I'm trying to find a good-sounding iPod speaker system. Yeah. Basically I just need something that can get loud and has good bass (thumping isn't a bad thing...), but still has good clarity and overall sound. Budget is about $340. I'm not looking for audiophile quality, just the best sounding system for what I can spend. Any help?

This isn't something I'm going to cary around with me or anything, but is something I plan on taking to parties/friends houses.. so it needs to be something that I can grab up and go. Which is my main problem with standard 2.1 speaker systems -- having to carry the woofer and the satalites are a pain. So preferably it'd be a one-peice speaker dock. But I know that limits me quite a bit..

Thanks.

Did you look at the iPod Hi-Fi? Can't tell how Hi-Fi it actually is, though.

Yeah, I may end up going with that.. but I can't escape the feeling that there is something that is either cheaper or better sounding. It sounds like it'd have the volume and bass I'd need though. (from the reviews, haven't actually heard it yet)

From my point of view, the iPod HiFi isn't worth it's price and lacks high frequencies ... I'd go for a Klipsch iGroove instead.

If you live in the U.S. go to Wal-mart as just last night I noticed as you've stated a "semi portable" speaker system - sorry I don't have any stats on them because I only glanced at them for maybe 5-10 seconds. Don't forget also in the U.S. that Radio Shack also has some iPod gear.

That was another one on my list. I don't suppose you'd know how these stack up against the IM7s as far as bass goes? But, I found that Klipsch sells refurb units for $100, which sounds like an absolute steal based on the refviews I've read about it. I may have to pick it up. http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/fa...ed-igroove.aspx And they have the HG for $20 more. http://www.klipsch.com/products/details/fa...igroove-hg.aspx

I really wish I could just go to a B&M store and compare all these, but I love out in the country a little ways and there really aren't any places that I know of that sell or demo these kind of audio systems.

Howdy,

This review is a little old, but of all the reviewed items, the Klipsch is the only one with an actual subwoofer, which IMO, you'll want. You'll never get great bass from systems as small as these, but a mini subwoofer will give you decent bottom end and make you happy depending on the kinds of music you like to play.

Also, as someone who lives in a rural area too, don't be in too much of a hurry to part with your cash. Research it down to 2 or 3 models, then take a road trip to audition them in person. Nothing can take the place of an actual listening test with your own music. Knowing what these cost on the internet, you may even be able to talk a B&M vendor down on his price a little.

John

Thanks for all your help. I'm most likely going to go with the iGroove though. After reading a bunch of reviews, it doesn't look like it'll have quite the bass I would have hoped for, but like I thought, it's pretty much not availible with the current portable options. At $120 I don't think I can pass it up.

I own an iGroove and I think the bass is it's strong point. In a store I was able to do a side by side comparison between the Bose soundstage and the Klipsch iGroove using my iPod. The Bose unit was very lacking in the bass area, though both had great highs and mids. The iGroove was $100 less and it sounded significantly better.

The iGroove pumps out the bass via the rear port. I can't believe the big sound that comes out of such a small system. It's also great that I can plug other things into it other than my iPod (my Squeezebox for instnace).

Enjoy your iGroove when you get it!

BTW, if you own a 2g nano, you will have to request the appropriate adaptor - it won't be in the box. They have just recently made these available. Apple threw everybody a curve ball when they shifted the location of the dock port on the nano slightly on the 2g model. A 1g nano or any other iPod should be fine.

^ Cool.. thanks. Looks like iGroove it is then.

And nope, no 2G nano here. (though I'm sersiously eyeing it.. talk about sexy.) 30GB 5G.