Product Description
Not just another ?jump on the bandwagon? iPod audio system, the iSongBook brings new and innovative features to the table. The iSongBook utilizes the new ?Universal Docking Station? from Apple that fits all iPod models. The flip-down dock charges your iPod while it plays and stows away when not in use. The second speaker detaches from the main unit for true stereo imaging, up to 6 feet with the built-in cord. The iSongBook also features an AM/FM tuner, 5 station presets, on-demand backlight, sleep timer and an alarm. Wake to a pleasant tone or to your iPod, the choice is yours. The credit-card sized remote controls all of the iSongBook functions, (except on/off), and many iPod functions, such as playlists and albums. There's a stereo headphone jack for private listening and an auxiliary input for use with other devices. The magnetically-shielded drivers allow for the iSongBook to be placed near or used with televisions or computers. The best part is the iSongBook is portable! It's small enough to fit in your backpack or suitcase and operates on 6 ?AA? standard or rechargeable batteries. It even features a built-in battery charger. With all of these features packed into this ?Made for iPod? product, why settle for anything less? Flip-down dock for iPod Receiving Bands - FM - 87.5-108 MHz AM - 520-1710kHz (522-1629kHz using 9k Step) / Programmable for up to 5 presets Unit Dimensions - 11 W x 6.19 H x 2.19 D (27.94 cm W x 15.72 cm H x 5.56 cm D) / Weight - 2.81 lbs. (1.28 kg) Glossy Piano Black Finish
Amazon.com Review
Building on the success of their micro radios and bookshelf systems, Tivoli Audio has broken new ground in a crowded field of iPod accessories with the iSongBook. At just 2.81 pounds, and with an included right channel speaker, the iSongbook packs a serious portable punch. If you have an iPod with a docking port connector, this little unit deserves a serious look. For those who own a black iPod, Tivoli has released this gorgeous black version that should keep you in style.
The iSongBook's iPod dock swings down when you're ready to make the connection.
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Design
The iSongBook's design takes many design queues from the Tivoli iPal, another iPod audio accessory from Tivoli Audio. That means that the iSongBook looks great alongside your iPod, which is exactly where the iPod is designed to go. A cradle cleverly swings down from the left side of the unit revealing a standard iPod docking port that also provides a charge for the iPod when the iSongBook is plugged into AC power. Tivoli also includes seven adapter "cups" that provide a snug fit for various iterations of the 3G, 4G, iPod Color, and iPod mini models. While the hideaway dock is a smart move, it can prove a bit kludgy when you have the iSongBook on an uneven surface, as the dock is only secured by a single hinge. It's a minor quibble, though.
The iSongBook's front panel is typical Tivoli fare-- a nice mix of retro style and Jetsons coolness. As with all Tivoli Audio products, controls are reassuringly simple and sturdy. Tivoli's philosophy seems to be that there should be a button devoted to each function of a given device. It's a refreshing choice in an age of ever-increasing complexity in electronics. Meanwhile, the unit's LCD display is large and bright, and there's a button for turning the backlight on and off for increased battery savings. Switching the function selector lets you choose from AM, FM, or iPod modes. iPod mode can double as an "Aux" mode, as there is a 3.5 mm auxiliary input on the back of the iSongBook. A straightforward alarm clock system is easy to set and control, although it is only possible to wake to the radio or an increasing beep -- no waking to your fave iPod tunes.
Bring your own iPod. Tivoli takes care of the rest.
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Many would argue that offering two speakers in a small, portable audio device is futile exercise, as not enough stereo separation is possible. Indeed, Tivoli's Model One delivers some of the best "small" sound in the industry -- from a single speaker. To really experience stereo sound, some distance between the right and left channels is needed, and that's why the iSongBook sports a cleverly-implemented, detachable right speaker. The speaker is a breeze to connect and disconnect, and the cable is easily retractable via an internal coil that keeps the mess to a minimum. An added benefit of the detachable speaker is that it can be left behind when you want to keep the weight and bulk down.
Another hallmark of Tivoli's portable audio devices is that they offer flexible power options. The iSongBook is no exception. In addition to AC power, the unit can run on, and recharge, six rechargeable "AA"-size cells. Additionally, these batteries can be replaced with non-rechargeable "AA" alkaline cells when you're away from AC power for longer periods. When the unit is plugged in, the iSongBook provides a charge to both the rechargeable cells and your iPod. Pretty nifty.
Cord management is cleverly designed into the right channel speaker. The AC power and line-in ports are covered to keep out dust and moisture (white version shown).
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Listening Pleasure
The iSongBook's manual makes it clear that "Bass frequencies place a heavy strain on speakers and amplifiers. The iSongBook was engineered to produce the maximum amount of low frequencies for its size and power." Honesty is certainly the best policy and indeed, the iSongBook isn't cut out for delivering room-thumping bass. But it does deliver stunning crispness that will leave you wondering how Tivoli has managed to pack so much into such a small package. While lows are certainly not thundering, the crispness of notes across the full spectrum, high to low, is pretty hard to beat in a device this size. Tivoli's superior, audiophile-class electronics really do make a difference. Having an additional right channel that can be separated from the left is a big bonus. The monaural sound is good, but it lacks the fullness you'll hear with the right channel attached.
Integration with an iPod is painless, just pop it in the dock and the tunes begin. Meanwhile, AM/FM reception is good, and the digital tuner is surprisingly accurate and fast. The tuner's seek mode is as good as anything you'll find in a full-size component tuner. Tivoli never scrimps on anything, so there's also an included infrared remote. It's slim, easy-to-use, and highly functional, allowing you to control playlists and make album selections on your iPod. The iSongBook's headphone jack is a nice touch, too, even though it is redundant with the iPod's headphone jack-- unless you're listening to the iSongBook's radio.
What's in the Box
iSongBook unit with detachable right speaker, external power supply, remote control, 7 iPod adapter cups, and warranty registration card.
Pros
- Now-legendary Tivoli design and electronics
- Simple operation
- Excellent sound (if you can do without thumping bass)
Cons
- Prepare to pay a premium price for quality this high
Customer Reviews:
A Solid Product.......2007-02-22
This is a good, solid product. The tuner is first rate, the sound very good if not audiophile quality, and the AA batteries last a very long time when using 2500 ma rechargables. The remote works well, but is of limited use as the inputs - the band or iPod - cannot be fully controlled with it. It falls short of five stars based on the mediocre bass and just OK high end sound. The iPal has, to my ears, slightly better overall sound, albeit mono.
Outstanding Sound Quality form a Tiny Package.......2006-02-13
I was looking for an Apple i-pod nano music player at a local Electronics "Big Box" and I asked what had the best sound quality.
Well, I could not agree more the "Tivoli iSongBook" has hugh, fill the room with sound of extreamly good quality. You also get a AM/FM clock radio and it's a portable with a remote control to boot. While not cheap, it is a bit spendy, but top quality never is.
RCM
Product Description
Energy XL-C100 is the matching center channel speaker for any XL series home theater system. Its dual 4" woofer array and 3/4" aluminum dome tweeter ensure clear, articulate center channel dialog from a small sized cabinet. The low profile enclosure is easy to place above or below your TV.
Amazon.com Product Description
The center channel speaker is responsible for playing a movie's dialogue, making it arguably the most important speaker in a surround sound setup. Fortunately, the XL-C100 more than delivers thanks to its dual 4.5-inch polymer composite woofers, which handle the low and mid ranges, and the 0.75-inch aluminum dome tweeter for the highs. The result is spoken audio with perfect articulation, tonal balance, and integration, creating dialogue that blends seamlessly with soundtrack scores and sound effects. Each phrase--even those muttered under one's breath--is crisp and intelligible. In addition, the dual woofer design can handle a solid amount of power (100 watts nominal), so you can install the center speaker in larger rooms without sacrificing performance.
The speaker hails from Energy's XL series, a line of stereo and surround sound speakers known for their leading-edge design and performance. The XL-C100 performs particularly well when matched with the XL-250 floorstanding and XL-150 bookshelf speakers, which are tonally matched to create a flawless overall soundstage and dramatic realism. The speaker is also magnetically shielded against video interference and boasts a low-profile enclosure, so you can easily locate it above or below your TV without distorting the picture.
Additional features include five-way binding post speaker connections, which ensure the best possible sound; a frequency response of 60 Hz to 20 kHz; an 8 ohm nominal impedance; an a 89 dB sensitivity. All this in a sleek black housing that looks great in most listening rooms. The speaker measures 16.9 by 5.5 by 9.1 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a five-year warranty on parts and labor.
What's in the Box
Center channel speaker, user's manual.
Customer Reviews:
Good Sounding Center Channel.......2006-03-23
This is a great sounding center channel. For $99 it's a great value as well. I originally purchased a BIC Acoustech center that was much larger and more expensive. I returned the BIC and got this to go with my Mirage OmniSat front and rears (Mirage and Energy are made by the same company). I'm really happy with the sound quality. The only other one I really like the sound of is the JBL Northridge 35 but it's over $40 more and larger. If you need a small center with great sound, consider this one.
Product Description
Tech-Craft's goal is to provide furniture which can simplify and organize the hardware, software and wiring. At the same time, Tech-Craft is striving to build great designs, with great quality, ease of assembly and exceptional follow-up service.PRODUCT FEATURES:Suspend your TV and disbelief;Hang most plasma/LCD TV's (up to 50");Attaches to the back of selected Techcraft stands;Adjust your plasma/LCD TV up or down;15 degrees swivel on each sides;Easy installation.
Product Description
Features: Allows for hanging of most plasma/LCD TVs with included J bracket. Attaches to the back of selected Techcraft stands including TECSWP48. Adjusts plasma/LCD TV up or down. Easy installation.
Product Description
This certified write once DVD recordable media utilizes high performance organic dye that ensures stable writing and reliable data and video storage.
Customer Reviews:
Good DVDs Good Price, with the right burner.......2007-05-11
I've burned over 400 of these HP DVDs in the past year and have had fewer than 5 "coasters" out of the lot. All of these came from burning them in a Sony DVD Recorder. I've never had a single bad burn with this brand using the burner in a G5 Mac.
In my experience some DVDs don't work well with some burners. Some brands work well in the Sony and not on the Mac. If the only burner I had were the Sony I'd think these were bad DVDs too, but in the Mac burner they are flawless.
HOWEVER, these HP DVDs ship from TIGERDIRECT and they ruined an entire 50-pack spindle by POOR PACKING. Whoever packed my order made no attempt to put any sort of packing material in the box. Spindles of DVDs were simply placed in a large cardboard box and it was taped shut. One of the spindles broke apart spilling DVDs inside the box scratching them so badly they were unusable. This is potentially a serious problem and possibly a reason to avoid this brand unless you can find another supplier, or unless you're willing to deal with TigerDirect customer service.
Good deal.......2007-03-09
Great product, dependable with few errors if any at all. Nearly half the price on Amazon as at Best Buy.
NO! NO! NO! DON'T BUY THIS * * *.......2006-08-12
I have a DVD/CR duplicator that will burn anything in the world. I bought a 25 spindle of HP DVD+R, a 50 spindle of HP DVD-R & a 100 spindle of HP DVD-R. I started on the 25 pack of DVD+R. All but 3 burned. That means 88% burned OK & 12% didn't. An average should be 96% to 100% that burn good. Then I went onto the 50 spindle of the DVD-R. 7 did not burn right, meaning only a 86% burn rate. Next, I started on the 100 spindle pack. Out of 50 that I burned, 37 did not burn correctly & (that's only a 26% ratio of Good burns) When I looked at some of the ones that didn't burn correctly, you could SEE a visual defect on them that looked like a small finger mark burned into it, except it was on alot of them from 2 different batches. I got an extremely good price on these on sale at Office Max, but I took the remainder of the 100 pack back. They wanted to exchange them for me, but I held my ground, since I had the receipt & got a refund. These are the WORST, WORST, WORST DVDS in the world or at least the worse I've ever come across out of thousands that I've used. I contacted Hewlett Packard online & then on the phone & they said they've had alot of complaints, but they didn't actually make them. Well, DUH! Most companies don't make their own, but they sure slapped their name on them & profited by them. You'll do better to stick to Taiya Yoden or Sony or even Memorex, but forget these guys. And yes, I have the latest equipment & everything is up to date. I've used probably 30 different brands & these are the worst. Buyer Beware!
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