iPod dock suggestions

[DQuaN]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking to spend around £60-£70 on an iPod dock. I have a few lined up but cannot decide on which one to choose.

It will live in the kitchen but go in to the garden for BBQ's. They all seem to have good sound quality but I would really like some good bass and depth so that the sound carries more when outside.

These are what I have in mind so far.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0036WTD6Q/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Ele...urce=0&searchtype=allproducts&urlrefer=search

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003YJ12YM/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

Does anyone have any experience with these or can anyone reccomend something else?

Ta

Dunc

 

[Tesla]

Just to start off, you don't necessarily need to have the 'dock' to plug your iPod into. As long as the speakers that you're looking at have aux in and you have a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, you should be able to plug your iPod in through that and not have to pay more for a dock function.

However, I don't really have any specific advice to offer about speakers or docks. Good luck 👍

 

[DQuaN]

That's a good point actually.

I could get something like this which I could plug my ipod in to and get much better sound.

 

[Robin]

I agree, just get an AUX cable and plug it in to something more substantial. In my experience most iPod docks are overrated and don't sound great.

 

[DQuaN]

Having said that, I do like the idea of a dock and the portability is very good. Most of these docks have an aux input at the back too. I think I will go for a dock, but as I said, don't know which one.

*edit*
This looks really cool!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001I27ZWK/?tag=gtplanetuk-20

 

[DQuaN]

A little bump to see if anyone has any other suggestions.

 

[tlowr4]

Yeah, defernatly go with the AUX idea. We used to plug the iPod through a giant 2000W PA system, lots of fun on full ball. You get a more balanced tone as well, since it's a 2.1 system instead of just 2.0. I know from experience through friends that if you want to buy a dock, you have to pay extortionate prices (upwards of 100 quid) to get anything decent. Anything cheaper and it sounds like crap.

EDIT: However, if you really are knackered on getting a dock, might I suggest something like this. It's not the most compact (still comes with a travel case though), but something of that quality would do better than any compact system ever would be able to. Still, a 2.1 AUX system is the better out of all.

EDIT2: Oh, and it's Logitech. Can't beat it.

EDIT3: Free shipping too!

 

[Robin]

If your still really set on a dock I feel gear4 is good brand choice, also Sony does some great models for a reasonable price. Obviously there is the higher up stuff like Bose but its seriously overpriced considering the sound output IMO.

 

[Digmac]

I agree, just get an AUX cable and plug it in to something more substantial. In my experience most iPod docks are overrated and don't sound great.

I own a Bowers and Wilikins Zepplien Air, take what you said back bout docks sounding bad haha

 

[Robin]

I own a Bowers and Wilikins Zepplien Air, take what you said back bout docks sounding bad haha

Sorry but I still don't rate iPod docks, even the B&W one.

 

[Digmac]

Have you heard it yet?

 

[Robin]

I had to listen to one day in day out when working with some guys a while back.

 

[DQuaN]

I'm pretty much set on a dock as I already have a Harman Kardon 2.1 system. The Gear4 is top of the list right now.

 

[tlowr4]

That Logitech I linked would have better sound quality, and more bass since that's what your chasing (divided 2.1 stereo, instead of 2.0 on the Gear4). However, if you're set on Gear4, this wouldn't be bad. More your style, eh Dunc?

 

[Guardian]

Sorry but I still don't rate iPod docks, even the B&W one.

What about my Intempo 'twin-pillar' speakers, with a massive central speaker for bass.
Floor shaking!

 

[Tesla]

How would that be a dock then?

 

[Guardian]

How would that be a dock then?

It has a dock on top for plugging your iPod/iPhone in.
So how is it not?

EDIT: Wait, I see what you mean now.
Sorry.

WOOP! 300th Post!
And what a post!

 

[HOODFIELD]

I read on MacRumors.com that Apple will eventually have to abandon the 30-pin connection in an effort to make their new devices smaller and thinner. I'd say this generation of docks is coming to a near end, go with the AUX idea.

 

[Robin]

Yeah I could see this coming all those millions of 'i' accessories down the drain. As it is manufacturers had to change stuff every year to keep up with Apple's rapid product cycles but Aux is never going to disappear.

 

[DQuaN]

That Logitech I linked would have better sound quality, and more bass since that's what your chasing (divided 2.1 stereo, instead of 2.0 on the Gear4). However, if you're set on Gear4, this wouldn't be bad. More your style, eh Dunc?

Umm, the Logitech is 2.0 and Gear4 is 2.1.

See the big unit on the Gear4? That's a woofer in there.

 

[Neal]

I've had the Logitech MM50 speakers for a few years and they've stood up well to a lot of tranvelling and knocks without damage plus they sound like a proper stereo, at the time only the Bose dock was rated higher but that cost 4 times as much. The Logitech speakers linked look even better so based on my experience I'd go with them but can't be sure without listening to them in person.

 

[Jondot]

I've had the Logitech MM50 speakers for a few years and they've stood up well to a lot of tranvelling and knocks without damage...

Can't speak of the Logitechs, but as someone with a fair share of experience with breaking iPod docks, I'd agree with taking robust-ness pretty seriously. The main issue I've found is the dock connector its self - faaaaaar too many systems seem to rely on just the connector doing the majority of the support for the phone or iPod, all that needs happen is a quick accidental gesture and *snap*.

Happened to my dear old Yamaha one (which Richer Sounds/Yamaha were very lovely about and repaired within warranty, might I add) and all that took was me knocking the phone with my elbow while I was moving the table underneath it. Might feel tough and rigid to the touch, but 4 inches of device gives a fair bit of leverage for snapping, bending or whatever.

I haven't really been dock shopping for a while, but you can pretty much spot the worst culprits a mile off - things where there's no visible support behind the device, basically. The MM50 Neal mentioned seems to have it covered, as does my Logic3 Jivebox... thing, which has a weird flip-backwards-and-forwards dock connector that physically pins your iPod to the little plastic support to stop it flying about. I highly recommend that, actually, sounds good (and loud) and it's lived up to near-on three years of sitting on the floor of a student flat, too, so if that's not robust I don't know what is. Only trouble is they don't make it anymore. Sigh.