The iHome iP1 is iHome’s superb attempt at building a quality iPod dock yet. It is a $300 machine. If you want to know the reason then read the following review of mine.
The iHome P1 is an iPod/iPhone dock. If you put it in your iPod, then it will back it up with speakers. It includes following:
• Speakers of 2x 4″ honeycomb woofers and 2x 1″ silk dome tweeters
• Bongiovi Acoustics Digital Power Station (a glowing B button)
• First 100% active digital signal processor on an electronic product
How does it all sound?
I am completely impressed and underwhelmed by an over-emphasis on re-verb that oft-creates an artificial echo.
My opinion changed by the song for that glowing B button. From the speakers, pop music sometimes projects better but for instance, Sgt Pepper becomes a murky mess when you hit that tempting blue button.
Like a $300 iPod dock, the iP1 sounds good. I was also impressed with the P1’s design-forward, smoked acrylic frame. If you wish to see the looks of the iP1 and desire an iPod dock, then go for it. I am looking for something like iHome to work a little harder for my love and money.
The Bitching So, why cannot the P1..
• Connect to the iPhone through a custom app (EQ display, etc)?
• Mic/Amplify/Work In Any Way With speakerphone calls?
• Dial a number through its oversized remote?
• Support A2DP audio streams (no dock needed)?
• Output video through HDMI instead of component?
• Floor me with sound quality?
I do not wish for 1000 functions and not asking it to decode the human genome. I want invisible, practical and attainable utility that I use daily. You know, for $300, in 2009.
• Respectable sound quality
• Unique design
• Bongiovi DPS is nothing particularly special
• Barebones functionality: cheaper iHome products have more features
I hope you are also agreeing with me.
