Speaker Docks for iPods & iPhones
Yamaha PDX-60 Speaker Dock vs. Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2 vs. Soundfreaq SFQ-1 Sound Platform
Let's face it. iPods and iPhones do a lot of things, but they don't do them all well. When listening to music, sometimes you need a little extra oomph to hear your tunes across the room. That's where iPod/iPhone speaker docks come in. At some point in the last few years, computer speaker companies took existing $20-$50 speakers, added a docking port for Apple products, and tacked on a 100%-200% price premium. We'll help you wade through iPod speaker options and find a stereo that's worth the extra cash to make your beats sound great.
Yamaha PDX-60 Speaker Dock
The Yamaha PDX-60 speaker dock packs a wallop, both in sound and features. Since it's from Yamaha, you get the great sound you expect from a leading household audio company. This speaker dock features wireless playback so you can keep your iPod/iPhone with you and leave the speakers on the shelf. Not satisfied with the poor audio quality and finicky set-up of wireless Bluetooth playback, Yamaha developed their own wireless technology, yAired, to transmit uncompressed, delay-free audio. What is that important? Because the sound quality is the same as if you were using headphones and the audio is synced to video if you are watching a show or movie on your iPod/iPhone. The combination of high quality wireless audio, two charging stations, great audio and great price makes the Yamaha PDX-60 our favorite speaker dock.
Unique Features:
- Wireless, high-quality audio so you can keep your iPod/iPhone in your hands and out of the dock
- Dual charging stations; charge your iPod/iPhone in the cradle or on the dock (or charge two devices at once)
- Comes in four great colors: black, gray, pink and blue to match your style
Best for
- College students looking for some great sound while they watch movies and shows in their Apple device
- Parents who want to keep their speakers out of reach of their kids while playing music
- Audiophiles who want control over their music and won't compromise on wireless audio quality
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Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere 2
When you think of Logitech, speakers might not immediately jump to mind. Be assured though that they have used their experience building computer accessories to put together a great speaker dock. Now in its second release, the Pure-fi Anywhere 2 is a refined speaker system for your iPod/iPhone. The best feature of this dock is its portability. Featuring a 10-hour battery, you'll be playing tunes all day long and not have to worry about finding the closest power plug. Great for taking out to the pool or to the park. To help you travel, Logitech includes a travel case that will hold up to some rough handling. You'll also get a mini-remote to skip songs without getting up. The Pure-fi Anywhere 2 features multiple dock adapters to give your iPod/iPhone a perfect fit regardless of the case or model. While the portability of this model is great, the audio quality doesn't quite hold up to the Yamaha and the lack of a wireless option might not suit all buyers.
Unique Features:
- Rechargeable, 10-hour battery that allows for music on the go
- Fold-up legs and a travel case give you the stability and protection you need for a portable speaker dock
Best for
- Music lovers who want to share their music wherever they are
- Anyone who wants to take their tunes in the backyard or in the garage without investing in a separate stereo system or outdoor speakers
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Soundfreaq SFQ-1 Sound Platform
Clocking in at about twice the price of the other sound docks we reviewed, the Soundfreaq can hold its own. Loaded up with extra features like built-in FM radio, an iPhone app to control it, Bluetooth wireless playback and an auxiliary sound jack for non-Apple products, this speaker dock is a solid contender. The Yamaha holds an edge over wireless sound quality and delay-free playback, but the flexibility of Bluetooth means the Soundfreaq can be used with many other products besides the iPod/iPhone. Want to pair up your laptop? Sure thing! How about your iPad? No problem. You'll like the good looks of this retro speaker, and if classic black doesn't do it for you, it's also available in white and red. The audio quality won't let you down as it is comparable to some of the bigger name, bigger price tag sound docks out there (we're looking at you, Bose).
Unique Features:
- Bluetooth wireless playback for easy listening from a variety of audio devices
- iPhone app that lets you control basic functions regardless of what device you have connected to it
Best for
- Stylish music aficionados who want a great-looking speaker dock
- Gadget lovers who hate wires and want good sound from all of their Bluetooth devices
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