Bose SoundDock iPod Speaker System

The Best Thing I Own!

Strengths: Amazing sound quality that does not distort when turned up to max. Easiest thing to set up. Easier to turn off the IPod than the IPods "off" function itself.

Weakness: No input port. Remote is only used for volume and the shuffle functions (next, back, pause and off).

When I got his home and dropped the IPod in I was blown away by the sound quality. I could hardly believe the BIG sound from this little box. Absolutely no distortion when cranked all the way up. I could hear it clearly from 2 rooms away. It beats almost all of my other stereo equipment in sound quality. It's more useful than your computer when it comes to playing your MP3s. In truth, this and...
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When I got his home and dropped the IPod in I was blown away by the sound quality. I could hardly believe the BIG sound from this little box. Absolutely no distortion when cranked all the way up. I could hear it clearly from 2 rooms away. It beats almost all of my other stereo equipment in sound quality.

It's more useful than your computer when it comes to playing your MP3s. In truth, this and your IPod can serve all of your stereo needs. I wish I could connect other digital stuff to it. The sound is killer!

The one major downfall, actually minor, is that you have to switch your playlists, shuffle modes from the IPod's touchpad control and it dosen't have a very tight fit in the base, so even with the correct insert, there is some give and sway.

I know it's expensive, but when you consider it's all you need together with your IPod to make a exceptionally outstanding stereo, it's worth it! Friends with big systems will be impressed.

By cptucci - Mar 13, 2006

When I first plugged in the Ipod...

Strengths: great clear sound, charges the iPod, remote control

Weakness: too bulky for travel

When I first plugged in the Ipod into the SoundDock, I could not believe that such great sound could come from such a small speaker. The sound is clear and you can turn up the volume really loud without losing clarity. The SoundDock provides more than adequate sound to any medium to large size room. I could not be happier with this purchase. Before making the purchase, I went to the Apple store...
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When I first plugged in the Ipod into the SoundDock, I could not believe that such great sound could come from such a small speaker. The sound is clear and you can turn up the volume really loud without losing clarity. The SoundDock provides more than adequate sound to any medium to large size room. I could not be happier with this purchase.

Before making the purchase, I went to the Apple store and truied the SoundDock, the JBL Onstage and the Altec Lansing InMotion. There is no comparison in sound quality between the three systems. The Bose blows the other two away. The only plus to the Altec Lansing InMotion is that it folds up small and would be much better for travel. However, If sound quality is your main concern, look no further than the Bose SoundDock.

By BestDigitalDeals - Apr 20, 2005

Good but not great

Strengths: Crisp sound

Weakness: Not enough "oomph". Pricey

I researched this last march quite a bit to see which I would give as a gift. At the time, I thought this was a great product and it certainly was the best out there. Now, however, I think there are other options you could purchase depending on what you are looking for. For example, there is the Klipsch iGroove and the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7. These products might suit your needs for less that...
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I researched this last march quite a bit to see which I would give as a gift. At the time, I thought this was a great product and it certainly was the best out there. Now, however, I think there are other options you could purchase depending on what you are looking for. For example, there is the Klipsch iGroove and the Altec Lansing inMotion iM7. These products might suit your needs for less that what you would pay for the SoundDock.

By zapatar - Dec 5, 2005

A very nice system to complement...

Strengths: sound quality

Weakness: bass not as deep

A very nice system to complement my 20GB ipod. Hooked right up without a problem, charges and plays it very clearly. The only weakness is the bass. It's a little weak compared to my other Bose products.

By Dissector - Mar 1, 2005

Bose brings the big sound to the iPod party

Strengths: Trademark Bose sound quality, compact size, cradle charges iPod while in use, remote control included

Weakness: Pricy, dock inserts do not hold iPod extremely firmly, no auxilliary inputs for other music players or Apple AirPort Express.

Before purchasing the Bose SoundDock speaker, I had purchased another manufacturers iPod speaker product. That one started to have problems connecting to a docked iPod, so I returned it and went for the Bose SoundDock... and boy was I pleased. I had decided not to buy the Bose SoundDock the first time around because it was 2-3x the price of the other competitors. But with the higher price comes...
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Before purchasing the Bose SoundDock speaker, I had purchased another manufacturers iPod speaker product. That one started to have problems connecting to a docked iPod, so I returned it and went for the Bose SoundDock... and boy was I pleased. I had decided not to buy the Bose SoundDock the first time around because it was 2-3x the price of the other competitors. But with the higher price comes stunning sound quality.

The Bose SoundDock loosely resembles the Wave Radio in it's style and will fit into almost any room decor without being obtrusive. The SoundDock has an iPod cradle positioned in front of the speaker that accomodates all docking connector iPods (product literature confirms compatability up to and including the iPod nano, but I assume the iPod Video as well). The cradle also serves as a charging source for the iPod when docked. I did notice that my iPod (30GB iPod Photo) doesn't seat in the cradle as securely as it does in the Apple dock, and it moves a little when selecting tracks with the scroll wheel.

The audio quality is magnificent for an iPod speaker accessory. Mine has soaring highs and booming bass, and my I have literally never heard sounds this good produced by my iPod. It's amazing that this all is delivered by such a compact speaker.

My recommendation to those who might say that this product lacks any sonic ability whatsoever is to ensure that their music library and downloaded iTunes are of decent bitrate (higher than 160 Kbps AAC or 192 Kbps MP3). I presume if any reduction in audio quality is evident that lower bitrate files are the cause. (**Apple's statement of the number of songs that can fit on an iPod assume 128 Kbps song quality, which is less than CD quality**)

The only gripe that I have with the overall design of the Bose SoundDock is the absence of an auxiliary input jack. Other similar products include such a jack, and I had used my Apple AirPort Express accessory to stream music from iTunes on my PC to my speaker dock, but this is not possible with the Bose SoundDock. Hopefully this is incorporated on a future upgrade of this otherwise fantastic product.

You will find the price range for this speaker to be fixed at $299 or higher because most retailers exclude Bose products when they offer percentage or cash off discounts. Your best bet would be to locate the Bose SoundDock at a reputable online retailer that offers free shipping and does not charge tax.

Do not be scared by this price tag. The Bose SoundDock is worth every penny.

By Got Gadget? - Jan 15, 2006