Best iPod Speaker Reviews
If you are like me, you might want to build around your iPod and make a full media station for your enjoyment both at home and on the road. That can be done in many ways these days with the wide selection of iPod docking stations or iPod speaker systems available at different prices.
To make things a little bit easier for you we have tried and pull together a report and comparison on some of the best iPod speaker systems and iPod docking stations in the market. We will try and update this as often as possible and give you updates on new speaker solutions etc that comes on the market.
You might also want to check our overview of fully compatible iPhone speakers.
Fidek iBigboy2
Fidek iBigboy2 is not among the best known iPod docking station and sound system brands in the market today, but it might soon become one of them. The Fidek iBigboy2 is big not only in size but also when it comes to sound, with an impressive max output of 500 watts. But it is not only about power, it is also about quality of sound no matter what volume you are playing at, although we have to admit we got the best sound towards the higher end of the volume range, where the bass effect properly kicked in. The Fidek iBigboy2 sound system is definitely worth a second look. Price: Fidek iBigboy2 $449
Focal XS sound system
Focal XS sound systemFocal XS Multimedia Sound System pride themselves on delivering the 'spirit of sound' and a quality product for audiophiles around the world that like to get the best possible sound out of their digital sound system. As much as sound is important, the estethics of the system is also essential. Just like the iPod is more than a MP3 player through its design and visual exterior, the Focal XS multimedia sound system does in my opinion deliver a visual design that is worthy of the iPod and should satisify the most critical of Apple fan out there. Price: Focal XS $449
Fatman iTube iPod docking station
Fatman iTube docking stationAre you a serious music lover that wants a home for your iPod with a warm analogue sound combined with the ease of use of todays digital technology? If so we might have found what you have been looking for in the Fatman iTube iPod docking station. You can read our full review of the system here... Price: Amazon UK $399
B&W Zeppelin ipod speaker
B&W Zeppelin Words often comes short with this one, as personally I find it very stylish and sleek with its Zeppelin lines. Created by the world renowned speaker manufacturer Bowers and Wilkins, the Zeppelin ipod speaker combines eye catching style with world class technology for the ultimate in ipod stereo system. Five intregal speakers, including 50watt bass speaker, 25watt midrange and 2?25watt tweeter, delivers a crisp, deep and lifelike stereo sound regardless of the space you play it in. Price: John Lewis $549 - BestBuy UK $559
Philips Fidelio DS9000
Philips Fidelio DS9000 iPhone speaker dockThis is the flagship iPod speaker dock from Philips and it does deliver at the higher end of its price class both in terms of sound and design. It often gets compared to the B&W Zeppelin, and if you go into an Apple store you will often find these two speaker docks next to each other. Although design wise it might not be as unique, on sound it is a tough competitor. See full review of Philips Fidelio DS9000. Price: $449 Amazon UK
Sonos Zoneplayer S5
Sonos Zoneplayer S5 wireless musicThe Sonos Zoneplayer S5 is not a traditional iPod speaker as it does not have a docking station (can be bought separate) and you can't play the music directly from your iPod, yet! But we chose to add it to our list because of its potential and the fact that with a few extras you can have a really great wireless sound system for your iPod / iPhone / iPad with this solution. You can find out more about the Sonos Zoneplayer S5 here. Price: $499 - Amazon UK / $499 - BestBuy UK
Beats by Dre Beatbox
The announcement made that Beats by Dre was finally developing and bringing to market an iPod speaker dock has been welcomed by millions of fans this brand has gained thanks to their high quality headphones. With the Beats by Dre Beatbox they are aiming to bring that club like sound into your homes, featuring two 5 1/4 inch bass drivers and 2-inch high frequency drivers. Get in their early to secure one of these bad boys as stock is likely to fly out the door. Read more about the Beats by Dre Beatbox and new headphones here. Price: $469 - Preorder from Amazon UK / $459 - BestBuy UK
Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus
Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus - ipod sound systemBoston Acoustics have delivered what is expected to be a high quality and stylish iPod sound system in the Boston Acoustics i-DS3 Plus, featuring amongst other a wireless subwoofer unit and 100 watts of power to give you a powerful sound. The unit is also compatible with the iPhone without having to use it in flight mode. Price: About $639 from Amazon US and $539 from Amazon UK
Geneva Lab Model L iPod stereo dock
Geneva Lab Model L ipod speaker dockThe Geneva Lab Model L all in one HiFi solution is quality at every level, from the piano finished cabinet to the digital audio technology that sits within it with its patented audio algorithm, better known as EmbracingSound TM. This is what you get when you put a bunch of musicians, music producers, and the best digital audio people into the same room. Price: Amazon UK $1249
Vita Audio R4 DAB docking station and sound system
Vita Audio R4 DAB docking stationFor those that are looking for a high end DAB docking station for their iPod or iPhone with a few more features than just the ability to play the music from their iPod or iPhone, you will struggle to do better in one system than the Vita Audio R4. Along with the docking station the Vita Audio features cd slot, DAB and FM radio, and a USB plug. Combine the multiple music sources with 80 watts nominal power output and you got a winning all-in-one combination. It is not the cheapest system in the market, but among the better all-in-one docking stations we have come across. Read review of Vita Audio R4 DAB radio dock here... Price: Amazon UK $749 / BestBuy UK $799
Edifier IF500 Luna 5 speaker dock
Edifier If500 Luna 5This is a speaker dock that all people that like different designs will be interested in checking out, as the Edifier IF500 definitely stands out from the iPod speaker dock crowd. Based on the specs of the unit, it should also deliver a good sound, but we have not yet had a chance to test that aspect of the Edifier IF500. Price: Amazon UK $219.99
Gear4 DUO iPod speaker dock system
Logitech Audiostation Express The Gear4 DUO is truly a unique iPod speaker system with some great features and is a very good iPod speaker system for its price range. With its unique DUO design it combines a powerful 20 watt subwoofer with a detachable portable front panel that runs on a rechargeable Li-ion battery, allowing you to take the music with you around the house. Price: Dixons $114.99 or Amazon UK $114.99
Logitech Audiostation Express ipod speakers
Logitech Audiostation Express If your budget is slightly higher, but still on a budget, then the Logitech Audiostation Express iPod Speakers could be just what you are looking for. This speaker system from Logitech runs on both AC and battery power, meaning you can take it with you to the park on a sunny summer day or when travelling. It charges your ipod while in the dock and it comes with a wireless remote for the comfy sofa control. Price: Amazon UK $64.99
Vestalife Firefly iPod speaker dock
Vestalife Firefly winged speaker dock The Vestalife Firefly iPod speaker dock is already a CES 2010 award winner for innovation, and with its unique design it brings the coolness factor that so many iPod and iPhone owners are looking for in a portable speaker dock. This could definitely be a bestseller for Vestalife as we expect to see plenty of these around in the coming months with its reasonable price point. Price: Amazon UK $133
Intempo IDS05 B Speaker and Docking Station
Intempo IDS05 B Speaker and Docking Station Stylish, small and light, this is the perfect little ipod companion and will surely go well with the rest of your interior. This handy dock will not only play the music of your ipod, it will also charge it and sync it if connected to a computer through USB. Price: Amazon UK $94.08
Gear4 SoundOrb speaker dock
GEAR4 SoundOrb Aurora iPod docking station With this new and iconic speaker iPod docking station, Gear 4 has brought a compact system that packs some great power as it also includes a wireless subwoofer that can change color through built in light effects. If you are looking for a nice home system that can also function as a home cinema sound system, then the Gear4 SoundOrb could be a good option for you. Price: Amazon UK $347
Xtrememac Tango X2 review
Extrememac Tango X2 Like the predecessor the new Xtrememac Tango X2 comes with two custom full range speakers and a subwoofer, but it also has some additional functionality, like an AM/FM tuner and a hidden blue led display. The new Tango X2 is also 30% smaller than it's predecessor and will charge the ipod on the docking station and includes a line in jack for other audio devices to be connected. Price: Amazon UK $84.75
Klipsch iGroove iPod Speaker System
Klipsch iGroove iPod Speaker System As we are moving up into the $160 range, we are looking at the very stylish, very groovy and quality Klipsch iGroove iPod Speaker System Black. This is the ipod system for the person that likes to combine ultra modern style with high quality sound without shelling out serious money for it. It does not only accept and charge the ipod, but also the ipod nano and the ipod shuffle, making it a good system for all ranges of ipods. Price: Amazon UK $252.15
Bose SoundDock Portable Music System
Bose SoundDock Portable This is for the hardcore ipod fan that has a higher limit on their credit card and wants high qulity sound without being worried about paying that little extra for the style and the brand name. The Bose SoundDock Portable Music System is maybe the best sounding portable docking station and sound system you can get as an accessory to your ipod. Price: Amazon UK $523.99
Intempo RDI DAB speaker dock
Intempo RDI DAB and ipod dock This new RDI ipod speaker from Intempo is the first one to come loaded with DAB digital radio. The retractable dock tray suits all Apple ipod's and the integrated DAB/FM means you can switch between listening to your own tunes or random songs from your favourite radio stations. Also see our iPod dock station with DAB radio overview. Price: Amazon UK $189 / John Lewis $189
Denon s52dab hi fi with ipod dock
Denon dab radio and ipod dock This system from Denon does more than give you access to DAB radio or docking your ipod. This one also allows you to stream audio from your PC or MAC and it plays internet radio as it is WIFI enabled. It is also of a handy size, but it is not the most aesthetical system around, and they seem to have taken too many tips from Bose with the heavy bass sound. Price: Amazon UK $436.90
JBL Radial ipod dock
JBL Radial The JBL Radial ipod dock and speaker is an ipod sound system that definately stands out from the crowd with its orb like design and style. But this system is not just style and looks, it is also performance at a high level. The spesifics of the system might not sound that impressive, but although the two built in speakers only have an output of 15watt per speaker channel the sound quality and volume is impressive. Price: Amazon UK $239.99
Intempo IFI-01 ipod stereo sound system
Intempo IFI-01 This is the new generation high performance docking station and speakers for the apple ipod. The Intempo IFI-01 includes 2.1 surround sound with powerful 2?15watt directional speakers and 30watt subwoofers. Its style perfectly complements beautiful living and working spaces with its high quality aluminum construction and its space saving design. Price: Amazon UK $299.99
Philips WAC3500 wireless music center
Philips wac3500 wireless sound systemWith this wireless music center from Philips, the WAC3500, you can stream and copy your music from your PC with drag n drop technology. It also comes with a an ipod docking station for playback from your ipod, but to be honest with the 80gb hard drive you are probably better off just copying your music over to your Philips WAC3500 as well. Price: Amazon UK $299.99
Tannoy i30 digital speaker system
Tannoy i30The Tannoy i30 digital speaker system continues that great tradition of quality sound with its first venture into the ipod speaker system arena. The i30 features two 100mm iCT drive units and has been produced to give you the listener the ultimate in portability and sound reproduction. Price: Amazon UK $139.99
Klipsch Room Groove wirless speaker system
Klipsch Room GrooveBy itself the Klipsch Room Groove is a great ipod speaker system and docking station, but what makes it stand out is that you can combine it with other Room Groove speakers to get an affordable wireless home audio system. Their clean design makes them a nice addition to any room, and each of them can act as both a transmitter and receiver, allowing you to send cd quality music around your house or apartment. This is truly an simple to use yet advanced wireless music system. Price: Amazon UK $229
Griffin Amplifi 2.1 ipod speaker system
Griffin Amplifi 2.1As we come to expect from Griffin speaker systems, it comes with the iconic knob made famous by the Griffin Powermate. It might just be a straight forward volume control, but with the back illumination it at least visually makes a difference. It is compatible with most ipod's and also comes with 3.5 mm audio jack should you wish to connect any other sound devise as well. Enjoy the power and preciseness of the Griffin Amplifi's two front-firing 2-3/4? neodymium drivers and 5? down-firing woofer that is unheard of in this price range. Price: Amazon UK $139.95
Philips DCM230 ipod dock entertainment system
Philips DCM230 ipod dockThe Philips DCM230 is not a stand along ipod docking station system, but also features a cd player and digital radio tuner, giving it that extra bang for the bucks so to speak. The exterior follows the style of many other ipod stereo systems, not as revolutionary design as say the B&W Zeppelin, but still a nice design that will ensure it does not become the ugly neighbour in your home. Price: Amazon UK $319.83
JBL On Stage II
JBL On Stage II amazon ukJBL on-stage II is a very compact high performance sound system and ipod dock providing clear and powerful sound for your pad. The Odyssey speakers might not provide the power to keep the neighbours awake the whole night while you throw a houseparty, but they will provide you with great sound quality for everyday listening, which is what most of us need. Price:Amazon UK $144.99
Linx I-Dragon
Linx I-DragonWith its unique 4 way driver system that allows you to focus the sound in any direction, the Linx I-Dragon is a different ipod speaker dock experience. The idea is that you can create an optimal accoustic reproduction in any environment by adjusting the direction of the sound. Price:Amazon UK $94.19
Griffin Evolve wireless sound system
Griffin Evolve wireless sound systemImagine placing the speakers wherever you want based on desired sound picture without worrying about the wires. In comes the Griffin Evolve wireless sound system and iPod stereo dock, which allows you to place the speaker cubes wherever you want and recharge them by docking them with the station. Price:Amazon UK $249.99
All prices are updated as of 9th November 2010. Ratings are updated as per 9th November 2010 following a review considering more factors, including sound quality, design, functionality, and price.
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