Cambridge Soundworks Playdock i Speaker System for iPod (White)

Other products by Creative Labs

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 11.3 x 16.7 inches ; 6.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MS6WMK
• Item model number: 51MF8046AA001
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2008

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description Listen to better hi-fi. The PlayDock i is an all-in-one audio system designed to dock, play, and charge your iPod. Whether it's pure music or the latest Hollywood blockbuster, plug in and be wowed by the powerful 24-Watt RMS subwoofer and high-performance drivers--just the right ingredients to make your music sound better. Videos come alive through the convenient AV output, while the auxiliary-in and headphone jack provide a plethora of entertainment choices, even to your TV. For an engaging 3-D audio experience, turn on the Wide Stereo Effect to be surrounded in audio nirvana.

This all-in-one audio system is designed to dock, play, and charge your iPod.

Hear it Unleash the power of your music with the built-in powered subwoofer with separate bass control.

Watch it Show off photos and videos stored on your iPod with video. Connect to any TV using the included video cable.

Take it Unplug and unwind anywhere. Listen using eight C-size batteries.

Hi-Fi Speaker with iPod Dock
iPod fans rejoice! The PlayDock i is one of the best-sounding portable docking speaker systems. Run the system on batteries, or use the AC adapter to charge your iPod while you listen. Connect to your TV using the dock's video output. PlayDock i has a wireless remote, too, which controls navigation for iPod. But its best asset is Cambridge SoundWorks' signature sound. Featuring two main speakers and a powered subwoofer--with its own level control--PlayDock i delivers awesome stereo sound with the strong, deep bass for which Cambridge is known.

Signature Sound, Compact System
Using Cambridge SoundWorks' high-performance drivers, PlayDock i creates a balanced listening experience with accurate and natural reproduction of music. Its Wide Stereo Effect feature produces a large soundstage with superior stereo imaging. In addition, the PlayDock i features a built-in powered subwoofer with bass control for superior bass response.

Go Anywhere, Play Anything
In the home, the system's video-out connector enables sharing of pictures and videos on a television screen with stunning 640 x 480 resolution. You can charge your iPod player while listening to music or podcasts. And, you can even place PlayDock i near your TV or computer monitor without causing interference. A line-in connector enables use with a variety of other audio players, and a headphone jack provides the capability for private listening.

The PlayDock i's digital amplifiers provide efficient power consumption and long battery life. Because PlayDock i is dual-powered, you have the option of using either eight C-size batteries for continuous music playback on the go, or the included universal power adapter for when indoors. This durable speaker system even has a built-in handle for convenient transportation.

Go anywhere, play anything.

Key Features

• High-fidelity portable iPod docking speaker system--dock and charge your iPod for crystal clear music and podcasts.
• Clean, powerful bass--built-in high excursion powered subwoofer adds deep bass when you need it.
• Dual power--operates with the included AC adapter or eight C-size batteries.
• Video output--connect the PlayDock i to your TV to view photos and watch videos stored on your iPod with video
• Digital amplifiers--maximize battery power while enjoying full, rich sound.
• Magnetically shielded--place it near your TV or computer monitor without interference.
• Bass control--adjust low-frequency output.
• Built-in handle--lightweight and easy to carry wherever you want to listen to music.
• Headphone connector--listen privately to your music.
• Docks with your iPod--works with iPod models with dock connector.
• Line-in--connect to any MP3 player, CD player, or other external audio device.
• Wireless remote--control your PlayDock i and iPod from across the room.
• Protection--Cambridge SoundWorks offers a 1-year limited hardware warranty.

What's in the Box
Cambridge SoundWorks PlayDock i speaker system, wireless remote control, video out cable, power adapter, stereo-to-stereo cable, quick start guide, warranty and technical support leaflet

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best sounding speaker dock for your iPod or other MP3 player!!!, April 18, 2007

By	Art Corvelet "BSC" (Perry Hall, MD United States) - See all my reviews

I've been a fan of Cambridge SoundWorks for several years now and I use their products for my home theater. I was pleased to find that they now offer a solution for my wife's iPod. I use a Creative Zen player myself, but that is a whole other story. The cool thing is that this system will also work with other MP3 players. It's not just for the iPod.

If you want great sound with excellent bass, the Playdock i is for you. I'm not sure what the first reviewer is talking about when they mention tinny sound. This is the best sounding iPod dock that I've heard and I've checked out all of the major brands. I bought this because it's got a powered sub built in with it's own level control. You won't get that in the cheap docking speakers.

Positives:

- Fantastic sound

- Holds the iPod very securely and charges it as well. Includes holders for several iPod models.

- Very useful wireless remote for dock and iPod controls.

- Connects to your TV with the included A/V cable.

- Included line in cable lets you connect other MP3 players for extra usage if you have multiple players in your home.

Negatives:

- Yes, the unit comes with a convenient handle and runs on batteries which is great, but it takes 8 C batteries which is a lot. I guess it needs so many to output the sound, but replacing batteries will get pricey quick. Luckily unless you need to use it on the go, you can just plug it into a wall outlet and you are good to go.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cambridge Soundworks and Creative = Perfect Match!, April 12, 2007

By	Euphonic (San Marcos, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Well, I recently purchased this product based on prior experiences with Cambridge SoundWorks that were very positive. And I have to say, the PlayDock i didn't disappoint! It looks great and sounds even better.

PROS:

- iPod fits very securely in one of six dock adapters (unlike other docking systems where the iPod sits on top and seems to wobble back and forth.)

- Connects to your TV with the included A/V cable.

- Wireless remote controls key features of the dock AND the iPod.

- Charges your iPod (when the dock is plugged into an AC outlet.)

- Included line in cable lets you connect other MP3 players, such as Creative Zen or Microsoft Zune.

- Stereo separation function does a very nice job of opening up the sound of compressed music.

CONS:

- Lack of real portability. Yes, it runs on batteries, but the unit gets a little heavy when you toss in 8 'C' batteries. I wouldn't want to carry it around for very long. ;)

- Strange FM/MP3 button on the remote doesn't seem to do anything (neither the PlayDock i nor the iPod has an FM tuner.)

OVERALL:

I am very happy with the performance of the PlayDock i and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for docking speakers for their iPod.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Rich sound and mindlessly easy to use, July 16, 2007

By	S. M. McCroskey "Mia Mc" (Westchester, New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased the Cambridge Soundworks Playdock for use with my two iPods in my office. I considered the similar Bose unit as well as other iPod speaker systems. I settled on Cambridge based on good experience with their products: all of my living room speakers, plus a desktop radio -- and the price. This unit was $100 less than Bose with a couple additional features.

Set-up is virtually nill: First you have to select the correct holder for your iPod model from among a half dozen that come with it. These are not labeled (that I could see), so you try them until you find one that works. Fortunately for me, the same one that fits my older iPod also works for my iPod video in its rubber sleeve -- the video iPod is thinner, but the case bulks it up. Since this purchase I've acquired an iPhone, but have not dared slot it in to the unit because the unit is not iPhone certified and the power needs could be different.

Once the iPod is in place, turn the unit on and you're done.

The unit has an auxiliary input and comes with a cord with mini-headphone jack. I plugged this into my FM3 Buddah Machine and turned my office into a meditation room. Whether playing the FM3 tracks, or Jimmy Buffett or Mozart from my iPods, the sound quality is delightful. Since it's in my office, I mostly keep the volume rather low. Even so, the tones are even and clear. When I occasionally crank it up to demonstrate to visitors it holds clear right up to an intolerable volume.

Using the separate controller, I keep the sub-woofer around mid-range so as not to thump out my office mates. The unit also comes with a video output to send video from the iPod to a TV. I have not tried this. Also, I have only operated the unit on AC power, although it can run on a bunch of C batteries. Although this features seems useful, I find that when I'm in a place where I want to blast music I have a car or boat stereo available (and ways to get music from an iPod or computer into those systems). However, should you decide to use it as a portable, you can be assured that the iPod is relatively secure in the unit.

The remote control is handy if not totally effective. It's great to turn the unit on and off and adjust the volume from across the room. Although it has controls for the iPod, I can't see the iPod display from my desk, so I usually have to roll over to it to see the music selection.

Finally, it's great to know that when I leave the office at the end of the day I can grab a fully charged iPod from the unit (but don't tell my co-workers that I often leave it there unguarded!).