Everyone loves a fire engine--and this one is multidimensional. | JBL On Stage Micro Portable iPod Speaker...

electronics: JBL On Stage Micro Portable iPod Speaker and Docking Station (Red)

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	• JBL On Stage Micro Portable iPod Speaker and Docking Station (Red) JBL JBL average customer review:based on 22 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Amazing Price Point for This Level of Quality

I bought the Micro in fire red on Amazon. The unit was on sale for 49.99 and I had a 25 dollar coupon so I got the Micro for $25. At this price point, you can't beat it. I'm using the Micro for my work office where I'm not going to be cranking up party music. The clarity, separation and general build quality are evident. I'm getting no distortion at higher volumes. While not as rich in bass as my JBL Radial, the Micro doesn't pretend to be a a big speaker unit. It gives you precisely what you want for close ear-range. Another nice bonus is the included cable so you can hook up the Micro speaker to a non iPod device, such as a Kaito 1103 radio. The Micro On Stage is highly recommended.

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Everyone loves a fire engine--and this one is multidimensional.

[Note: The price on this item is yo-yo-ing up and down like a commodity. If you're catching it at a peak, consider as an alternative the Cyber Acoustics CA-421. You'll give up some style and build quality but won't lose a thing in functionality or full-frequencied sound.]

I'm surprised this sharp little system hasn't sold out, since Amazon is currently selling the identical model in black at twice the price. Black or red, this little unit lives up to the JBL reputation for great sound--bright, present, utterly natural and (small) room-filling. True, it doesn't output to a stereo system, but if that's your aim pick up an ordinary Apple dock (for about the same price but without the nifty portable stereo system).

Returning to audio quality, after some comparisons, I determined that the JBL Micro sounds almost as good as a portable Tivoli cube (which has a noteworthy edge in low frequencies but at a steep price). I would take lightly a previous reviewer's claim that the sound is "deep," but unlike the bass-dominated, doctored sound of some high-end small speakers, the JBL is so natural and pleasing over long stretches you may come to prefer it over a bass- heavy system. Though not much wider than a CD, the red circle scores extra points for sound dispersion, openness, and "true" bass. Whereas other inexpensive small units simply cut out bass frequencies, this little deceiver can actually do quite well by, say, an acoustic bass while providing sizzling ride cymbals along with warm mid-range. But don't require too much of it: the bass is the first instrument to distort when the speaker is operated at full gain or the selected file recorded too "hot." Also, it rewards patience: any distortion from these tiny drivers lessened over time.

Though a remote might seem pointless with a 2" iPod screen, certain functions like on/off, mute, and volume are nice to have in hand when the speaker is 10-15 feet away. If you plan to use it with batteries, the 4 AAAs are tricky to install (tightest I've seen): it took several tries. The unit itself has an "on" light and a mere two, conveniently located, controls: softer and louder. Discretely tucked away in back is a power button and four jacks: audio in (for another MP3 player); USB 2.0 mini (for synching with your computer); DC in (for using with the included AC adapter); and audio out (presumably for operating a small, high efficiency external speaker).

Overall, a good value and nifty combination of useful features. One cautionary: this thing is packed well enough to remain in mint condition for a millennium or two in a landfill or at the bottom of the Chicago River. When you decide to free it from it's hard-shell case, be sure to wait for a slow moment and to have the right tool. A scissors, or even a razor blade made for the purpose, probably won't get the job done. Once opened, don't be discouraged by all of the accessories--AC adapter, 6 iPod adapters, a cable, a remote switch, a cushioned zip bag (with pockets and velcro holders to keep everything tight and tidy), and a thick instruction manual. Just plug it in, slip the iPod over the dock, and listen to its Siren song.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4, 5

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