Apple iPod Hi-Fi hands on

We'll admit, there's not a huge amount to say about the Apple iPod Hi-Fi. We'd heard this was coming, and it's caught our attention namely because it's Apple's first true foray into the iPod accessories market, along with their new leather iPod cases. We did get a good listen in some of the rooms Apple set up on campus to demo the sound in a "real world" environment (our fav was the teenager's space, replete with dirty laundry strewn about), and yup, it sounds pretty good. You know how we wish it was, well, a little less iPod-centric for being a regular old piece of consumer electronics and all, but hey, you know how they play the game. So how's the thing feel? Well, let's be straight up, the Hi-Fi is heavy. Like, way too heavy to want to carry with you to the cabana or the beach, as they described you might despite its alternate six D-cell power source. Click on to see some more shots!

[Bratan @ Feb 28th 2006 3:55PM]

So...how is this better that the Bose Sound Dock?

[Charles @ Feb 28th 2006 3:58PM]

Well... This might be nice if it did what everyone wants - WIFI streaming and remote selection of playlists.

No one wants to plug in their ipod into a dock on a mantle. The iPod is just an accessory - the real utility is iTunes. Now if this thing had WiFi built in, could access iTunes that is running on a computer in another room (and all the music on that computer), could select playlists or songs, and had a screen, I'd buy one for each room in my house.

[Jordan @ Feb 28th 2006 4:01PM]

#46 - An Apple iDookie is better than a Bose anything. Having said that, this thing doesn't appeal to me, but at least it hasn't had Amar Bose's hand on it.

[Saif @ Feb 28th 2006 4:10PM]

I know people don't really want to hear this, but...did *Apple* really build up this event, or did the media (tech news sites, blogs, etc.) really build it up? In other words, are we let down because Apple specifically told us that this would be a revolutionary announcement, or did we let ourselves down by merely expecting it?

Sure, Apple invited media to this event in what looked like it would be a large production. But many companies do that within their industries when announcing a new product, even outside the computers/technology industry. I think everyone, including the fanboys and the haters, has come to expect huge announcements from Apple every time Jobs opens his mouth on a stage somewhere, and it's our own faults if we're disappointed.

[shawn @ Feb 28th 2006 4:17PM]

I am not in the market for this product and none of my friends are. but i do know some people who would like this. it is more for that person who has nothing but an ipod to play music with (other than their computer). i dont see how they can advertise this as an audiophile product though... as many others pointed out it isnt much of a stereo speaker and i am interested in how it "really" sounds. my guess is that it sounds better than many of the alternatives out there... with a few esceptions.

in all i think it is a good idea, slightly over priced as is normal for apple but not really an item to wow the loyal readers of engadget...

[Paul Turner @ Feb 28th 2006 4:21PM]

The term Hi-Fi actually is an abused term. I own 10K + real Hi-Fi system, with Pre-amp, amp, $2000 speakers etc and a $2500 CD player with a 24 bit DAC.
One can only buy real Hi-fi at a dedicated music store. Not Best-Buy, Fry's. Circuist City or any other of those junk electronic stores who sell cheap electroncs made with componets that last about 5 years and then burn out and fade away in terms of bandwidth

There is absolutely no way that I would listen to music on this crappy demented bee in a tin can piece of equipment. You know apple you might get some people to believe your hype when you say "junk your Hi-Fi". This IS NOT HI-FI. Oh and Steve I know you don't use this as your Hi-Fi system in your home. This is for the kitchen or the kids room, NOT the center piece of a music system. Jeez

But then again most people can't tell the difference between 1 bit and 16 bit let alone 24 bit DAC right?

[Spectral Flagellum @ Feb 28th 2006 4:22PM]

36 is dead on.

The term "Audiophile" typically encompasses both the sound degredation (which in the case of the Hi-Fi is surprisingly good at 108db on ac current) and the frequencies spanning most or all of the spectrum heard by human ears; 20Hz to 20kHz.

This thing covers by no means the full spectrum.
Lots of low-end bass loss.

[Jim @ Feb 28th 2006 4:23PM]

Drink the kool-aid......

[Jon @ Feb 28th 2006 4:24PM]

From the end of 2005, Apple had been releasing "Wow!" products in every special events. People were used to the excitment and they expected impressive gadgets again. However, Apple is trying to switch every of its computer into intel-based. Plus, Apple will not be releasing any iPods yet till the touch-screen function is done. So...lets just calm down and not complain. Enjoy the new iPods and iMacs till Apple gets the touch-screen function right. (Apple didn't release any amazing iPod accessories because they are just giving the other acessories companies a chance to "survive"..lol)

[Grievous Angel @ Feb 28th 2006 4:24PM]

"I wonder if they actually consult real audio engineers when these companies come out with stuff like this."

The guy who designed the iHiFi, also designed these:

http://www.redrosemusic.com/tubes.shtml

and these:

http://www.redrosemusic.com/rosebud.shtml

and these:

http://audioprism.com/

[VEGA @ Feb 28th 2006 4:25PM]

What a piece of garbage. Audiophile quality huh. 53-16k is nowhere near audiophile. Mono sub with 2 drivers isn't either. This is a crappy toy for the kids. Good for a day at the beach and that's it."Room Filling Sound" smells like a Bose contractual agreement. And how is MP3 or AAC audiophile? Even if you you use AIF or WAV on your iPod, you are loosing your high and low end by using this thing. You'd be better off using a Sony Dream system with a dock.

[Sam Stringer-Hye @ Feb 28th 2006 4:28PM]

350 Dollars DAMN! I kinda want to buy this thing, but come on we can get pretty much the same thing for MUCH cheaper.

[Swissboy @ Feb 28th 2006 4:28PM]

FINALLY. The curtain has opened and the great "OZ" errr Apple reveals themselves. Took a while down the yellow brick road didn't it? You now get too see the great old powerful OZ at work.

Look at the products.

1. Expensive - today. enough said.
2. Scratch easily - yep they ALL do
3. Restrictive - iTunes DRM
4. Problems

PROBLEMS? You have to be a moron not to see the notebook screen problems,logic board problems and I could go on. I am having a ibook fixed tommorow and although I like the OS, the rest is pooch. I've had enough of their CRAP customer service and EXCUSES. I am embarassed to have an iBook, after it gets back BU-BYE.

There is NO PLACE LIKE HOME....without an Apple product in it.

[Harold @ Feb 28th 2006 4:34PM]

Wow, that is the stupidest thing I have ever seen!

Hey everybody, you'll never believe what Apple's done now. They made some speakers, a leather case, and put a newer processor in their Mac Mini. Wow, now that's pure genius!

[Dominic @ Feb 28th 2006 4:37PM]

Also announced today: the iTravel time machine so you can get back to 1985 and find some D batteries.

[Spectral Flagellum @ Feb 28th 2006 4:47PM]

Hey 54, you're close, but from their site:

"Red Rose offers this exceptional cartridge for the most demanding listeners. Rose Petal is totally handbuilt by one of the last Japanese masters of moving coil cartridge making.When Mark Levinson auditioned this cartridge, he fell in love with LP's again, and decided to make Rose Petal part of the RRM product line. This model is only available in limited quantities, and only as long as the artisan is able to make them. Each one is a jewel to be treasured."

There have been remarkable cartridges for years!

Anyone who fell "out" of love for LP's isn't an audiophile. What did he go to? Seriously.
True analog sound comes from where else? Phonograph?

[Br @ Feb 28th 2006 4:53PM]

Ah Chilll out ye bunch of moaners!!!

"An Apple a day keeps the windoxx away"

[Ciaran Rooney @ Feb 28th 2006 4:56PM]

Right so all this hype for a speaker? This does not look like an apple product!

[christy @ Feb 28th 2006 4:57PM]

It's the iPod Big-N-Ugly.

[aelso @ Feb 28th 2006 5:04PM]

Apple is an innovative company, but there was certainly nothing innovative about today. Everyone is disappointed. Even the mac enthusiasts are bitterly disappointed. I know I am. Apple's stock closed today at -2.53, which the most significant dips being immediately after the keynote and again after lunchtime.

Well, at least by bank manager is happy.

[Heurrggh! @ Feb 28th 2006 5:08PM]

He he he! Har Har Har! Oooh! I've not laughed so much since Sinclairs C5 electric trike was launched! As people fell about laughing, Clive Sinclair was wittering on about 'advantages and features' like being able to plug it into a normal voltage outlet. Titter! Tell me the one about the Line-In socket again!

[Spectral Flagellum @ Feb 28th 2006 5:24PM]

er... "An Apple a day"... makes people look the other way? keeps their cutomers at bay? makes their employees look... well I'm not even gonna go there.

[Dan @ Feb 28th 2006 5:30PM]

I'm with Paul (number 53), even if he does sound like an effite prick. This is not for the person who is really interested in serious home audio.

[Shmoe @ Feb 28th 2006 5:33PM]

HAAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAAHAAA

How is the iPod supposed to stay in if you pick it up by one of the handles on the end? I've seen better iPod speaker systems at Target.

HAAAAAAAHAAAAAAAA

I'm dying here.
HAAAAA

[Brian Rubinton @ Feb 28th 2006 5:49PM]

If this only had a built-in airport express...

[jrea @ Feb 28th 2006 5:50PM]

They're charging �250 for this in the UK; that's about $450 US.

For that kind of money I would rather a pair of KRK RP5s.

Apple seem to be floating between two markets with this thing; but are ultimately alienating themselves from both.

[camboi25 @ Feb 28th 2006 5:56PM]

Only looks, from what i can tell!!! Please wait a while for the real musical tests to come out. Perhaps the sound is surprising, like the first inMotion. I still prefer audiophile, but u cannot always have that around!

[soundboy64 @ Feb 28th 2006 6:03PM]

Quit whining. Are you going to buy it? No? Then quit complaining, I feel like I'm in kindergarten.

[Ryan Gardner @ Feb 28th 2006 6:03PM]

Hmm... $350? I think I will buy one to replace my charger.

[andy @ Feb 28th 2006 6:18PM]

you can't please everyone all the time. They are just a company who make stuff, i just don't get the "steve owes it to me to create the exact product i want". And of course, Apple can't do right in some folks eyes... my 2 cents... Of course it's not a high end HiFi killer, but look at where they're targeting, kids rooms, dorm rooms, soccer mums can have one on the bench in the kitchen where they stand about all day imagining they're in desperate housewives... it's obviously just a nice add on that means folks who buy ipods will hopefully buy one more product from Apple. I think it'll work. as for the design, it's kinda nondescript, but someone mentioned the klipsch system and that frankly looks like a bad prop from some crap sci fi movie. that is what ugly looks like! this thing is pretty subtle i reckon. i like the look of it. will it give you perfect seperation? no, but that don't mean sh*t to a lot of consumers who will lap this up. Everyone seems to think they've 'outsmarted' Apple by pointing out the shortcomings... you think Apple give a sh*t? you're not the person that'll be lining their pockets! just ask Bose who have made a career out of selling absolutely rubbish systems to people who don't know any better.

man this post is gettting long! bear with me! overall a pretty expected and unsurprising event... but then, it's just a company! they make stuff!

No. 20, you're spot on. expect a range of gucci grills in the summer! seriously though, it's a good option for personalising and people will dig it.

[airpolgas @ Feb 28th 2006 6:19PM]

It can't sound better than the iFi, that's for sure. Where can I get an iFi for $125 again?

[Jpcubed @ Feb 28th 2006 6:19PM]

I don't see what you are all talking about, I have been waiting for a huge white Lego brick to play music on. And what a steal at $350! This will undoubtably sound WAY better than plugging it to my 7.1 Sony system, plus its got one of those great coin lock things for the battery bay. I think the best thing about it is that it doesn't have rechargable batteries made by apple so it will play longer than 10 minutes....

[Chad U @ Feb 28th 2006 6:19PM]

Wow, this is ugly! People keep saying they'd rather have the bose system, which looks much better... but is unfortunetly engineered by bose. They're the folks who tell everyone they make great speakers (marketing) but that's where they spend all their money, not in engineering or manufacturing (quality).

Then again, the source we're talking about here is mp3s anyway. In other words, if you think mp3s and bose produce high quality sound then I'd hate to break it to you but you know less than you think you know about audio.

[Shorty Mack @ Feb 28th 2006 6:52PM]

This was such a let down. Where is the touch screen? Where is the 120 gig ipod? I am already full on my 60 gig. Where are the full movies on iTunes? How about an iPod/Blackberry

or an iPod that has a cell phone as well as it can work as a car radio faceplace so that people wont hold the phone when they drive? Steve !!! you are the bomb !!! but dang what a let down. And just one more thing� how about a real 2 button mouse ????? !!!!!

[Judah @ Feb 28th 2006 7:24PM]

very very underwhelmed. but i am surprised that there was no foresight to add an OUTPUT so as to easily jumper these together. that is if you could afford to purchase more than one brick...hmmmmm...then maybe you could gain some separation for that "stereo audiophile sound" :)

[Daniel @ Feb 28th 2006 7:24PM]

..i'm hating engadget commenters more and more. i used to think digg was bad, but you guys are no comparison. worst of the worst.

[the1casey @ Feb 28th 2006 7:34PM]

#34... I didn't want the damn white earbuds either. I just bought the Aural replacements and they're pretty damn close to the apple ones...

http://digg.com/apple/Colored_iPod_Earbuds_2

As far as this P.O.S. goes, what a waste of space. And Jobs can shove his new $99 iPod sleeze, I mean sleeve, up his arse. I already got one of those free with my iPod.

[mAuLiE @ Feb 28th 2006 7:57PM]

that's just plain lazy.

[Ratbastard @ Feb 28th 2006 8:20PM]

The iPod looks like a growth on top of this thing and the silly little screen makes it look more ridiculous still. There are a bunch of folks knocking this thing saying it will not have good acoustic properties. Lets not forget we are dealing with iPod music, not audiophile stuff. We're one step above the lowest common denominator.

[Jordan @ Feb 28th 2006 8:49PM]

iPods only support mp3s encoded bitrates up to 320kbps. So, even if it was a great sounding system(which it looks isn't really the case..) it would still sound not that great. 320kbps over any loud big sound system still sounds shit.

[o rly @ Feb 28th 2006 8:51PM]

This is odd because it's not necessarily the best looking set, yet it's geared towards audiophiles, which most iPod users arent.

However this device looking "ugly" doesn't matter to audiophiles, as sound matters first; unlike the typical iPod user that goes for looks first.


The most important thing hardly anyone has mentioned is whether it sounds good, which you can't tell yet, most of the comments are about looks.

[Scott Waters @ Feb 28th 2006 8:55PM]

Wow! Look at all the people who just don't get it. I'll save this page so that a year from now when Apple has redefined the small stereo market it can be used to show how ignorant the geeks were again.

The iPod HiFi has nothing to do with what you've seen or heard in the past, like the iPod it creates an entirely new product category and raises the bar on quality. If you think this has anything to do with Bose then you're missing the point. Pay very close attention to the HiFi.

[Aaron @ Feb 28th 2006 9:02PM]

LOL - I am enjoying reading the comments. Funny stuff. Even if you like the system, you have to admit that $350 bucks is WAY over priced. I cant think of a valid reason that someone would buy this over the other similar items out there that are half the price.

At least it gave us all something to laugh at. Thanks for the giggles Steve.

[indolene @ Feb 28th 2006 9:13PM]

If you called it "speakers" and charged a hundred bucks for it (even remove the batteries feature), it would sell like hotcakes.

I'm sticking with my 2.1 computer speakers. Cheaper, louder, just fine.

I have the dock and remote and love them though because putting the iPod on shuffle and then clicking thru songs is boss. Even turned the 2.1's up to the loudest I want them to be and use the remote for the volume. Works like a charm.

[chimpster @ Feb 28th 2006 9:29PM]

Cinder Block Chic!

[matt @ Feb 28th 2006 9:35PM]

wow, apple so could have done better

[jack @ Feb 28th 2006 9:37PM]

It's probably not for everyone but don't knock it until you have a chance to hear one in person.

[John Smith @ Feb 28th 2006 10:07PM]

I don't think anyone expected anything like this, but let's face it, what we might have been dreaming and hoping for could have possibly been over $1000.00. Apple is looking at it from the standpoint of selling something basic and easy to use for the masses (just like the ipod shuffle). While it might be below our expectations, let's face it, it is still going to sell and Apple will continue to make money on ipods and itunes and computers. I have to say that I dislke the Bose system. It is a rip off of the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 1 design, has mediocre sound (indistinguishable from cheaper alternatives), and worst of all is extremely over priced. I don't know about you, but I am holding out for the "Next big thing" that is a big thing for me. To me the ipod looks silly sitting on top of the speaker, almost as if it doesn't belong there, or was an afterthought.

[Bryan @ Feb 28th 2006 10:20PM]

The speaker is *NOT* mono.

It is stereo, with 2 separate midrange drivers playing the 2 channels, with a single woofer.

[Alan DeRego @ Feb 28th 2006 10:22PM]

I wonder what's in store for us on April 1st? (Apple's 30th anniversary)
My pod just died...
new video iPod perhaps...
C'MON Apple!!!