Customer Reviews

JBL On Stage II Speaker and Docking Station for iPod (Black)

5 star:		(62)
4 star:		(42)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I'd recommend the JBL On Stage II for several reasons: the material and build quality along with the attention to detail; the unique, eye-catching saucer design along with a handy, sensitive remote switch; "tight" audio, with exceptionally crisp treble frequencies and adequately deep but not boomy bass.

The cons: Even though the bass is fuller and less distorted than on its smaller sibling, it lacks the convenience of the JBL On Stage Micro, which operates on both batteries and AC (moreover, the power adapter on the Micro is smaller and lighter); the On Stage II has been on the market for a while (2006) and is not fully compatible with recent Apple equipment (e.g. video transport for a Nano 3G or iPhone synching). It plays and charges my Nano 3g and Classic 160 gig but only plays my Touch 2g. In a pinch, it will work fine without the included adapters.

The JBL brand name (Harmon Int.), design and build quality may be worth a few extra dollars, but if audio quality is a primary consideration, the Athena iVoice sounds fuller, deeper, richer than the On Stage II. And if you don't require a remote control but would like the option of battery operation, the Cyber Acoustics iRhythms model for around 35 bucks operates on both batteries and AC and provides surprisingly full-frequencied, undistorted audio quality comparable to that of the On Stage II.

this is hte best ipod speakers you will ever get. JBL sound is amazing! i take mine everywhere, sure I wish it could be battery operated, but its nothing to deter you from getting this one. with video ipod it works like a tv! we use it in hotels, on cruises, anywhere you want to watch your videos, either outloud or plugged into headphones. the sound quality is amazing!!! sure the only one that has better sound is BOSE but that one is about $400 and its huge! this one is small and compact, the remote works great and clips onto your belt, shirt or pocket, this little system is so sleek, and it charges your ipod instead of having to connect it to the computer! if you are looking for ipod speakers these are the only ones to get!

This is not to be your main speaker. It is small and the sound is a bit screechy. But for small tasks -- like background music for falling asleep or having a cozy dinner -- it will do well. Main problem is the bass. Cannot possibly deliver good bass. But it is a very good system if your expectation matches its size.

I bought this mainly to listen to in my medium sized bedroom, but found it also filled my larger living room with undistorted sound on most songs played at low to medium high volumes. Impressive crystal clear sound on vocal solos as well as great clarity on instrumentals featuring solo piano, flutes and harps. Fair sound on bass up to medium-high volume levels, but go past that and the bass distorts or may sound flat at lower volumes on certain songs. Only metal heads and those who crave a bass thump and generally blast most songs will be left wanting. I compared this side by side to a supposedly competitive product - Logitech's mm50 - and there's no contest. The mm50 achieved roughly half the volume level of the OnStage and sounded like a distorted transistor radio. I highly recommend the OnStage II if you are looking for a very small footprint (7" diameter takes up no space. base unit weighs one pound) with very impressive sound for the size consideration that's also aesthetically pleasing. JBL even went so far as to provide peel off black sticker covers to mask your iPod's white dock insert. At first I thought it was going to look chintzy but it blends in with the base unit color perfectly to obliterate all traces of the offending white insert. The super tiny RF remote works across the room and through obstacles. All around sweet deal.

I returned this and got the 'P' version (all black including the speaker screen). The new version charges the new ipods (new nano 4G, itouch, iphones). Plus it's shielded so it doesnt screech when u have an iphone attached to it and u get a call.

Nice size...great sound...very sensitive remote. I ONLY wish that it allowed you to pop in batteries for better portability. It has a MASSIVE AC adapter, by-the-way!

I just purchased this item. I love it so far. I was impressed with the sound quality and the design. Pefect for a small room or office. Very easy set-up. Very user friendly.

I was in Best Buy looking for a small but loud IPOD dock for my bedroom. I came across the shelf that had many models displayed. I chose this one on looks alone cause the sound for the display models was not working. Of course i knew if it was crappy i wld just bring it right back. I got home plugged it in , sat my IPOD on Top and i was VERY IMPRESSED. the sound is great, great bass and the remote is great. I would highly recommend this product and may be getting an additonal one for my living room!

After reading so-so reviews, I went to check it out at a store. The saleslady talked me into this one over the others (Logitech & iHome)--she actually did know what she was talking about. The sound is great for something this size and price! I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and no matter where I put it, I can hear it clearly everywhere.

I only have one qualm (reason for 4 stars over 5)--I can't get this remote to work regularly. Other reviewers have complained that it works too well and turns other things on and off, but I can barely get it to do anything. Once in a blue moon it will work. I'll call cust serv and see how they respond...

We bought this speaker docking system for our son's room - we wanted something with good sound but also something that was small and stylish. This fit's the bill - The speakers sound much better than other system's within the price range. The black docking system seemed to be selling for almost half as much then the white or pink one - no idea why. the reasons I didn't not give this item 5 starts is that 1. It HAS to be plugged in to the wall to work - it would be nice if it had a battery option that was it would actually be portable. 2. Although the speakers sound good, it's no Bose system, but for the price we think it was a good buy. 3. The speakers sound good to a point, we use the system on a low volume, it doesn't sound great when you turn the speakers up to a loud volume. Hope this helps.