Tune In: Sound Off

Transport yourself into audiophile euphoria. Transform your iPod into a high-resolution audio/video media server.

iPod docking solutions come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Discover some of the offerings, and see which ones fit your personality and needs.

Wadia 170iTransport

Interested in both the both the convenience of personal audio with the performance and connectivity of your home audio/video system? Wadia’s 170iTransport offers just that option. Weighing in at 2.42 lbs, this dock delivers bit-perfect digital audio signal via a coaxial S/PDIF output, DVD quality video via component outputs. In fact, it's the only iPod dock on the market that gets a digital signal from the iPod.

It is built on a sleek aluminum chassis. With bit perfect S/PDIF output, high-resolution DVD quality component video outputs, and an external power supply, the iTransport represents the perfect balance of performance, convenience and value ($379). The 170iTransport also comes with an IR remote, coaxial digital cable and iPod adapter inserts.

Click here for our full review. 

Solara Home SolaTube ST5

Bridging the gap between old school and modern day, the vacuum tube technology from SolaraHome.com isn’t obsolete.

For $799, the funky look and sound of the SolaTube ST5 delivers delivering analog clarity with a power output at 25 watts per channel. It works well with a larger system, or plays nicely on its own, with a pair of bookshelf speakers that feature a 4-inch glass fiber midrange and a 1-inch tweeter housed in a fancy gloss piano finish enclosure. It also features an 18-key remote.

Krell KID

For the kid at heart, Krell’s the KID is anything but a child. It delivers grown up sonic performance and a serious $1500 price tag. Some of the KID's cool features include up/down front-panel buttons, which control bass, treble, and volume.

It can be hooked up to an amp or preamp and used just like a CD player.  Although the KID can be used with practically any audio system, Krell has also created an amp specifically for it: the Papa Dock, which provides 150 watts per channel of amplification.

Bose SoundDock Portable

Another option is the Bose SoundDock ($399), which is available in gloss black or white.

It comes with a rechargeable lithium ion-battery so you can enjoy listening to your digital music anywhere.

Carry the SoundDock with a molded handle and be sure to observe the rotating dock as it disappears, great for both storage and protection purposes. The iPod charges as it plays, which is an added convenience.  

The SoundDock comes with an infrared remote control and a Bose proprietary acoustic design. It balances output of all frequencies to provide what Bose claims is a natural tonal balance and clarity throughout the audio spectrum.

B&W Zeppelin

“Stairway to Heaven” never sounded so good as on a Zeppelin-inspired iPod dock. Who thought of this one? Zeppelin fans will be happy to find out that B&W did.

Using a blimp-like design, the Zeppelin is a solid piece of metal with a stainless steel, polished like chrome. The five drive units are powered by 100 watts of class D amplification, made up of 2 x 25W midrange tweeter, 25 mm metal-dome tweeter units and 1 x 50W (bass), centrally positioned behind the iPod mount. It's available for $599.

Arcam rDock

Size doesn’t matter. At least for Arcam. Meet rDock. Using audio-grad amps, linear power regulation ensures that sound quality is excellent, even during charging.

An RS232 transceiver allows control of the iPod when connected to the Solo Music or Solo Movie systems via the RS232 socket. The rDock comes with a built-in audio pre-amp with high performance output amps and low-noise double-regulated power supplies. Other features include S-Video and composite outputs to send pix and vids from your iPod to the big screen. All for a price of $264.

Fatman iTube Red-i

If you’re seeking something a bit different aesthetically, check out the Fatman iTube Red-i.

This all-in-one audio system uses hybrid vacuum tube amplification technology and sonically matched speakers.

It boasts a claimed frequency response of 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz.

The amp and dock elements are built into a single piece chassis and offer an elegant and high-impact design.

It includes two pairs of source inputs (plus the iPod dock), a remote control which handles volume and tonal changes for all three sources, (plus all the iPod functionality) and 25 watts per channel.

The iTube Red-I lets it all hang out in the open. Priced at $649, the aesthetics aren’t just for show.

Goldster Audio Concertino

Boasting quite a beautiful look is the Concertino from Goldster Audio. With a fitting golden price tag of $3,700, the triode tube based amplifier and the matching speakers fit together well. It’s small size and modern design make it a decorative piece for any room.

What’s included in this cost? Triple-core cables, high quality, matching speaker set, and small with excellent sound quality. The solid aluminum and hardened glass set houses a triode tube-based 190-watt amplifier.

Sound On

Whichever dock option you've got your eyes on, find one in a local store and have a listen first. More than you may expect, an iPod dock offers convenience, enhancement and enjoyment of your stored music. So, plug in, connect and enjoy the tunes.

To make sure you have the best quality music to listen on these systems, check out Ripping it Right and Downloads on the Up and Up.

Here's one more that didn't make it into our roundup. The Art.Suono.