iPod and the SpeckTone

If the Hi-Fi was a little late-century minimalist for you, peep Speck's new SpeckTone, the only iPod dock with real-simulated 1950s design stylings to get your be-bop on, dig? It's not only old school on the outside; the $150 SpeckTone has analogue innards for a "richer" sound (somehow we have a feeling there ain't no tubes in there), a 4-inch sub and 28 watt speakers, as well as a green backlit volume knob to offset the glossy lacquered wood cabinet. It really was a different time, wasn't it?

[dzieci @ May 30th 2006 11:49AM]

Looks real nice and price is good :)

[Comrade Penguin @ May 30th 2006 11:52AM]

Now thats sexy. Don't like the knob though, doesn't really fit the rest of the design. I'd have prefered something with a bit of wood in it but that would probably cost more. As for analog innards, digital amps are pretty rare, digital speakers are impossible so its not really a claim to fame is it....

[embee @ May 30th 2006 12:02PM]

Reminds me of the Tivoli Kloss Mark Series. As pretty as this is, I don't need any more old-school table radios.

[iDZ @ May 30th 2006 12:11PM]

i actually like the knob. what bothers me is the prominent logo on the front. one thing the iPod got right is having the logo on the back.

[narco @ May 30th 2006 12:11PM]

I checked the website and they also come in black and white. The white one looks fantastic -- i'll probably end up buying that and selling my current iPod speakers.

Fishes,
narco.

[Ralph Zeuss @ May 30th 2006 12:12PM]

"Analogue innards for a richer sound"? What kind of meaningless vague marketing speak is that? Ipods have no digital audio out, of course the audio path is analog, just like on every other iPod stereo....

[SideSwipe @ May 30th 2006 12:39PM]

The 70's called... they want their stereo back. ;)

[joshman @ May 30th 2006 12:48PM]

#7

Just because the audio path is analog that doesn't mean the amplifier is. Ever take a look at your local electronis's stores HTIB systems. They all have analog inputs but use a digital amplifier. They all have something else in common, they all sound like utter crap.

Analog Amplifiers > Digital Amplifiers. Now if only it used tubes...

Digital isn't always better, especially when it comes to audio. I'll take Vinyl over CD for audio quality any day.

[diulei @ May 30th 2006 12:54PM]

I was unaware that the mildew-green was popular in the 1950's. 1970's yes, but I guess I was born in the 80's so I wouldn't know.

Anyways, check out their site, the black version and white version of the speakers look nice.

[Darrin @ May 30th 2006 1:16PM]

HOw does the sound quality compare to that of the hifi?

[YourNameHere @ May 30th 2006 1:37PM]

Wow, that looks a lot like an old bose wave radio with a new case and no LCD, complete with the chunk sticking out the back-right side.

[idude135 @ May 30th 2006 2:17PM]

Hmmh, I wouldn't buy a speaker system from an unknown brand unless it looked avant garde, not retro. Oh well...

[josh @ May 30th 2006 3:12PM]

if you pull the audio from the dock connector (as opposed to the headphone jack), that's analog not digital? i just assumed that the dock connector was a digital one.

[coprock @ May 30th 2006 3:16PM]

#8: Before you universally dismiss digital amps, try sonic impact's t amp or super t amp or any of the modded versions such as Red Wine Audio's Clari T Amp. You may be pleasantly surprised.

[Reid Sorenson @ May 30th 2006 3:57PM]

This thing looks awesome... if only it had an AM/FM tuner built in, I'd be all over it. Sometimes I forget my iPod at home, but still want background music in my office.

[Mike @ May 30th 2006 4:06PM]

Just pre-ordered the black one. Won't ship for about 2 weeks (6/12). UPS Ground shipping was reasonable.

[Chad @ Jun 19th 2006 3:36PM]

Well, I ordered the green one. I just think it'll look great in my office. Read a review on the net that said the sound is like a "really good clock radio." And, while that's not too encouraging, I'm looking forward to it's arrival, anyway.

[Freddy @ Oct 15th 2006 2:15PM]

I ordered the green one a couple of weeks ago for $119.00 from a company called HB Audio-Video over the net. It arrived last week and I set it up in my office. I was very pleasantly surprised at the sound quality ( a little too much bottom-end, but I adjusted the treble boost on my i-pod to compensate). Having tested other i-pod speaker systems, truth is, I was not expecting much, but I had fallen in love with the design and the price of this unit. I too wish it had a FM tuner and even a simple remote control to adjust the volume when the phone rings. Overall though, I'm extremely happy with the product. By the way, HB audio-video is selling the black and white units for $69.00! You might want to check it out. I don't have the web address, but just do a search, I'm sure you'll find them.

[Fidissimus @ Dec 6th 2006 2:35AM]

I picked one up in white a few months ago. I will have to say that it sounds a whole lot better than a lot of the iPod docking stations out there. At least this one doesn't sound tinny. (So annoying) And filled a good size living-room with full sound. For the price I found it was worth it - plus it looks pretty cool even if it can't make up it's mind about what era it came from. And really who cares, I want to listen to it, not look at it. For that I'll buy a TV.

[X-phile @ Dec 8th 2006 2:03PM]

Aesthetics aside (I happen to like the retro minimalist styling), the sound quality more than justifies the price. (Fry's $79.99) I would have to say the sound is clear and full although it does not have the dynamic sound and imaging like a Bose would. The amplification is more than adequate for most occasions. Those looking for "Boom" need not apply. About the only gripe for me would be the Docking station which just looks like it's waiting to be broken by some tipsy guest at your next party. Great value in my opinion. Blows everything in this price range out of the water in my opinion.

[YK @ Feb 14th 2007 4:37PM]

I just got an iPod remote control and this speaker is on the way (green, of course). Does anyone know if I will be able to use the remote while the iPod is docked in it???? I'd be really irked if...