superior iPod and iPhone Docks for Audiophiles - The Best High-End, Hi-Fi Docking Stations Reviewed

I must admit I have never unmistakably carefully buying a standalone speaker dock for the iPhone or iPod. It is probably because I don't unmistakably have the need for one. I prefer to listen to music through the home theatre audio ideas I have spent many years building, but as a friend recently asked me to name the best iPod dock, I have lined up a few of the best.

There are a zillion cheap iPod docks out there, but my friend is chasing a dock of cheap quality. In the world of A/V electronics, ordinarily the more you spend on a product, the more it rewards you in the sound potential and features department. With that in mind, brands that came to mind are the Arcam rCube (8), Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) Zeppelin Air (9), and the Geneva Sound ideas - Model S (9). Arcam and B&W are two highly respected British brands, and the Geneva Sound ideas Model S is Swiss.

Given Arcam's audio inheritance and their strong Av stock range, I wasn't surprised when the Arcam rCube took out the What Hi-Fi award for best iPod dock in 2010.

I am a huge fan of B&W products. To me, B&W represents quality, innovation and dedication. The B&W Zeppelin was already a superb iPod dock, but now that it sports Apple's AirPlay, it is a time to come award winner. (AirPlay allows you to listen to your tunes from your iPod, iPhone or iPad wirelessly). The Geneva Sound ideas Model S is a bit of a looker, available in red, silver and white.

Which one is the best speaker dock? Before I quote my decision, we great have a closer look at a few specs and features.

Arcam rCube

The rCube sports a 90 watt amplifier with a frequency response of 20Hz - 20kHz at 0.5% Thd. The rCube is a 200mm x 200mm x 200mm quadrate box weighing 5kg. It has an integrated carry deal with so shifting it around is easy. You have the option of using mains power, or if you intend to place it away from mains power, it comes with a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery that recharges once plugged back into the mains. It also charges your iPod or iPhone when docked, and if you want to watch video from your iPod or iPhone, not a problem, just connect the video output from the rCube to your television. The rCube offers an elective dongle, allowing you to stream audio from your iPod, iPhone or Pc. The rCube is also remote controlled.

B&W Zeppelin Air

Power shouldn't be a qoute with the new B&W Zeppelin Air, as the amplifier output is 2 x 25 watts (tweeter), 2 x 25 watts (midrange) and 1 x 50 watts to the subwoofer. Frequency response is rated at 51Hz - 36kHz (+- 3dB). Like most things B&W, form plays a key part in their success. I am not saying B&W form their products to look pretty, but they happen to form products with a safe bet character, different from other brands, whilst also delivering astounding sound. The Zeppelin Air is no different as it has a unique look and brilliant sound.

The Zeppelin Air measures 173mm x 640mm x 208mm (HxWxD). Weighing in at 6.2kg, the Zeppelin Air is somewhat heavier than the rCube and the Zeppelin Air has something that the rCube does not - AirPlay. AirPlay allows you to play your music from your iPhone, iPod or iPad - wirelessly.

Geneva S

The Geneva Sound ideas Model S has something that may request for retrial to a lot of buyers, which is a digital radio. It also has something that may not request for retrial to buyers, which is a digital clock with alarm.

While the purpose of buying an iPod dock is to listen to music through your iPod or iPhone, it is nice to have a option to switch it on and just listen to the radio. If you are conscious about how your iPod dock looks, the Geneva Sound ideas Model S is not too bad in the looks department. There are 3 colour choices - red, white and black. The Geneva Sound ideas Model S is supplied with a table stand in satin chrome finish.

The Geneva Sound ideas Model S measures 235mm x 156mm x 176mm (WxHxD). It is a bit of a lightweight compared to the rCube and especially the Zeppelin Air as it tips the scales at just 3.35kg. The Geneva Sound ideas Model S has 2 x 3 inch drivers, powered by 2 x 15 watt Class D digital amplifiers. Frequency response is rated at 75Hz - 20kHz (+-3dB).

So which excellent iPod speaker dock is best? The Arcam rCube has all the makings of a great sounding dock. Nice big amplifier with good frequency response and low distortion. No wonder it won the What Hi-Fi award for best iPod dock in 2010. B&W Zeppelin Air also has a lot to offer - good amplification, purposeful form and AirPlay. The Geneva Sound ideas Model S has a digital radio, remote operate and any colour options, and a significantly lower price.

The Winner!

Which one would I lay down my credit card for? The B&W Zeppelin Air. Why? It's a superb dock from a potential brand with a great feature set. If I were to predict which dock would take out the award for the best iPod dock in 2011, I would be putting my money on the B&W Zeppelin Air.