Since I first got my iPhone in August I have been looking for a good portable speaker system to use with it.
It still boggle’s my mind that almost a year after it was first released the number of speaker systems that can be used with the iPhone without first having to put it into Flight Mode can be counted on one hand.
Is it THAT difficult to add enough shielding to prevent the horrid “GSM BUZZZZZZZZ” from destroying your music and your ears?
Thankfully a few shielded systems are finally emerging and while the choices remain limited, the items within that limited choice are pretty impressive. A quick look at the Apple Store reveals
iHome iP99BR Clock Radio & Audio System,
Altec Lansing T612 Digital Speaker System for iPhone,
JBL On Stage 200ID Loudspeaker Dock and the
JBL On Stage IIIP Portable Loudspeaker Dock.
Priced between $149 and $199 each system has largely similar specs so the choice of one over the other comes down to individual needs and taste.
As the title of this post reveals, after spending (too much) time in my local Apple Store (aka “geek nirvana”) I opted for the JBL On Stage IIIP.
The company describes IIIP as
the ideal travel partner. Imagine the convenience of taking the JBL On Stage IIIP speaker dock on the road and enjoying the sound right on your desktop.
SIZE and BUILD–
The system is super compact. It is so small that when I first saw it I expected tiny/tinny sound.
It is solid and well-built. Moreover, it is surprisingly light (especially without batteries).
The low profile means that it can sit on a desk without becoming the focus of the desk.
The shiny black plastic looks great but LOVES fingerprints.
FLEXIBILITY–
The system is amazingly flexible. It is, of course, compatible with all docking versions of the iPod, including the iPod Touch an because of the added shielding it works with the iPhone while the phone and data connection are still on. Like most products in this category, however, it expands its use by including a stereo mini jack connection. As a result, it can also be used with a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers, satellite radio and laptops. It could even be used with a (GULP!) Zune (but then again… why?).
The included remote is standard fare for this category of product. Small, functional and easy-to-lose.
In music mode the remote controls volume, change tracks, fast forward and fast reverse.
In navigation mode it allows full access to the media menus (on iPod/iPhone). With it you can search music, watch slideshows, and find and play videos.
One advantage of the IIIP (and among the reasons I chose it) is the ability to use both battery or A/C for power. I have not used it on battery however early reports suggest that the rated 12 hours using six AA batteries is overly ambitious. (I know, I know, shocking isn’t it!) Regardless, the OPTION to use it on batteries is especially nice since the unit is so compact.
SOUND–
I’m not an audiophile but to my ears the sound is nothing short of AMAZING!
The sound quality is excellent and the systems gets far louder than I can ever imagine wanting/needing (yes, I have officially become old).
According to JBL-
The JBL On Stage IIIP loudspeaker dock combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest quality sound, astonishing bass and clear accurate sound from any direction. Odyssey® transducers – The Odyssey drivers deliver accurate high frequencies while capable of low-frequency extension of four-octaves, unlike more commonly used powered tweeters. Slipstream port design – The port minimizes boundary layer separation, producing high-output bass with low-distortion. COE (Computer-Optimized Equalization) The system equalization is computer-optimized to provide a rich, complete soundstage over a wide range of listening positions. OCT (Optimized Compression Technology) – The proprietary compression technology ensures clear, accurate sound at high output levels.
ISSUES–
The unit is not without issues, however. The process of cradling the iPhone and transferring the sound from the iPhone’s speaker to the device is hit or miss. Sometimes I cradle it, start the music and the music feeds through the speakers immediately. At other times the music continues to come through the iPhone. There doesn’t seem to be any pattern to when it works and when it doesn’t and, while an annoyance, it is easy to solve by powering the speaker system down and starting it again. The point is it shouldn’t happen.
It is not, however, enough to make me return the unit.
Specifications
* Drivers: Four Odyssey transducers
* Power: 2 x 10 W
* Frequency response: 70Hz-20kHz
* Input impedance: >10k Ohms
* Signal-to-noise ratio: >85 dB
* Voltage input: 100/120/230 VAC
* Dimensions (HxW): 1.75 x 6.0 in./3.8 x 15.0 cm
* Dimensions 6″ Circular x 1-3/4″ High
* Weight: 1.0 lb./0.5 kg
Pros-
Small
Light
Awesome Sound
Low Profile
Cons-
Cradling transfers sound inconsistently
Price (does the shielding add THAT much to the unit’s price?)
Fingerprint magnet
It retails for $169.96 and is available from Apple and other retails. (It is currently shown as out of stock at Amazon.)
Tags: iPhone, JBL On Stage, iPhone Accesories, iPhone speakers
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