Best High-End iPod Music Systems

The Bose SoundDock Series II is compatible with the Apple iPod and iPhone. New features have been added, such as an auxiliary input jack for adding a CD or DVD player or an MP3 player. The supplied remote control operates power, volume and lets you browse the playlist on your iPod.

The Tannoy i30 is a tabletop or wall-mounted iPod music system with contemporary styling. The i30 has natural tone qualities that make it easy to listen to whether sitting on your desk or across the room. The i30s notable features include an optional bracket for wall-mounting, the first I’ve seen with this capability. It’s compact size makes it well suited for placement on a desk, nightstand or kitchen countertop. Additionally, the iPod can be synched with the iTunes music site while it’s docked in the i30 via the rear panel USB socket (cable not included). If you’re looking for a stylish, portable tabletop system with a clean, detailed sound quality that’s easy on the ears, check out the Tannoy i30. Read my full review of the Tannoy i30.

The GEORGE Radio is tabletop music system with a white finish and two silver speaker grilles. The basic model can be customized with optional Cherry wood or Natural Walnut wood side panels and a variety of grille cloth colors to match almost any room decor. Between the two speakers, the GEORGE has a clock with a large, easy-to-read LCD display, eight lighted function buttons, a prominent multi-function knob and additional playback controls. When the display is detached from GEORGE it becomes an RF wireless remote to control its many features. The detachable remote control operates all of the functions of the GEORGE, including volume, tone controls, radio stations, alarm clock, and all iPod functions. Read my full review of the GEORGE Radio.

B & W, or Bowers & Wilkins is widely known for its avant-garde high-end audio products, so it might seem a surprise that they’ve introduced a tabletop music system and docking station for Apple iPod users. But leave it to a company like B & W with its high-end heritage to make a tabletop system worthy of audiophile praise. The Zeppelin is not just another me-too iPod docking station, but a music system that will impress critical ears and thrill casual listeners. For some, it could easily be a primary music system, and even replace a receiver, CD player and speakers in the family room. The Zeppelin is available with a suggested retail price of $599.95 at Apple stores or from the Apple website. Read my full review of the B & W Zeppelin.

The AktiMate Active Speaker System is a two-way speaker system that takes iPod and MP3 sound to a new level of high fidelity. The sound qualities of the AktiMate system could easily be compared with more expensive bookshelf speakers. As I listen to the system across the room from my desk while writing this review, I find it to be a powerful, impressive system, enjoyable to listen to for long periods. It’s a very good speaker system with balanced tonal quality that casual and critical listeners will enjoy. When combined with its many other features, it’s a real winner. The AktiMate system would be a great choice for an office, bedroom, or as a main stereo system in a dorm room or apartment. Read my full review of the Aktimate system.