Logitech announces AudioStation Stereo System for the iPod
By Joe Lozito
There was no shortage of exciting gadgetry at the Logitech
Sneak Peek NYC this year and, though it's too soon to discuss many of them, our favorite universal remote manufacturer has announced its high-performance speaker system for iPods. We got the chance to play with it...
'Station Agent
Logitech already has a top selling portable product in its mm50 iPod speakers. The company now takes a step into the stationary space with the AudioStation.
Made with the a slick black design, this iPod dock boasts 80 watts of power and an integrated digital AM/FM radio tuner with RDS support. My favorite feature was the soft dome on the speakers which make it kid friendly (you can almost punch the tweeters and they bounce back). The AudioStation also comes with a simple grill-face in case you don't like your tweeters exposed (hey, let's keep it clean).
The AudioStation sans grill
Confident enough to do a head-to-head comparison on the spot, Logitech had setup a Bose SoundDock and Apple Hi-Fi side-by-side with the AudioStation. Toggling the same iPod through all three systems, the difference was obvious. The Bose system, as you'd expect sounded like a tin can, and the Hi-Fi was startlingly muddled. Also obvious is that further investigation is needed (I have no idea how/if the systems had been configured/equalized at all), but at first glance the AudioStation racked up some killer points against these two main competitors.
For you on-the-go audiophiles, Logitech is also announcing a portable version called AudioStation Express. This nifty little device runs on AA batteries and comes with a carrying case that doesn't get in the way of the iPod dock, allowing you to play your music covered or uncovered.
The AudioStation Express
Both products come with multiple dock connectors which should allow any iPod to fit in just fine and they also have an AUX input for support of those crazy non-iPod audio devices.
AudioStation
Price: $299.99
Shipping: 9/06
AudioStation Express
Price: $99.99
Shipping: 9/06
Putting the 'Oh' in '06
Keep your eye on
Logitech, and of course
BigPictureBigSound, for more official announcements later this year.
