Kicker iK500 iPod Speaker Dock (Black)
by Kicker
(Click here)
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: KickerBrand: Kicker
Edition: Electronics
Audio: English (Original Language)
Model: iK500
Publisher: Kicker
Studio: Kicker
Music Label: Kicker
Product features:
- Loudest And Most Innovative Stereo System Available For Your Ipod:
- Bass And Treble Adjustment Allow Users To Enjoy Their Music The Way They Want.
- Patent-Pending 6-Inch Square Reflex Subwoofer Delivers A Dynamic Bass Response
- The Big, Bumping Speakers, Five-Inch Woofers, And 40-Watt Stereo Amplifiers Deliver The Kind Of Crisp, Powerful Sound
- The Innovative Remote Lets You Adjust The Stereo System'S Bass, Treble, And Auxiliary-In Options, As Well As The Ipod Menu Directories.
- Monster iCable 800 MP3 Player to Auxiliary Input Cord (3 Feet)
- Monster THXIMINI8 THX Certified 1/8 Stereo to Stereo RCA Cable Adapter
- Sony Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter and Headphones for Ipod
- Phoenix Gold ARX-620 True Balanced OFC Audio Interconnect Cables 6.5 ft (Phoenix Gold ARX620)
- 3.5mm Plug Cable for iPod & MP3 Players- 3 Foot
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Kicker iK500 iPod Speaker Dock (Black)
Customer Review: Works with any iPod . . . not so much
Summary: 1 Stars
So I have a 20G iPod of the 3rd generation variety . . . Now imagine my surprise--after being assured that the iK500 works with any iPod--when I couldn't get my iPod to work on the thing. I knew it couldn't be a problem with my iPod because I have a 'Peripheral' adapter in my car that allows me to run directly into my stereo--it even allows me to change songs, fast forward, and reverse . . . not to mention charge the thing. So there's definitely no problem with my iPod. So why wouldn't it work? After an hour or so of tampering without success I began to think that there must be a problem with the plug on my particular iK500; that I should send it back and exchange it for another . . . That's when I found the answer--it was in the part of the directions that tell you how to use the remote control. It says, "Note: 3rd generation iPods are compatible with the iK500 but will not charge while docked or respond to remote control functions." (WHAT!?!) But this statement is a bit of a lie since plugging the iPod into the iK500 disables its (the iPod's) buttons, making it impossible to actually start, stop, or change a song--or interact with the iPod in any way. Gosh, that would make it seem like it isn't really compatible at all, wouldn't it? It turns out that the only way I can get my iPod to play through the iK500 is to start a song with the iPod unplugged and then connecting it to the iK500 while it's playing. But then it won't play more than one song by this method, meaning that I'd have to unplug it after every song, start the next tune manually, and then plug it back into the socket again. No thank you.
Like I said, I listen to my iPod through my car stereo every day using the exact same plug to do all of those things that the iKick says it can't do with the 3G iPod. So there really is no real reason for this incompatibility other than an attempt at forced obsolescence. But what really torques me is that there is no mention of the fact that the functionality of the system is limited if you use it with a 3G iPod, and even when they DO mention it, it's wrapped up in another lie. (Note: 3rd generation iPods ARE compatible . . . what a load)
I guess I could keep my iK500; I could just plug my trusty old iPod into the iK500 using the 1/8th inch jack . . . but then I could have done that with the stereo I already have and saved myself a load of grief and hassle in the process. It's really too bad that you can't give less than 1 star.
Description of Kicker iK500 iPod Speaker Dock (Black)
Stereo system for iPod with compatible docking station.From the indisputable leader in car audio comes its loudest and most innovative stereo system available for your iPod: the Kicker iK500--designed to be the loudest digital portable system available. For nearly 30 years, Kicker has set the standard in its industry as the dominant car audio brand by producing high-performance equipment that guarantees unbeatable sound quality and hard-hitting bass. Now, Kicker busts out of the car and into the home with the bumping Kicker iK500 Stereo System for iPod.
 Maximum volume for your iPod. View larger. |
 Stereo RCA output and 1/8-inch auxiliary input in back. View larger. |
 Infrared remote for navigating your music and controlling the iK500. |
More Power
One of Kicker's most powerful MP3 docking stations on the market, the iK500 lets you get more out of your MP3 player than ever before. Bass and treble adjustment allow users to enjoy their music the way they want. The big, bumping speakers, five-inch woofers, and 40-watt stereo amplifiers deliver the kind of crisp, powerful sound you expect from a Kicker product. Kicker's patent-pending 6-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other MP3 docking stations.
Full-Featured Remote
Equipped for any setting, the iK500 includes a credit-card-size infrared remote, allowing you to navigate with ease through the stereo system menu. The innovative remote lets you adjust the stereo system's bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the iPod menu directories. Select standby mode to continue charging your MP3 player even when it's powered down.
Auxiliary Input
A mini-jack input also lets you connect additional media to the stereo system, including other MP3 and compact-disc players, as well as desktop and laptop computers, or satellite radio. With adapters fit for most iPod models, the iK500 delivers a complete entertainment experience. The iK500 is compatible with docking iPods. For other iPods, MP3 players, and audio devices, an auxiliary input jack is provided.
What's in the Box
Kicker iK500 iPod Speaker Dock (Black), remote control, iPod dock adapters, manual.