Apple iPod Hi-Fi

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Apple iPod Hi-Fi

Punit Lodaya, Aug 09, 2006 1800 hrs IST

The success of Apple iPod speaks for itself with over 60 Million units sold worldwide.

Excellent build quality, Rich and Warm Sound Quality, Can play on DC batteries, Ability to charge iPod.

No Video Out, Lack of Upper Treble, Bulky to be actually classified as portable, Very Expensive, Lack of Stereo Separation due to one piece design.

Expert Rating :

Expert Review

Specifications

The specification taken directly from the official website:

In the Box

iPod Hi-Fi and removable grille
Apple Remote
iPod Universal Dock Adapters
AC power cord
Product documentation and user guide

Powerful and efficient Class D internal amplifiers

Internal universal power supply
Seamless, quiet switching between AC and DC power
DC mode using just six D-cell batteries

Custom-designed drivers

Two 80-mm wide-range
One 130-mm woofer

Acoustically tuned enclosure

Sealed and tuned resin chamber
Sealed, acoustic suspension for mid-range system
Dual voice coil, ported bass reflex design for bass system

Performance

Frequency response: 53Hz to 16kHz " 3 dB
Maximum peak sound pressure level: 108 dB at 1 m (AC); 102 dB at 1 m (DC)

iPod integration

Compatible with all iPod models with a dock connector through the integrated Universal Dock (dock adapters included)
Compatible with iPod shuffle and iPod models without a dock connector through the audio input port (audio cable sold separately)
Charges iPod via dock connector
Tone Control in speakers menu provides additional EQ settings specifically for iPod Hi-Fi
Input port accepts analog 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack or S/PDIF optical digital mini-plug

Size and weight

Height: 6.6 inches (167.6 mm)
Width: 17.0 inches (431.8 mm)
Depth (including grille): 6.9 inches (175.3 mm)
Weight (without batteries): 14.5 pounds (6.6 kg)
Weight (with batteries): 16.7 pounds (7.6 kg)

Environmental requirements

Operating temperature: 32" to 95" F (0" to 35" C)
Non-operating temperature: -4" to 113" F (-20" to 45" C)
Relative humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing
Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet (3000 m)

Initial Comments

The Hi-Fi is designed to take the place of a home audio system, not a home theater system. The frequency response is only up to a maximum of 16 kHz. This is due to polypropylene cones used in their wide-range drivers. At 7.7 kg (with batteries), it is very heavy to be carried around somewhere unless you got a strong arm for it. Despites having the ability to play stereo format, the stereo effects are missing due to non-separation of stereo channels in two opposite direction due to one piece design. The speaker's output ratings still hasn't been declared by Apple yet. But, as far as my perspective is concerned, it was a bit louder than the Altec Lancing ATP3.

The absense of Video-Out by the speakers made one step away from being a complete entertainment system. The newer iPods (5G) has an ability to play video and can also connect to a bigger screen such as a TV. This missing fucntion is however present in competitors options.

Performance

We tested the speakers on variety of songs loaded on to the Video iPod 60 GB. All the songs were in Lossless format. The first thing to notice, that it has a rich warm sound compared to most speakers I have heard till date. Even at the loudest volume, the sound was not distorting. The bass had a solid thump. I was surprised to see the capability in spite of having only a 130 mm speaker.

However, same can't be said for the high frequency sound. One can clearly experience the lack of upper treble details. Besides that, the iPod Hi-Fi is one of the finest speakers I have heard till date. The best point for the output quality has to be the ability to play the sound at the highest volume without any indication of distortions or cracking. The low and the mids are almost accurately reproduced. The lack of higher treble won't be of much concern except for audio philes who want to hear every detail of the sound.

I also connected it to my desktop computer to see if it can act as a replacement for good old Altec Lancing ATP3. Well, the sound quality is just too good when compared to the ATP3. In fact, I realised the distortion of ATP3 only when I heard the iPod Hi-Fi. But, being a one piece deisgn, it lacked the channel speration effect making it useless while watching movies. Back to ATP3.

Final Verdict

Apple's product are considered as a lifestyle product rather than being targeted at the masses. The iPod Hi-Fi comes for around Rs. 24,000 with a warranty of one year. It sells for Rs. 19,500 in the gray market. Internationally, it sells for 350$, which makes it sligtly expensive than 30GB Apple iPod (300$) and cheaper than the 60GB Apple iPod (400$). This is absolutly not cheap when compared to other iPod dock systems, which are available for whole 100$ less. But, if you desire a iPod Dock system from Apple, Good Sound Quality, the most stylish looks for your room, and loads of money to spare, then look no further than the iPod Hi-Fi.

I would suggest to go for the Logitech THX certified speakers for that price and connect your iPod's earphone-out to the speakers. This way you can still enjoy all of your Audio stored on the iPod and get a better speaker system.