Really struggling to make an informed choice of iPod dock/speakers....Help!!!

[admin_exported]

I'm looking to buy a speaker dock for my iPod but my shortlist is getting longer and longer. My problem is, I can't seem to find many docks in my local shops and so I can't hear them.

I started with a shortlist of 2:

the new Bose Sound dock portable

the bose wave radio with iPod dock kit

I like the portability of the sound dock but I'm guessing the sound from the wave will be better, trouble is unless I go to Regent Street in London, I can't hear them without buying them on trial for 30 days.

As if I wasn't struggling enough with this decision, a little more research has thrown up a few more for the shortlist:

Tannoy i30 (which I'm hoping to hear tomorrow at John Lewis)

Klipsch iGroove speaker dock

Harman Kardon Go & Play

and the list is still growing!

So I guess my questions are, how and where can I hear these things and in the opinion of the users of this forum, which docks are the best. I want something that is going to be loud enough to be taken into the garden for barbecues/parties, not too big and ugly and that is going to sound worthy of the money I will be spending (upto £400 but preferably nearer £300). Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Well i'm sad to say that having heard/tested all the above, we wouldn't suggest any of them. The Tannoy is especially disappointing - don't be seduced by its booming bass, as it covers up a multitude of musical sins.

If i was thinking of spending this much money on an iPod system, i'd either opt for the Award-winning Fatman iTube Valvedock (stocked by many specialist dealers - details here) or hang fire until the new B&W Zeppelin lands - this looks like it's going to be something very special indeed (it's due in UK any time, priced £399).

Full star ratings (and lots of other ideas to add to your list!) in the PC and MP3 speakers/docks section of our Buyer's Guide every issue.

 

[Anton90125]

I'd second the Fatman system. I heard it at the show and it was wonderful (I am not a fan of MP3) . I'd go for some more efficient speakers other then the fatboy speakers ( 85Db 1watt/1meter) given that the Fatman system is a low powered valve setup.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the quick replies. After hearing the Tannoy, I completely agree with you. All that bass just made it sound kind of muffled. You know sometimes when you yawn and all of a sudden you start to hear everything very clearly for a short while and you realise how dull and muffled things sounded before the yawn? That's how the Tannoy dock sounded.

I managed to hear everything on my list and more and I was blown away by the new Bose Sound dock portable. It's sounded great in the store and even better in my kitchen. I feel surrounded by sound, the bass is perfect and the overall sound is so bright. Unbelievably powerful, full and rich sound in such a small unit and fully portable too! I find I can hear so many elements of my music that I didn't even realise were there.

I would recommend it to anyone but I understand why it might not be everyone's cup of tea. I guess it's what you're used to. If you usually listen to your music through very expensive, top of the range audiophile equipment I guess you would turn your nose up at this kind of system. On the other hand, if you have never heard, owned or been able to justify spending huge amounts on top of the range hi-fi equipment and you are happy listening to your music as mp3 (even though everyone who 'knows' will sneer and say the compression makes the sound terrible), I guarantee this Bose dock will definately impress you.

I have put this post up to try to help other people like myself as I have noticed the question of 'which ipod dock' is a very common one and hopefully this might help some of the users of this forum.

All the best!!

 

[Anonymous]

It was such a pity you where unable to hear the WHAT IT500 system, which I believe to be better sounding than the Bose. Having heard both before I bought the IT500, It amazed me how a small company could produce such a great sounding piece of equipment for a fraction of the cost of the Bose. I only wish WHF could get hold of one of these and test it against the other docking stations, if they are unable to get hold of one, then they can borrow mine and enjoy great sound from a great piece of equipment. If any readers do have this piece of equipment please let other members know how good it is.

All the best.

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry for giving the wrong information regarding this item the model is the" I Want It IW500".

Cheers,

 

[Anonymous]

The WHAT IT500?

I did a search on Google and couldn't find anything about it. Are you sure you've got the name/model right?

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, here is the item you are after " I Want It IW500" as I said it is available on ebay, copy the name from here place it in the ebay buy section and it will come up. Hope this helps, a friend of mine bought a set the other day and was blown away with the sound and he has a set of the Bose.

Regards Ed McD

 

[JoelSim]

I personally have a Bose sound dock and think it's very disappointing. Unless you have a very small garden it won't be good or loud enough. Then again I am used to a fairly expensive set-up at home. The Bose is ok for weekends away.

 

[Anonymous]

I wasn't impressed with the old model Bose Sounddock, the new Sounddock Portable is, in my opinion, much better. That is the one I have. I wouldn't say my garden is very small, but I certainly wouldn't call it big! I have tried my new Bose in the garden and in the Aircraft hangar where I work and it performs very well. I guess beauty is in the eye (and ear!) of the beholder and I have to say I'm very impressed with the Sounddock portable. All I am trying to do is recommend it as well worth a listen if you are buying an iPod speaker dock. Some will agree, others will disagree and if that wasn't the case we would all own identical things. I am chuffed with the sound quality and, lets face it, I'm obviously not the only one.

All the best!

 

[Anonymous]

Hi again,

I have just heard the IW500 and I think there is no comparison - the sound from the IW500 didn't sound anywhere near as good as the Sounddock Portable. It seems ok for a cheap option but the quality really isn't there.

Also I get the feeling a lot of you that have replied to this thread are referring to the old Bose sounddock.