Sharp i-Elegance Music System DK-AP7NR (Red/Black)

Reviewed by

David Carnoy

on 07/13/2009

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Sharp i-Elegance Music System DK-AP7NR (Red/Black)

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CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
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Price range:

$55.80 - $84.99

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Add to my list Product summary

The good: Stylish, compact, portable iPod speaker sounds decent for being so small; powered by AC adapter or four AA batteries; video output (for compatible iPods); protective covers for both the speaker and AC adapter are included.

The bad: Distorts at higher volumes; no GSM shielding for iPhones; no remote, clock, or radio.

The bottom line: While it's a bit pricey, the sleek design of the Sharp i-Elegance DK-AP7N sets it apart from more mundane portable iPod speakers.

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CNET editors' review

CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
Detailed editors' rating

Reviewed by:
David Carnoy
Edited by:
John P. Falcone
Reviewed on: 07/13/2009

Sharp is known for its LCD TVs, but it also makes some audio products. The DK-AP7N portable iPod speaker, which retails for around $99, is part of the company's i-Elegance line.

The little speaker measures 2.6 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide by 2.8 inches deep and feels substantial enough, weighing 1.4 pounds. It has two drivers, a built-in subwoofer, and a sort of capsule design that cracks open like a clamshell to reveal the iPod dock and drivers (the design is reminiscent of the Creative TravelDock 900).

Both opened and closed the system looks pretty sleek, and we liked how the high-gloss black finish on the exterior juxtaposes with the alternate finish of the interior. (The DK-AP7N is available with either white or red interiors.) We appreciated that Sharp threw in protective covers for both the main unit and the AC adapter. That way, if you stow the unit in a backpack or other bag, you'll avoid scratching that nice finish.

The system accepts virtually all iPods and iPhones, as it comes with the requisite sleeves that snap into the dock to make your particular iPod fit snuggly into it. There's no GSM shielding, so you'll have to put your iPhone in airplane mode (turn off the cell radio) or risk running into some interference noise.

If you were hoping for an AM/FM radio or a clock, you'll have to look elsewhere. Likewise, there's not even a basic remote, but you do get a basic (read: yellow plug) composite video output for viewing iPod videos on a TV (cable not included) and an auxiliary audio input for connecting other audio devices, portable DVD players, or a laptop.