Apple iPod Hi-Fi Photos, First Looks

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

iLounge posts (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/firstlooks/comments/ipod-hi-fi-high-fidelity-speaker-system-for-ipod/) their first look at the Apple iPod Hi-Fi (http://guides.macrumors.com/iPod_Hi-Fi) which was released on February 28th 2006.

The first look (http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/firstlooks/comments/ipod-hi-fi-high-fidelity-speaker-system-for-ipod/) hosts a number of photos of the new device, including unboxing photos, and size comparisons with other popular units:

Audio quality? We don’t ever like to comment on this until we’ve done straight comparisons, but it was evident in each of Apple’s four demo rooms that the Hi-Fi is capable of revealing flaws in compressed audio - good for audiophiles, perhaps less so for average people or those accustomed to iTunes Music Store downloads.

Macworld provided (http://www.macworld.com/weblogs/mwpodcast/2006/02/mwpodcast30/index.php) their first impressions of the iPod Hi-Fi at the media event based on the demo rooms shown at the media event, and also received mixed reviews.

As previously mentioned, Inside Mac TV (iTunes) Video Podcast (http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=73329937&s=143441&i=3016913) offers a relatively complete video of the introduction of the iPod Hi-Fi.

[Jon'sLightBulbs]

Alright geeks, I'm buying one immediately. Quit whining. These puppies are going to be big. Anyone who's ever raved about the Bose Sound dock but complained that this puppy was too large, take it from Peter North: big output never comes in a small package!

Yes!

[BlueRevolution]

but it's so ugly!

I like the concept and I'm sure that the sound quality is fantastic, but I wish they'd contracted Bang & Olufsen to design the things.

[EricNau]

The packaging is good, and I think the unit looks good, but I wish they would comment on sound quality - that's what's really important.

[Jon'sLightBulbs]

And the form over function crew speaks, unanimously and simultaneously.

[devilot]

I'm really impressed w/ the way they packaged the inserts. :o I think that alone is really sexy. I think I'm a bit tired.

[applemacdude]

i think the design is good looking

[nagromme]

I think it's hilarious that Apple strewed dirty laundry on the floor of the "teenager's bedroom" demonstration room :D

[danielwsmithee]

The Bose seams to look much better to me! I already know it sounds great. Who knows when these come into store's maybe I can listen to it in person and deside if they are worth the price!

[justflie]

they could have just come to my room. i'd let them use it if i got some free stuff. but then again, my mom would be mortified at the mess if she saw it on the internet!

[musiclover137]

Anyone know if the iPod Hi-Fi charges the iPod? There was no mention of that.

Also, I wonder why Steve didn't demo it during the event. Even if they had demo rooms outside. You'd think he'd demo it like he does EVERYTHING else.

[fawlty]

Anyone know if the iPod Hi-Fi charges the iPod? There was no mention of that.

Yes, it does.

[nagromme]

Looks-wise I don't see how it could be called ugly, even if your tastes differ from Apple's. It simple and minimalist like every other Apple product, and it's just a speaker. I like the looks, but it's not fancy and loaded with curves and holes and lights. That's not Apple's style. I personally like simple.

[Lertie32]

I've been looking at the Bose too along with the iHome clock/stereo box...

Any ideas how they compare?

Frankly, with the massive iPod accessory industry booming already, I don't see the necessity for this. Obviously Apple is wanting to get on that bandwagon a little... At $359, this would have to have absolutely incredible sound better than any other product...

[Dr. Dastardly]

I just think that this was not priced competitively. $350 makes it the absolute most for the iPod "high quality" one speaker systems.

At least it does have inputs for other things, if you didn't HAVE a stereo at all this might be worth looking at.

[sam10685]

i don't think it's that horrible actually... at least not as bad as my first impression.

[pyrex]

everyone made a big deal about the keynote, it wasn't a huge event, it was only a fun and new presentation with about 150 people who were invited, people who were expecting the next huge thing were bound to be disappointed.
it was a small event for a small release, its nice to have companies come and see the product and witness steve jobs talk about it, as he has great stage presence. The event was little advertised on apple, so of course it wasn't going to be huge, and topping off the last event of releasing intel products is a hard feat to beat. nothing amazing/revolutionary is likely going to come out anytime soon, apple has a busy road ahead still with the transition.
I am sure these speakers are pretty well made, although D batteries seem kind of old school, and i believe it should of had some sort of rechargable battery instead. Also the fact that they left out the wattage, but as it has high decibel output, 107 to be in fact, wattage probably wont play as big a role in the importance of the power output, as most home theatre speakers as lucky to put out 90 db.

[Zillatron]

That's not Apple's style. I personally like simple.
I agree completly.

It's exactly Apple - nothing more than whats required to do exactly what it needs to do.

Z

[Azmordean]

I agree completly.

It's exactly Apple - nothing more than whats required to do exactly what it needs to do.

Z

So true. I would point out though that the addition of the audio in port gives this thing wonderful flexibility. It gives you a high quality amplified speaker in a portable package. Going to a beach house or ski resort for a week? Grab a dual RCA to minijack cable, and hook your game console, or your portable DVD player, or even the house's DVD player or VCR up to this thing instead of listenting to bad TV sound. Hook your laptop up for a high quality portable computer speaker. The audio input really is the gem in my opinion. It lets you hook up basically any piece of consumer electronics to this speaker. And while it isn't so light you are going to be taking it on short business trips, the fact is, its portable enough to put in the car and go with you a lot of places. The more I think about it the more I realize the potential for something like this way beyond just the iPod and the more I want one :p

I do have one question though - can you control the volume of the line in device? This is no problem if its, say, a computer - but if its something like a DVD player, unless you can control the volume you may be up a creek, since a lot of consumer electronics don't let you control the volume at the source, they expect you to control it at the amp.

[beatle888]

I'm really impressed w/ the way they packaged the inserts. :o I think that alone is really sexy. I think I'm a bit tired.


you're joking right? i thought that was obscene. its a total waste. though it was nice, they could of just had people buy their own adapter. thats what i would of expected...especially from apple.

[Bosunsfate]

So, I'm all for getting one of these. Its perfect. The only problem, in six months they'll come out with a better model.

What will that have, and why should I wait for it....hmm, integrated Airport Express?:rolleyes:

[Dr. Dastardly]

So, I'm all for getting one of these. Its perfect. The only problem, in six months they'll come out with a better model.

What will that have, and why should I wait for it....hmm, integrated Airport Express?:rolleyes:
Huh? Why would you think that?

[EricNau]

Anyone know if the iPod Hi-Fi charges the iPod? There was no mention of that.

Also, I wonder why Steve didn't demo it during the event. Even if they had demo rooms outside. You'd think he'd demo it like he does EVERYTHING else.
If it was demoed in that huge room, the sound would have appeared much quieter than it actually is. -Give many people the wrong idea.

... ... I am sure these speakers are pretty well made, although D batteries seem kind of old school, and i believe it should of had some sort of rechargable battery instead. Also the fact that they left out the wattage, but as it has high decibel output, 107 to be in fact, wattage probably wont play as big a role in the importance of the power output, as most home theatre speakers as lucky to put out 90 db.
Most people will not use a battery (as it will get put in one room and stay there forever). Since most people would never unplug the unit, it would just charge 24/7 and fry the battery. I suppose Apple could of put a charge switch on the back, but that would just confuse too many people.
Adding that big a rechargeable battery would add a lot of price also.

[dejo]

Most people will not use a battery (as it will get put in one room and stay there forever). Since most people would never unplug the unit, it would just charge 24/7 and fry the battery.

I guess you don't realize that it's possible for a charger to detect when it's fully charged and stop. This technology has been around a while. I leave my iBook plugged in most of the time and never had any issues with the battery getting fried.

[powerbook911]

So, I'm all for getting one of these. Its perfect. The only problem, in six months they'll come out with a better model.

What will that have, and why should I wait for it....hmm, integrated Airport Express?:rolleyes:

I'd imagine this type of product won't be updated as regularly as other products.

[EricNau]

I guess you don't realize that it's possible for a charger to detect when it's fully charged and stop. This technology has been around a while. I leave my iBook plugged in most of the time and never had any issues with the battery getting fried.
Your right. I totally forgot about that. Still, I don't believe that having a battery plugged in constantly is good for it. (As the battery will slowly drain over time, and keep charging itself back up, therefore going through unneeded charge cycles, right)?

[Azmordean]

Your right. I totally forgot about that. Still, I don't believe that having a battery plugged in constantly is good for it. (As the battery will slowly drain over time, and keep charging itself back up, therefore going through unneeded charge cycles, right)?

Actually, I believe most chargers go into a "trickle charge mode," where the battery is kept "topped off." As far as I am aware there is no harm to the battery. That said, I don't think the D-cell option is a bad one. For one thing, it saves cost (a lithium battery capable of powering the hi-fi wouldn't be cheap). For another, the *primary* use the hi-fi is plugged in. Thus, there is little reason to have the extra weight, etc, of a battery when you don't need it 95% of the time. To me, rechargable batteries are ideal for products that are *frequently* used on battery power. The hi-fi is not such a product. It is likely used in a portable situation so infrequently that the cost of the D-cells isn't going to be much of an issue. Further, the D-cells have one advantage - if they die at your picnic you can replace them. With a rechargable, the hi-fi would be out of commission until you could get to a plug. I think Apple probably thought of this. You aren't going to take the hi-fi running - if you take it anywhere it will be somewhere like a day at the beach or camping. All of these are places where plugs tend to not be readily available. In this sense, the D-cells are a preferable approach.

[Demon Hunter]

but it's so ugly!

I like the concept and I'm sure that the sound quality is fantastic, but I wish they'd contracted Bang & Olufsen to design the things.

For those touting the iHome... you can say the iPod Hi-Fi is ugly, compared to this thing? With a straight face? :eek:

It does make you wonder, who exactly contributed to this audio engineering. Apple certainly has some experience with speakers; enough to integrate mini speakers, and in years past, stand-alone types. But maybe there's more to this than meets the eye, eh?

[texasmafia]

For those who are saying this new product is ugly, I'm not sure if you are a fan of Apple's design team because it fits in with all of the other white, simplistic designs they have been coming out with over the last few years. Obviously they believe in the "less is more" philosophy.

This stereo system, while not the tablet some were hoping for, looks exactly how I would have imagined an Apple designed stereo would look.

The problem here isn't that Apple just put out a bad product. The problem is how high you got your expectations. When Apple wants to release something huge they will. If you wanna cry every time they don't come out with a life changing product, go ahead! You will be crying a lot.

Just sit back, enjoy the show and when they do come out with that life changing product you have been wanting, you can go on and on about how they are the greatest company in the world and forget about all the times you whined about them.

All in all I like the Hi/fi and I'll consider getting one. I love letting others listen to my tunes and I think its a great way to do it.

One more thing. If I have to listen to someone talking about the greatness of the iHome again I will throw up. My girlfriend got one for Christmas and she and I have been really disappointed. Its a glorified alarm clock with sub-par audio quality and a bad design.

[iMeowbot]

but it's so ugly!
Jonathan Ive Out Of Ideas (http://www.crazyapplerumors.com/?p=554) at CARS :)

[hh83917]

I'm betting on Steve's words, that they are "very very good" and I think I am getting one soon too. I like that optical in connector on the iPod Hi-Fi. I might be replacing my PowerMac G5 speakers with one of these hooking into the G5's optical out. :D
BTW, I think the Mac mini went well with the announcement of iPod Hi-Fi making your TV a home entertainment system.

[Demon]

it's no longer news that the HiFi looks all right expected to sound decent. i'm just a bit disappointed by the price. it's expensive, plain and simple. i could buy a new iPod for that money.
secondly, i'll have to use my airport express to make it WiFi compatible. apple should have included WiFi, FM Tuner etc in their expensive music brick! cheap skates. :mad:

[Shamus]

i was kinda dissapointed with the new products, but looking in hind-sight, it was simply a small event, and i think it was blown way out of proportion. Also, i reckon the Hi-fi is pretty cool, and it sounds like it has alot of power. It will be interesting to find more about the sound QUALITY which is all that matters. It would probably make a worthwhile investment for me if it wasnt so EXPENSIVE!

[Deepdale]

Anyone who's ever raved about the Bose Sound dock but complained that this puppy was too large, take it from Peter North: big output never comes in a small package!

It is not everyday that a porn star is mentioned within a message about an audio product. Peter would likely be flattered ... if he worked behind a register in a store, his signature line would be, "Thank you and come again."

[JoeG4]

At first I thought it was dumb, now that I think about it, it actually seems kinda neat.

Not $399 neat, mind you, but a lot of people said the same thing when the iPod came out.

Still doesn't mean I'll buy one :cool:

[BlueRevolution]

For those touting the iHome... you can say the iPod Hi-Fi is ugly, compared to this thing? With a straight face? :eek:

to be honest, I have yet to see an iPod dock/speaker setup I like. The units themselves look fine, it's when there's an iPod perched on top that they become laughable. seeing how big this looks with even an iPod Video in the dock, imagine it with a Shuffle.

I'm a minimalist. I don't want a massive box sitting on my bookshelf. I'd much prefer using flat wall-mount speakers for my stereo needs.

[Eagon]

to be honest, I have yet to see an iPod dock/speaker setup I like. The units themselves look fine, it's when there's an iPod perched on top that they become laughable. seeing how big this looks with even an iPod Video in the dock, imagine it with a Shuffle.



I don't think you can dock the shuffle, just pug it into the input socket on the back.

[BlueRevolution]

I don't think you can dock the shuffle, just pug it into the input socket on the back.

ah, you're right.

Compatible with iPod shuffle and iPod models without a dock connector through the audio input port (audio cable sold separately)

ok, then imagine it with a Nano. there's not much size difference between the two anyway.

[DannyBoye]

Are they serious? I know it's apple and all, but for real! $349.00! I guess I just don't see the $349.00 worth of speakers, amps, whatever. It's $349.00 JEZUZ! It's not a bose, no new tech that goes into, I heard it at the apple store today, NOTHING that's worth the price. I'd much rather buy an all in lil stero at Best Buy for $200.00. Cuz my little AIWA that I paid $249.00 woops the *$%^ outta this thing. I'm an apple fan hardcore, got an Ibook, Imac, Ipod, everything I have is apple. But for real guys come on it's THREE speakers! Okay I could rant for hours, I'm not impressed that's the point. Coming from apple I would have expected ALOT more!

[Platform]

I like this more and more, just a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for...

:cool:

[weg]

I agree completly.

It's exactly Apple - nothing more than whats required to do exactly what it needs to do.

Z

I've seen beer crates (http://www.brauunion.at/CMSCache/1317.JPG) looking better than the iPod Hi Fi :(
The iPod Hi Fi supposedly sounds better, though...

[rockthecasbah]

i don't think it looks THAT bad, just the big brick of white plastic could have been done better, maybe in black perhaps :) . But if you have seen the pictures of the Hi Fi's on bookshelves, they look rather nice. Im sure after the shock wears off they will end up seeming pretty attractive.

[ScottB]

Looks good, but I won't get one. Not at that price anyway. If a picture was leaked, I would have said fake.

[Sceadufax]

but it's so ugly!

I like the concept and I'm sure that the sound quality is fantastic, but I wish they'd contracted Bang & Olufsen to design the things.

yeah....cause B&0 made such a good job of that new Serene mobile phone, didn't they:rolleyes:

[Sceadufax]

hmmmm....

http://www.xtrememac.com/audio/speakers/tango.php

[Tymmz]

I've seen beer crates (http://www.brauunion.at/CMSCache/1317.JPG) looking better than the iPod Hi Fi :(
The iPod Hi Fi supposedly sounds better, though...

That crate looks like a Formula 1 race car.

[NicP]

I would much prefer 2 seperate speakers, where the ipod docks on the top of one of them. Oh and it would look nicer in black :D

[Arnaud]

Honestly, I'm having a hard time with the concept of a "Hi-Fi" stereo connected to an iPod. :confused:

I mean, I really like my iPod, got all my CD's on it, carry it everywhere etc... But it is still MP3 or AAAC encoded, i.e. destructive compression, so that it doesn't sound quite like the original 44KHz track.

I know some people will say "come on, it's really good, whatyatalkingabout", but I do hear the differences, especially in the clarity of the high part. True, it does not matter when I'm walking in the street or driving in my car, but it does matter when I'm in the quietness of my house. I do like my music to be perfect :p

I just keep the concept of "Hi-Fi" to situations where all elements of the chain are Hi-Fi: good output but good source too, a CD for example, not a compressed song, so that you can truly enjoy the quality of the song. A "Hi-Fi stereo for an iPod" sounds like a marketing trap to me, just like selling an HD plasma screen to connect to a VHS VCR (ok, I'm pushing a little here).

My conclusion: it might be a nice gizmo if you agree with the price for the design etc. But does it really need to be called "Hi-Fi" ?

Arnaud.

(PS: If you don't agree, set a CD in your iTunes and compare a song on the CD and in the library; you may note a difference, or not, depending on the CD (old re-recordings of Jimmi Hendricks or digital recording of Black Eyed Peas), your equipment and your own interests; you can also set higher rates of compression, but it is still compression).

[KC9AIC]

I mean, I really like my iPod, got all my CD's on it, carry it everywhere etc... But it is still MP3 or AAAC encoded, i.e. destructive compression, so that it doesn't sound quite like the original 44KHz track.

A lot of people would agree with you about the inadequacy of lossy compression. For these people, there is the Apple Lossless format. I use it for the songs I actually care about.

[c-Row]

Compared to the other 'boxes, it doesn't look as big as it does on the PR shots. And since I don't got a stereo and don't need an FM tuner at all, I might consider getting one. :)

[newdamage]

Okay, so I was at the Keystone Mall in Indy and stopped by the Apple Store. Saw the HiFI, gave it a while.

Not. Impressed.

I would expect a lot more for $350. I have a decent Polk Audio home theatre system at home, and the center channel I have ran me about $150. That's all the iPod HiFi is, a center channel with an amp in it. And it sounded like poop. Maybe I'm just spoiled because I have a decent system at home, and a good pair of sennheiser headphones for the road ... but geez, the way Jobs was talking about this thing you'd think he'd contracted Paradigm or Infinity to build it.

Now I realize the Apple Store isn't the best place to try out audio equipment ... but still, the Coldplay track I tried out on the demo unit they had set up sounded bad. The vocals were tinny and the sound overall lacked any sort of warmth.

Just save your dollars folks and invest in a real sound system for home and a decent set of headphones for the road.

[Platform]

yeah....cause B&0 made such a good job of that new Serene mobile phone, didn't they:rolleyes:

B&O stereos and TV's duh...thats a samsung phone with a 2 minute job from B&O....have u seen their phones for your land line ? :cool:

[dnedved]

So do the speakers, iMac, mini, and universal dock all use the exact same little remote control? What do those who've used it with these products for any amount of time think about it?

Personally I'm very skeptical. Too few buttons, and doesn't feel very ergonomic to me. Seems they didn't learn any lessons from Tivo. Tivo's remote is the best ever invented, and one of the main factors driving their brand loyalty.

A friend once said that the best way to pick out a DVD player / VCR / TV etc is to ignore the units and look at the remotes. The remote will be your interface 99.9% of the time, it will be the one part that you physically touch frequently. You'll be fumbling with it in the dark, its buttons will become imbedded in your muscle memory. How many of you can honestly say you'd end up with an Apple product if you used the remote as the deciding factor?

I'm sure Apple will eventually (and possibly too late) come out with a full-featured DVR. It may even just be a software update to their current line of remote-controllable computers. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I look at the current remote and wonder how usable an Apple DVR would be.

[Arnaud]

A lot of people would agree with you about the inadequacy of lossy compression. For these people, there is the Apple Lossless format. I use it for the songs I actually care about.

Mmm, good point, I never really considered that possibility. (I guess I got scared of the amount of space it would require on both my computer and my iPod). But using it for a selection of the library makes sense, actually.

Well, if the iPod can give Hi-Fi quality sound, as it seems, then the new gizmo of Apple has to answer to Hi-Fi demand - and my previous comments are not correct anymore :rolleyes:

Now for that price... it has to be really good :eek:

[jacobj]

but it's so ugly!

I like the concept and I'm sure that the sound quality is fantastic, but I wish they'd contracted Bang & Olufsen to design the things.

OK.. I sort of agree that it is not the best design that Apple has come out with. It certainly doesn't suite my house, but do you know what you are talking about?

Apple has one of the most highly regarded designers in the world as a VP. Jonathan Ive is a God in his field and I am amazed that you would suggest that B&O (who make nothing but *****) should design it.

I am assuming that you are quite new to Apple and don't know what the hell you are talking about!

Now that I have had my rant, I am not saying the the man is always right, but although I have publicly stated that I don't like this thing, I went off on one when the iMac G5 came out calling it the ugliest thing I had ever seen. Mr. Ive's work is best seen in the flesh. When I first saw the iMac G5 in person I was blown away by its beauty.

Wait until you see one before you comment (I didn't).

[iGary]

If I had a balcony to take one out on, or a wanted even a little bit of portability, I would probably seriously consider one. Since I don't, I wil lprobably get the Bose SoundDock unless, afterlistening to them both, the Apple sounds better.

I don't have a problem with the form factor, personally. The price irks me a bit.

[Sceadufax]

B&O stereos and TV's duh...thats a samsung phone with a 2 minute job from B&O....have u seen their phones for your land line ? :cool:
ok take a chill pill(sounded sooooo 2004 but had 2 say it) B&0 stuff is overpriced tat,Linn/Harmon Kardon/Wilson Audio is much better, B&0 stuff is for people with more money than brains, and as for those phones....pffft:rolleyes:

[Maxiseller]

For me personally, it's not so much about the unit looking good/ok/terrible (select at preference) it's the fact that it does look sturdy, won't be broken very easily (Unless some kid jams pencils in the front!) and it's the sort of unit you can hump around at the beach, the balcony, the car, the tennis court - whatever, without it risking being broken.

It has the perfect level of controlls (volume) and a dock connector for all iPods - perfect!

But, the price...ahh the price. £250 for something that I could actually get some (cheap) active monitors for with a much higher level of audio accuracy? I guess it's going to depend on who has got £250 to spend on something that is inherantly limited from the day you purchase - it will be interesting to see how they support new form factor iPods...

[Platform]

So do the speakers, iMac, mini, and universal dock all use the exact same little remote control? What do those who've used it with these products for any amount of time think about it?

Personally I'm very skeptical. Too few buttons, and doesn't feel very ergonomic to me. Seems they didn't learn any lessons from Tivo. Tivo's remote is the best ever invented, and one of the main factors driving their brand loyalty.

A friend once said that the best way to pick out a DVD player / VCR / TV etc is to ignore the units and look at the remotes. The remote will be your interface 99.9% of the time, it will be the one part that you physically touch frequently. You'll be fumbling with it in the dark, its buttons will become imbedded in your muscle memory. How many of you can honestly say you'd end up with an Apple product if you used the remote as the deciding factor?

I'm sure Apple will eventually (and possibly too late) come out with a full-featured DVR. It may even just be a software update to their current line of remote-controllable computers. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I look at the current remote and wonder how usable an Apple DVR would be.

The remote is great...you don't need and don't want any more buttons...for what ?

It does fit great in your hand too. I really like it ;)

[kirk26]

Huh? Why would you think that?
Well duh! Look at the iPod. A new one comes out several times a year.

[iGary]

You know what cracks me up?

"Audiophiles" are some of the most miserable and cynical people ever.

B&O has some kick ass stuff. I like that their stuff looks and sounds good to me. Pity for you you think its crap.

Bose has always sounded good to me - I had some oftheir original Acoustimass speakers in the late 80s. Loved the sound. Pity if you think it is crap.

What is most likely to be in our living room and house? B&O and Bose.

I think being and proclaiming yourself and audiophile gives you extremely limited choice. I'm glad my ears can't tell the difference. :cool: ;)

[Sean Gadoury]

I bought an Ampeg 8x10 bass cabinet, replaced the black tolex with white, flipped it on it's side, and even carved out a little hole for a dock. I even integrated an FM radio and Airport Express. This was almost as expensive as this new product.

[blilly]

First: DO NOT discuss Bose as a 'leader in sound' or anything else for that matter. If you have Bose and you like it, fine. But no true audiophiles would ever buy Bose . . it's strickly top of the low-end. This is not up for discussion.

Second: IT'S A GOOD THING that the iPod HiFi is big! You cannot get good sound from a tiny, "portable" package. I'm not judging the sound of this thing until I hear it myself, but Apple did NOT REALLY INTEND this to be a portable solution. I think the batteries thing is just so folks can drag it out to the patio for a grillout or party, which is a good idea. Heavy is good here.

Carry on. :)

[iGary]

First: DO NOT discuss Bose as a 'leader in sound' or anything else for that matter. If you have Bose and you like it, fine. But no true audiophiles would ever buy Bose . . it's strickly top of the low-end. This is not up for discussion.

Told you so. :D

[MacinDoc]

I do have one question though - can you control the volume of the line in device? This is no problem if its, say, a computer - but if its something like a DVD player, unless you can control the volume you may be up a creek, since a lot of consumer electronics don't let you control the volume at the source, they expect you to control it at the amp.
Yes, there are volume controls, on the top of the unit.

[freeny]

The design is nice but the iPod dock is not fitting for a device like this. Sitting the iPod in the top limits the way you can use it or even travel with it. The iPod looks like it will fall out if you try to pick up the speaker system. Taking this thing to the beach is out of the question. So is riding in the car or sitting outside on the stoop.

There should be a compartment that securley encases and holds the iPod so you can travel with it. Only pristine even surfaces looks as if it will support this thing.

Whats the point of the handles if you cant carry it?

Grade, B-

[Arnaud]

The design is nice but the iPod dock is not fitting for a device like this.

Somebody mentioned bringing it to the tennis court...
Can you imagine?

- Smash / Crunch / "Aaaaah, my iPod !!!" :D

(The case of the HiFi device would be, on the other hand, left all safe).

[ZLurker]

The design is nice but the iPod dock is not fitting for a device like this. Sitting the iPod in the top limits the way you can use it or even travel with it. The iPod looks like it will fall out if you try to pick up the speaker system. Taking this thing to the beach is out of the question. So is riding in the car or sitting outside on the stoop.

There should be a compartment that securley encases and holds the iPod so you can travel with it. Only pristine even surfaces looks as if it will support this thing.

Whats the point of the handles if you cant carry it?

Grade, B-
My point exactly!
This was my first reaction when i saw it, WTF is the ipod doing sticking out like that?

Does anybody know if you can connect the FM radio device to the ipod while its connected to the iPod HiFi?

[miketcool]

Sit back and look at the iPod sitting in the iPod Hi-Fi and think. There could have been hundreds of designs, so why was this one chosen. Stereo in one case, you cannot switch channels accidentally by putting them on the wrong side. Nothing to assemble or connect besides the power cable and the iPod. The controls are also really minimalist. Why all the fuss over what it doesn't have or should have? Just sit back and look. It has the iconic iPod sitting on the top, protruding from this simple box. It is nothing more then a platform or stage to show your iPod.

Thats the art in it.

It is almost like a pedestal you see in a museum where the object sits on top, the pedestal goes almost entirely unnoticed and you look at the object. If you were to walk into anyones home and see just this, without any complication, just simplicity and an iPod, you would make the connection. The minimulaist/modernist design works so effectively as a showcase. No matter how cluttered and busy a room is, you WILL take notice. That doesn't even begin to touch on your ears tracking the sound to the location. The whole unit commands your attention. Hell, look at all the attention (negative or not) it has gotten already and it hasn't been demoed for the masses yet, nor seen in real life!
I'm hoping for a good tax return this year, and maybe my iPod can receive some museum treatment!

[freeny]

Sit back and look at the iPod sitting in the iPod Hi-Fi and think. There could have been hundreds of designs, so why was this one chosen. Stereo in one case, you cannot switch channels accidentally by putting them on the wrong side. Nothing to assemble or connect besides the power cable and the iPod. The controls are also really minimalist. Why all the fuss over what it doesn't have or should have? Just sit back and look. It has the iconic iPod sitting on the top, protruding from this simple box. It is nothing more then a platform or stage to show your iPod.

Thats the art in it.

It is almost like a pedestal you see in a museum where the object sits on top, the pedestal goes almost entirely unnoticed and you look at the object. If you were to walk into anyones home and see just this, without any complication, just simplicity and an iPod, you would make the connection. The minimulaist/modernist design works so effectively as a showcase. No matter how cluttered and busy a room is, you WILL take notice. That doesn't even begin to touch on your ears tracking the sound to the location. The whole unit commands your attention. Hell, look at all the attention (negative or not) it has gotten already and it hasn't been demoed for the masses yet, nor seen in real life!
I'm hoping for a good tax return this year, and maybe my iPod can receive some museum treatment!

A perfect example of function submitting to form.

I guess if your gonna just sit this thing on your shelf and listen to music its a fine piece of stereo equipment. If your looking for a "Boom Box" keep moving, there is nothing to see here.

[miketcool]

Whats the point of the handles if you cant carry it?

The original iMac had a handle that was touted for portability. It is really more of sometihng to help the user set up the device with more ease. You're not gripping it under the sides like a fool, trying to balance it so you don't smash your hands. I imagine there is also something in it's grabbability factor in the store. Like you can physically move it each time you want to dust your IKEA bureau that cost 1/8th of the iPod setup.

[Gasu E.]

The original iMac had a handle that was touted for portability. It is really more of sometihng to help the user set up the device with more ease. You're not gripping it under the sides like a fool, trying to balance it so you don't smash your hands. I imagine there is also something in it's grabbability factor in the store. Like you can physically move it each time you want to dust your IKEA bureau that cost 1/8th of the iPod setup.


Heck, the original Mac had a handle...

it's for mobility not portability... so you can move it around your house.

[Gasu E.]

Somebody mentioned bringing it to the tennis court...
Can you imagine?

- Smash / Crunch / "Aaaaah, my iPod !!!" :D

(The case of the HiFi device would be, on the other hand, left all safe).

Wow, I would actually take out the iPod while I moved this thing.

[Arnaud]

Wow, I would actually take out the iPod while I moved this thing.

Mm, I was more thinking about the whole set installed and playing, and then the tennis ball hitting the iPod, actually... :D

[Gasu E.]

The design is nice but the iPod dock is not fitting for a device like this. Sitting the iPod in the top limits the way you can use it or even travel with it. The iPod looks like it will fall out if you try to pick up the speaker system. Taking this thing to the beach is out of the question. So is riding in the car or sitting outside on the stoop.

There should be a compartment that securley encases and holds the iPod so you can travel with it. Only pristine even surfaces looks as if it will support this thing.

Whats the point of the handles if you cant carry it?

Grade, B-


I know what you mean. I wanted to sell my car, but I couldn't, because my wife was in it.

What's that you say? "Remove the wife." Huh?

[miketcool]

Heck, the original Mac had a handle...

Hahaha
Yeah, maybe if I took my leather Fedora off of it I might remember that it, too, has a handle.

Man, imagine if Apple had claimed the handle on the original Mac was for taking it to the beach. I'd love to have a Mac Cabana!:p

[theluckyone]

You know what cracks me up?

"Audiophiles" are some of the most miserable and cynical people ever.

B&O has some kick ass stuff. I like that their stuff looks and sounds good to me. Pity for you you think its crap.

Bose has always sounded good to me - I had some oftheir original Acoustimass speakers in the late 80s. Loved the sound. Pity if you think it is crap.

What is most likely to be in our living room and house? B&O and Bose.

I think being and proclaiming yourself and audiophile gives you extremely limited choice. I'm glad my ears can't tell the difference. :cool: ;)

Love you iGary, but Bose is total crap. Not only will you tell the difference, but your life will change and you'll have a new obsession the moment you hear McIntosh electronics hooked up to Wilson speakers (audiophiles, back off, just one example). In terms of product selection, there's actually WAY too much out there (check out http://www.moonaudio.com). DO stay away from the truly high-end stuff if you even want to send your kids to college, or buy a new car, etc...

:D

[gauriemma]

big output never comes in a small package!


Sounds like someone has yet to be introduced to Tivoli Audio...

[theluckyone]

OK guys, I listened to Steve's presentation on Engadget.
1) "We'd like to make some medium-level announcements today" -- not life-changing

2) He said the Hi-Fi would complete with some of the more compact systems (like the Bose wave radio) -- couldn't be that hard to make it sound better for less. Just look at its size next to the Bose -- you KNOW it'll sound better.

3) This is what has me excited: It has the often overlooked components of audiophile quality, i.e. most people think louder is better and that's it. He's saying that even though this is a small system, they focused on things like soundstage, separating the instruments and limiting distortion. WOW! Like decent computer speakers on steroids. And if they've done a good job, putting it in a single unit gets rid of the speaker placement issue. You could tell he was in love with his new product...he's been testing them in his house for months....he did say he would replace his home stereo, but I'm 99% sure he was PLAYING.

[thatdarnfish]

Not only is my Cambridge Soundworks radio much smaller than the hi-fi, but I can hook it up to my computer and ipod with no problem. It's got a subwoofer, alarm clock, a variety of soundstage options and to be honest, I can't imagine any table top sounding better. It comes with a radio and all for about $200. Apple is totally relying upon name recognition, to the detriment of innovation.

[Butters]

Somebody mentioned earlier how compatable this would be with future form iPods. That got me thinking of what the new form might be.. widescreen? like the fake 6G photo.

So if new iPods are going to sport larger displays then they can probably be shared or watched from a distance more easily (depending on how much bigger the displays are really I suppose) now wouldn't this increase the need for a iPod hifi device? watch your iPod like a TV.
Ok so the iPod is never going to be quite TV-sized but seeing as you don't generally take your TV to the beach or you're garden etc. a video iPod sitting on top of the boombox might not be such a bad idea.

[Arnaud]

Somebody mentioned earlier how compatable this would be with future form iPods. That got me thinking of what the new form might be.. widescreen? like the fake 6G photo.

So if new iPods are going to sport larger displays then they can probably be shared or watched from a distance more easily (depending on how much bigger the displays are really I suppose) now wouldn't this increase the need for a iPod hifi device? watch your iPod like a TV.
Ok so the iPod is never going to be quite TV-sized but seeing as you don't generally take your TV to the beach or you're garden etc. a video iPod sitting on top of the boombox might not be such a bad idea.

Uh, 10" video screen on top of 20" loud-speakers ? That'd be quite a weird impression, a little Jivaro-head like. And you'd get either deaf of the too-close loud speakers, or blind of the too-distant video screen...

[nostaws]

I think the boombox is kinda cool. I also see this as another tool in anti piracy. All the stuff you can get off the web isn't going to sound great on the Hi Fi (may itunes downloads will be acceptable/maybe the will change their encoding).

So you are going to have to buy CDs and rip them in lossless format to get the ideal sound from the hi-fi. Making record companies happier.

[blilly]

Sounds like someone has yet to be introduced to Tivoli Audio...

Good call: but actually I own THREE! Tivoli's are nice and heavy . . . and they do sound great. I run my iPod into one all the time when I'm working in the basement.

Edit: I see you were quoting someone else . . I had written nearly the same thing just before, too. Sorry for the hijack.

[Arnaud]

He's saying that even though this is a small system, they focused on things like soundstage, separating the instruments and limiting distortion. WOW! Like decent computer speakers on steroids. And if they've done a good job, putting it in a single unit gets rid of the speaker placement issue. You could tell he was in love with his new product...he's been testing them in his house for months....he did say he would replace his home stereo, but I'm 99% sure he was PLAYING.

Well, unless he thought "this is a regular piece of electronics, which we ended up overpricing because that's the first time we engineered and designed one; it was supposed to be small and cheap, but now it's small and expensive, so I'd better find arguments for that, like quality and stuff; myabe we can say that the compactness makes it great, although we obviously lose the stereo; I've never listened to it, besides when the engineering chief showed it to me yesterday, because I've got this massive, brilliant stereo system home, but maybe I can say I've used it for months, to impress the target... Oh yes, I've got to look excited too."

My questions are:
- what stereo system is (really) in Steve Jobs' living-room ?
- with such a preofessional experience as his, how much distortion of the truth can be expressed without flinching ? (come on, I didn't say "lie"!)
- Theluckyone, do you really believe all that's said in commercial events ???

Oh well, my opinion anyway :)

[TheMasin9]

i think its honestly the wrong way to go for apple. I think its big and fairly ugly (especially by apple standards). They need to focus on the actual hardware and let the 3rd parties work on these kind of accessories.

[aricher]

Is it me or is Apple's Design Group slowly regressing to the plastic-y 70s? The first thing I thought of when I saw the new "Hi-Fi" was...

http://static.flickr.com/44/106795394_c160a1b700.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/43/106795396_429d0c2a7d.jpg

Funny how the Weltron GEC 2007 has the white plastic smooth line style - Apple-esque in a way - or is the iPod "Weltron-esque?" To me Apple's Hi-Fi also looks like a Bang & Olufsen rip-off.

[sishaw]

I just think that this was not priced competitively. $350 makes it the absolute most for the iPod "high quality" one speaker systems.



The original iPod was deemed priced too high on this board.

The shuffle was thought $50 too high by hundreds on this board.

Millions of those products have been sold. In fact, if Apple priced the hi-fi lower than the Bose Sounddock, how many people here would be saying, "for x dollars more, I can get a Bose, why should I buy Apple?" The fact is, the threads on this board, while always interesting and fun, have historically done a TERRIBLE job of predicting what's going to be popular among the iPod-related items. I believe it is because the board is populated by a self-selected sampling of the uber-Mac-faithful, but these products sell to the public at large, who have different expectations.

[cxny]

I love the idea of three kids walking down the street listening to their iPod Hi-Fi. One kid on each handle and one kid guarding the precious iPod from potential grab-n-run attack!

[Flying Llama]

The original iPod was deemed priced too high on this board.

The shuffle was thought $50 too high by hundreds on this board.

Millions of those products have been sold. In fact, if Apple priced the hi-fi lower than the Bose Sounddock, how many people here would be saying, "for x dollars more, I can get a Bose, why should I buy Apple?" The fact is, the threads on this board, while always interesting and fun, have historically done a TERRIBLE job of predicting what's going to be popular among the iPod-related items. I believe it is because the board is populated by a self-selected sampling of the uber-Mac-faithful, but these products sell to the public at large, who have different expectations.

Yeah, check out MacRumors' reaction when the iPod first came out, it's absolutely hilarious: :D

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

After reading that I think the iPod Hi-Fi will do well ;)

I'd call it the Cube 2.0 as it wont sell, and be killed off in a short time...and it's not really functional.

All that hype for an MP3 player? Break-thru digital device? The Reality Distiortion Field™ is starting to warp Steve's mind if he thinks for one second that this thing is gonna take off.

just a few examples.

[theluckyone]

Well, unless he thought "this is a regular piece of electronics, which we ended up overpricing because that's the first time we engineered and designed one; it was supposed to be small and cheap, but now it's small and expensive, so I'd better find arguments for that, like quality and stuff; myabe we can say that the compactness makes it great, although we obviously lose the stereo; I've never listened to it, besides when the engineering chief showed it to me yesterday, because I've got this massive, brilliant stereo system home, but maybe I can say I've used it for months, to impress the target... Oh yes, I've got to look excited too."

My questions are:
- what stereo system is (really) in Steve Jobs' living-room ?
- with such a preofessional experience as his, how much distortion of the truth can be expressed without flinching ? (come on, I didn't say "lie"!)
- Theluckyone, do you really believe all that's said in commercial events ???

Oh well, my opinion anyway :)

Sorry, but to me, this isn't just any ol' company's marketing. I trust Steve after years and years of following his keynotes, and then seeing the products. People hear things like "3 times faster" but forget that he also said "just the processor, the actual computer won't be 3 times faster." Sure, he puts it in the best light, but the folks who pay attention know what he expect.

As for the price, Apple ALWAYS charges a premium that's right at the edge of what I'm willing to pay for the product -- to the point where it's like they read my mind. I mean, the iPod is really expensive, and EVERYONE has one. It's not the features list, it's the experience. The Hi-Fi will be no exception. It's not meant to replace the $1k systems, it's meant to replace the Bose sound dock. And it'll probably kill it in terms of the integration, sound and little Apple-esque details.

[Arnaud]

Sorry, but to me, this isn't just any ol' company's marketing. I trust Steve after years and years of following his keynotes, and then seeing the products. People hear things like "3 times faster" but forget that he also said "just the processor, the actual computer won't be 3 times faster." Sure, he puts it in the best light, but the folks who pay attention know what he expect.

As for the price, Apple ALWAYS charges a premium that's right at the edge of what I'm willing to pay for the product -- to the point where it's like they read my mind. I mean, the iPod is really expensive, and EVERYONE has one. It's not the features list, it's the experience. The Hi-Fi will be no exception. It's not meant to replace the $1k systems, it's meant to replace the Bose sound dock. And it'll probably kill it in terms of the integration, sound and little Apple-esque details.

Well, you got your points, but I also have my memory of the marketing by Apple:
- I bought my "whisper-quiet iMac G5" and regret it to that day, because of the vibrations and noise,
- "easy-to-use and revolutionary iWeb" and I'm still waiting for the update to 1.0.2 so that it actually uploads correctly.

I was not commenting on the features of the iPod Hifi in that post, but on your comments based on Apple's marketing arguments. The line about Job replacing his stereo had me seriously smile.

But if you're convinced all is true and everyone will buy one, well, fine with me.

[ijimk]

I just think that this was not priced competitively. $350 makes it the absolute most for the iPod "high quality" one speaker systems.

At least it does have inputs for other things, if you didn't HAVE a stereo at all this might be worth looking at.
i agree i think $149 would be perfect but defiantly no more than $200.

[m-dogg]

I know this has been said before, but why did they make it white with a black speaker cover? It would be like making the face of the iMac black but keeping the rest of it white. Ugly - That's the type of thing PC makers do.

[cyberddot]

Hmmm...even without a stereo...I'm not sure if we can convince ourselves that this is much better than the powered speakers that currently do this job. The price definitely suggests that there must be more than speakers and a charger in this box...or that there should be anyway.

I think I'll hold out for the MacMiniBoomBoxHomeTheater.:cool:

[theluckyone]

Well, you got your points, but I also have my memory of the marketing by Apple:
- I bought my "whisper-quiet iMac G5" and regret it to that day, because of the vibrations and noise,
- "easy-to-use and revolutionary iWeb" and I'm still waiting for the update to 1.0.2 so that it actually uploads correctly.

I was not commenting on the features of the iPod Hifi in that post, but on your comments based on Apple's marketing arguments. The line about Job replacing his stereo had me seriously smile.

But if you're convinced all is true and everyone will buy one, well, fine with me.

I have an iMac G5 -- I think they did have to replace some fans due to noise, but it's silent. I have yet to try iWeb...

You're right, tho -- he HAD to be joking. Or maybe he realized that the superior sound of his $100k Wilson Audio system isn't worth it? It certianly wouldn't be if you're listening to compressed music through the iPod's less than audiophile internal amp...

But that was CERTAINLY a mistake. Because, yeah, right... :rolleyes:

[ITR 81]

I know this has been said before, but why did they make it white with a black speaker cover? It would be like making the face of the iMac black but keeping the rest of it white. Ugly - That's the type of thing PC makers do.

Well if most are like me they like to see the speakers..not the grill.
I only have grills on speakers on the floor for protection against feet and whatnot...but on the shelf I don't care.

I want to see it compared to the Klipsch IFI. If it can perform close or the same as it then I'm buying because the IFI is like $30 bucks more then the Hi Fi and doesn't fit all iPods either.

[Arnaud]

I have an iMac G5 -- I think they did have to replace some fans due to noise, but it's silent. I have yet to try iWeb...

Yeah well, I drank from the words of Steve Jobs and ordered the iMac G5 (rev. A) as soon as possible, got it after 2 months of waiting... and discovered the noises.
On the rev. A, they are due to the fan tunnel AND the fan itself AND the hard drive AND the CPU fan. I had it checked by my store and all. Conclusion: the iMac G5 rev. A cannot be whisper-quiet, I've had to shunt the internal HD. (I think they lost this marketing line "whisper quiet" later, btw; I suppose all newer versions were and are quieter though).

But well. We'll see how the iPod HiFi succeeds on the market.

[theluckyone]

Well if most are like me they like to see the speakers..not the grill.
I only have grills on speakers on the floor for protection against feet and whatnot...but on the shelf I don't care.

I want to see it compared to the Klipsch IFI. If it can perform close or the same as it then I'm buying because the IFI is like $30 bucks more then the Hi Fi and doesn't fit all iPods either.

and the iFi is 3 parts and it's REALLY ugly. Who wants all those cables for a compact system?

Plus, does it have a remote?

[motiua]

I

[motiua]

I just got my iPod Hi-Fi today. THe sound quality is so good. I previously had the Altec Lansing IM7 and this beats them by far. I also took pictures of it with ipod playing and unpacking fotos, which I might post later...

I RECOMMEND THEM!

Alex

[Azmordean]

Yes, there are volume controls, on the top of the unit.

I realize this, but the first look page mentioned the volume controls working only when the ipod is connected. This doesn't make sense to me and I suspect its an oversight, but I was hoping someone who got one of these could tell me for sure. If NO iPod is plugged in and the speaker is hooked up to, say, a portable DVD player via the Line In - will the volume control on the speaker still function, or will it need to be controlled at the source.

[Azmordean]

Honestly, I'm having a hard time with the concept of a "Hi-Fi" stereo connected to an iPod. :confused:

I mean, I really like my iPod, got all my CD's on it, carry it everywhere etc... But it is still MP3 or AAAC encoded, i.e. destructive compression, so that it doesn't sound quite like the original 44KHz track.

I know some people will say "come on, it's really good, whatyatalkingabout", but I do hear the differences, especially in the clarity of the high part. True, it does not matter when I'm walking in the street or driving in my car, but it does matter when I'm in the quietness of my house. I do like my music to be perfect :p

I just keep the concept of "Hi-Fi" to situations where all elements of the chain are Hi-Fi: good output but good source too, a CD for example, not a compressed song, so that you can truly enjoy the quality of the song. A "Hi-Fi stereo for an iPod" sounds like a marketing trap to me, just like selling an HD plasma screen to connect to a VHS VCR (ok, I'm pushing a little here).

My conclusion: it might be a nice gizmo if you agree with the price for the design etc. But does it really need to be called "Hi-Fi" ?

Arnaud.

(PS: If you don't agree, set a CD in your iTunes and compare a song on the CD and in the library; you may note a difference, or not, depending on the CD (old re-recordings of Jimmi Hendricks or digital recording of Black Eyed Peas), your equipment and your own interests; you can also set higher rates of compression, but it is still compression).

I think the Hi-Fi designation is mostly marketing. I don't doubt that this will sound very good, but you only need to take one look at the price (the price everyone thinks is too high) to realize this is NOT a *true* hi-fi product. I think its going to be very high quality sound by standard consumer electronics standards, but its not going to compete with Hi-Fi systems costing thousands of dollars, nor should it.

As for your dislike of lossy compression, you can use Apple Lossless as someone else mentioned, or, the iPod Hi-Fi has an analog audio and optical audio input, so you can connect a cleaner source if you prefer!

[sishaw]

Yeah, check out MacRumors' reaction when the iPod first came out, it's absolutely hilarious: :D

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=500

After reading that I think the iPod Hi-Fi will do well ;



just a few examples.

Yeah, that thread is a hoot to read now. Also, at the time the Shuffle came out, I was following these boards closely, and it was much the same thing. On an individual basis, one may like or dislike the Shuffle, but there's no denying that it sold like Juicy Fruit, at least up until the Nano came out. The point being--Apple's marketing researchers should not rely too heavily on us, although we are a fun, interesting, and opinionated group!

[dcv]

I've just got back from the Apple Store, Regent Street, where I had a play with the new iPod HiFi along with the Bose SoundDock and Altec Lansing iM7.

I bought the iM7 a couple of weeks ago and have been really impressed by it (my review & pics are here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=180278)), but with the announcement of this new Apple hifi, I felt the need to go and check it out to see how it compares.

Looks-wise, I still can't get my head around it. It's pretty ugly. If you take the grille off the front it does look better. The black speaker front itself looks nice; it's the ugly chunky plastic grab handles that spoil it for me. Overall it reminds me of a storage box or a crate of some sort. Having an iPod perched on top is also not a great design feature. The iPod on display in the Apple Store seemed a little loose in the dock (presumably the staff had used the correct insert). I don't think it's very safe if you're going to move it around. This is where the iM7 is far more clever!

The Apple hifi is HEAVY. It can be used on DC power, so it is apparently "portable", but the sheer size and weight of it (plus the fact that you're probably going to have to carry the iPod separately for fear of breaking it) render it only "occasionally portable" in my mind. Bonus points again to the iM7 :p

The power brick is integrated into the unit, which is a nice feature, but then again it should be for that size! However there is only one audio input on the rear of the unit. The iM7 also features video outputs (S-video and composite), which allow you to connect it to a display for viewing video & photo content from your iPod. I'm quite surprised that Apple didn't include this.

The volume buttons on the iPod hifi are really nice, since they are touch-sensitive and sit flush with the top of the unit. I was quite impressed with the volume controls on my iM7 compared to the awful ones on the SoundDock that are really difficult to press and too far apart from each other, but the Apple buttons are definitely better. Of course most of the time you'll use the remote control so it's a bit of a moot point. The Apple remote itself is pretty basic, only allowing you to change the volume and tracks. The iM7 remote additionally offers bass and treble controls.

Now for the important part: the sound...

When I first got to the store someone was playing around with it and the song they put on sounded rather tinny... I wasn't that impressed initially. But then of course you realise that people keep messing around with the equaliser settings. Tried out some other tracks and - wow - it was pretty impressive. The Bose SoundDock is LAME in comparison. The iM7 still sounds good, but not as good, especially at higher volumes. I don't claim to be an audiophile, but to me the iM7 beats the Bose SoundDock because it produces a much more bassy sound and doesn't distort at high volumes like the Bose one does. The Apple iPod hifi is generally louder, has more "ooomph" and produces more of a room-filling sound than all of the other products. So yeah... I was pretty impressed by the sound. A true audiophile would no doubt find faults, but then they shouldn't be comparing a speaker for compressed music with a "proper" hifi system.

All in all... I think I'm keeping my iM7. I wanted to go to the store and *hate* the iPod hifi, but it has definitely grown on me! If I hadn't bought the iM7 I would seriously consider this. I just don't find it aesthetically appealing and I've already pointed out the advantages of the iM7 (it's also £50 cheaper in the UK).

[MacinDoc]

I realize this, but the first look page mentioned the volume controls working only when the ipod is connected. This doesn't make sense to me and I suspect its an oversight, but I was hoping someone who got one of these could tell me for sure. If NO iPod is plugged in and the speaker is hooked up to, say, a portable DVD player via the Line In - will the volume control on the speaker still function, or will it need to be controlled at the source.
I hadn't considered the possibility that Apple would disable the volume controls for the line in. If it did, this would be an incredibly stupid decision(why have a line in if you can't control it; good way to destroy your speakers or your eardrums), and I would then have to give the iPod HiFi a wholehearted two thumbs down.

[Bitman]

One iPod HiFi owners review:

http://www.yourmaclife.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1282

[MegaSignal]

I think it's hilarious that Apple strewed dirty laundry on the floor of the "teenager's bedroom" demonstration room :D
Went looking for this for a laugh - couldn't find it. Any links?

[MegaSignal]

A few things I'd have changed and/or added, IMHO:

>Flush-mount the iPod dock. It's simply too vulnerable perched on top; perhaps a front flush-mount which would allow the iPod's screen to still be easily viewed.

>Built-in rechargable battery - with a coin-release module similar to that of what's on the iBook. Possibly make the power connection connect from the side instead of the rear for convenience.

>Built-in and included Airport Express - in this way, you'd be able to put those handles to use on the Hi-Fi and tote it around the house at will (without an Ipod) wth a Mac or a PC via AirTunes!

Ask for $395 and get it for all of these extra features.



/thinking outloud

[bighairydoofus]

I bet it sounds pretty good for what it is. I bet it beats the pants off the incredibly expensive (yet cheaply constructed) Bose garbage.

I have a few nits to pick, however. In the ad copy they talk about "imaging" and "soundstage", and with the two left and right channel speakers so close together "imaging" just isn't going to happen. Also, the highs aren't going to be so great. There's a reason that tweeters are small, and that reason is dispersion. This thing doesn't HAVE tweeters, and when you try to make a midrange speaker reproduce upper treble, it beams, meaning you can only hear the high frequencies if you're literally directly in front of the loudspeaker. If you're off axis, the treble gets really rolled off, and what you're hearing (if anything) in the treble is going to be reflections. So much for "soundstaging". It may make for good ad copy, but for people who know what those terms mean, it sounds pretty silly for them to be making those claims.

That being said, it has a lot going for it. Good solid cabinet design, a powerful amp with plenty in reserve and what look to be high quality drivers. I bet it kicks its competition's heinie...

:D

[npk]

I just got my Hi-Fi in Fed-Ex today and I'm impressed. I mix records for a living and for what this thing is, and the price point, I think they did a good job. I have found myself saying out loud "wow this little thing sounds really good!!" a couple of times. And it gets LOUD. The imaging is actually pretty good considering the distance between the LR speakers and the over all timbre of the system is very accurate. I mean we all know this is no set of Genelecs or anything but I want another one already......

If I had to find something to dislike it would be that you can't select a playlist from the remote. You can only go forward, backwards, change the volume and play/pause. ( you can also toggle between the audio in and the ipod )

Over all this thing is a winner.

[bighairydoofus]

is if you were able to purchase one and use it as a solo stereo speaker for a while. Then if you were so inclined, purchase another and connect them together with one doing the left channel and the other doing the right...

:cool:

[JDOG_]

is if you were able to purchase one and use it as a solo stereo speaker for a while. Then if you were so inclined, purchase another and connect them together with one doing the left channel and the other doing the right...

It would be even cooler if it did that wirelessly without a hit in quality...

Buying more than one, you're Apple's dream mate :D

I think with any multi-channel setup you'd want a receiver though, and the iPod doesn't seem like it could handle that with grace. iReceive?

[bighairydoofus]

High quality powered speakers are expensive. Good ones (made by Tannoy, etc.) are often used as location studio monitors. High quality drivers and amplification don't come cheap, and judging by the weight of the thing, it seems solidly built. My only real reservation is that there aren't any tweeters, but since we're talking about compressed music for most users, maybe that's not such a bad thing...

:rolleyes:

Edit: spelling

[intlplby]

for those that demoed it at the store what was the quality of the song you played

something on an ipod supplied by apple or something like a lossless trac

[obeygiant]

http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/joyimages/795.gif

[mikejames]

The image above made me laugh!

I've owned a Bose SoundDock for over a year now and was interested to hear about the ipod HiFi. However there's no way I'm buying one. One hell of an ugly beast and quite heavy from the sounds of it.

I would be surprised if the sound quality is better than the Bose SoundDock although I haven't had the chance to test an ipod HiFi out yet.

I use Apple Lossless for all my importing and I really can't fault the sound of the SoundDock. I was hoping Apple were going to come out with something really innovative and different.

The thing that's looks really worrying is the way the ipod sticks out of the top of the HiFi thing. Surely an accident waiting to happen?

[yac_moda]

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From Oregon Scientific ...
http://www2.oregonscientific.com/shop/product.asp?cid=20&scid=77&pid=571

[081440]

obeygiant, the photo is great.

The Hi-Fi sounded great at a a non apple store, but then again my ears were half blown off when I first turned it on. (some idiot turned the volume all he way up and then turned it off, waiting for a fool like me to turn it on and jump )
:p

[Peyton]

Umm, I don't think it is UGLY, but I do think it is lacking that Apple flare. Maybe if they had an interchangeable white face speaker cover? Or maybe a silver metal one? huh huh?

I get really annoyed at how much they advertise 'integrated handles' on Apple products as if it is a huge selling point and as if I'm planning on carrying it for miles through the desert with a friend on the other side and I need the extra convience. Its small enough, I can pick it up!

Its not that it is ugly, its just that it was hyped up to be the best most innovative thing and it falls quite short of that.

I have a bose sound dock, or whatever its called though.