On February 28th, Apple introduced the iPod Hi-Fi, a versatile $350 all-in-one speaker system designed for iPods with dock connectors. A combination analog/digital input enables you to connect other devices as well such as an AM/FM or satellite radio tuner, a CD player, an Airport Express, etc. The iPod Hi-Fi includes an infrared remote with the same controls as an iPod — except for menu navigation. If you wish, you can run the iPod Hi-Fi on D batteries (it has handles for moving it around).
Your iPod sits on top of the iPod Hi-Fi in a form-fitting universal dock — a terrific innovation that can accommodate any past, present, or future iPod with a dock connector. When you insert a current iPod (video or nano), a new Speakers menu becomes available that enables you to choose different display and backlight options (including large album art), and adjust the tone (flat, treble boost, or bass boost). Naturally, the iPod Hi-Fi keeps your iPod charged.
I've patiently waited for this product for a long time. It always seemed to me that Apple had a rather large hole in its iPod strategy — the home. For the past 15 years, I've used a Panasonic AM/FM/CD/Tape/AUX boom box with a remote control as my bedroom stereo and alarm clock. Goodbye Panasonic. Hello iPod Hi-Fi.
My iPod Hi-Fi sits on top of a five foot tall bureau equidistant from two walls. When I first gave the iPod Hi-Fi a listen, I was horrified — it sounded too bright. Fortunately, I quickly discovered the problem — I turned off the EQ setting on my iPod and turned on the Bass Boost using the Speakers menu. After making these two changes, the shrillness disappeared, replaced with a richer sound, tight bass, and slightly expanded soundstage.
If you play new or remastered tracks (lossless or compressed, 1998-present more or less), the iPod Hi-Fi sounds great. On the other hand, it will reveal flaws in older recordings — as good speakers should. Despite what many people think, mastering matters more than compression. Ever wonder why your Led Zeppelin albums sound so bad even if you rip them without compression? Because they have not been remastered.
In my view, the iPod Hi-Fi also merits praise for its design. Several people have told me that photos of the iPod nano don't do it justice. I think the same is true of the iPod Hi-Fi — it looks quite elegant and compact in person. Because of the white body and black grille, it matches both black and white iPods (mine is black). In fact, when I look at it head on, all I see is the black grille and black iPod.
The iPod Hi-Fi features many thoughtful small touches. For example, when you adjust the volume, you can see the volume level on the iPod — no need to guess where you are. Similarly, the large rubber bottom protects your furniture if you care about that sort of thing. It also prevents vibration. The iPod Hi-Fi comes with a 9.5 foot power cord, which means you won't need an extension cord in most situations. Finally, a status light provides visual feedback when you use the infrared remote. Speaking of the remote, it works at every angle (even 180 degrees) and at generous distances.
Because Apple designed the iPod Hi-Fi for room rather than close-up listening, your best bet lies in comparing it to mini stereos and larger iPod speaker systems like the Altec-Lansing iM7. Sound quality aside, your attached iPod provides a lot of functionality absent from mini stereos, such an alarm clock and sleep timer — plus no ugly cables. Also, because Apple makes both the iPod and the iPod Hi-Fi, the two work together more seamlessly than third-party iPod speakers (e.g., the iM7 does not use Apple's universal dock).
So, is the iPod Hi-Fi perfect? No. It cannot match the sound quality of three-way speakers or bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer. Also, it's unfortunate that the Speakers menu works only with the latest iPods. Lastly, I wish the remote had some navigation features in addition to next/previous and rewind/fast forward.
That said, if you've pretty much replaced your CDs and tapes with your iPod, you'll find the iPod Hi-Fi a good bet for your bedroom, kitchen, office, patio, and vacation home. Your kids will probably like it too whether in college or still at home. For some people — non-audiophiles, those who hate cable clutter, and those who live in a small apartment — it could also suffice as a living room stereo.
Finally, a review of the iPod Hi-Fi reviews. Unfortunately, much of the media seems to have misunderstood the iPod Hi-Fi and its positioning in the marketplace. For example, CNET complained about the lack of a headphone jack. Huh? If you want to listen with headphones, just use your iPod. Why chain yourself to one location when using headphones? That's so 1985.
Consumer Reports complained about the weight, seemingly unaware of the laws of physics, which requires some heft to generate bass without distortion. iLounge gave the iPod Hi-Fi high marks for its sound, but gave it a mediocre rating overall, deeming it a poor value proposition for most iPod users.
To their credit, three publications stand out. Playlist's exhaustive review compares the iPod Hi-Fi to all the major iPod speaker systems, and the Chicago Sun Times and New York Times best explain the iPod Hi-Fi's appeal, versatility, and target audience.
Take a look at some photos of my iPod Hi-Fi.
Learn more about the iPod Hi-Fi.
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