April 13th, 2006 by Foxopoly

Bose SoundDock vs Apple iPod Hi-Fi

The choice to purchase an iPod is an easy one, but with all the aftermarket counterparts available for them it’s not always easy to decide which will give the best bang for the buck. People are getting so they don’t go anywhere without their tunes and was want to incorporate thus constant soundtrack into all facets of their lives whether it be on the go, car, office or home. When it comes to dock speaks there are quite a few to chose from. I attempted to benchmark two of the best in hopes of possibly helping someone make one of the more important decisions in their lives. Okay, I’m exaggerating a little bit- there aren’t all that many people as fanatical about music as myself.

Upon first listens both speaks are awesome out of the box. Bose expands on their wave technology with the iPod SoundDock and the output can really fill a room. Even at low volumes tunage was full and spread evenly over a decently sized room. Don’t let this little guys size fool you (approx. 6.5″ x 11″ footprint) , it cranks with little distortion at higher outputs. The speaker is very portable but is not set up to run on battery power.

The iPod Hi-Fi is Apple’s first forre into the iPod speaker market and it’s a great one. The Hi-Fi is substantially larger than the Bose, but more portable at the same time. You’re asking, “How is this possible? The Hi-Fi looks big and heavy.” Yes the Hi-Fi is heavy (16 lbs when loaded with your favorite D alkalines), but is easily transportable due to the recessed/routed handles and the capability to run on battery power. Not only is this unit great for a living room home stereo, but it’s also good to take along on a picnic or whatever. I have yet to try batteries in the unit so I can’t vouch for play time.

Greater physical size allows for larger speakers and a built-in sub in the Hi-Fi where the Bose just runs off two (speaker size uncertain). Another nice feature, though purely aesthetic, is the ability to remove the mesh screen and expose the face. This gives the unit a little bit meaner look.

Both systems come with various interchangeable cradle mounts to accommodate whatever iPod you might have from first generation to current (excluding the iPod Shuffle). Each also includes a slick remote. Apple sticks to their standard Front Row remote while Bose supplies a wafer-thin one that’s comfortable and easy to navigate. In following both units minimalist design the only buttons on either is for volume manipulation. All EQ settings are tweaked in your iPods options menus. [However, on the Apple fob there is a menu button that will jog through 5g viPods only.]

Both speakers are beautiful and full of sound. The biggest difference besides dimensions of these two units is probably the price. The Bose SoundDock retails for $299, while the Hi-Fi goes for an even $350. If you’re looking for a little bit more sound and some portability definitely check out the Apple, but if you just want a fixed system for a kitchen or bedroom I would recommend the Bose. You really can’t go wrong either way. I would be lying if I said either of these speaks weren’t short of amazing and ready to rock some blocks…

Posted in: Information | Posted by: Foxopoly