Have Most Recent Wireless Ipod Docking Stations Improved?

By Michael Jacobs


Have Most Recent Cordless iPod Docking Stations Improved?

Running the cords to set up a new set of loudspeakers is often a hassle. If your home is not prewired for music you might end up drilling holes and doing a full-scale cabling project. Cordless iPod docks pledge to eliminate the speaker cables. Standard loudspeakers need an external audio amplifier in order to be driven. Then again, wireless speakers have their own built-in power amplifier. For medium to high audio power amplifiers, those speakers typically need to be plugged into a power outlet. A few loudspeakers come with rechargeable batteries. The advantage is that these can be put anyplace even in places lacking a power outlet. The downside is that subsequent to each use these need to be recharged. In addition, several types are fairly heavy making it difficult to move them around. Batteries also tend to age and need to be switched every so often.

Depending on your application, you want to select speakers with the right audio power that is plenty for your situation. If you are planning to use your loudspeakers outside, be sure to pick speakers which have a waterproof or at the very least rain resistant enclosure. Typically the manufacturer would state whether its speakers may be utilized as outdoor loudspeakers.

Next, be certain that the transmitter unit may attach to the source audio that you want to drive your speakers with. Obviously the more audio inputs the transmitter has the better. If you wish to attach your transmitter to your surround system, you may require speaker terminal inputs unless your surround equipment offers line level audio for your rear loudspeakers. If you own an iPod or iPhone you might wish to pick a transmitter with a built-in iPod cradle. A lot of transmitters will at least contain a line-level audio input. Ideally the audio input can be adjusted in volume such that the transmitter may adapt to different audio sources.

While traditionally harman kardon ipod docks would employ analog audio transmission, generally at 900 MHz, the latest generation uses digital audio transmission at 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz and get rid of audio distortion and noise. Nowadays there are more and more wireless gizmos out there. Thus it is key to select a pair of speakers that is robust against interference from other wireless devices.

If possible, try to set up a listening test. Be conscious though that the sound quality also depends on your listening environment. A number of cordless iPod docks have adjustable trebble or base. If you can't part with your old loudspeakers or cannot spot a wireless loudspeaker that sounds just right, you may go with a wireless loudspeaker kit. These kits come with a transmitter and one or several wireless receivers. These receivers incorporate an audio amplifier and can connect directly to your old loudspeakers.




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