JBL On Stage II with RF Remote

by JBL

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000BYZNMK
• Item model number: OnStageII
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The JBL On Stage II with RF Remote is a revolution in personal sound for the iPod. The On Stage II is a compact, yet powerful high-performance sound system for iPod and other MP3 players. You can now fill a room with clear, accurate JBL sound with all the volume you can handle. Use the wireless remote to control the music from up to 50 feet in any direction -- even through walls. This device is compatible with most iPod models, including the mini, nano, and 5G versions. (Note: On Stage II does not dock the iPod shuffle.)

In addition to being compatible with most versions of iPod, the On Stage II allows you to enjoy high-quality audio from a variety of other devices, such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), and laptops via a mini stereo jack connection. No matter what device you're using, volume control is a breeze -- just a touch increases or decreases the volume. And if you need to stop the party quickly, touch both pads to mute the system, and then touch them again to bring the music back. The On Stage II is small enough to take on the road for great sound wherever you go. The lightweight, compact sound station can provide full, rich sound in any location. Additional features include the OnePoint iPod connector that provides the connection to your computer, or you can connect the standard iPod cable to the rear of the On Stage II and every time you dock your iPod, you'll be ready for synchronizing and charging.

This device provides power to charge your iPod when it's not connected to the computer -- even if the system is turned off. Just plug your iPod wall charger into the back of the On Stage II and your iPod will charge with or without the system turned on. Adapters for most iPods are provided for easy use of any generation (except the iPod shuffle). Plus, JBL has included an auxiliary audio input cable. The On Stage II combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest sound quality -- you'll be astonished with the bass and clear, accurate sound. All of this great sound is delivered through four aluminum-domed Odyssey transducers that are drive by powerful neodymium magnets. This design provides a full, rich-frequency response from the lowest bass to the highest highs, and the system equalization has been computer-optimized to provide a rich, complete soundstage.

What's in the Box
JBL On Stage II, RF remote control, auxiliary audio input cable, and an user's manual.

Product Description

Building upon the amazing success of JBL On Stage, JBL On Stage II redefines the standard for iPod docking products. When combined with an iPod, the lightweight, compact JBL On Stage II provides rich sound for at-home or at-the-office environments. JBL On Stage II also provides power to charge the iPod even when the computer is in "off" mode. While docked in the JBL On Stage II, the new remote control feature utilizes the latest RF technology to provide reliable control of your iPod from up to 50 feet away. RF technology is more reliable and convenient than infrared control because line of sight with the unit is not required for the remote to work; in addition, longer transmission distances can be achieved. Comprising four Odyssey transducers, JBL On Stage II delivers 12 watts of total power for astonishing bass and clear, accurate sound. The unique sound station is also equipped with easy-to-use touch volume controls, and additional cables for connecting it with other digital music player devices, CD players and laptop and desktop computers. Odyssey Transducers - The four aluminum domed transducers are driven by powerful Neodymium magnets providing a full rich frequency response from the lowest bass to the highest highs COE (Computer Optimized Equalization) - System equalization was computer optimized to provide a rich, complete sound stage OCT (Optimized Compression Topology) - Utilizes a proprietary compression technology to insure clean accurate sound at high output levels Compatible with all iPods Frequency Response 80Hz-20kHz 3.5mm Stereo Line In Power Output - 6 watts per channel Input Impedance - less than 5 Kohm Signal-to-Noise Ratio - less than 80dB Voltage Input - 120 Vac US, 100 Vac Japanese, 230 Vac Europe Dimensions - Diameter 7 inch (175mm), Height 2.0 inch (50mm) Weight - 1.0 pounds (450g)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Helps cure a case of the Mondays in your office space., December 10, 2005

By 

Erik Olson "Seeker Reviews" (Ridgefield, WA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JBL On Stage II with RF Remote (Electronics)

Last summer I purchased an iPod Mini 6GB to ease the stress and boredom of an intercontinental flight. It sounded great with Sony noise-canceling headphones and served its purpose well. However, since then I haven't used it much. So with the advent of the iPod speaker docking stations, I saw the possibility of saving my investment. I wanted one that was cubicle compatible, since I'm unable to use my computer for music CDs. With that in mind, I began my research.

I ran across the JBL On Stage II with remote. Its compact size and clean styling were appealing. It didn't look like it would overpower my desk or irritate management, and it was small enough so I could put it away in a drawer or cabinet if necessary. Also, the remote expanded the placement options on my C-shaped desk surface. Finally, most of the reviews I read were positive (although the earlier model apparently had some issues). Even though I was tempted by the Klipsch Audiophile iGroove Stereo, I went for the On Stage II.

Setup was quick and easy. First, I popped in the plastic adapter for the iPod Mini. Then I plugged in the power cable and inserted my powered-down iPod. Finally, I hit the power switch on the back of the On Stage II, turned my Mini on, and was in business. Since I had to place the On Stage II out of arm's reach, the remote proved its worth right away. I can control the volume so my office mates aren't disturbed (or crank it when they aren't around), and pause it to take a phone call. Of course, I still have to wheel over and manually navigate my iPod to a desired playlist.

The remote is a bit larger than the average flash drive, and it has a clamp on the back so you can attach it to your shirt (I'd prefer a magnet so I could stick it on my metal cabinet cover). Keep an eye on the remote, because it blends in with a busy desk. That, combined with its tiny size, makes it somewhat easy to misplace. The battery is already installed, so it works right out of the box. The manual claims the CR2032-type battery will last for one year under normal usage. To change it, you'll have to remove 3 tiny Phillips screws on the remote's back. It also has a side-mounted on-off switch, although I wonder if the switch can stand up to repetitive use.

I tried out some mp3s of Steely Dan, Boston, and The Alan Parsons Project. Whether the mp3s were compressed at 128kbps or 192kbps, the music was clear and crisp. However, at times it sounded tinny and lacked significant depth. If you like deep, pounding bass with "Anvil of Crom", or demand audiophile quality, you'll be disappointed. For home use, I'd go the Klipsch route. But for background music in an office setting, the diminutive On Stage II is more than adequate flair.

68 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice High End Sound, Tranformer is a Disappointment, April 28, 2006

By 

Daniel F. Boehlke "usadan" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JBL On Stage II with RF Remote (Electronics)

These speaks sound very crisp and sharp with detail for high frequencies. They lack depth on the low end sound but it is acceptable for me. I actually prefer the high-end optimization versus low-end thumping.

I like the general round design. What's really nice is that it projects the sound all around. Many of the in-line type of speakers seems to mute a bit when you move away from the front of them. This design is far more omni-directional.

Lack of battery doesn't concern me since I'm looking for a product that can travel to hotel rooms but I will always be near a plug when I need them. Have my ipod with headphones for when I'm mobile.

The RF remote control is awesome. It is so much better than infrared line-of-site designs like the Logitech mm50s.

The glaring weakness of this design though is the transformer. First off, it is huge and heavy. It seems to weigh as much as the speakers. Secondly, it is 110VAC only transformer. Seems like every other transformer is 110-240VAC but NOT this one. For something near $30 I can order a "european version" but that is only for 240VAC. They need a universal power transformer and it would be nice if it was a bit more compact, or at least would work world-wide even if it is huge. That's the one thing that made me return this other wise very nice product.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Onstage 2 Rocks!, March 19, 2006

By 

Kathryn B. Hampton "K B Hampton" (the S.F. peninsula) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: JBL On Stage II with RF Remote (Electronics)

Recently my husband and I spent a few nights at a nice hotel which kindly supplied the room with a JBL ONSTAGE speaker system for iPods. I was delighted, as I had my iPod Video with me and I was able to really put it to the test. The sound coming from that small unit was nothing short of amazing. I found it to be well balanced, the separation was great and it had plenty of nice clean volume without distortion.
Since then I have tested many other, larger speakers for iPod and keep coming back to this one. For the money and portability factor, it's a small miracle. I'm looking forward to owning the ONSTAGE 2 with remote...can't get much better than that!