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iLive Flat Panel Docking System for iPod
Available: Now
Price: $349.99 MSRP
PROS:
- 2.1 Speakers Get Very Loud
- Aux-In For Other Devices
- iPod Dock, Remote, and USB Passthrough For PC Access
- Wall Mountable
CONS:
- Price High If Only Using For iPod
- Unit is Large
- Video Input/Output is Last-Gen (S-Video, Composite)
The first thing I noticed about this iPod dock is how great it sounds at high volumes. This thing blasts music like it’s its job, which is convenient as it is a speaker system. The bass sounds great with dual subwoofers with all the stylings of Tru-Bass and simulated surround sound. This is a great 2.1 system.
The iLive IHT3817DT has a bunch of inputs, but sadly, they are a bit last-gen. The unit has 2 composite and 2 S-Video inputs. The audio input is only RCA. As such, this unit isn’t ideal for a home theater system or game consoles. The lack of at least component video and optical audio hurts here. The remote is great and functions extremely well. It’s a full-sized remote and will fit in nicely with your 15 other remotes.
The device, however, excels as an iPod dock, radio, and stereo. It won’t play CDs without hooking up another device, but who still uses CD’s anyway? There is a USB pass-through on the unit that will hook up to a PC or Mac and allow users to sync with iTunes directly.
The iLive is wall-mountable and comes with the hardware to do so, which is a nice inclusion and certainly makes the price more reasonable. The iPod dock is actually a tray that extends from the unit and adds a bit of flair in an old-timey sci-fi way.
As an iPod dock, it sounds great, but the $349 price tag is a big pill to swallow if the only use you’ll get is the iPod dock. If you are looking for TV/Stereo speakers and aren’t quite at the component/optical level of video/audio, this could suit your needs. However, I’d recommend that you take that $350 and put it in the bank until you can afford an HDTV.
Here's what Kevin Pereira thought on Attack of the Show:
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