I'd been looking for a portable, battery-operated speaker system for my 5th Generation 60GB iPod Video that would really deliver on audio quality. I've listened to a number of very small speaker systems, many over $100, and been utterly disappointed by their tinny sound and distortion at even moderate listening levels.
After reading many reviews, I settled on the iM7 portable audio system. And, considering the truly outstanding sound the Altec Lansing FX6021 provides for my home computer, I already had good experience with the manufacturer.
But despite the glowing reviews, I was still surprised how good this system sounds on a very diverse mixture of music, from classical to vocals to pop, rock, and even dance. The sound is rich and full-range, using the built-in subwoofer and passive radiator for bass, and separate drivers for midrange and treble for each channel. And, you can adjust treble and bass settings, albeit only from the remote.
Even better, this unit can really crank up the volume to fill a large room, an outdoor patio or an area at the beach without distortion. In fact, I've taken this to the beach several times and everyone was shocked that it could pump out good quality sound even on a windy day with a group of 20 people in our area. (At the highest levels, you'll definitely hear some distortion from bass notes on heavy dance music. What do you expect from a 5" sub-woofer?)
The design and build quality are outstanding. This is one solid unit, and nicely complements the iPod, regardless of what color you own. The iPod itself mounts in a cassette-like mount with adapters and a thickness adjustment for handling all major iPods (except the shuffle, which you could play through the audio in, or pay extra for an adapter). The front of your iPod is not protected, however, so it's a good idea to have a protective film to prevent scratches, especially with sliding the iPod in and out of the cradle. (I use PowerSupport CrystalFilm protector.)
You use your iPod controls to select music, videos, photos, or playlists since the remote control only has settings for next/previous track, volume up/down, bass up/down, treble up/down, and power. And Apple's newer iPods support Alarm-Clock functionality giving you a nice (if not expensive) wakeup with your music.
Altec Lansing makes a carry case for the iM7 that is well worth the money. It fits snugly, has a small pouch for carrying a cable or two (not much else), and a shoulder strap.
IMPORTANT NOTE: make sure you order this new at Amazon or its partners, as the latest packaging includes additional adapters for the iPod Nano and the 5G Video iPods (30GB or 60GB).
Advantages:
- outstanding sound quality across a variety of music genres
- minimal hiss or other noise during silent passages or track gaps
- outstanding build quality (really feels solid)
- ingenious iPod docking mechanism, similar to the cassette players of yesteryear; includes adapters for every major iPod (including nano, mini, and 30/60 Video) - adapter for iPod Shuffle is extra cost
- ability to adjust treble and bass settings, albeit only from the remote control
- video out (composite and S-Video) for iPod Photo and Video
- stereo audio in (mini phone jack) for additional sources or non-iPod players
- headphone jack (but frankly, why bother?)
- power button is synchronized to the iPod; when you power off the iM7, it places your iPod on Pause
- when plugged into the wall, charges your iPod (it does not charge your iPod when running on battery power)
- universal power adapter with international plugs
Disadvantages:
- not the lightest system, epecially with batteries (10+ pounds)
- stereo separation isn't outstanding, but who would expect that from a portable system?
- no ability to see treble or bass settings - you just have to listen to what sounds good
- the built-in handle isn't very comfortable; I ordered the carry case to sling it over my shoulder
- it can eat through batteries; expect about 10-12 hours from 8 "D" alakine cells; it's ashame it didn't include a built-in rechargeable pack as rechargeable "D" cells are expensive, as are their chargers
- included power adapter doesn't have a long cord, as you would expect for a unit that could be used outdoors; expect to use an extension cord unless you're running on batteries or near a power outlet
- remote control doesn't have the greatest range (10 feet) and must be aimed directly at the unit
- as another reviewer wrote, installing and replacing the battery on the remote control requires two hands and some dexterity
Despite the detail I've included here, the advantages and sound quality of this unit are so superior that I still give it a 5-star rating despite the minor disadvantages I've noted.
Also, early units were susceptible to problems with the loading mechanism, since fixed. I have had no problems with my new unit, but a number of refurbished units are being sold by some vendors.
IMPORTANT NOTE: the inside of one battery cover mentions that if you don't intend to use the unit on batteries for some period of time that the batteries should be removed to avoid draining. It is easy to miss this warning, but it definitely should be followed! I drained two sets of batteries before I discovered this.