Customer Reviews

Boston Acoustics Duo-I Plus iPhone/iPod Dock AM/FM Stereo Radio and Clock Functions (Gloss Black)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

This is my second Boston Acoustic product. I pre-ordered this Duo-I-Plus because of the iPhone function. My friend has a BOSE and he even thinks the sound is better than his. Just can not say enough about this product..

I agree with most reviews, this is a solid unit with a great sound. But be aware of a very low buzzing noise. If you intend to have this unit by your bed and your room is quiet you'll hear a constant low frequency (very disturbing) noise. I've contact the manufacture and they've told me it was normal, part of the transformer. In my case this was not OK and I removed the unit form my bedroom. Now in another area the noise is not noticeable and the everybody likes it and comment on how good and full the sound is. So, if you don't want to use it by your bed I'll say it's fine piece of electronic.

UPDATE: DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!!!! We have had it now for just over a year and have to return it twice; we have sent it back for repairs twice and now that the warranty has expired it has developed a new problem with its alarm system.

Long story short: this is NOT a reliable product.

For this money it should work flawlessly instead of screwing up constantly.

I bought this for my teenage daughter, she wanted an iPod speaker system with alarm clock. At first we looked at the i-Home, but then I saw this. Knowing Boston made great sounding equipment I decided to give it a try. The moment we turned this on my immediate impression was WOW!!! This sounds really good!! Controls and settings are easy to use and it comes with a small remote control. The remote has a handy magnet on the back which allows you to stick it to the front speaker grill or as my daughter does, to a metal lamp near her bed so it does not get misplaced. The unit comes with a bunch of adapters for many versions of iPods.

I emailed Boston Acoustics support to ask about two problems I was having. I was told to ship the unit in for repair/replacement. So I sent the unit in, but they sent the unit back to me untouched:

- The "360º snooze bar (touch-sensitive outer trim)" actually doesn't work. At all. I was informed that it has been completely disabled due to AM radio interference. I'm not sure why they still list it as a feature. You'd think not having a snooze bar on a clock radio would be deemed important enough to fix. Fortunately I don't use it.

- There's a very slight buzzing sound at low volume levels if you use it in a very quiet area. I was informed: "This small buzz is normal and is just the transformer being picked up at near zero volume." I figured that it was likely transformer buzz, but that doesn't make it acceptable! I kind of expected a little more from Boston Acoustics than just dumping excuses back to me. If you plan to place this next to your bed in a quiet area, you will likely be annoyed by the buzz. Mine is placed on the opposite side of the room, so I normally don't notice it unless I'm right next to the unit.

I would have returned the unit for a refund if either of these issues affected my normal use. I have no idea why support would have told me to send the unit in if both issues were considered within design spec.

That said, I really like the Duo-i Plus. The sound is phenomenal at normal volume levels, and unlike most clock radios you can crank it up to high volume levels during the day and still get great sound.

Also unlike most clock radios, it feels and looks very solid. I appreciate that the clock display automatically adjusts its brightness. My previous iHome clock radio was often either too dim or too bright, depending on whether the lights were out. The Duo-i Plus is made of high quality materials and you can tell.

It's really difficult to find a good clock radio that works with iPhone. This is my favorite so far.

After 4 crappy years of dealing with the iHome this baby came to my house thanks to some coupons and it sounds great. The set up is kindergarten level and took 5 minutes. The sound is phenomenal. The iPhone link is perfect. Major quality of life improvement.

I wanted good speakers for my ipod and my laptop when I play DVDs. Bose and Klipsch both sound good, but no better that the Boston Acoustics Duo and the Duo has a clock radio and lots of other features like a front input for non-ipod sources.

The duo looks sharp and has a pretty blue dimming clock.

It's all I wanted; all in one!

I own a Bose ipod dock. This product sounds better at less the price! I would highly recommend it.

this radio worked great for about eight months, great sounding radio
great looking radio.
not the best function layout, but not horrible
too bright even on the lowest setting, but all in all it WAS a good sounding radio
Until after about eight months it started to act up, the it failed all together
it wouldn't shut off and it wouldn't hold a station, it was toast
at the same time my buddies radio, which he bought on my recommendation
bit the dust, then after that , i heard from yet another friend
that his Boston Acoustics failed twice until he gave up on it all together
obviously BA has issues
never again

I received the system two weeks ago, and with some operating experience, here are my comments:
1. Sound - the sound is excellent for such a small system. The bass setting from the factory may be too high for some small rooms, so just turn it down, as it is very easy to do and has a wide range. However, if you put the system in a large room, you will be thankful for the strong and tight bass response. From my perspective, the system sounds as good as the small Bose system.
2. Noise/buzz - some of the previous reviews noted a buzz at low volume. There is a very week buzz at zero volume, so just turn the system off instead of leaving it at zero volume. At low, medium or high volume with any source playing, I could not hear any buzz.
3. Alarm - read the instructions, and once you get the hang of it, it is easy to use. I especially like the ability to set the time and the alarm backward and forward in time (don't have to go through a full twelve hour cycle just to set the alarm back 10 minutes). All of the alarm functions work well. The snooze bar is a nice touch and worked flawlessly. All inputs worked with the alarm, AM, FM and iPod/iPhone. Dual alarm functions are a nice touch as well.
4. Controls - given the limited number of knobs to control the system, it does take some reading and practice. Again, once you get the hang of it, it is very easy to use.
5. Alarm light - does not go completely dark. The light is very weak and should not keep you awake. Sort of like a very week night light, which as already saved my toes twice. If it still bothers, put a post-it note over the display.
6. FM - excellent reception
7. AM - average reception, but I don't listen to AM, so no big deal
8. iPod/iPhone - excellent sound
9. Other - I do not use the video out feature, therefore I did not test it.

Overall, if you are looking for a high quality small sound system, that looks good and has nice alarm features, this is a very good option. I am very happy with the system.