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iPod Hi-Fi Introduced
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e-clipse said:
Exactly. It would be different if Apple was marketing this as a basic home stereo or something handy to take to the beach, but to tack all of this "audiophile", "high qulaity", "superb sound" perception to it, it beter live up to their demanding claims - which I have doubts it will.
I'm a classically trained musician (ear training, the whole lot), used to compose, and am also an Electronics Engineer, so I have a comprehensive understanding about sound waves and audio in general from a technical/scientific perspective. There is no way this offering is passing my test for a "high quality stereo" as Apple is pushing it as. Sure, a person won't know until they listen to it, but I feel fairly confident in my assumptions from what I've read so far.
iPod HiFi vs Bose or the iBoom
I am not sure if I find any 'value' in the iPod HiFi..
How does it compare in sound quality to the speakers for the iPod by Bose? I understand the Bose doesn't have an audio in or ability to be powered on batteries but Bose makes awesome speakers. How's it compare to that?
I have a battery operated iBoom (boom box) that's okay. It doesn't have great speakers but its portable and its a hell of a lot cheaper and prettier than the HiFi..
I want to see some comparison charts.
Also, I would be more "on board" if it included an Airport or Airport Express inside it. Now that'd be something I'd get on board with!! In order for me to use the audio in, I have to have have a cable attached to an Airport Express (not very portable then)..
Christopher Powers
I am not sure if I find any 'value' in the iPod HiFi..
How does it compare in sound quality to the speakers for the iPod by Bose? I understand the Bose doesn't have an audio in or ability to be powered on batteries but Bose makes awesome speakers. How's it compare to that?
I have a battery operated iBoom (boom box) that's okay. It doesn't have great speakers but its portable and its a hell of a lot cheaper and prettier than the HiFi..
I want to see some comparison charts.
Also, I would be more "on board" if it included an Airport or Airport Express inside it. Now that'd be something I'd get on board with!! In order for me to use the audio in, I have to have have a cable attached to an Airport Express (not very portable then)..
Christopher Powers
epepper9 said:
Don't forget an overpriced leather iPod case. Now if that isn't fun, I don't know what is...
freudian slip
From the Apple Store page for the iPod Hi-Fi:
"Put iPod Hi-Fi in place of honor in your living room."
From the Apple Store page for the iPod Hi-Fi:
"Put iPod Hi-Fi in place of honor in your living room."
So many people get upset that ANY products in the world exist other than the specific ones they want to own. But different people have different needs and wants. Your needs are yours--not mine.
(Also note that this will connect to AirPort Express for iTunes use. You CAN stream to it, with that optional extra.)
* Equally good sound design (not to be judged without hearing it)
* Digital/optical line in
* Control from the iPod
* Built-in power supply or use batteries
* Built-in dock that charges iPod from batteries
* Large album art on screen
* Changes iPod's backlight setting upon insertion
* Remote control
* Compatible with regular Dock remote control and with Front Row on Mac
* Simple uncluttered design (matters to some)
I have no doubt there's a market for this IF the sound is truly on the high end for such all-in-one units.
As for "real" audiophiles... no, of course they wouldn't use an all-in-one, nor buy from the iTunes Music Store. They might however appreciate portability and compactness (in both the iPod/AAC and in the speaker system they use on the go or in an extra room). They might therefore find this to be a good compromise to ADD to their life--not to REPLACE their stereo. "Audiophile" is a buzzword that gets tossed around in product literature a lot. It's not something to get too upset over.
The main market is for the other 99% of the world that cares about great sound but isn't a hard-core audiophile. If they have a spare room with no stereo (bedroom?) this could be well worth the price.
The only reason people are so imbressed (?) is that they got themselves worked up over imaginary dreams... so when they don't come true--or come true later instead of today--suddenly "Apple has lost their creativity"
Style-wise... it looks like a speaker to me. Black fabric, no clutter. Would neon illumination help? Maybe some nifty vents or chrome?
I'm reminded of the howls of "ugly!" protests over EVERY Apple product they've ever released.
Not everyone has all those things in every roomWildCowboy said:
(Also note that this will connect to AirPort Express for iTunes use. You CAN stream to it, with that optional extra.)Not unless those other iPod speaker boxes (which seem to sell well!) have all of the following:iMeowbot said:
* Equally good sound design (not to be judged without hearing it)
* Digital/optical line in
* Control from the iPod
* Built-in power supply or use batteries
* Built-in dock that charges iPod from batteries
* Large album art on screen
* Changes iPod's backlight setting upon insertion
* Remote control
* Compatible with regular Dock remote control and with Front Row on Mac
* Simple uncluttered design (matters to some)
I have no doubt there's a market for this IF the sound is truly on the high end for such all-in-one units.
As for "real" audiophiles... no, of course they wouldn't use an all-in-one, nor buy from the iTunes Music Store. They might however appreciate portability and compactness (in both the iPod/AAC and in the speaker system they use on the go or in an extra room). They might therefore find this to be a good compromise to ADD to their life--not to REPLACE their stereo. "Audiophile" is a buzzword that gets tossed around in product literature a lot. It's not something to get too upset over.
The main market is for the other 99% of the world that cares about great sound but isn't a hard-core audiophile. If they have a spare room with no stereo (bedroom?) this could be well worth the price.
The only reason people are so imbressed (?) is that they got themselves worked up over imaginary dreams... so when they don't come true--or come true later instead of today--suddenly "Apple has lost their creativity"
Style-wise... it looks like a speaker to me. Black fabric, no clutter. Would neon illumination help? Maybe some nifty vents or chrome?
I'm reminded of the howls of "ugly!" protests over EVERY Apple product they've ever released.
Core Solo processors existed before?imanta said:
You may have forgotten the long list of specs Apple upgraded on the Mac Mini. It's a better buy now than ever. (But wrong thread.)modernpixel said:
ballsy move
I think this is a ballsy move by apple. bose and other speaker manufacturing outfits won't be happy. might not matter if apple isn't getting a backend from them.
do i think this is ugly? no. looks like a centre channel of a home theatre - how can you make something like that look good?
would i replace my home stereo? no.
would i use this in another room? heck ya! I would LOVE to have something like this upstairs where I currently have a receiver set up with some speakers on a shelf. would be nice to have 1 speaker on that shelf w/o wires and stuff taking up space. I could get the airport express at this point, but the fact remains about having wires and a receiver there. would be nice to 'clean' it up.
THAT said, at that price point, I would buy the bose speaker. Why? b/c SOUND is what bose does. as much as i love apple's customer service, hardware designs and software, I would be very leary about buying a specific speaker from a computer company. sure, they are trying to break into this realm, but I'm not convinced just yet. at least bose just does sound. you know, right off the bat, that you're going to get fantastic sound for that price point.
the mac mini is pretty cool. part of me says it would be cool to stream a movie from my other macs to the mini which would be attached to my stereo.
a few issues (and i'm not an environmentally tree hugger type of guy, but i am conscious of energy usage) - why would i do this until apple has some sort of move download service? until then, I could take the dvd, pop it into my home theatre dvd player and be watching a flick. that would leave at least 2 computers off, not wasting energy. now, it would be cool to have a small (maybe 7 or 10") screen beside the mac mini and dload right to there, then output to the tv. THAT would be tres cool!
all in all, i hope apple doesn't get bashed too hard for having only these 2 things to launch. the poor guys...they are industry leaders so the world's expectations are out of control. nothing they do is good enough
kind of like me being a stay-at-home dad - i COULD do 4 loads of laundry in a day, fold them, make supper, sweep etc...etc..., but oh my lord, talk about setting future false expectations! LOL
I think this is a ballsy move by apple. bose and other speaker manufacturing outfits won't be happy. might not matter if apple isn't getting a backend from them.
do i think this is ugly? no. looks like a centre channel of a home theatre - how can you make something like that look good?
would i replace my home stereo? no.
would i use this in another room? heck ya! I would LOVE to have something like this upstairs where I currently have a receiver set up with some speakers on a shelf. would be nice to have 1 speaker on that shelf w/o wires and stuff taking up space. I could get the airport express at this point, but the fact remains about having wires and a receiver there. would be nice to 'clean' it up.
THAT said, at that price point, I would buy the bose speaker. Why? b/c SOUND is what bose does. as much as i love apple's customer service, hardware designs and software, I would be very leary about buying a specific speaker from a computer company. sure, they are trying to break into this realm, but I'm not convinced just yet. at least bose just does sound. you know, right off the bat, that you're going to get fantastic sound for that price point.
the mac mini is pretty cool. part of me says it would be cool to stream a movie from my other macs to the mini which would be attached to my stereo.
a few issues (and i'm not an environmentally tree hugger type of guy, but i am conscious of energy usage) - why would i do this until apple has some sort of move download service? until then, I could take the dvd, pop it into my home theatre dvd player and be watching a flick. that would leave at least 2 computers off, not wasting energy. now, it would be cool to have a small (maybe 7 or 10") screen beside the mac mini and dload right to there, then output to the tv. THAT would be tres cool!
all in all, i hope apple doesn't get bashed too hard for having only these 2 things to launch. the poor guys...they are industry leaders so the world's expectations are out of control. nothing they do is good enough
kind of like me being a stay-at-home dad - i COULD do 4 loads of laundry in a day, fold them, make supper, sweep etc...etc..., but oh my lord, talk about setting future false expectations!
LOLWell our worst nightmare came true. (That being that Jobs actually unveiled an actual boombox). My thoughts;
1) Where is the Apple logo? Was Apple too embarassed by this piece of **** that it decided not to brand a logo on it?
2) This seriously looks like a 3rd party product. Something I'd walk past at Sharper Image and hardly notice.
Thats all for now. Severly disappointed.
1) Where is the Apple logo? Was Apple too embarassed by this piece of **** that it decided not to brand a logo on it?
2) This seriously looks like a 3rd party product. Something I'd walk past at Sharper Image and hardly notice.
Thats all for now. Severly disappointed.
Svennig said:
Between the overpriced Mini and the unimaginative Hifi, I think that statement sums up this event quite succintly.
If Apple continues down this path, they risk becoming peddlers of luxury goods to a niche market. We pay extra for quality, usability and value -- things the Mac has always had behind their inflated price tags. That's what drives Apple forward; it's why the iPod is a smashing success.
I don't pay extra for brand name.
Bose sells that crap Wave Radio for an obscene amount of money to yuppies and nouveau riche who don't know that there's no way to justify spending over $150 for a boombox -- no matter the fidelity.
You could buy a $99 Sony boombox that'll blow your head clean off and sound just as clear doing it. Plus, it has aux input for your iPod, a tape deck, CD player and an AM/FM radio (I was looking last month).
Alternatively, you could take $500 and start building a low end component system (at least 2 floor speakers w/ 12" woofers and a receiver) that will sound infinitely better and louder than any $300+ boombox ever could.
A $349 boombox. My God. How unoriginal.
It's the antithesis of the iPod. A disgrace.
1980s redux
In reference to the "500" thread...I was never one of those. I saw the improvement the iPod made over the then-existing MP3 players right away. I bought a 1st-gen early on, and now have a 4th-gen. So I'm not the type to be perpetually dissapointed in Apple products because they don't run on hydrogen fuel cells or whatever. My reaction to the hi-fi, based on pictures and concept alone, is mixed.
I see some possibilities. For a room without a stereo; for travel, for taking to a party and letting everyone share their iPods. I assume that for the purpose of reproducing sound from an iPod, the speakers are superb.
However, the device just seems so retro (I don't mean retro chic, I mean not taking advantage of current technologies) for something from a usually forward-looking company. The days when you strolled on the beach with your boom-box and 12 "D" batteries and annoyed everyone are just over. In an era when companies are working on the networked home and interactive devices, it has no built-in cabability to be part of the network or be interactive. That's the part I'm not getting.
I'm reserving judgment, though, until I get a chance to see and hear it. If it sounds good enough, that can make up for a multitude of sins.
In reference to the "500" thread...I was never one of those. I saw the improvement the iPod made over the then-existing MP3 players right away. I bought a 1st-gen early on, and now have a 4th-gen. So I'm not the type to be perpetually dissapointed in Apple products because they don't run on hydrogen fuel cells or whatever. My reaction to the hi-fi, based on pictures and concept alone, is mixed.
I see some possibilities. For a room without a stereo; for travel, for taking to a party and letting everyone share their iPods. I assume that for the purpose of reproducing sound from an iPod, the speakers are superb.
However, the device just seems so retro (I don't mean retro chic, I mean not taking advantage of current technologies) for something from a usually forward-looking company. The days when you strolled on the beach with your boom-box and 12 "D" batteries and annoyed everyone are just over. In an era when companies are working on the networked home and interactive devices, it has no built-in cabability to be part of the network or be interactive. That's the part I'm not getting.
I'm reserving judgment, though, until I get a chance to see and hear it. If it sounds good enough, that can make up for a multitude of sins.
Home stereo reinvented? Huh?
I'll be a fanboy until I die. I'll admit it. But I can't understand, nor can I get behind a foray into home audio like this. Sorry, Apple. Leave the speaker manufacturing to the speaker manufacturers.
Remember when you could buy Bose speakers designed to match the II GS and beige Macs? Remember when Harmon/Kardon designed speakers to go INSIDE of iMacs, or the Sound Sticks?
I put money on this goofy thing having a relatively large market, but it's the same market that has a Bose Wave radio in every room, and thinks their car needs to have a burlwood dashboard to be even remotely useful. Wake me up when the real innovation kicks in.
I also find it strangely suspicious that Apple doesn't post any ACTUAL tech specs in the tech specs section for the iPod Hi-Fi. Sure, frequency response is nice, but let's see some response graphs... ±3 dB is a LOT of wiggle room! This thing's response could look like the Rockies with numbers like that. How about some power output numbers? How about some THD %? or S/N ratio numbers? Or maybe even what class amplifier it uses...I'm guessing it's probably one of those so-so Class-T or (shudder) Class-D designs. When companies start trying to use subjective phrases to qualify their products ("Amazing sound!" "Fills a room with rich sound!" "Natural bass!"), I have to wonder. Saccharine "expansion" circuits and bass boost will only get you so far.
I'm not an elitist, but I'm picky when it comes to my computer company making home audio components... and when it might mean scaring away competition that is doing things right... or at least differently. Do yourself a favor: if you want good sound for your iPod, buy a Tivoli iSongBook. Please.
I'll be a fanboy until I die. I'll admit it. But I can't understand, nor can I get behind a foray into home audio like this. Sorry, Apple. Leave the speaker manufacturing to the speaker manufacturers.
Remember when you could buy Bose speakers designed to match the II GS and beige Macs? Remember when Harmon/Kardon designed speakers to go INSIDE of iMacs, or the Sound Sticks?
I put money on this goofy thing having a relatively large market, but it's the same market that has a Bose Wave radio in every room, and thinks their car needs to have a burlwood dashboard to be even remotely useful. Wake me up when the real innovation kicks in.
I also find it strangely suspicious that Apple doesn't post any ACTUAL tech specs in the tech specs section for the iPod Hi-Fi. Sure, frequency response is nice, but let's see some response graphs... ±3 dB is a LOT of wiggle room! This thing's response could look like the Rockies with numbers like that. How about some power output numbers? How about some THD %? or S/N ratio numbers? Or maybe even what class amplifier it uses...I'm guessing it's probably one of those so-so Class-T or (shudder) Class-D designs. When companies start trying to use subjective phrases to qualify their products ("Amazing sound!" "Fills a room with rich sound!" "Natural bass!"), I have to wonder. Saccharine "expansion" circuits and bass boost will only get you so far.
I'm not an elitist, but I'm picky when it comes to my computer company making home audio components... and when it might mean scaring away competition that is doing things right... or at least differently. Do yourself a favor: if you want good sound for your iPod, buy a Tivoli iSongBook. Please.
For $70 you can get a dock AND a remote. Plug the dock into ANY stereo system or surround sound system. BANG! and you just save $280.alamar said:For under 10 bucks you can just go get a cable that plugs right into the aux on your stereo.....
The remote is nice, and the thing looks nice and I sure sounds nice, but its 350 dollars to play what is generally compressed music.
Odd.
cgmpowers said:
A word of advice - when you're trying to be sarcastic (i.e. saying something is awesome when it is in fact crap) it's best to include some emoticons in your post so people know you're not serious. Luckily, I don't think anyone would have taken this comment seriously, but just something to consider.
I am currently a Recording Industry Major (technology and production. Sound imaging is of the utmost importance to me. A HiFi product, in my opinion.... should have proper stereo seperation to me. I don't even see tweeters on this contraption. My guess, is the sound coming from this box is boomy in the low mids. Give me a set of studio nearfields or component THX certified Dolby Digital any day.~Shard~ said:Exactly. It would be different if Apple was marketing this as a basic home stereo or something handy to take to the beach, but to tack all of this "audiophile", "high qulaity", "superb sound" perception to it, it beter live up to their demanding claims - which I have doubts it will.
I'm a classically trained musician (ear training, the whole lot), used to compose, and am also an Electronics Engineer, so I have a comprehensive understanding about sound waves and audio in general from a technical/scientific perspective. There is no way this offering is passing my test for a "high quality stereo" as Apple is pushing it as. Sure, a person won't know until they listen to it, but I feel fairly confident in my assumptions from what I've read so far.
An all-in-one design; more like almost-in-one
So what's the deal? D-cell batteries? iPod mount sticking straight out of the top like a periscope? No fm radio? No Airport extreme? WTH?
This just reeks of uninspired contracting out of design and manufacturing.
For this to actually be cool instead of "fun", it would have:
- An iPod dock integrated flush with the form factor
- Airport Extreme built-in so I could also stream from my Mac or PC
- More than one audio jack so it could be used in a practical and common home electronic environment
- FM radio, so I can chuck my tuner
- Rechargable battery (not unlike a laptop) to reduce size, weight, inconvenience and long term expense of disposable batteries
The only upside I can see is that despite what others are saying about its price point, compared to say a Bose or B&O system, it is about 1/2 the price.
So what's the deal? D-cell batteries? iPod mount sticking straight out of the top like a periscope? No fm radio? No Airport extreme? WTH?
This just reeks of uninspired contracting out of design and manufacturing.
For this to actually be cool instead of "fun", it would have:
- An iPod dock integrated flush with the form factor
- Airport Extreme built-in so I could also stream from my Mac or PC
- More than one audio jack so it could be used in a practical and common home electronic environment
- FM radio, so I can chuck my tuner
- Rechargable battery (not unlike a laptop) to reduce size, weight, inconvenience and long term expense of disposable batteries
The only upside I can see is that despite what others are saying about its price point, compared to say a Bose or B&O system, it is about 1/2 the price.
Even fixing the typo, I'm surprised that the living room is their target-- dorm room maybe...LieutenantLefse said:
Why did they try to enter a market niche that's full already? Why not go for the after-market car stereo where I still can't find a decent offering?
So, half the people hate it because they say it will sound like crap because it's too small. But, as so many have pointed out, the songs on your iPod are so compressed there's no point in playing them through anything better. So, who cares? College students will buy it. No space, gotta out-blast the neighbor.
The other half say "What, no radio?" Let's see. I have an iPod with thousands of songs on it that I already know I like. Why would I listen to the radio? Want to know if you like the latest Madonna song? You could either spend 10 seconds searching for it in the iTunes music store, and 30 seconds listening to the clip, or, assuming you just missed it on your latest Top 40 station, well you know they'll play it every hour, on the hour, so you can spend the next hour listening to 25 minutes of songs you don't want to hear, and 31 minutes of commercials for furniture stores and used cars, just to hear the 4 minute song. I'm sorry, who in the hell listens to radio anymore?
Many say "they copied something else and charge more for it". Um, iPod? "Just another MP3 player", they said. "Lame," they said. I'm not ready to call it out yet.
"Walah"?? Voilà! French. Learn it. Then you get the added benefit of understanding 2/3 of the speeches in the Olympic ceremonies, too.
Breakdance? I am so waiting to see some dude walking down the street with a hi-fi on his shoulder. I'll laugh so hard I'll cry, I just know it.
Oh ya, and "no wi-fi"? Airport Express. Duh. Why sell someone one product when you can sell them two? Buy one of each, for each room in your house, and you're set. That's what Apple's hoping for, anyway, not saying anyone commenting here today appears to be willing to do that (well, one person was, early on.)
The other half say "What, no radio?" Let's see. I have an iPod with thousands of songs on it that I already know I like. Why would I listen to the radio? Want to know if you like the latest Madonna song? You could either spend 10 seconds searching for it in the iTunes music store, and 30 seconds listening to the clip, or, assuming you just missed it on your latest Top 40 station, well you know they'll play it every hour, on the hour, so you can spend the next hour listening to 25 minutes of songs you don't want to hear, and 31 minutes of commercials for furniture stores and used cars, just to hear the 4 minute song. I'm sorry, who in the hell listens to radio anymore?
Many say "they copied something else and charge more for it". Um, iPod? "Just another MP3 player", they said. "Lame," they said. I'm not ready to call it out yet.
"Walah"?? Voilà! French. Learn it. Then you get the added benefit of understanding 2/3 of the speeches in the Olympic ceremonies, too.
Breakdance? I am so waiting to see some dude walking down the street with a hi-fi on his shoulder. I'll laugh so hard I'll cry, I just know it.
Oh ya, and "no wi-fi"? Airport Express. Duh. Why sell someone one product when you can sell them two? Buy one of each, for each room in your house, and you're set. That's what Apple's hoping for, anyway, not saying anyone commenting here today appears to be willing to do that (well, one person was, early on.)
e-clipse said:
Yeah, but are you really comparing apples to apples here (pardont he pun). How much exactly is a studio nearfields or component THX certified Dolby Digital setup anyway?
I'm guessing... I'm gonna go out on a limb here, but it's prolly more than $350. And prolly take up more room. And not be as portable. And on and on.
(BTW - I'm playind devil's advocate here, that thing looks like it was beaten with the ugly stick within an inch of its life)
~Shard~ said:A word of advice - when you're trying to be sarcastic (i.e. saying something is awesome when it is in fact crap) it's best to include some emoticons in your post so people know you're not serious. Luckily, I don't think anyone would have taken this comment seriously, but just something to consider.
BOSE speakers are inaccurate in repoducing instruments frequency response properly. They poorly color sound through their intestines to give so called "bigger sound".
Keebler said:
You really think "Bose just does sound"? And that with Bose you will get fantastic sound? Bose stuff is over priced and under performing. Bose does fantastic marketing, not fantastic sound.
Back on topic, this iPod Hi-Fi is a major MEH...
sanfordcisco said:
Well I can't say I was expecting all that much when I saw the venue. If we see a proper video iPod, I'd expect a more prestigious, larger venue like we saw for the last ipod release.
Does make you wonder why they bothered at all though. They could have released all of this without a special event... or included the 1GB nano and shuffle reduction in the event to at least add a bit more meat.
The iPod hi-fi is a nice idea for a kitchen or study but as a high-end audio device?? At this price? Hell no! It looks like a kids toy to me too. Would have looked a bit classier if it had been made from Apple aluminium. Although maybe that would have affected the sound. I'm surprised it's not available in black too... or are we not expecting to ship that many?
Oh... So the iCal invite was really meaningless.
e-clipse said:
Precisely. It's not even that I am overly disappointed in the product itself. Had Apple released it as a fun (wasn't that supposed to be the operative word of the day?) product for the casual listener, the cottage, the beach, whatever, and associated an apporpriate price tag to it such as $99, then fine. But to market this as a high-end stereo, put a high-end price tag on it (in terms of boomboxes at least) but not deliver is what disappoints me.
Do I need to hear it to form an honest opinion? In reference to my earlier post, I am confident that my assumptions will be validated once I hear this thing and start reading the reviews of other audiophiles.
Eaon said:
No I won't. I still don't have speakers but I'm leaning towards JBL Creature IIs. As for the person who said this is just like when the iPod first came out, how dare you say that. This is completely different. There is no way you can parallel these two events. The iPod was successful because MP3 technology was on the rise and could be expanded. Speakers on the other hand are nothing new, and I see nothing innovative that can come of this sound system.
My guess is that very little will sell. If the iPod Hi Fi were a TV show in its pilot episode, it would get cancelled.
I think the Logitech MM50 I bought my wife for Christmas is a better design. Sure its not going to pump out the same volume but for design cool and features (rechargable battery, pass through dock) its a better machine - at a 1/3rd the price.