JBL On Stage Micro Portable iPod Speaker and Docking Station (Red) by JBL
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Digital camera reviews of JBL On Stage Micro Portable iPod Speaker and Docking Station (Red)
Digital camera Review: Amazing Sound!
Summary: 5 Stars
Great product, nice carrying case, amazing sound for the price. I take it everywhere I go!Digital camera Review: Awesome sound little box
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the best portable speaker system I have had for my ipod. It is loud and small perfect for the beach or pool. I highly recommend it.Digital camera Review: Dont get misled by the size
Summary: 5 Stars
This product packs a solid sound in a small exterior. It looks great on bed side table and a great to listen to bed side slow music. Although, a few occasions when I have listened at high volume, I was quite satisfied.Digital camera Review: Everyone loves a fire engine--and this one is multidimensional.
Summary: 5 Stars
[Note: The price on this item is yo-yo-ing up and down like a commodity. If you're catching it at a peak, consider as an alternative the Cyber Acoustics CA-421. You'll give up some style and build quality but won't lose a thing in functionality or full-frequencied sound.]
I'm surprised this sharp little system hasn't sold out, since Amazon is currently selling the identical model in black at twice the price. Black or red, this little unit lives up to the JBL reputation for great sound--bright, present, utterly natural and (small) room-filling. True, it doesn't output to a stereo system, but if that's your aim pick up an ordinary Apple dock (for about the same price but without the nifty portable stereo system).
Returning to audio quality, after some comparisons, I determined that the JBL Micro sounds almost as good as a portable Tivoli cube (which has a noteworthy edge in low frequencies but at a steep price). I would take lightly a previous reviewer's claim that the sound is "deep," but unlike the bass-dominated, doctored sound of some high-end small speakers, the JBL is so natural and pleasing over long stretches you may come to prefer it over a bass- heavy system. Though not much wider than a CD, the red circle scores extra points for sound dispersion, openness, and "true" bass. Whereas other inexpensive small units simply cut out bass frequencies, this little deceiver can actually do quite well by, say, an acoustic bass while providing sizzling ride cymbals along with warm mid-range. But don't require too much of it: the bass is the first instrument to distort when the speaker is operated at full gain or the selected file recorded too "hot." Also, it rewards patience: any distortion from these tiny drivers lessened over time.
Though a remote might seem pointless with a 2" iPod screen, certain functions like on/off, mute, and volume are nice to have in hand when the speaker is 10-15 feet away. If you plan to use it with batteries, the 4 AAAs are tricky to install (tightest I've seen): it took several tries. The unit itself has an "on" light and a mere two, conveniently located, controls: softer and louder. Discretely tucked away in back is a power button and four jacks: audio in (for another MP3 player); USB 2.0 mini (for synching with your computer); DC in (for using with the included AC adapter); and audio out (presumably for operating a small, high efficiency external speaker).
Overall, a good value and nifty combination of useful features. One cautionary: this thing is packed well enough to remain in mint condition for a millennium or two in a landfill or at the bottom of the Chicago River. When you decide to free it from it's hard-shell case, be sure to wait for a slow moment and to have the right tool. A scissors, or even a razor blade made for the purpose, probably won't get the job done. Once opened, don't be discouraged by all of the accessories--AC adapter, 6 iPod adapters, a cable, a remote switch, a cushioned zip bag (with pockets and velcro holders to keep everything tight and tidy), and a thick instruction manual. Just plug it in, slip the iPod over the dock, and listen to its Siren song.
Digital camera Review: Fine sound for such a compact speaker system.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have limited desktop space at work and have been looking for something compact for my iPod. This meets my needs just fine. It comes with lots of adaptor caps for different iPods. The sound is fine, though it doesn't have deep full bass, but I am satisfied. For the size, I wasn't expecting fantastic sound. It does work great for listening to audio books and other spoken word media. Very clear. I got two of them and would buy them again. I think they would make nice gifts for others with limited space. If you are looking for something for your only iPod speaker system, I would look for something larger, as iPods are capable of fantastic sound quality that won't be fully realized with this docking station.