What stereo systems are designed for use with the iPod?

Please note that this Q&A was written on October 11, 2006 and covers stereo systems available at that time. There is a more recent version of this Q&A available as well. However, those with iPod models released on September 12, 2006 and earlier still may find this Q&A useful.

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of stereo systems explicitly designed for use with the iPod models. Covering all stereo systems with iPod docks is outside the scope of this Q&A, but several iPod stereos include the Apple iPod Hi-Fi, Altec Lansing inMotion iM7, Bose SoundDock, and JBL On Time (shown below in clockwise order).

Photo Credit (Clockwise from top left): Apple Computer, Altec Lansing, Bose, JBL

Please note that these images are not to scale. The Apple iPod Hi-Fi (top left) measures 17" by 6.6" by 6.9", and is quite a bit larger than the other three. The pictured iPods can be used for an idea of relative size.

All of these stereo systems are compatible with the iPod 3rd Gen and later full size iPod models, as well as the iPod mini and iPod nano models. iPods without a dock connector, including the original iPod, iPod 2nd Gen, and iPod shuffle models, are not compatible (although the JBL On Time can support these via a stereo mini jack). Each has a remote except for the JBL On Time.

Apple claimed that with the iPod Hi-Fi, you can:

Just slide your iPod into the built-in Universal Dock to turn on and tune in to digital music as you've never heard it before. From pumping bass to bright treble, iPod Hi-Fi delivers natural, room-filling sound. Close your eyes and you'd think you were listening to a huge stack of speakers.

Altec-Lansing stated that the inMotion iM7:

Delivers full-bodied sound that rivals traditional home stereo systems. Its sleek, compact design goes where you go. Mobility is encouraged via the iM7’s long lasting battery mode. Or plug into a nearby outlet for AC power. The iPod recharges while you listen. Your dockable iPod is secured within a patent pending universal cradle that gracefully opens and recesses with the touch of a finger.

Bose, known among audiophiles more for marketing than sound quality, boasted that:

The SoundDock system is designed to play your favorite tracks with crisp clarity -- allowing you to discover subtleties in your music that used to simmer beneath the surface. A host of proprietary technologies adds vitality and realism to your tracks. With Bose proprietary acoustic design, you enjoy a full, rich sound that's greater than you'd expect from a system this small.

With the slogan "Wake Up. Rock Out", JBL noted:

The upward-firing tweeter and horizontal low and midrange transducers provide a 360-degree sound field. JBL On Time includes a radio, clock and dual alarm, and is the world’s first time machine to include a menu-driven, intuitive user interface.

The always excellent iLounge has reviewed a number of iPod stereo systems, including the Apple iPod Hi-Fi, Altec inMotion iM7, Bose SoundDock, and JBL On Time. The equally superb MacWorld also has reviews of dozens of iPod stereo systems, likewise covering the Apple iPod Hi-Fi, Altec inMotion iM7, Bose SoundDock, and JBL On Time. You may find it useful to read through these reviews in pursuit of your ideal iPod stereo.

Ultimately, which one to purchase is entirely your decision. You should listen to each, along with others of interest, and choose the one that sounds the best to you, offers the features you want, and is within your price range.

Site sponsor PowerMax sells the iPod and a variety of iPod-compatible stereo systems, free of sales tax.