iHome iP1 isn't bad for an iPod dock, packs a Bongiovi punch
By Paul Miller 
posted May 14th 2009 1:04PM
posted May 14th 2009 1:04PM
Enter the new iP1 dock from iHome, which kicks off a new "Studio Series" for the manufacturer, and features "Bongiovi Digital Power Station processing" to bump up the quality. Tony Bongiovi, audio engineer and cousin to Jon Bon Jovi, developed the DPS technology to improve sound in "compromised" environments like cars (it's currently used by JVC in car stereos), planes and low-quality speakers, and is specifically tuned for its output device. The upshot is that the iP1 brings volume and clarity to the low and high end of the audio, especially in older recordings that haven't already been compressed to high heaven, where details and oomph would be absent given the limited hardware. Sure, the result isn't an "accurate" picture of what was recorded -- you still need studio monitors to do that -- but it makes most things sound "good" without adding the ruination of many digital audio enhancement techniques, and we even picked up a couple details in a favorite song of ours that's received heavy rotation on our home system. It also had the unfortunate effect of turning a Bob Marley song into a bit of a banger (a "Could You Be Loved In The Club," if you will) but can thankfully can be deactivated at the press of a button.
The dock itself packs a 100 watt amp, two 4-inch woofers and two 1-inch tweeters. The included remote can handle custom EQ in addition to switching Bongiovi on and off, and there's also component video out and full iPhone support. It should be hitting stores in the middle of July for about $299.
Dont you mean iBongiovi ?
Someone may get sued using derogatory "bong" references to its name. :)
I think it's a pretty nice design but the price...???? Price it $100 less and then we can talk.
that's how I feel about it too...
How to these sound relative to the Bose iPod docks?
Hehe... Bose...
Bose:
Buy
Other
Sound
Equipment
Yea Bose is expensive but it's actually good shit, unlike most things that are that overpriced compared to the competition. And to answer the question, probably not as good. I have an old iHome that's starting to fall apart on me so I couldn't give you a good answer. My iHome has been good, but it's time for a replacement
"Yea Bose is expensive but it's actually good shit, unlike most things that are that overpriced compared to the competition. "
Behold fellow engadgeteers, the power of marketing in all its glory.
No aj, Bose is not good shit. Go on any sound enthusiast or audiophile forum and you'll get laughed out of the place for saying that Bose is good.
Read this:
http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html
Bose works best when connected with Monster Cable!
From what I've heard in demo's and seen in peoples homes, Bose ain't that bad. Granted it ain't reference quality and it's not going to produce "warmth", "color", or whatever vague adjectives "audiophiles" like to use. Bose messes with the input signal and produces a sound that is pretty damned good considering the hardware. "Audiophiles" (yeah I'll continue to use the quotes when using the term) are just pretentious hardware junkies. Since what Bose produces isn't exactly what was recorded, then supposedly it's junk. And since the cones aren't made out of aged calf skin soaked with essential oils from Micronesia, they must be junk too. Post-processing to optimize constrained hardware takes loads of research. Bose does that. I've drank from the "Bose is crap" Koolaid in the past, but I've since realized that I have been victim of a meme. Using the opinion of sound nerds on some random forum is no argument.
That being said. Bose is not the best. But it is pretty cool, the sound that they can mimic using little ass speakers and a sub woofer or tuned resonant chambers. I've also known people who used to work at Madrigal and can tell you that it's as much of a gimmick as any marketing Bose produces. Krell is also overpriced, but at least it ain't as outrageous.
I was going more along the lines of what Ken J said...I'm NOT saying I'm remotely an audiophile (which is why I didn't even bother to go to that link) or that I actually know half of what he was talkin about with the specifics on what their speakers do or even that Bose is the best, but that the sound produced from those tiny speakers is pretty ridiculous (to me at least). And I was more trying to answering Chris's question, how the Bose dock was relative to the iHome having owned an iHome for a few years
All you need to know about BOSE:
http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html
I am an audiophile. I've owned several sets of BOSE speakers over the years, and I cannot recommend them. That's my opinion, YEMV.
Keep The Faith rocks !!!
Anyone else think this looks a lot like the picture of Johnny 5 and HIRO a few articles below this?
... pack a what?
This is interesting, I've met that guy Tony Bongiovi. He lives down here in West Palm. I've been to his studio, actually partied there lullz.
He has a crazy ass setup in his studio, I've even seen a commercial for the Bongiovi DPS on their computer. There's like 6 rasta's in this white guys car when he turns on the system. lol
Beautiful design! Might have to pick one up for the bedroom....
looks like two eyes:) Great design!
recession antidote?
Hot. I'd pay $200.
I wonder how it compares to this:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2466
At $300 less, if it's anywhere close to it, it should be awesome.
Whoa definitely not feelin the blimp look lol
Guys, You Give Engadget A Bad Name
What if you want to watch something on there? Can it attach horizontally?
Can't expect it to sound as good as Bose. It's too ugly for me. It should cost around $200 and will be even cheaper.
Shot to the heart. HOT! Price point should be 129.99
B&O should bring one out to shut those BOSE fanboys.
At least they will look much MUCH better.
It's like an art piece itself, for example the banana phone, BeoCom 4.
Is that a magnet on the glass to hold the pmp in place?
This unit is now available at Best Buy and is sounds incredible!
How would this one perform vs the Kicker IK501?