Review: iTempo 800 iPod Speakers
When at home, why listen to your iPod through headphones when you can easily connect it to speakers? Ian Waugh chills out and listens to the iTempo…
| Product | iTempo 800 iPod Speakers |
|---|---|
| Company | iTempo |
| Web | www.geniusnet.com |
| Price | £59.99 |
| We like | Syncs with your computer, output iPod video |
| We don't like | Some music may sound a little trebly |
| Rating | 8/10 |
| Requirements |
A veritable plethora of iPod accessories have appeared over the last few years. One booming growth area is iPod speaker systems of which Genius' iTempo 800 is one.
It looks the biz - shiny black (to match black iPods) with a silver grid. There's a choice of docking cradles which fit to the front to suit most iPod models (apart from the iPod Shuffle).
On the back is an AUX In so you can also playback from a CD or another MP3 player. There's also a S-Video output to display iPod video or picture output on a TV, and a USB connection, more of which in a moment.
LEDs on the front indicate activity such as source and power. The unit will also recharge your iPod when it's docked.
The main controls are on the top - On/Off, Volume and Source select. As well as the controls on the unit, you get a small remote control which also includes Track Back and Forward buttons. Slightly bigger would be better. It looks a bit plasticy but it's solid and does the job.
Connect the USB to a PC and you can synchronise data between your PC or Mac and your iPod. This feature isn't found on all iPod speakers and, coupled with the iTempo's ability to recharge your iPod, it means that you can use the iTempo 800 as your main iPod docker. You probably wouldn't need any other device.
So what's it sound like? Well, it's actually pretty good for a speaker system in this price range. It's rated at 20 watts RMS and it puts out a fair punch. Its DRD 3D surround system enhances the audio and it has a good bass response although it may be a bit trebly for some tastes with some types of music.
Conclusion
The sound isn't going to compete with a dedicated hi fi system but for the price, the iTempo 800 is as good as it gets. Add in the docking features and the ability to synch your iPod to your PC and it does most of the things most iPod users need. If you're looking for a set of speakers on this price range, you can't go wrong with the iTempo 800.
