iPod Sound Systems

My girlfriend has seveal iPods and sometimes likes to listen to her music without earphones. She uses the following system:




She would like another similar system for another room, and wonders what to buy. I've seen several online, but can't really judge without actually hearing them. The next best option is to get advice and opinions from anyone here who may use such a system. Suggestions up to about $500?

 

That's the Apple Hi-Fi, I like the design, but never got a chance to hear it!

For around that price, I think the Harman Kardon iPod speakers are the way to go! I love the design, the sound is great from when I've heard it. It is listed as "discontinued" so I assume its going to be updated soon!

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TL016VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1NA&mco=NTIyNDc&p=1&s=topSellers

 

I think Apple killed off the iPod Hi-Fi a while back... I don't think they're planning another one. You never know for sure with Apple though.

But it did seem a little odd... with so many third-party companies making similar speaker docks, why was Apple making their own? It never really made much sense to me.


Anyway, the problem with those speaker docks IMO is that most of them don't have detachable speakers, so you can't really position the speakers properly... the stereo effect is going to be limited.

If it were my $500 (and I had a bunch of iPods) I'd get a regular dock and spend the rest of the budget on nice studio monitors (like nice computer speakers) to go with it... either that or an amp + conventional speakers.

But then again the speaker docks do offer simplicity and fewer wires strewn around, for people who care more about that than about sound quality....

I have to admit though that this one does look really cool, and is from a great speaker company... although it sure is expensive for a one-piece speaker dock: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014B8NJE . Mmmm probably too much to spend on a one-piece (or a gift, lol)... probably better to go with a multi-piece setup as I suggested before... but still I do admire it.

EDIT: Or, on the other end of the budget spectrum, there's this one: http://www.1saleaday.com/



Today only!

 

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I'll show them both to the gf; she has to decide.

swarmer, we've got a stereo system already, though I never use it. The gf just wants something relatively small and simple to use with her iPods that she can stick in the corner of a little room she uses as her "getaway."

 

Audioengine A5 or A2!

 

ooow i love that B&W, not that i will spend any money on ipod dock though. i dont see the point. at home, you can hook yourself to you computer eg. laptop. get a decent external soundcard like the X-fi xMod, and hook it a nice speaker.

ipod dock = waste of money and space.

edit:

ah, alternatively you can try the Bose Computer MusicMonitor, its a tiny (micro) stereo speaker, unlike most BOSE product, this one actually worth the price