Cambridge SoundWorks intros i765 radio / iPod dock

Those looking for a few more features than your standard iPod dock has to offer may want to take a gander at Cambridge Soundworks' new i765 system, which packs in a CD / DVD player and a radio in addition to the usual accommodations for your iPod of choice (including the touch and other recent models). That DVD player, of course, means you'll also be able to hook the unit up to your TV, although it appears that you'll have to make do with either s-video or composite cables. Otherwise, you can expect a sizable LCD display that provides track details, along with a standard remote control, and a built-in powered subwoofer that Cambridge Soundworks claims will help to deliver "rich, natural sound" that's capable of "filling any room of the home." All that sound doesn't come cheap, however, with this system setting you back a full $500.

[Iggy @ Nov 14th 2007 6:34PM]

I've got an earlier version of this unit with a CD drive, and the sound quality is quite good. Not only will it play MP3s burned to CD, there is also a front side auxiliary input so I can plug in any portable media player. It's one of my favorite gadgets. Still, I think the added DVD drive is kind of superfluous.

[Deputy Doffoos @ Nov 14th 2007 6:47PM]

$500?¿?¿?

Let me hear you say: NOOOOOOHHHSSSS

[Reader @ Nov 14th 2007 9:27PM]

Seriously, for 500 (700 if you include the iPod) I can get a pretty good full on Media Center going. Why the hell would anyone buy a $500 dock?

[CoolBradG @ Nov 14th 2007 6:57PM]

I want that. It looks so nice but $500? Maybe someday. :(

[Aaron @ Nov 14th 2007 7:11PM]

Show me a dock with Sirius and I will pay you $500.

[Mikey-D @ Nov 14th 2007 7:14PM]

Ya that pricetag is pretty much a showstopper. I picked up one of the ilife boxes for $75 bucks from Amazon, so apparently a DVD drive costs $425 now? That bad boy should have a Blu-ray or HD-DVD player for that price :(

[mushrooshi @ Nov 14th 2007 7:44PM]

random but:

i765 (the name) is going to confuse some people:

IE: i386 computer architectures?

[Ralph @ Nov 14th 2007 8:43PM]

I have an older, non-CD version of this radio (that survived a house hit by Katrina), with an iPod attached via a simple dock-to-1/8 audio plug; sounds fantastic. My version is a lot cheaper, but I won't knock the Cambridge sound.

[AJ in the East Bay @ Nov 14th 2007 11:33PM]

I have the same one, Ralph. It cost me about $250. It sounds fantastic, but I will admit that it was pricey, even then. I cannot see the $500 on this current one.

[CaptSaltyJack @ Nov 14th 2007 8:46PM]

Oh man, what a rip-off. If this had a mini LCD display and HD radio, then maybe, MAYBE. The fact that this doesn't have HD radio is laughable.

[John M. @ Nov 14th 2007 9:06PM]

It's the same price as the Bose Wave Radio/CD that sells very well. THe SoundWorks has a lot more features although less attractive looks.

I still can't fathom what Bose was thinking by removing all the buttons off the new Wave Radio/CD, I absolutely love my old one but I'm not upgrading without buttons on the top I can hit in the morning in my haze.

[Galley @ Nov 14th 2007 9:20PM]

Hey don't knock it; it's got S-video!

[cenobyt @ Nov 14th 2007 10:52PM]

I must disagree with some of the comments here. The Bose Wave with CD costs the same as this. The Cambridge unit offers DVD/iPod and better sound quality. Much better sound quality. OK so it doesn't look as pretty, but it performs and gives you more bang for the buck.

[AJ in the East Bay @ Nov 14th 2007 11:37PM]

I have heard both and respectfully disagree. The Bose Wave radio is a technological marvel as far as sound is concerned. I have the Cambridge and although it sounds great, it cannot compare against the Bose.

Regardless, Cambridge Soundworks must be dreaming if they think they can get away with that price. Only Steve Jobs can do that. Oh, crap, I did it. I mentioned SJ. People are already lighting their torches. FLAME ON!!

[Jon @ Nov 15th 2007 12:56AM]

B.O.S.E. = Better Off w/ Something Else

"No highs, no lows... must be BOSE."

[joel @ Nov 15th 2007 7:06AM]

Isn't this a Creative Company?

[Teddy @ Nov 15th 2007 2:50PM]

While it may be too expensive for some of you ($699), I think the Denon S-52 is better. It has HD & XM Radio, a better integrated iPod dock and Wi-Fi. Does the i765 have a USB port like the S-52 ?

[candleman @ Nov 16th 2007 11:15AM]

I just received my i765 radio… The sound is amazing, spacious, room filling and with amazing highs and lows. It worked well with my iPod Classic. I watched Die Hard 4 from it and was blown away by the sound in the wide mode. The explosions were powerful and impactful. The video output was clean even on a 52” HD TV. DVD’s played easily and I could easily switch between iPod and DVD Video with no problem. I was surprised when my wife’s iPhone even received calls while docked without a lot of GSM noise. It even worked well with my son’s older 60GB Video. It displays song title and artist on the LCD (iPod or FM RDS), I can see it all the way across the room. The radio reception is great. I enjoy listening to NPR and it is hit or miss in my home due to reception issues. This radio pulled in this station and it was crystal clear, I really enjoyed it. The remote is intuitive and easy to use…. To sum it up $499 seems expensive but it is worth every penny, I just wish it came in white.

[Funkee @ Nov 23rd 2007 5:05PM]

I have no problem with a radio plus integrated DVD player that has a $500 price tag. After all, a few hundred bucks can get you a GPS; but a GPS that is build into a car radio can cost you more than $2000 extra.