Customer Reviews

JBL On Stage 400ID High-Performance Speaker Dock for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I used to think that no sound system would surpass the quality of sound I have in my car... of course four good speakers connected to a superb stereo in a totally isolated environment (if your windows are closed!) should produce an incredible sound..... well, this speaker started to question what I thought...

I bought the JBL On Stage 400ID after doing some serious research... I went to the Bose and Apple Store. At Apple Store I could try I lot of iPod Speakers... even with the same song... I could listen to the Bose (besides the Bose Store), Altec Lansing, Logitech, iHome, among others, until I finally got to hear the JBL 200ID and it just put an end to my search... The sound was so clear and defined, and really was what I was looking for.... Compared to this one, other speakers, in my opinion, sound muddy or boomy, not clear or crisp enough.... It really made my decision pretty easy!

Then I saw this one on Amazon... the 400ID High Performance. So no doubt I got to go with this more recent and powerful version.

You don't need to read from me all its features and technical specifications since they're on the website, so I'll focus on the sound.

What amazes me the most of this device is the clarity of the sound that comes out of it. I'm talking about really crisp and clear sound!.

It handles lows really good, so you can hear really loud and clear bass sounds, and pretty punchy also if that's the case..... But don't think it is made to be a "Bassy Speaker", so you can hear crisp, clear and articulated treble sounds, being able to produce incredible highs, thus producing an amazing, balanced, quality sound.

Another feature I love of the speakers is that it really fills the room they're in with music... You feel the sound in every corner.

So, if you want a speaker for your iPod that produce a clear, crisp, articulated, quality and really balanced sound, this is the one for you....

JBL On Stage 400ID - High Performance Speaker Dock for iPod.
Out of the box, the unit did not work. Played around with unplugging, plugging back in and/or, turning off/on unit, removing and replacing iPod. The unit eventually produced great sound (for it's relatively small footprint) but it does not work consistently. Have to play with the cord, button and/or remove and replace iPod. There is no apparent rhyme or reason as when it will work or not. Arranging to send back for a replacement. We will see how the next one works.

Will update the review after the replacement arrives. If the unit worked consistently, would have given it five stars for the features & sound quality.

3/18/09 - received the replacement unit and this one DOES work out of the box so far. Will up date again after a burn-in period. It's probably worth noting also that the tech at JBL said it SHOULD work out of the box and recommended returning for a replacement. Here are additional notes about the usage & sound. It was purchased to replace a previous onstage, little donut shaped unit, that was discontinued. I used to use that thing to go from room to room (even outside occasionally for parties/gatherings). I loved it. I read a review that the new on stage II was basically comparable to the 400ID. Based on what I could see via the JBL specs and have heard so far, there is NO way! I am hearing nuances my old iPod tunes I never heard before. I am hearing things that are lost with my PC's Bose Companion 3 series II, which have their own quality issues, i.e. lacking clarity and they emit constant audible hiss (regardless of the volume level/muting). Hopefully, I'll get as much and more enjoyment out of the On Stage 400ID as I did out of the little sibling.
3/19/09 - Only took one day for the replacement to start 'acting up' moved it from one room to another and it would not produce sound without going through the motions of plugging/unplugging, on/off, removing and reseating the iPod a few times. It is working again but for the $, this unit should work consistently. Also, this replacement is brighter than the first 400ID (the first one was a little warmer sounding when it worked).

The unit has alright sound, not a lot of bass. I wasn't expecting sub-woofer bass but I was expecting something with a little fuller sound. Don't expect a lot of volume either. Better sound quality at low volume. Lack of bass gets worse at higher levels. Doesn't work well with the 4th generation nano. The holding fixture doesn't allow it to seat properly and the unit cuts in and out when trying to change songs.

this is the first "high quality" sound equipment i've ever bought. and I've now had it for a few years.

It's amazing. the sound quality and the volume is just shocking.

people are always impressed when i have it playing at parties.

my only complaint is that it doesn't work with android phones.

another bonus is that this will work with any sound coming out of your iphone/ipod which means PANDORA DOES WORK.

When it works with my iPhone 4G this thing kicks butt. Sound quality is great. Charges the iPhone. Almost equal to Bose for less money. Problem I have and this only happens every so often. ( maybe twice a month) It won't recognize my iPhone. So it will not play it. I get around this by unplugging it waiting a few then it's good to go. It's annoying when it happens but not often enough for me not to be happy with it. Only reason I gave it 4 stars.

great sound for such a small unit. little distortion at some high volume bass though, for an extra $50 u can get the bose.

Sounds great but the volume does not adjust very loud.
The clock does not stay accurate.