If you’ve already ripped all your albums to MP3 files so you can enjoy them on
an iPod, the obvious next step is to hook the player up to a hi-fi so you
can avoid having to hunt for your favourite Miles Davis CD during a dinner
party.
The easiest way to do this with an iPod is to slot it into a dock that has
Apple’s proprietary 30-pin connector. This specific iPod-only socket
provides better audio quality than the player’s headphone output, and lets
you skip tracks or alter volume with the remote control that comes supplied
with each of the models tested. Most docks also have an S-video socket (see
Jargon Buster) so you can plug it into a television to enjoy the photos or
modest-quality video stored on the iPod. Of those tested, only the Jamo and
Bose lacked one.
Some docks have to be connected to an external hi-fi, but all those reviewed
here have their own amplification and speakers and so operate as a
standalone music-making machine. An additional benefit of using one of these
mains-powered docks is that your iPod recharges itself while docked;
although this applies to all the devices here, it’s not the case for every
dock on the market.
Until recently most iPod docks were made by makers of computer peripherals
rather than audio specialists, so many sounded poor. But things have moved
on, and all of the docks we tested are from companies with a hi-fi heritage.
Sound quality is greatly affected by the calibre of the audio files being
played. While you can rip files at full CD quality, most people don’t
because the files take up too much computer and iPod space. Even if you do,
the DAC (digital to analogue converter) in the iPod is unlikely to match a
CD player for sound quality. The advantage of a dedicated dock is
convenience, and sometimes swanky looks.
These docks varied widely. All except the KEF and Jamo are of an all-in-one
design, with everything built into a single case; these are the easiest to
set up. While the KEF and Jamo have separate speakers that take a few
minutes to connect, they promise – in theory – better stereo effect as the
speakers can be positioned further apart. However, the best all-in-one docks
on test showed that limited size doesn’t necessarily imply too heavy an
audio compromise.
All have at least one 3.5mm mini-jack line input (usually at the back) for
connecting a noniPod MP3 player, a games console or a CD player. The Jamo
and Audio Pro systems provide additional flexibility by having multiple line
inputs. The Bose and Audio Pro even have a rechargeable battery for use away
from the mains. While all the docks tested are intended primarily for use
around the home and garden, there are more portable units – see InGear’s
recent review at tinyurl.com/2h9pnq.
The flaw with relying on an iPod dock as your principal audio entertainment is
that if a family member takes the player out for the day you may be left
without music – unless the machine is also connected to, say, a CD player.
Nevertheless, if you want your iPod to migrate from pocket to living room,
this is how to do it. This group test revealed high performance pretty much
across the board – something that can’t be said of the docks from PC
hardware brands that have ruled the roost till now.
JARGON BUSTER
DAC (digital to analogue converter) Electronics that convert digital
audio to an analogue signal
iPod dock Cradle with Apple’s own 30-pin iPod connection for audio,
video and recharging
Line input Socket for connecting external audio sources; often a 3.5mm
jack socket
S-video Modest-quality video socket usually used to connect a camera to
a television
BOMBS AWAY
Five stars
B&W Zeppelin
Typically £399
www.bowers-wilkins.com
01903 221 500
Serious quality and designer looks – a real sonic boon
This Zeppelin-shaped boombox is unrivalled for creating impact. While many
iPod docks are slabs of white plastic, the B&W is as much objet d’art as
mini hi-fi. The black speaker housing has a stainless steel back and a metal
arm into which an iPod is placed so you can operate it as you would if
holding the player. Or you can use the chrome-backed remote control. The
chassis can tilt for easier access and has power and volume switches at the
front. The Zeppelin’s spacious sound was as good with glam rock as with
Noughties rap, and it went loud without distorting. It weighs 16.5lb so you
won’t enjoy hefting it around, and the price is heavy too. But you pay for
quality, and it really is the best.
BUDGET MAESTRO
Five stars
Klipsch iGroove SXT
Typically £99
www.klipsch.com
0845 082 2454
Classy sonics, compact size – a bargain
The Klipsch looks like a shrunken Bose SoundDock, is sold for a song, and
makes marvellous music. Inside the tough plastic case lurk four high-quality
speakers and a good amplifier. The Klipsch’s top-mounted on/off and volume
controls proved easy to operate, although the remote control was fiddly. The
sound was surprisingly sophisticated and bristled with detail whether
playing Mantovani or Marilyn Manson. As the volume increased, the Klipsch
rose to the challenge and sounded clean right up to its maximum setting. It
fell short of the best for sheer grunt, but its twin-speaker design created
a strong stereo effect. Given the sturdy design and modest price tag, it’s a
belter.
TOWER OF POWER
Four stars
Audio Pro Porto
Typically £235
www.audiopro.com
01423 359 054
Stylish, portable and punchy sound too
This leather-clad speaker dock looks and feels like no other. The tall box
(120 x 305 x 140mm) has an FM radio and a built-in rechargeable battery that
lasted 7hr. The Audio Pro has two mini-jack inputs for noniPod music
players, plus outputs for video, headphones or a subwoofer (not supplied).
Better still, the Porto packed a bigger punch than its compact size and
svelte style suggest: it thumped out drum’n’bass harder than all but the
Jamo and B&W, yet was also delicate enough for Norah Jones’s smooth
crooning. The stereo effect was weak, though, and the radio merely average,
so audiophiles might find it unrefined. Nonetheless a fine performer and
ideal for music on the hoof.
PARTY ANIMAL
Four stars
Jamo i300
Typically £215
www.jamo.com
01923 205 600
Potent, well-made system at a great price
Rather than having an all-in-one design the Jamo uses two satellite speakers
and a subwoofer. The black speaker cabinets are sturdy and the system is
well finished. The pebble-shaped remote control worked well and a strip of
blue LEDs on the dock shows the volume level. It outgunned all others tested
for potency, except the B&W. Many satellite and subwoofer systems have
an overpowering bass but the Jamo largely avoided this. Apart from the B&W,
the i300 is the only unit here powerful enough for use at a raging party.
Even flat out it remained composed as it banged out the Chemical Brothers.
The Jamo is ideal for those with large rooms and shallow pockets.
LITTLE CHARMER
Three stars
KEF Picoforte 1
Typically £250
www.kef.co.uk
01622 672 261
A charmer with expansive sound but a lack of bass
This mini hi-fi for the iPod comprises a cradle for the player, a separate
amplifier and two satellite speakers. Immaculately finished in gloss-black
metal, it all fits together easily. The remote control is the only one on
test capable of navigating iPod menus – the others can only select tunes and
alter volume – but it’s the only means of controlling the system. The
Picoforte looked best with its wee speakers pushed up against it, but
sounded better with them further apart. The sound was as detailed as the top
docks here, with great stereo effect. That said, the bass was limp and the
volume lacking, although an optional £200 subwoofer can add welcome weight
to the sound.
STYLE OVER SUBSTANCE
Two stars
Bose SoundDock Portable
Typically £280
www.bose.co.uk
0800 085 9021
Nice style but doesn’t cut the mustard sonically
Bose is the best known maker of iPod docks and this latest model adds
portability to the equation. It has a built-in rechargeable battery (that
lasted 5hr) and its iPod cradle slips inside the main housing to avoid being
bashed while on the move. At low volumes the Bose produced impressively
crisp, full-bodied sound, but cranking it up produced a boomy,
marshmallow-like mess of music. It went surprisingly loud, but you wouldn’t
want to experience that as the amplifier began to wheeze and the thin
plastic walls of the cabinet flexed under the strain. The touch-sensitive
volume controls are also fiddly. A swish-looking product with disappointing
audio.
