iPod Hi-Fi Review

I finally caved in and bought an Apple iPod Hi-Fi. I wanted something to replace my somewhat limited passive Sony speakers, dub don't really rock my boat on these tinny, but useful Sony mini speakers. I hoped to find that the iPod Hi-Fi would give me a decent sound for my bedroom, kitchen and living room. So, am I, a happy Apple iPod Hi-Fi customer?

Burn the grill

The iPod Hi-Fi comes with a protective/decorative grill, which needn't have been in the box, apart from when your carrying it about. So, on second thoughts, keep it safe, and use it when you travel. The Apple iPod Hi-Fi sound opens up when you remove the grill, particularly at low volume levels. A lot of the high end air seems to be lost when donning the iPod Hi-Fi speaker grill. Without the grill the iPod Hi-Fi's sound is well rounded, a very polished audio performer. Don't know if they'll replace my Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitors, but this is a very solid performer. Great for hotel room mixing sessions and on the tour bus.

Hi-Fi not as we know it, Jim

This is a new definition of Hi-Fi according to Apple, and I somewhat agree. Sure it ain't got the potential for a truly wide stereo spread, as even my little Sony's. But it sounds polished, deep and full even at low volume, making it ideal for round the house. Buy a few spare power leads, to leave strategically round your house, and before you can say BASS you have a very capable, easily carried, sound system. The included Apple Remote makes it Homer friendly, and the remote works, quickly with a pleasant snap, next track. Boom Box anyone?

Plays nice with other iPods

My fifth generation iPod Video works flawlessly with the iPod Hi-Fi, a new function called Speakers apears in new iPods, and you can choose between 3 EQ settings, and display "large" album art from music on your iPod.

And your Mac too

It will connect optically to other said eqipped devices, like your Airport Express or optical audio output from your cd player, dvd or Mac. It will accept a well aimed stereo min jack too, if you can afford to lose the digital connection, but makes it extremely useful.

One week on, all is groovy

I am listening to some great music while writing this review. This device is perfect for my lifestyle, yeah mon, bring on the dub, reggae, rock, blues, indie and all that jazz, sounding sweet on my stereo speaker and my neighbours don't want to kill me! Which makes it sound even sweeter. Peace.

Verdict: It's a Boom Box

Done by Apple. Sure, it ROCKS. Respect.

Buy the iPod Hi-Fi from the UK Apple Store.