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iK500 Docking Stereo System from Kicker
Gear Lust Web Site |
 Go To The Music Connection "New Toys" Directory |
Kicker Performance Audio has the iK500 Digital Stereo System, a full-range powered speaker system made for any iPod. Said to be the loudest docking system available, the iK500 has a pair of five-inch woofers and 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeters and an exclusive, patent-pending, six-inch square-shaped passive radiator that gives the low frequencies even more weight. The unit along with its internal 40-watt amplifier is powered by a 22-volt external power supply.
Included are adapters to fit most iPods although my 3G Nano did not require any special handling--just mate it to the receptacle and power up. A single, rotary knob that has multiple functionality controls the iK500. Totally intuitive, (as usual I tossed the instructions over my shoulder), it also serves as the controller for equalizer/tone control options, auxiliary input options via 1/8-inch mini jack for connecting CD-players, and standby mode. There is a blue backlit display that keeps you always on the right menu(s). Another plus is that while the iK500 is off, it continues to charge your iPod.
As an extra, the iK500 comes with a very small and thin infrared remote that allows full control of the unit plus your iPod's menu and submenus of music and video. Skip forward and back, fast forward and back, play and pause, volume, mute, and power on/off all have dedicated buttons.
I used the iK500 at an iPod party where everyone shared their music collections by plugging their iPods into the iK500. There is also a pair of RCA output jacks for connection to your home stereo system at the same time. The iK500 is about the size of a boom box and its carrying handle makes it easy to transport and setup anywhere. I liked that it is remarkably loud for its size and has a powerful bass response. The iKICK iK500 is available online for $249.95. Kicker also makes the ZK500 for Zune music players. Much more information at: www.kicker.com
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