Best iPod/ iPhone docks

An iPhone/ iPod dock is not only a device to pump up your favorite beats but also a style definer which comes loaded with other features and good looks. It can also be one of the best gifts for any occasion. Be it to celebrate your graduation achievements or a new promotion at work, they definitely sideline the rest of the options one can come up with. If you are planning to buy an iPod or an iPhone dock, do go through our picks below.

1. Logitech S715i

Price: $150

Measuring about 5.5 inches in width and about 5.25 inches in height, and about 2 inches in thickness, is an ideal boom box type that fits a back pack or a bag similar to that of a messenger bag. Besides the kickstand, the other feature is a rubber gasket on the back of the device that features an aux input and a socket that holds the power adapter. There are 2-inch radiator woofers that flank on the either side of the device, thus delivering the booming effect. There are rubber feet beneath the speakers and the kickstand to ensure that the rattling is maintained to a minimum, if at all the speaker is switched to its complete blast.

The Logitech S715i is highly advantageous in the sense that it employs the usage of eight drivers for optimum performance, which exceeds the price range of the product. Nevertheless, it lacks the FM radio, EQ and the clock accessories.

Buy now: At Bestbuy

2. Altec Lansing Octiv 650

Price: $200

Altec Lansing Octiv 650 is one of the ideal iPod/iPhone speaker dock and also works as a complete alarm clock, once the app, Altec’s free alarm rock has been added to the system. There is a composite rack on the back enables the users to play the iPod or iPhone on their TV by means of an optional cable, which can be controlled by means of a remote. The only backlog will be that the cloth grill in the dock attracts dust and there is no Bluetooth connectivity as well. However, despite the various pros and cons, Altec Lansing Octiv 650 is one player of its kind and stands ahead in class and style.

Buy now: At J&R Electronics online.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air

Price: $600

The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air is a sleek model that features high-end iPod and iPhone Stereo speakers with features such as audio streaming. The speaker drivers come with two to one inch tweeters, midrange drivers that are about 3 inches, and a five inch woofer that delivers booming a sound. The Wi-Fi or Ethernet features AirPlay compatibility as well.

Despite the various positives, the Zeppelin Air is expensive, and there is little separation of the stereos, except when you are close to the speakers. The AirPlay feature may be a little tough for the users, the first time, and there are a few aspects that need to be compromised, especially when using the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch.

Nevertheless, the Apple AirPlay support and enhanced sound quality make the Zeppelin a better valued product.

Buy now: Online at Vann’s.

4. Cambridge SoundWorks i525

Price: $125

One of the lowest price, high-end radio featured that offers incredible sound and quality. This product offers room filling sound, and is highly compact in nature. They come with the X-Fi Crystallizer technology that is set to improve the quality of the music that is played on the iPod, by enhancing the vibrancy of the system. Also, one of the finest attributes of this system would be to remix the stereo audio in surround sound that improvises the overall music effect.

Buy now: At the Cambridgesoundworks store online.

5. Philips DS8500 Fidelio Dock

Price: $200

The Philips Fidelio speaker system dock for the iPhone and iPod offers superior quality audio for the price offered, and also feature extra accessories such as the remote, an iOS app, proximity sensitive controls and is featured with control over the sound-enhancement technology.

However, the bulky design doesn’t make the apparatus ideal for travel, and the adapters aren’t appeasing, the range of the remote is not appropriate, and you are always prompted to download the app, irrespective of whether you are interested.

The conclusion would be that the Philips Fidelio dock is a worthy with impressive sound and comes with an attractive design.

Buy now: At the official website for Philips

6. Yamaha TSX-70BU

Price: $200

The Yamaha TSX-70BU comes with three separate amplifiers. There are also two drivers that feature a full-range capacity. The device combines powerful audio system (16W) and DSP processing, and also SR-Bass enhancement. The TSX-70 audio system delivers clear sound be it from your iPhone or iPod. Also, there are built-in tuners for the AM and FM and also an alarm clock that enables you to dial into your favorite station and even lets you wake up at the sound of your favorite station. Also, your iPhone or iPod can be charged at the same time it is being docked.

Buy now: At abt.com

7. Boston Acoustics Duo-i plus

Price: $249

The Boston Acoustics Duo-i plus features superb sounding AM/FM alarm clock and also comes with the iPod/iPhone playback; provisions for the video iPod support; and also two aux-in ports; the touch-sensitive snooze bar and is extremely easy to use. The drawbacks that have been observed are that they are too large for crowded stands and are operated only with AC. All these and more make the Boston Acoustics Duo-i Plus and ideal iPod clock radio that can be customized according to the needs of the user.

Buy now: At Crutchfield.

8. Audyssey Audio Dock

Price: $400

The Audyssey Audio Dock delivers excellent sound and comes with fine detailing; being GSM-shielded, the iPhone need not be customized to follow the flight/airplane mode; there is inbuilt Bluetooth for constant streaming from the iPhone or other types of mobile devices and the Bluetooth can be integrated with the PC; besides that it also functions as a speakerphone and there is a sync between the USB and the PC. Although the device is fairly good, it is pretty expensive; and may not be ideal for all buyers.

Although the Audyssey Audio Dock is expensive, it is versatile and for the speaker and the Bluetooth abilities.

Buy now: Online at Vanns

9. Soundfreaq Sound Platform

Price: $180

Soundfreaq Sound Platform is built with a speaker dock with intricate designing and features that are inclusive of Bluetooth support, the FM radio, a dedicated app, iPhone compatibility, and the remote control for its operation. The sound quality isn’t maintained a constant at higher volumes and sometimes, the app that is features isn’t fun and the screen remains dull most of the time.

Buy now: Online at Amazon

10. iHome iP90

Price: $100

The iHome iP90 is built with superior design and the display is larger; the quality of sound is pretty decent; and there are a wide range of alarm and radio functions; the time in the devices matches to that of your iPhone or iPod; it comes with a remote and is GSM-shielded so that transition to the flight mode is not necessary. However, the integration of the device with the iHome’s iPhone app is not appreciative. The improved design and quality are the only deliverables that can be counted for.

Buy now: At buy.com