Apple Hi-Fi Home Stereo for iPod (White)
By: Apple Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 71
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 On: 2007-08-18
My wife and I have a high end home entertainment system that uses Paradigm Reference loudspeakers. Ill say right up front that the Apple Hi-Fi is not in the same league on the low end (bass). However, it is to Apples credit that they did not try to artificially enhance the low end. The bass is smooth and tight to the physical limits of the small system.
Moving up the frequency range, the midrange and highs are excellent. One of the things that impressed me when we first got the Paradigms was their projection and imaging. The Apple Hi-Fi projects voices nearly as well, but of course the drivers are much too close to each other to be able to image a large room. It can reach decent sound levels in one, however.
On the weight issue, I believe Apple made a conscious design decision to sacrifice weight for sound quality. It takes weight to make good sound: weight in the power supply, weight in the driver magnets and weight in the enclosure. I for one would not be willing to give up sound quality to get a lighter unit. The compact size also accentuates the weight - this thing is solid.
Apples often mocked Hi-Fi hype is that it could be your only audio system. Well, if we were forced to downsize and give up our large entertainment system, then yes, I believe we could live with the Apple Hi-Fi as our sole music source.
On: 2007-07-25
Sounds great, you can easy move it from place to place, adapts every ipod, I use it outside with out loosing any quality sound. I am very satisfy with the quality sound, The remote is small and practical, (just volume, forward and review)
On: 2007-07-25
When I was a kid, I was fascinated by better quality sound than I was getting from TV and standard AM radio. I built a bunch of enclosures and amplifiers to see what a 10 year old could do with little money. The quest has continued even now that Im 61. Ive bought cheap "boogy boxes" that had better than average sound. I looked for what I intuitively knew what was possible. Ive seen cheap stuff sound better than an Altec Lansing system that the owner said cost $30,000.
I know the serious freaks may complain about Steve Jobs hyperbole about this product, but for me, its rock solid. You can crank it up to max and it never distorts. What Apple gets out of a five inch woofer is amazing. And when you lift the device (and its heavy), you gotta know they didnt waste the weight just for the sake of forcing you to lift it.
Of the various sound products Ive ever bought, this one is the most satisfying.
On: 2007-07-25
When I was a kid, I was fascinated by better quality sound than I was getting from TV and standard AM radio. I built a bunch of enclosures and amplifiers to see what a 10 year old could do with little money. The quest has continued even now that Im 61. Ive bought cheap "boogy boxes" that had better than average sound. I looked for what I intuitively knew what was possible. Ive seen cheap stuff sound better than an Altec Lansing system that the owner said cost $30,000.
I know the serious freaks may complain about Steve Jobs hyperbole about this product, but for me, its rock solid. You can crank it up to max and it never distorts. What Apple gets out of a five inch woofer is amazing. And when you lift the device (and its heavy), you gotta know they didnt waste the weight just for the sake of forcing you to lift it; its all about sound quality.
Just make sure you use this with plenty of space around it. It doesnt sound nearly as good in small inclosed areas. Larger rooms and outdoor spaces show its potential.
Of the various sound products Ive ever bought, this one is the most satisfying.
On: 2007-07-12
Im so glad I spent the extra money and went with the ipod home stereo. It sounds amazing and it really can kick out the sound. I was surprised at how heavy it was and im not going to really carry it around, but it is perfect for the home. Its nice it has the battery option. Totally worth the extra bucks.
 On: 2007-07-10
Sound of low frequency component is somewhat blurred, making the sound focus less clear. Precise adjustment of resonance control in the box is needed and should be optimised. Design of the box looks modern and good, though. Bose system seems to be well-designed on excellent vibration analysis.
 On: 2007-07-05
I purchased the i-pod Hii-Fi to broadcast music for a large family event and was able to do so without any complaints. The battery power is not the greatest but with electricity and good tunes you are all set to have music and entertainment! The sound is excellent and the volume with realistic base is terrific for this system.
No regrets from me!
On: 2007-06-27
I am impressed on a daily basis with this product. I have had some small gatherings outside my home and the apple hifi provided enough music for all to hear without distortion. If it came in black I would buy another one for my home office.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-06-11
We bought this before a long travelling vacation, and it works great. The sound is much better than any portable device Ive seen, period. Only regret has to do with the batteries - we bought rechargables (Rayovac Nickel Metal Hydride), and they only last about 4 hours, which means that you need several sets. It would have been great to have a built-in battery and better life, or at least a built-in battery charger so there wasnt so much changing of batteries. Also, the remotes usefulness is limited to volume, play/pause, and skip forward/back - no menu functions. We have the newest IPOD (v. 5.5, 80G), and I expected that the menu button on the remote would have some function, but it does not. All in all, Id buy it again.
by: dragozzino On: 2007-05-10
Before deciding to buy the Apple Ipod Hi Fi, I went to a local store and listened to the quality of the Apple versus the Bose. There was no comparison. You have a rich sound and a good quality sound from the Apple Hi Fi. I would definately recommend this product.
by: wcool1 On: 2007-05-09
I bought the hi fi specifically for my little boys 1st birthday party at the park. I used 6 D size brand new batteries, tested them out in the house and the sound was great.
Then by the time I got to the park and turned the hi fi on, I could barely hear the songs. There was ambient noise and what not but even when I turned it on to the loudest it was still not loud enough for the party!!!
Anyway, I just let it played for a couple of hours and then all of a sudden it stopped playing. Turns out the new batteries were totally drained...
So in short, this is a great piece of hardware for indoor use only.
Hence the 4 star rating...
On: 2007-05-07
We are having a destination wedding and ended up buying the hi-fi because the resort were going to wanted an insane amount of money to have a deejay and so we decided to just use our ipod instead. We were really concerned about finding something that would sound good, but more importantly would be loud enough to be heard at a reception. Speaker quality is not something Im an expert on, but to my untrained ear I think it sounds great and it gets really loud. Its going to work perfectly for what we wanted.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-04-27
I was looking for a compact but big sounding stereo that could be my primary soundsystem to fill my condo. I owned a pair of Logitech Z2300 2.1 THX speakers with a Apple dock which are great but they were always missing the midtones and a muddy bass. It also looked like a mess of wires with the dock and the subwoofer took a large foot print The Hifi is able to get very crystal clear tones that I was missed from my Technics stereo which I got rid of due to space concerns. The bass may be a concern to some people who enjoy the thump in their songs. You really need to combine the EQ R&B setting and Bass Boost in the speaker settings to get it going. The price is fairly high (I did pick mine up refurbished from the Apple website) but theres a couple of bonus that I really like over my previous setup:
- Simple, classic looks
- Compact size, great for a condo
- Added portability with batteries.
- Added Line/Optical-in (Ill be connecting my Xbox360 and Macbook Pro)
- Added Album art view for colour iPods when playing.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-04-12
IVE HAD THE APPLE HI FI FOR A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME BUT I TAKE IT TO MY WORK AND LISTEN TO IT EACH NIGHT AND IT BLOWS EVERYONE OUT OF THE ROOM. ITS CLEAR AND CRISP NO MATTER HOW LOUD IVE CRANKED IT UP...IF IT GETS DISTORTED, I WOULD NOT KNOW SINCE I CAN ONLY TAKE THE LOUDNESS UP TO A CERTAIN POINT (AND THATS PRETTY LOUD) AND THERE HAS BEEN NO DISTORTION AT ALL. MY LITTLE 4G NANO WORKS PERFECTLY IN IT. I GOT MY NEW APPLE HI FI ON EBAY FOR $200 (SHIP INCL) AND THATS A GREAT PRICE AS YOU CAN SEE...BATTERIES DONT LAST LONG IF YOU USE BATTERY POWER. SEEMS TO ME I ONLY GOT ABOUT 7 HOURS OUT OF THEM. I LIKE THE RUBBER PAD ON THE BOTTOM TO PROTECT THE UNIT AND YOUR TABLE OR WHAT EVER SURFACE YOU PUT IT ON. I LOVE THE HANDLES WHERE YOU CAN EASILY CARRY IT FROM PLACE TO PLACE....WONDERFUL UNIT...HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! P.S. I HAD ORIGINALLY WANTED THE BOSE, LIKE THIS BETTER THOUGH...:)
by: 2linedancers On: 2007-04-11
We enjoy this on Saturday nights at our neighbors bar since my husband has every son imaginable and now can play them all at a touch of the button on this quality sound machine. It can definately get loud enough and the sound quality is something to be heard. Id recommend this to anyone. It is a large speaker and does have some weight to it so we have a special shelf we keep it on away from little hands.
by: socalbookslikenew On: 2007-04-11
To start, I consider myself a very discerning customers in recent years. I research and research and research before I purchase a high-ticket item (and sometimes I research so much that I never buy anything).
Music runs my life, and though I wouldnt call myself an audiophile, Im close. I thoroughly tested every iPod speaker system I could find: the Bose, Altec Lansing, Klipsch, XtremeMac Tango, JBL, etc. (I didnt get to test the Harmon Kardon portable unit, but I didnt have to).
Of all the agonizing hours I blasted music from these units, hands down, no question, no doubt, the Apple Hifi was the best. The XtremeMac Tango has very similar sound quality at mid-level volume, as did the Bose, but at high volumes none stood up to the Hifi. The Hifi has a certain "wow" factor from the very beginning thanks to such full-bodied sounds coming from such a small box (small when juxtaposed with a 5.1 home stereo system). I found the Hifi to have a richer sound quality than any other unit I stumbled across.
It really all came down to the Tango or the Hifi, and portability became the deciding factor. If you dont leave your house you might consider the Tango and save some cash. [Note: from my tests with the Tango, I was unable to replicate the bass vibration issues addressed by other reviews. The problem may have been solved in newer units.]
PROS: Unbelievably beautiful clarity, good bass, little distortion at high volumes, minimalist looks, portability!, its an Apple product, removable speaker grill, good remote range, plays LOUD (really loud people)
CONS: Weight (17 pounds), price, so pretty you wont want to bring it outside
CONCLUSION: For you audiophiles and wannabe audiophiles, this is probably your best bet. If cost is an issue check out the XtremeMac Tango or the Altec Lansing and DO NOT listen to the Bose or the Hifi...seriously.
You will not be disappointed with the Apple Hifi.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-03-12
Yes! Way to go Apple! Theyve designed a beautiful, sleek HiFi unit for the iPod that takes up very little room and delivers GREAT sound. And allows seamless integration with the iPod so you can use all its playback features with the HiFi remote. Only improvement for me would be to offer it in other colors as well. One important update: the description copy mentions it is compatible with these iPods: iPod nano 1G, iPod nano 2G, iPod mini, iPod 3G, iPod 4G (Clickwheel), iPod Color, iPod 5G/5.5G Video.
When you read the manual, it mentions that other docking iPods can adapt via the audio input cable OR the buyer can purchase another dock insert (e.g. for an 8GB iPod) from the Apple Store. However that should be unnecessary: my 8GB nano is blasting away right now on my iPod HiFi as I write this, and all I did is remove the dock adapter insert entirely, and connect it to the dock without the plastic adapter insert. Works perfectly--no cord needed. (For some reason, the dock design on the 8GB is mounted offcenter, different from most iPod docks.) But never fear: it works on ALL iPODS that have docking capability. Including the 4GB second generation nano, and the 8GB nano not listed above. For those who havent seen it in a store, the package includes separate dock adapters (plastic covers) to fit all the listed iPods above, with the remote.
And keep checking: occasionally Amazon will offer free shipping for this item making it an even better deal. (Normally charges for shipping even for Prime customers.)
by: Anonymous On: 2007-03-02
Wow, just opened my hi-fi, plugged it in and it works awesome. I had researched this product for a while and read lots of reviews and looked at it in the store so I knew what I was buying. I am very impressed with the sound quality and the volume goes loud with no distortion! I am very happy I chose this product and would recommend it to anyone. The price is a little steep but I think well worth it. The great thing is it is portable so you can bring it anywhere! Wow! Great product!
by: Anonymous On: 2007-02-24
When I was a teenager I gained a respect for all forms of music and then consequentially developed an addiction to the best hifi equipment I could afford. After being disappointed with the car audio scene I started investing in audio equipment that was not the most powerful, but the equipment that lead to the greatest enjoyment of the media that I was tying to experience. After many different styles and combinations of audio equipment I stumbled upon the Apple HIFI and found that this device fulfilled my requirements for a portable high quality audio system. Like many others have said the system wont wow you in the store, but when you bring it home it is one of those stereos that you want to listen to all of your music over again on your new system because it has a new clarity and depth for you to enjoy. I would recommend this stereo to the majority of us who seek good sound but dont have the financial backing to look down your nose at a 300 dollar boom box (which is what it is afterall)
by: frankscats On: 2007-02-22
My wife requested a Bose sound dock for her Ipod and I had plans to get her one. After some research I stumbled across the Apple Hi-Fi. I read reviews which said the Apple product did not distort even at high volumes. Weve had the Hi-Fi for a month now and I can say its very true. Clear powerful sound out of such a small box, amazing. I admit, I am an audio snob. Always have been. The Apple Hi-Fi really satisfies, I do not regret spending the $300, it was worth every penny. Another reason I bought the Apple vs. the Bose was the extra input. Now my wife can listen to her Sirius Satelite radio through the Hi-Fi, the Bose has no extra input. Something to consider.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-02-22
The good news: Mankind has advanced one giant leap with this unit. It is compact, but heavy and well made. The mounting unit for the iPod almost sucks the iPod into place. There is a big benefit to using an Apple speaker with an Apple iPod.
The bad news: The unit is a little disappointing on the bass side. The unit will fill a room with crisp notes and clear lyrics, but it will not cause your chest to vibrate.
In sum, the sound from the Apple unit is superior to the similar Bose model, plus Apple has styling and compatibility advantages. I recommend this unit highly. Apple is just a tad better than Bose this time. In any event, I am stunned about how good the product is compared to how little it cost.
by: matdata On: 2007-02-11
Good looking package. Nice long power cord. Aux and iPod dock inputs. Battery power for mobile use. Apple remote. The features are what make this unit special.
I am a home recording enthusiast and have been listening to / making music on semi-pro monitor speakers for many years, therefore, I have developed a pretty critical ear. This unit sounds really good. It can play loud and deliver impressive bass for a unit this size. Its a little bit punchy in the mid-range, but only a little.
For my purposes I am very pleased with the Hi-Fi. Although it doesnt sound as good as a true 2.1 system with a wider stereo spread and deeper bass, it sounds really very nice and the features, as I said before, are what set this unit apart.
I have had the unit for about a month or more and am over the "honeymoon" period as I write this review. That said, I would buy it again and I am quite satisfied.
by: mj17859@yahoo.com On: 2007-02-11
this is the best system I have ever had, sound is clear on all level, the remote control works so well, it really worth the price, I love it
by: bcasadonte On: 2007-02-06
Ill keep my comments short and simple... the iPod Hi-Fi produces outstanding quality sound at all volume levels. Whats particularly impressive is its ability to play very loudly without any distortion.
If there is one drawback to the unit, its price. $300 is a little on the high side for most people, but to my ears, it was worth it.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-29
I dont know much about sound systems and I dont really care, however, my husband was thrilled with the sound quality of this sound system. We used it for a New Years party and I have to say the sound was great. However, I wasnt very convinced with its appearance. It kind of looks like a microwave. I thought Apple would have come up with a more slick look for an Home Stereo that goes with the super-cool iPod.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-20
I compared most of the major speakers available for the iPod (Bose, Klipsch, JBL, etc) and none of them sounded as good, as Apples iPod Hi-Fi speaker. This speaker has great dynamic range for reproducing the most variety of songs and its the most capable speaker at filling a room with music. The Bose is a good speaker that many people recommend but its better suited for playing Classical and Jazz music. The Bose is also not good with certain types of Pop/Top 40 songs and definitely not DANCE (poor Bass). I tested my 60G iPod Photo at the store, playing songs from Enya, Christopher Cross, Craig David, Selena, Shania Twain, Madonna, Bee Gees, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Foreigner, Kim Sozzi, Hed Kandi dance label, Ministry of Sound compilations, Ultra Dance compilations, etc. I mostly listen to Dance and the iPod Hi-Fi was the best at playing any Dance tunes :)
by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-19
LOVE my iPod Hi-Fi! Its sound quality is close enough to my old hulking hi-fi equipent that Im selling it all to help w/ cost of additional iPod Hi-Fis for my garage and patio. The sound is loud enough for my average great room, garage, and patio.
by: richard88jazz2 On: 2007-01-16
Fantastic sound quality and clarity from a small package. Beats other similar brands handily, particularly for room-filling volume. A bit pricey, but certainly worth it. Comes with several iPod adaptors to accommodate all models. Minor issue: no bass/treble control or equalizer - would be nice to have so you can adjust for other device inputs thru the auxiliary jack.
by: macdadi80 On: 2007-01-15
First the pros: the sound is great, the form factor is attractive, the system feels substantial and well constructed, the remote is elegant and small, and it is a breeze to set up and use.
Now a few requests: each version of iPod needs its own adapter. If you have more than one iPod model, youll need to store the other adapter plates somewhere handy; it would have been nice to have one universal type adapter, if that is possible.
It would be great if you could control more than just play/pause and volume with the remote; if you could navigate playlists, that would be a bonus.
While white and silver are Apples signature colors, the new MacBook shows that black is also popular. It would be great if Apple would release the Hi Fi in all black.
Those requests aside, this is the best sounding, if not most expensive, of the iPod speaker systems Ive seen.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-14
Between here and the Apple Store reviews section, this product draws a pretty diverse set of reactions. "Audiophiles" tend to slam it. The great unwashed of regular music listeners tend to appreciate it. I fall into the second camp. Here are the plusses:
1. Very easy to use
2. Very compact (much more so than I expected)
3. Digital audio connection-ready; I do so directly from the AirPort Express into the Hi-Fi and Im assuming this contributes to its good sound
4. Remote control to control volume from across the room is handy
5. Design is great. If you care how things in your apartment look, this thing looks pretty sweet.
6. Finally: Sound. I think its great. Best for simple, clean sounds like jazz music, ambient, vocal pop and rock and classical.
Minuses:
1. Its not a full speaker system. Some out there are expecting it to be. Its not going to be that.
2. Sound can be a little muddy/messy for complex, busy, noisy rock and roll, but Im not sure if its the speakers fault or the musics.
3. Price. Even $300 is a little, just a little steep.
by: usadan On: 2007-01-10
I listened to Bose and all the others similarly designed products side by side and by far these speakers sounded the richest and nicest of the bunch. They look respectable at home and sound decent across a range of volume.
They have some very nice design features. The infrared remote is very sensitive and you hardly have to point it anywhere near the speakers for the speakers to respond. Very nice.
When you plug in audio (I often connect my PC to them), the sound fades in over a couple seconds so you dont get surprised with a loud volume. Nice touch.
Speaking of touch, the touch sensitive volume buttons work nicely.
The power cord is just a cord--there is no big transformer on the line. Nice design.
The one thing to be aware of is that the speakers are not hugely portable eventhough it does take batteries--it is not very light even without the batteries. Sure, you can move it around the house easily but you wont likely be putting it your bag to take on a trip.
Overall, this is one of the electronic products Ive been most satisfied with in the last year. I bought two because I had two rooms where they fit in well.
by: Anonymous On: 2007-01-05
Ive had this product for just over a week, but I am amazed at the sound that comes out of this little box. Its just incredible how it fills up an entire home. A must have for all iPod owners who want to listen to their music outside the headphones. The remote could use some more features though. But overall this is a great product.
by: lazor On: 2007-01-04
Well designed...great sound...but no controls on unit...what were they thinking?? control with remote with limited options...and the price....a killer! Wouldnt buy this if I really tried in a brick and morter store.
by: wstrue On: 2007-01-04
I love it. It can fill a medium sized auditorium with high quality sound. The small remote control makes it easy to adjust the volume. Works with several different types of iPods, and various PCs and Macs in the house.
by: tgerra On: 2006-12-31
While the Apple Hi-Fi Home Stereo offers an attractive concept - direct play from any iPod in a compact system, sound quality is disappointing given the price of the device. While pop music sounds ok, classical music (the true test of a hifi stereo system) sounds truly terrible, with all nuances of the music sounding muddled or missing. Within the electronically-enhanced music system category, even a Bose does a better job. For the same price, get yourself a Denon compact stereo system with Mission speakers and plug your iPod into it - you will get real hi-fi stereo and will be much happier.
On: 2006-12-30
While the Apple Hi-Fi Home Stereo offers an attractive concept - direct play from any iPod in a compact system, sound quality is disappointing given the price of the device. While pop music sounds ok, classical music (the true test of a hifi stereo system) sounds truly terrible, with all nuances of the music sounding muddled or missing. Within the electronically-enhanced music system category, even a Bose does a better job. For the same price, get yourself a Denon compact stereo system with Mission speakers and plug your iPod into it - you will get real hi-fi stereo and will be much happier.
On: 2006-12-10
There are reports Apple is discontinuing the Apple Hi-Fi. I guess I can understand why: the market for iPod speakers is very crowded, and the Apple Hi-Fi never achieved a dominant market share (unlike the iPods dominance of the MP3 player market).
Perhaps Apple priced the Hi-Fi too high, and made unrealistic claims about the fidelity comparing to a hi-end audiophile system. There is no comparison.
When when compared with other iPod speaker systems in the $300+ price range, the Apple Hi-Fi is a very strong competitor.
Like most Apple products, it is very easy to use: just drop your iPod in the dock on top, and play. Keeping it simple, Apple provides very very few options and controls (not even a power button!). Your iPod or nano when plugged in will have an additional "speakers" item on the main menu, that allows you to adjust the EQ of the speaker system and whether your iPod will show cover art continuously while music is playing.
The sound quality of the Apple Hi-Fi wont replace an audiophile system. But it sounds GREAT compared to other iPod speaker systems. Not out of the box, though. To get the best sound, you need to try different combinations of the "speakers" EQ setting and the iPods own internal EQ. (The one that works best for me is setting the speakers to bass boost, and the iPods internal EQ to treble boost.)
After a few minutes of experimentation, youll find the best combination of EQ settings. Then, the Hi-Fi really shines. There really is a spatial aspect to the soundstage that you just dont hear in other systems (including, IMHO, the Bose Sounddock and the Altec Lansing IM7, which I also own and which is very very good). Unfortunately, the stereo separation diminishes as you move farther from the speakers - something that is true of all systems with both L and R speakers in one enclosure.
The build quality is excellent. This system will last for many years.
Im glad I bought one, and I use it all the time. I think for folks who live in an apartment or dorm room, you could be very happy with a stereo system that consists only of an iPod and the Apple Hi-Fi. For folks with a nice stereo or home theater system, the Apple Hi-Fi + iPod makes a great second stereo system for your office or bedroom.
Id encourage you to get one before theyre gone - but I also suggest you buy from a reputable retailer with a good return policy (like Amazon!), so youre not risking anything in the event you dont like it as much as me.
If youd rather not pay this kind of money, but still want something that sounds great and has top build quality, consider the Altec Lansing IM7. Its about half the price as the Hi-Fi and a little smaller, but sounds GREAT!!! Check out the Amazon customer reviews, youll see that almost everyone who buys that product loves it and would happily buy it again.
by: ilich On: 2006-12-01
The loudspeakers are too close to each other, and since its not possible to disassemble and move them around, the stereo spatial effect is almost completely lost in this device.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-11-12
This is one awesome product.... the sound is amazing. We bought it to use to fill in while the musicians at our wedding reception were taking breaks, and the sound filled the room. This is my SECOND Hi-Fi however. The first one i had occassionally would not produce anything but a static sound, but I still give it 5 stars because of Apples phenomenal customer service. I took the unit to our local Apple Store and told them of the problem. The tecs there said it was the first unit that had come back to them, and had not heard of any similar problems... BUT... they replaced it on the spot. They looked up the serial number, and were able to view the date & location it was purchased at, and within 10 minutes we were in and out of the store with a new Hi-FI. I have not experienced any problems with this one, and as I said before.. we are thirlled with the sound quality it produces!!!
by: thepete On: 2006-11-10
This is exactly what I needed to complete my move to the iPod world. Its like having your entire CD collection in a boombox. Its simple to hook up, has great sound quality, and best of all NO SPEAKER WIRES!!!!
Big plus is the portability. I took this on a weekend trip, plugged it in, and had my entire CD collection with me while on vacation. Another advantage is I can move it from room to room as needed for workouts, folding laundry, or whatever (I prefer listening to music without ear buds). Its so plain and compact that I can even have it in a formal living room during a party without it looking out of place the way a stereo does. And the iPod charges while docked so no running out of power. I even could see buying a couple of these babies, putting them in a few different rooms I listen to music in, and just taking the iPod with me from room to room.
I got rid of my stereo several months after buying this. I just stopped using it, and I now no longer need CDs except for storage. And this takes up a lot less space. It can sit on a bookshelf or on the floor, could even sit on my desk if I wanted. No need for a stereo cabinet.
The only gripe I have is that the remote is pretty limited. Its fine for what it is, but I wish I could use it to search through the songs on my iPod from a distance. For example, while Im listening to a song, Id like to be able to see the iPod screen on the remote, use the menus to select the next song/artist/album I want to hear, and put it into a queue of songs to play. Sort of like making a playlist as I listen rather than have to create the playlist in advance and then play it. That would be nirvana!
by: clanders27 On: 2006-11-04
This unit gives clear sound even when very loud. It is neat and sleek. The batteries have a good life and it is very portable. The remote is adequate but it would be nice if it had a nitch for it to reside in; I always lose the things. I put the unit in our car and run audio books off the batteries on trips as my car speakers leave much to be desired. The road vibrations will loosen the iPod but in the house, the iPod seats nicely on its nitch.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-10-06
In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to confess that Im not an audiophile. Im a music fan, and Im definitely not the type to be more into his stereo than the music he plays on it.
That said, I must confess that Im digging my iPod Hi-Fi in a big way. Part of my sales pitch to my wife in buying an iPod in the first place was that wed eventually also pick up an iPod Hi-Fi, then move our stereo - and our CDs & LPs - to the basement. So my big question in hatching this scheme was, "Can this thing really replace a home stereo for most people?" (Thats MOST people...not audiosnobs.)
Im happy to report that the answer is yes. Actually, a big YES!
For this unit, the folks at Apple have stuffed the workings of a completely serviceable home stereo into a neat, compact little box. It does what most (again MOST) people want a stereo to do: fills a room with music, keeps the music clear, and allows the user to pump up the volume a bit without sacrificing sound quality. So, my worry that I might be replacing a stereo with a boombox was unfounded. This thing has a nice, big, full, rich sound. Audio geeks may disagree but, truth be told, most of us are not audio geeks.
Unlike some other folks who have reviewed this system, I have no problem with the iPod Hi-Fi being a bit on the heavy side. Hey - you dont want your stereo to seem flimsy! If I have one complaint, its that Im not completely sold on the design. Its not exactly bad, but with its white finish and rounded corners, it does look a little like a kitchen appliance. On the bright side, Apple could add a Belgian Waffle making function to their next version, and theyll REALLY have a hit on their hands.
by: kitmason On: 2006-08-23
I recently purchased the Apple Hi-Fi Stereo inorder to have high quality sound for vacations, outdoor picnics and special events. We ended up using this system as the sole house music system for our children during a move. The quality of sound, the volume available and the ease of use were amazing and well beyond what I expected in this "portable" system. I would highly recommend it. On my wish list, I would like to see a black version and a padded travel case for protection and ease of traveling.
by: jkperkins On: 2006-08-21
Other than the lack of an FM tuner--no complaints. Great sound, solidly built.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-08-17
I originally got this item because all the I-pod docking stations seemed overpriced at $100 or more dollars-so what the hell spend a little more for the newest thing, right? I was and am totally amazed by the freaking pure power and sound of this thing! By far the best investment I have made-ever! This thing rocks my whole apartment-you will be stunned at how load it is. Now when I go to my pool in the center of my apartment compound, I through a couple of batteries in it, set it on a lounge chair(with my handy shuffle-sized remote in 2 ziplock baggies) and float on a pool lounge shuffling through my entire music collection. BUY ONE!
by: closet-monster On: 2006-08-12
Okay... so the price tag is a little hefty but this stereo unit is definately worthwhile. I decided to go with the Hi-Fi because it sounds great, it charges your Ipod and it also offers an AUDIO IN plug-in so you can hook it up to your computer and use it when watching your DVDs or playing video games. This is not available with the other competing units which provide an AUDIO OUT plug-in... this is stupid. Why would I want to add more speakers to another speaker? Anyways...
The only reason why I give this 4 stars is because I think its way too pricey. Luckily, I got mine refurbished at a local retailer so I didnt have to play the full street price.
Oh how I love to gloat! LMAO.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-24
I cant help but write this review (never done this before though Ive bought some items in amazon before) The sound of this portable unit is really great, highly recommend! The money you spent on this ipod hi-fi is worth. Life is good!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-24
I finally bought it! Here is my impression...Its a great design, I like it white! Its easy to install and I can move it around in the house. As for the sound, I was a little disappointed, some music sounds better than others and I thought it sounded better at the store! But its perfect for the bedroom. I like the remote too! It would be nice if it comes with a wake up option! So far, so good!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-19
I chose the Apple Hifi over the Bose for the following reasons:
-Apple Hifi has more BASS which for me was virtually too low on the Bose. This was a big factor for me since I listen to a very wide and versatile genres from R&B to Jazz, Classical, and Rock. Bass was absolutely impressive from the Hifi! Put in Black Eye Peas and youll see the difference from both units. The Bose simply "punches" the bass while the Hifi goes deep down low. I could not believe they were coming out from such a small unit!
-Clarity is also very impressive on the Hifi which I can say could go side by side with the Bose. Voices come alive and the highs are amazing. Clarity is where Bose is well known for and I would have to say Apple did a great job on this.
-Touch sensitive volume control impressed me as well as with the amber and green light emitted by the Hifi to acknowledge you of remote function via the superb quality of the included iPod shuffle looking remote. Plus audio input for external audio source and operation via batteries is a big plus on the Hifi. This features were absent from Bose.
-Personally I love the simplicity and craftsmanship of the Hifi. Well built. You could really feel the sturdyness of this unit. Love the two carrying handles on the side. Plus it complements both black and white iPods.
The Bose performed good as well when I went to their showroom but it simply wasnt WOW for me..I was more impressed with Apples Hifi that really amazed me. I was actually ready to purchase the Bose sound dock at our local mall when I came across a strange retro looking white box and asked if I could try it out, I was blown away by the tunes of "Sharing the Night Together" by Fiji, the bass was awesome! Right there I decided to get the Apple instead. No questions asked!
If you ask me why only 4 stars? well there are some minor downsides on the Apple..
-You do have to reach at least more than 1/4 of the volume to really hear the music come alive
-the Hifi is bigger and heavier than the Bose
-Bose offers 5 year warranty on their speakers
-There is no available carrying case for the Hifi as of now which hinders me from bringing it around and utilizing its being "portable"
-It is possible to damage the Hifi speakers since its mesh grill can be removed unlike the Bose shielded design
Its very common to be pulled by Bose and Apple while you stay in the middle. Both are great units but for my life style the Apple suits me best..Is as closest to perfection that my $329 could get!
If your still skeptical of what to purchase..take your time..Pray about it!
Godbless
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-18
Just received my ipod Hi-Fi from Amazon. Great price and value. Although the unit was not intended to replace my Home stereo, I love the sound that comes from the unit. You can crank it up with very little distortion. Very portable so you can move it from room to room. If you are a sound connoisseur, I sure there is better, but for the buck this unit is fun and sounds great.Had to take my ipod out of my skin to use it on the units hub, but I sure I will find a skin that works.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-08
I tried all the major offerings that had demos set up at Best Buy (Klipsch, Bose, JBL, Apple). I used my 5G iPod and tried some John Coltrane, J.S. Bach, Led Zepplin, and Rage Against The Machine (I wanted to test a wide variety). The Hi Fi was the most impressive BY FAR. If it sounded that good in Best Buy, I knew it would do well in my living room and quickly ordered one from Amazon.
I received it today, and after listening for a just few minutes felt compelled to write a review (something I have never done for any product before).
The sound is phenomenal. It is extremely powerful (fills my entire apartment at half volume), yet perfectly crisp at every level. The highs and lows have perfect clarity at the Normal setting, with no equalizer effects or boost. The box is solid, heavy, and clearly well-made. The base has a sturdy rubberized pad and there is no risk of it slipping off any surface even if accidentally knocked.
The device is small (relative to most sound systems) and has a very clean appearance. There is no transformer box to hide or large plug taking up all your outets - just a simple cord and small two-prong plug.
It interacts seamlessly with the iPod, and was literally plug-and-play when I took it out of the box.
My only complaint is the remote. It lacks any ability to change albums or playlists. It can change the volume, play or stop the music, and move from track to track within the same album/playlist. Thats fine, but with a little more effort Im sure they could have added some better interaction with the iPod itself.
Thats a very small issue when you consider the sound, and other qualities of the device. It still deserves top marks.
I highly recommend it.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-06
This thing makes listening to music an absolute pleasure! It fills a room, has plenty of power and truly does emit clear sound that seems to be panned and seperated brilliantly. I have never really had a good sound system though, so I dont know if others are better. But I couldnt really ask for anything more. The range and reaction of the remote control is great. It looks good and is highly portable. The only thing mine doesnt do is remotely control other functions on my nano besides volume and last or next track. If youre thinking that you might need this, you do.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-05
The iPod Hi-Fi can fill my photo studio with music better than any other portable stereo Ive owned. Listening to music outside on my patio without having to run inside to change volume etc is a joy, and the sound is as good as my Bose exterior speakers. The ability to mount multiple generations of iPods is a huge plus. When my color iPod was stolen, I dusted off my old 3G iPod, and it works seamlessly with the Hi-Fi. The remote changes songs and does everything I need. If you have an current generation video iPod, it can even change the EQ to what you prefer when listening to the speakers as opposed to with ear speakers. (Ive tested this feature with my wifes iPod, and it is really cool.) I just wish that Apple had made a way to attach the remote to the unit for transport. Im sure Ill end up buying one or two remotes at some point.
by: Anonymous On: 2006-07-03
I would not hesitate to purchase this amazing sound box again.
The sound volume and quality, of course, are not what you would expect from a standard stereo system with big amps and speakers, but the volume and quality of the sound coming out of this diminutive box always inspires a "holy %$*)" or two.
I have hosted a couple of impromptu patio parties with this little box and the sound is clear with no sign of distortion when cranked to the max.
Id love more volume and base, (can you ever have enough?) but I cant imagine that the engineers could possibly squeeze any more out of such a small box.
If you want great portable sound, this is it!
by: eflowers3 On: 2006-05-10
I was given a 200 gift card to bestbuy as a university graduation present. I had planned on buying the bose ipod speaker dock, but I saw this and was immediatley interested. I paid the additional 150 on top of my giftcard, and brought it home.
First - yes, the Bose system is 50 dollars cheaper. But I submit to you that the extra 50 dollars is the cost of the form-factor and style. I was not excited about the Bose system, especially with the lack of bass. This system has the added bass, and the soundstage is not as bad as people make it sound. Plus, for MY money, the shape and form are awesome. I have it on top of a 3 shelf bookcase, which is all black, so the unit is about waist level. My other knicknacks and such that were on the shelf now are on either side of this unit, and I even have some on top.
The Hifi system blends into its surrounding so much better than the bose or the ugly JBL circular system. This is a bookshelf, table unit. Its not a huge home stereo, its for ambience and convienience. I personally use it for my family room/reading room where there is no other stereo or a tv, and its flawless.
This is a good unit for the price. Its convenient, stylish, and sounds great. It is a little pricey, but if you are in the 300 dollar range for ipod speakers (like the bose), then an extra 50 dollars isnt going to break the bank. If that extra 50 simply is NOT in your pricerange... well, youve got financial problems that a 50 dollar price break isnt going to fix.
I take this over the Bose or JBL anyday.
RAWK.
by: mherrinton On: 2006-05-01
Ive been spending so much time at the office on the weekends that I decided I wanted to be able to listen to my iPod at the office. I unpacked the iPod Hifi and in 5 minutes was listening to it. Music and speech as exceptionally clear -- not shrill, not boomy. Bass, mids and highs all sound natural. Plus, the unit is one piece, which makes it easy to set up. Im thrilled!
I highly recommend the iPod Hifi.
by: futurequest On: 2006-04-25
Im a mother of three teenagers and I grew up in the 80s.... My kids like it HARD AND LOUD and I like it Fast and Loud and I want it to surround me. This little box does all of that for all of us. We each have our own iPODs (I personally have the 60GB video pod). This is our favorite place to dock them!
I am very happy with my purchase decision. Im actually considering the purchase of another one!
I Like:
Sound Quality - Everything about it... nevertheless, as the other reviewer noted, it is what it is. Dont expect it to be something its not. Do expect it to do everything it does VERY WELL!
Size - Its bigger than most of the docks of course but I can still grab the easy grip handles and take it where ever I want to go... I even travel with it.
I dont like:
The Remote -- APPLE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put more than an afterthought into your remotes -- PULLLEEAAASSSEEEEEE
I wish the case had a lil slot to store the remote and the iPod universal docking dohickies in.
Thus far Im not sure of a way to hook it to my pc so I can control the pod (while docked to the hifi) from my pc using something like iTunes...
by: missile_man On: 2006-04-16
I was skeptical at first, but then I bought one out of impulse. And I must say that I havent regretted my purchase. Yes, you can buy a better-sounding system for less money: just buy a used amp and a pair of 2nd hand speakers on eBay. But were talking compact, stylish hi-fi system here: so no, this is not a replacement for a $5000 component-based stereo, but as a compact, standalone hi-fi system for the bedroom, the kitchen or a college students dorm room, its just perfect (though built-in wi-fi would have been nice). Dont let the bad initial reviews fool you, they come from people who had never heard the Hi-Fi in action. This is top-nodge audio engineering and it sounds amazing.
by: bklnwinesnob On: 2006-04-13
I have an IPod full of classic jazz & some rock, blues, country, etc., but most of the music was recorded on vinyl first. This is not a knock or meant to sound snobby, but it is music where a lot of ingenuity had to go into the engineering. With this type of music, the Hi-Fi is incredible. I move it form room to room and you can hear every instrument in each song, including some overdubs that I never knew exisited. This thing may be expensive, but with 809 albums on my $400 Ipod, I fell like I already invested enough money in music and this is just an accessory.
by: rondelaplaya On: 2006-04-07
Yes, it expensive but it rocks! The volume is as Loud as youd want for a good size room. The sound quality is awesome!
by: donglai On: 2006-04-04
Okay, I just purchased an iPod Hi-Fi (on Apples 30th birthday!). Its sitting in front of me and Im listening to it right now. Here is my impression after two days of usage...it is a VERY nicely designed product. The size is perfect and the ability to run on battery is highly convenient. As expected, it mates with the iPod beautifully (I have an iPod mini). The million dollar question is how does it sound? Well, honestly, do NOT expect to be amazed. Once you stop expecting earthshattering performance from it, itll pleasantly surprise you. It sounds best when its placed directly in front of you and at least 8 feet away. Some music sounds better on it than other (see end of this review). Id say the sound quality/performance is good but not jawdropping, EXCEPT when you turn the volume up...way up! It can power a nice sized backyard party. I would not, however, buy it as a home theatre system replacement. It just doesnt have the floor-shaking bass nor the head-turning soundstage. Dont get me wrong, it sounds very good for what it is. Its perfect for the bedroom, in the backyard, on a boat, at tailgate parties. But is it worth the price for me? Im still debating with myself on that question. It would be a nobrainer if I have an Airport Express and a 5G iPod already.
Music with emphasis on the following sounds great on iPod HF:
1. acoustic guitar/banjos
2. female vocals (superb!)
3. piano
4. music with real instruments
Music with too much of these doesnt sound as good on iPod HF:
1. music with a lot of bass
2. violin
3. synthesized music
4. tracks with weak recording/encoding
5. sound effect heavy music
by: biggadgie On: 2006-03-30
Im not an audiophile, Im a musician.
Im listening to Donald Fagens latest CD Morph The Cat converted to 192k mp3 and I must say its very good indeed. Mind you Ive been use to listening through a very cheap Creative Labs 5.1 system which is very nasty.
Expensive but loud and great quality. Im not a hi-fi snob and am comfortable using this as my main hifi.
Heard the Bose system but prefer this.
by: tom@bkelectric.com On: 2006-03-23
While "Hi Fi" is definitely misleading, it is clear that this box is trying to create a lot of sound in a little space, much like the Bose SoundDock. When comparing both of these units at a high-volume electronics retailer (very noisy environment), the Apple box seemed to fill the nearby area with much deeper bass and gave a bigger "wow" factor than the Bose system. This, coupled with the fact that the Apple unit has a built-in AC power supply and battery compartment, steered my decision to getting the Apple Hi Fi. Unfortunately, my decision proved to give very disappointing results. While the bass is very good (if not a bit overwhelming), and the highs are reasonably good, the sound stage is, for a lack of a better words, flat as a pancake! Unless you have your head exactly 4 feet away and directly in front of the speakers, it sounds terrible! No matter where I put the unit in the room, it sounds like a monaural speaker. Since this isnt a true Hi Fi unit anyway, it sure could benefit from some kind of digital signal processing magic to at least artificially increase the sound stage so it sounds like stereo! In hind sight, I wish I would have purchased the Bose unit. I have since heard the Bose SoundDock at a friends house and have concluded that it is a much more impressive unit - it sounds great no matter where in the room you are.
by: sashimikid On: 2006-03-23
Is it a portable "jambox" or a compact home stereo system? I dont think even Apple knows for sure. If its supposed to be truly portable, then Id think lighter weight and the ability to carry it with one hand while its playing might be in the feature list. If its supposed to be a home *stereo*, then Id expect separate speakers so that I could get some separation in the sound as well as a full-featured remote.
Finally, when you consider that the competition from Bose, Klipsch, and Altec comes in considerably cheaper, you have to wonder if Apples product designers got confused somewhere. That said, the sound quality is quite good as long as its positioned close to you and youre right in front of it.
Pros:
Nice sound quality with great bass even at high volumes
Works with all iPods via universal adapter
Runs on battery or A/C
Combined 3.5mm analog-S/PDIF input
Remote control
Cons:
Heavy (~15lbs)
Cant separate speakers
iPod falls out if not carried upright
Remote control does not navigate iPod menus
No WiFi (e.g. airtunes)
Expensive
by: gg16 On: 2006-03-22
Sure, $350 is ridiculous and the unit should have included built in WiFi but it is a solid performer and edges out its competitors. Superior bass compared to its cohorts and its nice to have the large album art. Furthermore, although quite heavy, it is certainly portable and the AC adapters of its competitors are one of their low points. This units adapter is integrated and therefore hidden from sight. If you can afford it, get it. Otherwise there are much cheaper and nearly as solid alternatives. But this unit is the best.
by: imuilu143 On: 2006-03-21
I listened to both at Apple store, and felt I needed a better test at home. So I bought both Bose and Apple. My report? Bose sounds a little richer, fuller. Apple has more user control capabilities to tune the sound for more bass, classic, jazz, etc. although none of these seemed to do much. Bottom line, both are good. I moved the Bose to my wife cuz she cant deal with making different settings, I kept the Apple so I could try a few changes in the settings and it was a bit louder and almost equalled the Bose in quality. If my wife told me to swap em, Id be fine with that too. Slight preference for Apple controls and using ipod displays, slight preference for Bose sound richness. Bose does take up less desk top space, perhaps half the Apple. Sorry if I cant tell you that I have a definite pick, but its a slight edge to the Apple for me (controls, visibility of whats playing) versus a slight sound advantage to Bose. BTW, each are very simple to use, plug in the iPod and youre set to go. Oh, should all our choices be so good.
by: cano5150 On: 2006-03-19
Is the best audio experience so far for the Ipod, It fills my room with extremely wonderful sounds. There are details that I have never heard before in any system for the ipod. It is truly revealing to the ear. At first I thought it was too "bassy", but then I realised I can set the EQ setting on the ipod. For a truly exceptionaal experience just go to settings and add Treble booster. I gave it 80 hours of operation for the "break-in" and now I am really content with this buy. I wouldnt trade it for anything else out there.Sincerely
by: kenargona On: 2006-03-18
It is obvious that Apple made a mistake claiming the Ipod Hi Fi would replace an Audiophiles home system. That claim has opened them up for criticism but, that is the only thing that can be criticized. The Hi Fi system is what it is - and that is a pretty amazing little device. I am not an expert, nor am I a novice in the art of high fidelity. I am, however, a Musician who has held Music and sound quality close to my heart for many, many years. I went to the Apple store with my AAC compressed 4 gig Nano and plugged into the system. Honestly, the sound at the store did not "blow me away"; I was in a busy store with much background noise. Realizing that the environment has much to do with sound quality, I took a chance and purchased it. I had dismissed most of the reviews that I read as sour grapes (for some reason) against Apple from people who do not own the system - had to be, some of the reviews were written before the system was even available! I was right; when I got this home and listened to it I was impressed. I do not listen to music that has that "wall of sound (i.e. power chords, screaming vocals, retarded drums) I listen to music that has dimension (i.e. Jazz, Funk, Fusion). I wanted an audio device that would allow me to control my Ipod via remote, hold most of my favorite tunes, not fill my living room up with audio equipment, and be loud and clear enough to surround me with un-distorted sound. This system fills that bill. My one complaint is: you need to crank it up a bit for it to "come alive". At loud volumes, I find the tone control set to treble boost works best and at lower volumes set it to bass boost, meaning you need to re-adjust it upon volume changes. One other point, some of the lower end tunes on my Ipod sometimes distort when listening through the ear buds. This system seems to clean that up when cranking through the system. The added bonus being that I can use it in my backyard.
It is expensive? Yes. It is worth it? Yes, but keep in mind, it is what it is.
On: 2006-03-17
It is obvious that Apple made a mistake claiming the Ipod Hi Fi would replace an Audiophiles home system. That claim has opened them up for criticism but, that is the only thing that can be criticized. The Hi Fi system is what it is - and that is a pretty amazing little device. I am not an expert, nor am I a novice in the art of high fidelity. I am, however, a Musician who has held Music and sound quality close to my heart for many, many years. I went to the Apple store with my AAC compressed 4 gig Nano and plugged into the system. Honestly, the sound at the store did not "blow me away"; I was in a busy store with much background noise. Realizing that the environment has much to do with sound quality, I took a chance and purchased it. I had dismissed most of the reviews that I read as sour grapes (for some reason) against Apple from people who do not own the system - had to be, some of the reviews were written before the system was even available! I was right; when I got this home and listened to it I was impressed. I do not listen to music that has that "wall of sound (i.e. power chords, screaming vocals, retarded drums) I listen to music that has dimension (i.e. Jazz, Funk, Fusion). I wanted an audio device that would allow me to control my Ipod via remote, hold most of my favorite tunes, not fill my living room up with audio equipment, and be loud and clear enough to surround me with un-distorted sound. This system fills that bill. My one complaint is: you need to crank it up a bit for it to "come alive". At loud volumes, I find the tone control set to treble boost works best and at lower volumes set it to bass boost, meaning you need to re-adjust it upon volume changes. One other point, some of the lower end tunes on my Ipod sometimes distort when listening through the ear buds. This system seems to clean that up when cranking through the system. The added bonus being that I can use it in my backyard.
It is expensive? Yes. It is worth it? Yes, but keep in mind, it is what it is.
by: authority On: 2006-03-16
Ok "audiophiles" stop your complaining about the name "hifi" and all the semantics, and stop complaining about sound quality of Mp3 compressed files etc. I have AAC and MP3 files, I have an iPod, get over it.
What is this device for? It is for playing your iPod tunes in small/medium sized rooms, such as an office or den or bedroom or dorm or apartment. Its designed to fit in one compact integrated sleek package without a bunch of cords all over the place. Does this iPod HiFi do that well? YES. Does it sound better than the Bose that sells for $50 less at $299? YES (to my ears). I have it on a shelf in my office and it sounds very very good. As good as my $5,0000 B+W floor standing speakers conneced to my $5,000 home set-up? No. But it isnt intended to, as I discuss next.
It is NOT for rocking a big party or for replacing your "audiophile" quality Integra or Martantz or whatever rig connected to SACD or DVD audio listening on B+W or other high end speakers. So stop complaining about comparisons to "true hifi" etc.
It is a nice little box with clean lines and no excess wires and very very good sound for playing my iPod tunes.
Final vertict: for what it is supposed to do, it does it very well and worth the price.
by: echo233 On: 2006-03-16
went to the apple store all set to buy the bose sound dock.
I am an audiophile type and certainly dont expect audiophile sound from any of these devices especially since they are playing compressed audio.
However i needed a device to play in the background at work and occasionally in my house, to bring to rooms that dont have a stereo such as the basement, work room etc.
I carefully compared the altec lansing, bose sound dock and the Apple hifi.
however the i pods they had set up with these units at the store all had different music on them. So I asked the sales associate which player he liked the best and how could i accurately compare them if they didnt have the same music. He told me with all sincerity that the Apple was the best. He than continued " let me prove it to you." He pulled out his own personal Nano that had his own music and sampled the various players. I was blown away by the Apple compared to the other units.
The Apple had a much more realistic sound to my ear when compared to the Bose which sounded artificial(tinty) in the high frequencies to me. Being the Audiophile type and guitar player i feel i have a critical ear and believe me all of these units have serious flaws in their sound
however overall I felt the HIFI sounded the best with the most natural sound.
I bought the unit and have been pleasantly surprised.
Dont believe the hype go try one out for yourself preferably with your own music.
You will not be disapointed
by: Anonymous On: 2006-03-15
Im from Mexico and last week I visited Las Vegas. Theres a place I cant miss in Vegas: the Apple Store at the Fashion Mall. I was very excited to try the new Hi-Fi just released a week before. I must be honest, at first I wasnt excited, the sound from the Hi-Fi was different from all the others iPod compatible systems (I own the Bose SoundDock and the JBL OnStage). At the Apple Store I used my own iPod and made a few changes in the EQ settings and tried several songs, an then John Legends "Ordinary People" started playing and it was EXTRAORDINARY.
At low volume the Soundock delivers better audio, but you must turn up the volume to trully review the Hi-Fi. It is now in my living room and Im very satisfied with this product.
by: gadgitfrik On: 2006-03-14
Ive been waiting to test it out for a week, and finally found one at BestBuy at 86th & Lex in NYC. I plugged in my iPod nano and jammed some club music, and let me tell you, it sounds incredible. Even after the volume was turned all the way up, there was no distortion at all - the base is solid and heart pounding. Sitting a foot away at their stand is the Bose $299 boombox, and when compared to the Bose, the ipod Hifi has much louder and more solid bass than the Bose. What the Bose lacks in bass it makes up in treble although a bit noisy on the high notes. My favorite setting is to set the ipod EQ to Treble Boost, and jam away.
I cant wait to get my hands on one of these!!!
by: Anonymous On: 2006-03-12
This is one of the reasons why Ipod is getting on my nerves sometimes. Yeah Apple became famous due to the Ipod-hype. Ipod is cool alright, but hey, you add another product for it which is an obvious blatant abuse of marketing hype. This is first of all, WAY TOO EXPENSIVE, compared to the other equally good(or even better) hi-fi speakers out there. And second, the sound it produces is just freakin the same. Sheeshhh... I dont know who would be able to spend their hard-earned money on this thing. Great speakers from Altec Lansing and Creative Labs are out there. Theyre equally good. This one? Well... its a waste.
by: showell51 On: 2006-03-12
I own many of their products so needless to say I was very disappointed with this purchase. I had been waiting for this to come out and ordered it the very day I read about it in the news. It arrived quickly! The sound is pretty bad with distortion at higher volumn. The bass was exceptionally poor. I think I would go with some of the other products made for the ipod.
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