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iPod Hifi Alternatives

Mr Fide

Mr Fide

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 29, 2007
101
117
My daughter recently had a couple of teenage parties at our place, with the music pumped out by our iPod Hifi. I couldn't believe a little box like that had the power to keep the kids happy, but it definitely rocked the house, literally. My question is, now that the iPod Hifi is no longer available, is there another iPod sound system with that level of juice? Thanks.
 
Heya,

That 'level of juice' is a power output of 60w, similar to the Bose Sounddock which has 50-55w. The Klipsch iGroove range is also similar to the Apple Hifi, a quick google comes up with it being 300w! [not sure if this is true]. My choice however if I couldn't get the Apple Hifi would be the Jamo i200. It mimics the design trend and there's an optional subwoofer in for it.

My brother has the Apple Hifi and its fantastic, although sometimes a little heavy on some bass and the higher trebles are occasionally lost in mix of things, however it has a warm, full sound. My uncle uses a Bose Sounddock which is also impressive although slightly 'tinnier' as if the case was made of aluminum. The lack of external audio input on the Bose Sounddock is also a tad disappointing. However, its still a craking little box and delivers a decent sound for a smaller room, anything over 5m x 5m is a bit of a struggle. I heard the Jamo i200 on a rowing trip and with its sub it filled a boathouse with good noise. The Jamo may not be as sturdy as the Apple Hifi but I felt that it had good range from the little duet.

Other options... I'd say pick up a Onkyo or Denon mini hifi for around £200 [$400] and connect up the ipod. Its underestimated how powerful and wholesome a pair of bookshelf speakers can be IMHO.

For a simple plug and play, the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks are incredible, as long as you can handle the faint purple glow it always gives off!

Good luck with finding...:)
 
Klipsch

I have the Klipsch igroove SXT and it is AMAZING!!!!! The quality is perfect, the design is great, I couldn't be happier with it! And it's not as expensive as the Bose sound systems!
 
Thanks guys

Hey, thanks very much guys. You've given me a lot of alternatives I've never even heard of before. Really appreciate your time.
 
The Harman Kardon Go + Play iPod Speakers are great and in my opinion, even more powerful than the Hifi. They are the same price as the Bose SoundDock but they sound much better. They can also be battery operated, connected to other devices and the TV. In my opinion, the Bose SoundDock should not cost more than $200 for its sound and features.
As for something cheaper, the Altec Lansing iM7 ($250) is a great option. Many reviews puts its sound in the same league of the Bose SoundDock, but it's much cheaper and has more features like the Harmon Kardon Go + Play.
 
You might be able to get an iPod Hi Fi on eBay for about $150-$200.
 
I was in Singapore last week in an Apple authorized retailer shop and discovered the Harman Kardon Go + Play. In my opinion, it beats all the rest.
As long as you don't mind the funky design, I would definitely give it a chance. I plan on getting one this weekend.
 
Just plug the iPod into a Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 though the headphone jack. It doesn't have a fancy iPod dock but you could probably get it for under $150 and the reviews for it are through the roof.

200 watts, THX certification and quite frankly, I'd put it up against anything up to the 350-400ish range considering I bought three of them for the house. Try the Bose soundock and the Klipsch side by side at Best Buy...it's not even a contest.
 
netdog said:
Agreed. Not the most attractive or subtle design, but great sound for a small boombox-like device. The Klipsch may blow away the Bose, but the B&W blows away the Klipsch.
Click to expand...

I'm sure it does...but for $150 on sale...I don't think anything beats the Klipsch...for the price that is. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend.
 
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