Bose iPod SoundDock Review

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Over the past few years, I have evolved to a new level of gadget collecting:
buying gadgets for my gadgets. What seemed to be a innocent iPod purchase has
turned into entire lifestyle.

My Un-met iPod Need:

I have been looking to replace my component-based stereo system in my dining
room. My existing system is big and unsightly with multiple cords. I want a
drop-in solution with few cords and at least the same sound quality as my aging
Bose bookshelf speakers. Additionally, I want to be able control my iPod from
across the room. So, when I heard that Bose offers an all-in-one iPod stereo I
decided to give it a try.

First Impressions:

Bose shipped the item to me in the original
retail packaging. There is no extraneous external box, which is good, as it
saves cardboard but also bad, as it it is immediately recognizable sitting on my
doorstep. This can be slightly problematic if you want to hide your purchase
from a significant other or potential thieves.

bose ipod sounddock2

Similar to the

InMotions
speakers from Altec Lansing, the SoundDock is sleek, white and
glossy. However, that is where the design similarities end. The overall shape of
the Bose is demi-lunar, giving it a slightly organic feel and the speakers are
appointed with a grey metal mesh. The simple, yet sophisticated design is
beautiful enough to be displayed in even the most formal of living or dining
rooms.

Upon closer inspection, all the edges and seams appear smooth and well finished
and the overall construction quality is high.

The footprint, approximately 12 inches in length by 6 inches width and 8 inches
high, is large as far as iPod speakers go, but still much smaller than a
traditional stereo.

Set Up:

The SoundDock is quick and easy to set up. Just attach the included AC cord and
select the proper size template for your iPod and you’re done.

Bose includes several templates for use with dock-enabled iPods. I tested them
with a mini, 10 GB 3rd generation, a 20 GB 4th generation, as well as a 60 GB
iPod photo and all fit perfectly.

Usage:

The SoundDock is simple to control. There are two physical buttons on the base
to adjust the volume all other controls are handled either on the iPod itself,
or using the included remote.

bose ipod sounddock1
bose ipod sounddock4

The remote is light and small, but not so petite that it is difficult to use, or
become easily lost. Featuring buttons to control the volume, change tracks,
play/pause, and to turn the device off, the remote fits well in my hand and can
be easily stowed in a pocket or drawer. The remote also has a reasonable range
at about 30" and is powered by a 3v lithium cell battery. The remote is somewhat
unreliable when tested around corners, but that is not uncommon with the
majority of remotes currently included with sound systems.

bose ipod sounddock5

The rear of the device has no input or output ports, which both simplifies the
design and limits the use.

bose ipod sounddock3

One part of the Bose setup poses a significant drawback for me: the power
adapter "brick" is rather large at 5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide. This can
be tricky to hide.

Features:

* Charges the iPod (through the dock connector) when attached to the AC adapter
in both the on & off settings.
* Remote
* Templates for a variety of dock-connector iPods.

Sound:

Bose does not publish the SoundDock’s amplifier specifications. However, I
repeated same types of tests I did with previously with my InMotion speakers and
SONY SRS-T55 foldable speakers.

I tested the sound using an audiobook, classical and techno music and the tone
range is exceptional on all tested types of audio for all-in-one device with no
speaker separation. These speakers are significantly better in all categories
than either of my two existing iPod setups. A specifically noteworthy aspect of
the SoundDock, is its performance at high volume. Unlike my other iPod setups,
there is no noticeable sound distortion or crackling at full volume.

Again, some audiophiles will find the quality to be lacking, but remember these
are made for use with an (awesome, albeit limited) MP3 player. Although this is
a great little sound system, it is not in the same league as Bang & Olfsen’s
loudspeakers. So I’d like reiterate: If you are looking for pro-quality sound,
why are you using MP3s anyway?

Overall, I found the Bose SoundDock to be a good solution to replace my
traditional component stereo system and now has a place of honor in my dining
room, until the next temptation comes along.

 

Price: $299.00

Pros:
Connects to all dock-connector iPod models
Matches iPod-white color scheme
Charges iPod while plugged in
Great stereo-quality sound

Cons:
Pricey
Not easily portable
Large AC power brick
No external sound input or outputs
Cannot use while the iPod is wearing a case, such as the iSkin

 

Product Information

Price:299.0
Manufacturer:Bose
Pros:
  • Connects to all dock-connector iPod models
  • Matches iPod-white color scheme
  • Charges iPod while plugged in
  • Great stereo-quality sound
Cons:
  • Pricey
  • Not easily portable
  • Large AC power brick
  • No external sound input or outputs
  • Cannot use while the iPod is wearing a case, such as the iSkin

7 thoughts on “Bose iPod SoundDock Review”




  1. Gadgeteer Comment Policy - Please read before commenting
  2. Long time listener first time poster (Great site, decided to go the next step)

    Great review and I agree. I got this unit for Christmas and as a dorm room stereo it’s perfect! It plays music wonderfully and has nice little design features (like fading out the music if you hit the off button). 🙂

  3. Hmm.

    I’ve one of those Vaja cases…you know, the ones that once you put your iPod into it, it will never…NEVER…let it go?

    It looks like a cool unit, but since my iPod is permanently in its case, I doubt it’d be very useful…

  4. Good review. I have had the Bose SoundDock for three months now. It’s still working great, and I’m happy.

    Just some notes:
    – the front protusion where the iPod plugs in not fixed tightly, and can wiggle around a bit. It would not the pass the famous “creak test”.
    – the indent where the iPod sits is a fairly tight fit, and would not allow attachment with an iPod in a case.
    – I love being able to “drop” my iPod in there to charge. It’s like the difference between using a PDA with and without a cradle.
    – i really wish someone would create a external connector for this unit, so I could plug in my PDA.

  5. Hi Tungsten,

    TungstenT2 wrote:

    Just some notes:
    – the front protusion where the iPod plugs in not fixed tightly, and can wiggle around a bit. It would not the pass the famous “creak test”.

    Hmm. Mine does not sit loosely or creak at all. Maybe you have a manufacturing defect? All the seams are tight and smooth.

    TungstenT2 wrote:

    – the indent where the iPod sits is a fairly tight fit, and would not allow attachment with an iPod in a case.

    I had that same problem when trying to use it with my iSkin case. It is made only for use without a case. 🙁

    TungstenT2 wrote:

    – I love being able to “drop” my iPod in there to charge. It’s like the difference between using a PDA with and without a cradle.

    Amen!

    TungstenT2 wrote:

    – i really wish someone would create a external connector for this unit, so I could plug in my PDA.

    I think that Bose purposely left that out so as to not make their existing WaveRadio line obsolete.

  6. Just some notes:
    – the front protusion where the iPod plugs in not fixed tightly, and can wiggle around a bit. It would not the pass the famous “creak test”.

    My brand new SoundDock was in a cloth bag, and took a gentle tumble out of the car, and I thought I had broken that “protrusion”, because it was wiggling and I hadn’t noticed it before. Yikes! So I took the cover off the bottom, and noticed that the whole protrusion is actually designed to wiggle around. It sorta floats on four round rubber bushings or shock absorbers, and is not fixed to the case at all. I’m not sure if mine is moving more than it should, but I think that the “slop” is part of Bose’s design, perhaps for breakage protection or sound isolation?? If it’s the former, it worked! 🙂

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