JVC NX-PN7 iPod/iPhone audio system
As shown: $149.95
See manufacturer site for availability
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Jeff Bakalar
- Released on:
- Reviewed on:
The good: Great-sounding dual iPod speaker dock with three timers (alarms); charges two iPods simultaneously; can output video from an iPod.
The bad: No snooze button for timers; bright LED lights are a bit tacky; doesn't include iPod dock adapters.
The bottom line: Those with multiple iPods will find the great-sounding JVC NX-PN7 to be a worthwhile purchase, if they can live without a snooze button.
When iPod speaker docks began to surface a few years ago, we looked at them as a novelty item--something that you'd splurge on if you had the cash. But now that the iPod and iPhone have become ubiquitous, it's getting harder and harder to find a radio or audio system without an iPod dock. Following in the great American tradition of "some is good, more is better," then, it's only natural for the next evolutionary step of these products to double down on their iPod support.
The NX-PN7 from JVC is one of the first dual iPod ... Expand full review
When iPod speaker docks began to surface a few years ago, we looked at them as a novelty item--something that you'd splurge on if you had the cash. But now that the iPod and iPhone have become ubiquitous, it's getting harder and harder to find a radio or audio system without an iPod dock. Following in the great American tradition of "some is good, more is better," then, it's only natural for the next evolutionary step of these products to double down on their iPod support.
The NX-PN7 from JVC is one of the first dual iPod speaker docks that we've seen. It allows you to simultaneously play and charge two iPods with dock connections. Interestingly enough, JVC does not advertise the PN7 as an "alarm clock" but instead uses the word "timer." The device has three programmable timers that can be set to go off using any source, but there is no mention of this feature as an "alarm." We're not entirely sure why JVC did this, though the curious nomenclature might be because there is no snooze button anywhere on the speaker dock.
We really liked the design of the PN7, which combines a silver-trimmed vintage look with some modern characteristics. For one, the 6-pound unit allows you to assign one of nine bright LED colors to either dock. While there is no functional purpose to these colors, it certainly does give the system a unique style. That said, some might find it tacky, and there's no way to turn the colors off.
All of the unit's functions can be accessed via a row of buttons on the front lower panel of the speaker dock. The controls are logically laid out and easy to use. Alternately, you can opt for the included credit-card-style remote. Unlike many competing units, the remote allows full iPod navigation. The catch is that you still need to be close enough to see the music player's screen, so it's a bit of a wash.
Measuring 12.5 inches by 6 inches by 6 inches (WHD), the PN7 is small enough to be placed nearly anywhere you'd like, including most nightstands or bookshelves. Around the right side of the PN7 is where you'll find additional connectivity ports. There's an audio-in for devices not supported by the docks, and a video output should you want to view a video or photo from a compatible iPod. There's also a 1/8-inch headphone jack for private listening. The PN7 also offers AM/FM radio playback, including the ability to store a whopping 45 station presets (30 FM, 15 AM). However, you can only program and cycle through these presets using the remote control.
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Before covering video games and gear for CNET Reviews, Jeff Bakalar worked in film and video production. He's a gamer, comic book nut, and a diehard New Jersey Devils fan. Off the ice you can catch him live every day as the co-host of CNET's infamous podcast, The 404, or every week on preGame.
User Reviews
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Showing 3 of 3 reviews
"nice accessory" By MarioParty
Pros: Sounds good. Looks nice. Plenty loud wihtout distortion. Dual charge!
Cons: lights get annoying. No built in alarm clock. Audio automatically turns on when iphone/iPod is plugged in.
Summary: This is a nice addition to my collection of accesories. What sold me was the dual-dock at a low price. The sound quality is very good. The lights can get very annoying especially when trying to sleep, but it's a small inconvenience. On the whole, the jvc dual charger ... Expand full review
"Christmas gift" By boster13
Pros: It sounds good, works with my second gen ipod touch, docks have covers for when not in use.
Cons: no snooze, didn't come with adapter dock, have to manually unlock if you want to use the menu
Summary: the is not a snooze but you can set an exact for the timer now. even without the adapter dock it stayed in securely but for caution sake i used the one i had anyway.
Specifications
See full specsQuick Specs
- Device type: Speakers
- Tuner bands: AM/FM
- Amplifier total output power: 15 Watt