(Sep 06, 2008)
John P. Falcone
Senior Editor
While a $10 patch cable can connect any music player to a home stereo or a boombox, many iPod owners prefer the convenience and style of a dedicated iPod speaker system. Most of them are pretty straightforward: plug the iPod in to the 30-pin dock connector and press play. But among the dozens upon dozens of models we've reviewed, a select handful have distinguished themselves with a superior combination of design, performance, and value. We've assembled them here, including a wide cross section of portable and home models across a variety of price points. (Note that many--but not all--models are available in multiple colors; read the full reviews for details.)
Logitech Pure-Fi Elite
The Logitech Pure-Fi Elite stands above the iPod speaker competition with a can't-miss combination of excellent design, great sound, and a low price.
Price: $89.99 - $164.00 (check prices)
Review date: Nov 5, 2007
Excellent
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Altec Lansing InMotion iM7
The Altec Lansing iM7 offers good sound quality, flexible listening options, and handy features, making it a solid choice for any iPod owner in the market for a complementary sound system.
Price: $144.88 - $144.88 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 29, 2005
Excellent
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Altec Lansing inMotion iM600
Altec Lansing has been in the iPod speaker market longer than anyone, and it shows. The inclusion of a rechargeable battery and an FM radio makes the iM600 incredibly versatile.
Price: $105.88 - $173.72 (check prices)
Review date: Apr 18, 2007
Excellent
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Geneva Sound System Model L
The Geneva Sound System Model L delivers a giant sound that totally clobbers its flyweight competition--but the price tag matches its mammoth size.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Dec 10, 2007
Very good
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Chestnut Hill Sound George iPod Speakers
In addition to its upgradeablility and customizable colors, the George sets itself apart from other upscale iPod tabletop radios with a unique and useful visual wireless remote.
Price: $499.00 - $499.99 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 6, 2007
Very good
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Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere (black)
It may not be the most compact portable speaker on the block, but the Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere offers useful extras and great sound for an affordable price.
Price: $99.95 - $158.64 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 11, 2007
Very good
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B&W Zeppelin Speakers for iPod
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin effectively combines substantial build quality and detailed sound--but you're still paying a hefty premium for the iPod speaker's stunning good looks.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 22, 2007
Very good
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JBL Radial (white)
If you're looking for a stellar-sounding iPod speaker system for your home--and you don't mind dropping a wad of cash for it--JBL's Radial might be just the ticket.
Price: $199.99 - $199.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 15, 2006
Very good
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Bose SoundDock Portable (white)
The Bose SoundDock Portable is a really good iPod speaker, but it should cost less than $400.
Price: $399.00 - $399.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 10, 2007
Very good
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Klipsch iGroove SXT
Klipsch's entry-level iGroove SXT iPod speaker system may be short on features, but it delivers a big, muscular sound considering its compact size.
Price: $139.98 - $155.96 (check prices)
Review date: Mar 6, 2008
Very good
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Altec Lansing inMotion im500
If you're an iPod Nano user who likes to pack light and thin, most certainly check out the nice-looking and -sounding Altec Lansing iM500 speaker system.
Price: $73.98 - $92.99 (check prices)
Review date: Aug 21, 2006
Very good
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iHome iH9 (black)
With the iH9, iHome Audio continues to improve its popular iPod clock radio while keeping it relatively affordable.
Price: $76.49 - $99.99 (check prices)
Review date: Dec 10, 2007
Very good
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mStation Orb 2.1 Stereo Speaker System w/ iPod Dock (green)
The mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb is a fun speaker docking solution for iPod owners who want their digital audio systems to stand out from the crowd.
Price: $109.99 - $141.12 (check prices)
Review date: Jan 30, 2008
Very good
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