JBL On Stage Speakers for iPod

by JBL

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4 x 9.5 x 12.5 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006SD4PE
• Item model number: 4952-ONST
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (166 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description Note: For the latest version of the JBL On Stage Speakers for iPod, which is compatible with the Generation 5 iPods and Nanos, see the JBL On Stage B Speakers for iPod.

Listeners love the iPod for a variety of reasons, including its high-quality sound, clever design, and user-friendly functions. Harman Multimedia pays tribute to this efficiency with its JBL On Stage docking speaker system, which broadcasts your favorite iPod music while offering many of the same creative benefits as the iPod itself. The device employs four Odyssey Neodymium drivers to deliver a full spectrum of audio--from profound bass notes to crisp high frequencies--along with computer-optimized equalization that seamlessly blends the tones for clarity. The device makes a natural companion to most versions of the iPod. The JBL On Stage is compatible with all versions of the iPod, except the iPod Photo. It also connects to other portable audio devices, such as MP3 players, CD players, and laptops, via its stereo mini-jack connection., with a sleek, inventive housing that cradles the iPod body while adding a modern touch to your décor. The device is also compact--measuring 7 inches in diameter and 2 inches tall--meaning you can take it virtually anywhere. Merely stuff it in a backpack, suitcase, or car compartment, and enjoy its full-bodied audio while on the road.

The JBL On Stage come with adapters for all versions of the iPod, including the iPod mini.

As with any device that accompanies an Apple product, the On Stage is also remarkably easy to use, with a touch volume control and a full iPod charger. A simple touch of either pad increases or decreases the volume, while touching both pads simultaneously mutes or unmutes the speakers. The On Stage also remembers your last volume setting even after the system shuts down. Charging your iPod is effortless as well--merely plug the iPod wall charger into the On Stage and rest the iPod in the dock. The On Stage takes care of the rest. Listeners can also charge their iPods by plugging the On Stage directly to a computer with the OnePoint connectors. The system charges the iPod whether it's powered on or not.

The JBL On Stage is compatible with all versions of the iPod, including the iPod mini. It also connects to other portable audio devices, such as MP3 players, CD players, and laptops, via its stereo mini-jack connection.

What's in the Box
JBL On Stage, wall adapter, iPod adapters, audio cable, and user's manual.

An important note from JBL:
You may have heard that a very few customers (currently fewer than 1%) have experienced a problem with JBL On Stage.

The problem will present itself in one of two ways: Either the unit no longer works or the volume can't be controlled. This condition may occur ONLY if all of the following conditions are present:

1. You dock your iPod to JBL On Stage while both products are on and
2. A significant charge of static electricity transfers from you to the JBL On Stage volume control and
3. A specific chip was used in your JBL On Stage.

We want to emphasize that there is no safety issue.

JBL is offering to replace your JBL On Stage at no cost to you except for the shipping cost to their warehouse (JBL will pay return shipping), should you have a JBL On Stage with a defective chip. First, find out whether your unit has the defective chip by going to http://www.jbl.com/home/product_support/jblonstage.aspx.

Product Description

Sound station for all iPods

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

197 of 215 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Garbage garbage garbage, February 17, 2005

By 

J Co (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: JBL On Stage Speakers for iPod (Electronics)

I read all the reviews about this product's problems, like its shorting out on the second day...but I didn't believe them. Maybe those reviewers were using it wrong. Maybe they were playing it too loud (I'm too old to listen to loud music, so I figured that wouldn't be an issue for me). Maybe their iPods were somehow the culprit.

Lo and behold, mine did indeed short out on the second day. I got about 10 good minutes of use out of it the first day. Next day, I turned it on, and the speakers crackled even with the volume down low. And every time I hit either volume button I heard loud distortion. Basically, it is now useless.

In short, this product is trash. Amazon would only offer me a refund - I guess I should be glad I won't have to get a replacement and go through the same thing all over again. JBL says 1% of their devices have these problems? Yeah, right.

My advice: STAY AWAY from this defective piece of junk. And believe the reviews - they're actually true. I've learned my lesson.


UPDATED 3/8/05

I went to the Apple Store, took a chance, and bought a new one of these, one with the new chip that allegedly corrected all the problems (I didn't like the sound or the design on any of the other speakers, except for the Bose, which is a bit too pricey for me). Apple said they'd take it back if anything happened within 14 days, and would work with me if anything went wrong after that.

I have to admit, the new model is working great - JBL has sorted out all the problems. I have no static, no shorting out, great sound, working volume controls, etc. etc. I think JBL did understate the original problem - and, to be honest (and refute one reviewer here), not all the defective models showed up in their database (I typed my SN in, and it said it was fine - which was clearly untrue, because Amazon sent me a recall notice).

Net net: if you can get your hands on the new version (Apple stores sell them, not sure if Amazon does yet), you will enjoy this product. It is definitely the best value - great sound for a great price. But make sure you're getting a newer one, not an old one that's been sitting on a shelf for several months.

So now I would give it 3 stars overall (not 5 only because of my initial problems). The product itself is 5 stars.

47 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big sound small package, December 18, 2004

By 

C. Muckle "tcpipdomains.com" (Torrance, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: JBL On Stage Speakers for iPod (Electronics)

I was quite impressed with the volume of the Sound Stage. It sounds great also. Just remember that for the best sound you can adjust the equalizer on your iPod.

Three of my friends now have a Sound Stage based solely on how impressed they were with listening to mine.

It is great for taking on the road and listening to in Hotels rooms etc.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Excellent Product, November 24, 2005

By 

JZ - See all my reviews

This review is from: JBL On Stage Speakers for iPod (Electronics)

I can't really even emphasize how much use and enjoyment I have gotten out of this player in the year I have had it. I might even go so far as to say that I believe you really aren't getting the full value out of your iPod if you don't have these speakers, or at least some other comparable speakers. The sound on these is great, the design is simple and compact yet attractive, and most conveniently of all... your iPod charges while plugged into it.

One thing that might be kind of annoying... if you have a case for your iPod, you'll have to remove it each time you use these speakers. Also, I've never had any problems with these speakers, but apparently there is some sort of malfunctioning chip in some of them. From the sound of it, though, JBL has done as much as they can to fix the problem and replace faulty items.

Overall, I couldn't be much happier with this product and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat.

Also...secret hint: you can mute the player by simultaneously pressing the "+" and "-" button.