Iphone/Ipod Speaker systems, which to buy?

Londonrockz568 · 06-19-2009, 03:08 AM

Hey everyone so im looking to buy a speaker system for my iphone. It'll mainly be used for those times around the house when i feel like blaring my music, or when my friends come over for poker, or just to chill...not to mention i do like to listen to music while i shower.

Two of my friends have the Bose SoundDock Series II and it can really fill a room with sound however at its price and for what i want to do its a bit much...not to mention its huge in size.

Went to BestBuy and saw the JBL (Harman Kardon) Onstage lllP.

I really like this one because its small but the sound is loud, and clear.

What are your thoughts experiences etc...because the reviews i keep reading say its not that great on bass. (to be expected, its not huge at 7inches diameter) I have tried it out in the store with my iphone and it was fine to me.

If you have any other suggestions/experiences let me know im trying to keep the price less than $200.

Londonrockz568 · 06-19-2009, 07:16 PM

Anyone wtf

3GEE · 07-17-2009, 04:13 PM

did you end up getting either of these? I'm in the market for one myself, any feedback?

Hazy3Gs · 07-22-2009, 11:27 AM

i just bought my first iphone/ipod the 3gs and have been looking around and doing alot of research on docking speakers for the iphone and most say that the yamaha is the best value. thats what im going to get.
Yamaha PDX-30 Speaker Dock for iPod and iPhone - Apple Store (U.S.)

psylichon · 07-22-2009, 12:28 PM

Those docking stations are always underpowered and overpriced. I got an iHome for my wife because she needed an alarm clock anyway, but if you're just looking for something to crank your tunes, I'd spend my money on a cheap shelf system or home-theater in-a-box and just hook up via the 1/8" stereo headphone connection.

Here's a Samsung unit for little more than your price point that actually has an iPod connector:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882676121

MrMike6by9 · 07-22-2009, 12:40 PM

I've had a 60G 4th gen iPod for a while now. I nearly always saw posts that said the sound obtained through a dock-type connection produced better sound since it bypasses the headphone amp. I have 2 Apple iPod docks that have a RCA-out stereo jack that I connect to a 20-25 foot cable that outputs to stereo left/right audio jacks that plug into the aux port of any stereo receiver and thus feeds my full size speaker systems in the living & the computer rooms. The LR unit has an external output that is used to power the outdoor-type speakers in my bath room. This setup sounds good to me.

YMMV

psylichon · 07-22-2009, 12:42 PM

The dock connector does provide a more high-fidelity sound because it bypasses the headphone amplifier (which adds noise). But... coming from someone who does audio for a living and is pretty picky with such things... the difference is very negligible to my ear. I wouldn't sweat that detail too much.

Dock connectors are preferable in my book just because they charge while you listen.

MrMike6by9 · 07-22-2009, 12:47 PM

Originally Posted by psylichon

...
Dock connectors are preferable in my book just because they charge while you listen.

I consider that to be a great benefit

BrownGem · 07-25-2009, 06:41 PM

I have tried 3 different docks all by Altec Lansing. They are fine for small room and listening to music at reasonable levels. I use them in my office or for outdoor listening.
This version of the IM7 had a great sound but they stopped working.
http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-spe...-31398069.html A newer version of this system is available. At louder volumes it just got all muddy sounding.
The problem with dock systems is if you ever want to play loud music the sound suffers greatly. They aren't built for high volume unless you are investing a bit of dough. As you say, your friends Bose docks fill a room but these are pricey. Think about investing in surround sound computer speakers that accept other audio inputs. Several system have input ports for personal audio players. Not much costlier than a dock system. More bang for the buck.

Joe_G · 07-31-2009, 07:16 AM

I sprung for the Bose, because it has a rechargable big battery in it, which allows me to use it anywhere AND it charges the phone. I use it by my pool and it sounds great. The freedom from electricity and the good sound are worth the price to me.