Kicker iK501 iPhone-iPod Speaker Review
Price & Model
System Features
Power
Alarm Clock Features
Portable Features
Kicker iK501 Details & Features:
Built for excellent sound performance the iK501 has a stylish build that stands out well. The iK501 is one of only a few iPhone speakers to have a video component out which allows you to get your videos to a tv. Lastly, what iPhone speaker do you know with a built in sub-woofer? The iK501 by Kicker has one built right into the back.
Kicker iK501 Highlights:
- Large sound with video output capabilities
- Built in subwoofer, two 5” speakers and two tweeters
- Easy to navigate buttons
- Stylish build
The iK501 Description:
The iK501 now works great with the iPhone. Dock your iPhone or iPod for punchy, full-bodied sound from home or desk speaker system. Don’t be fooled, this system packs a wallop. It’s easy to control the sound though. Just use the main knob to adjust sound volume.
Also, you can use the knob to adjust the bass, treble, aux-in and standby modes. The LCD is easy to read and displays what’s being adjusted. Use the inferred remote control to easily adjust settings.
Don’t forget, you can plug this bad-boy straight in to your TV to watch videos that are on your iPhone or iPod.
Great For:
- Home or desk audio playback
- Watching videos on your TV
- Filling the room with great, loud sound
What’s in the Box?
- The iK501
- Power adapter
- Remote Control
Editor review
One Dock, One Knob, One Power Cord and Five Speakers
Sound:
The sound is superb. It’s easy to get the whole room to shake. Not many premium speakers are going to blast sound the way this one does. With all that sound coming out of only five inch woofers, at it’s loudest, it did lose some dynamics. That's not to say that it sounds badly at all. Most speakers are not going to get as loud as the iK501 and it certainly beats many stereo systems.
Design:
Solid, sturdy construction is demonstrated by the quality of materials used and the overall weight. Being so solid, it makes one wonder why Kicker did not bother to make portable with a battery option.
Regardless the sleek, angular desgin allows the iK501 to blend into many different environments.
Functionality
There is a total of one button on this system. How’s that for simplicity? The knob is the central menu control. Adjust volume, bass, treble and set it to standby to charge your iPhone-iPod.
Fans of using the iPhone or iPod to watch videos will like that the iK501 has a standard video component output to TV. It’s not HD, but maybe the next one will be.
Remote:
The remote has volume up & down, play & pause, skip forward & back, iPhone-iPod menu controls and power button. Nothing fancy here. The remote has a good feel and functions well.
Display:
For a stereo-boombox, the iK501 does not have the largest and brightest LCD display, but it could be a little larger. That being said, the letters and numbers are easy to read and well contrasted.
Value:
With a MSRP of $279 it is not the cheapest speaker system on the market. However, when you consider the quality of the sound and construction, the iK501 is a good buy for what it is.
After looking around at prices, and there have been much lower prices on Amazon. So make sure you check several other sites for the best price..
Final Thought:
Do you want loud, ground-shaking sound from a cool looking stereo-boombox? Then this system is for you. This system is not meant for those who want medium, light sound.
Pros and Cons
Durable, heavy construction
Easy to use features
