupled with rich features.
Pros: The iHome iP1 is a curious mix of features and at the same time, lack of them. But this iPod dock will certainly appeal to those who are more inclined towards listening to pop, hip-hop and rock types of music.
7. Logitech S715i
Price: $113.99
The Logitech S715i delivers an audio performance that defies its price tag, to say the least. With regards to sound quality, there is hardly any better-performing iPod speaker in the market thatâs in the price range of the S715i. The S715i possesses unmatched versatility that plays all kinds of music with equal elegance and power. This aspect of the S715i truly makes it a class apart. It supports both iPod and iPhone, and makes use of eight tracks to project its high-quality sound. The lack of common but necessary features such as FM radio, clock and equalizer act as a damper though.
USP: The bottom line is that itâs an impressive all-purpose speaker, in terms of performance as well as price for those who just love their music.
Pros: The features that really set the S715i apart are its versatility to play, almost, any kind of music and its compatibility with both iPod and iPhone.
8. Bowlin & Wilikins Zeppelin Air
Price: $599.95
The Zeppelin Air is a sleek and suave iPod/iPhone speaker. It has a high-end stereo speaker with built-in Apple AirPlay audio streaming capabilities. The Zeppelin Air is in a league of its own when it comes to acoustics. Its dynamic equalizer automatically adjusts the subwooferâs bass output and the sound quality remains unbeatable even at the lowest levels of volume. The speakerâs 1-inch Tweeter, three drivers and a 5-inch woofer that deliver solid sound are ample proof of the strength of this giant. The AirPlay features are available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Certain defects that lay the Zeppelin Air low, though, are obviously its sky-rocketing cost and, the fact that, configuring the AirPlay features will be a tough nut to crack if you are a first-timer. Also, the stereo separation is very little until you are very close to the speaker.
USP: Despite its flaws, the Zeppelin Airâs near-perfect sonic details and the sophisticated AirPlay feature make it worth every penny you spend on it.
Pros: Although Bowers & Wilkins have not shed the price off this edition of Zeppelin, Apple AirPlay support and highly-improved sound quality make it worthy of its price tag.
9. ILuv i199
Price: $134.72
The i199 combines iPod, radio, MP3 and USB- based audio playback. It, also, has a line-in jack for making additional connections. The Bluepin feature helps you transmit and receive audio to and from Bluetooth-enabled devices. It is equipped with a video output and ships with every cable youâll ever require. The sound quality is at par, if not better, with the best in its class being crisp and clear irrespective of the source of the audio (with the exception of the Bluetooth). The drawbacks of the i199 include lack of equalizer settings and below-par sound quality when using the Bluepin feature.
USP: You we would surely be hard-pressed to find an audio dock for your iPod that is stuffed with features, like the i199, at such a competitive price which makes it a great deal for all music junkies.
Pros: The i199 impresses when it comes to features like the Bluepin, video support for iPod and USB-based playback.
10. JBL On Stage 400P
Price: $229.95
This docking station from JBL gives clear, crisp and detailed audio. It is compatible with, almost, all docking iPods thanks to the five snap-on adaptors for a variety of iPhones and iPods. The 400P offers impressive sound quality that is attributed to its digital amplifier and Digital Sound Processing (DSP) technology. It is magnetically shielded against iPhone interface. There is also a provision in the form of an auxiliary line input for interfacing the Shuffle feature of the iPod thatâs impressive. Lack of additional features such as radio, alarm and battery power option take the sheen away from this audio dock though.
USP: The 400P is a good alternative for those who expect quality audio from a compact speaker.
Pros: The 400Pâs ability to give great sound with almost every available docking iPod and its magnetic shield against iPhone interface form the high points of the 400P.
