iHome iH9 Alarm Clock Speaker System with Dock for iPod (Black)
by iHome
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Our Price: $65.00
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Category: Network Media Player
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: iHomeBrand: iHome
Edition: Electronics
Model: IH9B6
Color: Black
Publisher: iHome
Studio: iHome
Music Label: iHome
Product features:
- Plays and charges iPod mini 1G; iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G; iPod classic 4G, 5G, 5.5G, 6G; iPod touch 1G, 2G
- Wake or sleep to iPod, custom playlist, AM/FM radio, or buzzer
- High-fidelity stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers deliver astounding clarity, depth, and power
- Gradual Wake and Gradual Sleep increase/decrease alarm/sleep volume so as not to startle the user
- Full-function remote controls unit and iPod menu functions
- Monster iCable 800 MP3 Player to Auxiliary Input Cord (3 Feet)
- Monster THXIMINI8 THX Certified 1/8 Stereo to Stereo RCA Cable Adapter
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of iHome iH9 Alarm Clock Speaker System with Dock for iPod (Black)
Customer Review: SDI Technologies scores a winner (Almost--a shortcoming is exposed.)
Summary: 5 Stars
Although I'm still partial to the sound of a Tivoli Model 3 despite its primitive alarm features, there's so little worthwhile musical programming on FM or AM bands that an iPod clock radio makes more sense now than ever. If you've ever tried to doze off (let alone wake up) to jazz or the Great American Songbook (i.e. Pops or Duke, Miles or Getz, Sinatra or Ella, a Gershwin or Cole Porter tune), you've no doubt discovered that despite the appearance of media outlets for every taste, there's frequently nothing to listen to!
SDI Technologies, with its iHome IH9 model, has addressed this void with class, style, efficiency and, not least, affordability. The IH9 makes an impression from the moment you take it out of the box: shiny, compact, and exhibiting accurate date and time even before being plugged in. Plug it in, and it's soon apparent that time, station numbers, sound source, etc. are more clearly illuminated than on any comparable device. Moreover, the design is sleek and uncluttered, with volume and control dials and push buttons that don't protrude from the surface yet are easy to manipulate.
Although a sophisticated little machine--from tone and EQ settings to two highly flexible, adjustable alarm systems--the IH9 is so intuitive that even the digitally-challenged are apt to have it completely solved without reference to the instructions. The sound is pristine and crisp, especially at low to medium volume. Bass and treble controls along with the sonic "expander" serve to enhance (i.e. "spread") frequencies all the more (perhaps needless to say, the bass lacks the fullness of that reproduced by a Tivoli, BA Receptor, Sangean W-2, or Athena iVoice system, but it's "there"--and, when played at reasonable volume levels, is free of distortion).
In short, there's little not to like about this modestly priced system described as an "alarm clock for iPod." The style, sound, controls, remote (the only one I've seen at this price that accesses the iPod's menu system), and line-in/out jacks practically put it in the same company as expensive units claiming to be high fidelity systems for the iPod. If sound and battery operation are your priorities, you'll no doubt wish to look at the Altec im600, but the audio quality of the iHome is respectable (closer to the Altec than many may care to admit), the FM sensitivity and selectivity is about equal with the Altec (extended rod antennae are no guarantee of superior reception, as any Tivoli Model One owner will testify), and the alarm clock feature is superior not only to the Altec's but to any other iPod system currently on the market.
A few quibbles: Station pre-sets are minimal (6 for both bands), but who listens to more than 2-3 stations? I've noticed some exaggerated disparities in volume levels of tunes when played through the IH9, perhaps easily corrected through settings in the iPod. The unit is heavier than I had expected (more ounces than the im600), even without factoring in the power adaptor. The latter is almost a throw-back to wall-warts of years past, eating up an annoying amount of real estate on my overloaded power strip. It's also just about the only area where iHome has done any conspicuous cost-cutting. In short, this radio-alarm-dock-speaker is so well designed and executed it's difficult to get excited about it; it's merely the new standard-bearer in its category and price range.
[Caveat: Although the alarm system, as stated, is the most sophisticated this writer has seen for an "iPod alarm clock," it may not satisfy the more fastidious user. The benefactor of this gift previously had a clock radio that would permit its owner to have the radio alarm come on for the first hour, then remain on after the 2nd alarm had been activated for the second hour. Thus the slowly-waking sleeper could experience radio exclusively for the first hour, and radio PLUS buzzer for the second. At this point, I haven't discovered a way to realize this optimal state with the iHome. In other words, the iHome's two alarms are independent and mutually exclusive, requiring the user to select one or the other alarm, or both but in sequential, rather than synchronous, order. A more sophisticated unit would ensure that the alarms are interdependent, so that the user could enjoy radio from the first alarm while simultaneously experiencing a buzzer activated by the second. (Are you listening, iHome?)]
Description of iHome iH9 Alarm Clock Speaker System with Dock for iPod (Black)
The iH9 is an updated and improved successor to iHome's award-winning iH8 clock radio for iPod. The iH9 contains several new features requested by customers, including a remote that controls both the unit and iPod menu functions; controls for bass, treble, and balance; and 3D sound for an enhanced audio experience. iHome has updated the design to make the cabinet even sleeker and more user-friendly, as well as further enhanced the alarm settings--you can wake to your own custom iPod playlist at different times on different days. A feature-packed clock radio and audio system for iPod. Click to enlarge. |
iPod, Radio, or Buzzer Alarm
Wake to your docked iPod, the radio, or--if you must--a classic buzzer alarm. Whichever you choose, a gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so it's not too jarring. Dual alarm lets you set separate wake times.
The 7-5-2 alarm setting means you can set separate wake times, either for every day or separate weekday/weekend times. You also can wake to the playlist or song of your choice.
The alarm also boasts a number of features to ensure you get up in the morning. Battery backup means you'll still get up in the event of a power failure, and Alarm Reset turns off the alarm and automatically resets it for the same time the following day. If you choose to wake to your iPod but no iPod is docked, you're still covered--the iH9 will sound the buzzer instead.
Sleep Features
In designing the iH9, iHome paid special attention to the other end of the alarm clock equation--going to bed. Fall asleep to your iPod or the radio, with programmable sleep times of 120, 90, 60, 30, or 15 minutes. Gentle Sleep gradually decreases the music volume as you drift off to dreamland.
What's more, an Adjustable Sleep volume solves an old alarm clock problem, allowing you to select a comfortable "sleep" volume level without affecting the "wake to" or listening volume levels.
Programmable Snooze
The iH9's programmable snooze feature allows you to set snooze intervals of 1 to 60 minutes, so you can milk every last second of sleep before you're late for work.
Play and Charge Your iPod
The iH9's universal dock plays and charges most docking iPod models (in addition to using them for alarms). So when you do finally wake up, your iPod will have a full charge as you head out the door.
 Includes full-function remote. Click to enlarge. |
 Extra-large, backlit custom LCD with dimmer. Click to enlarge. |
Quick Time Zone and DST Switch
Traveling or moving with your iH9? Adjust the preset time to any of seven different time zones at the touch of a button. Ditto on that pesky daylight savings time.
AM/FM Radio
The iH9 delivers solid radio listening with PLL digital tuning, an external AM antenna for better reception, and built-in automatic frequency control (AFC) for enhanced FM reception.
Save your favorite stations on the four AM, four FM1, and four FM2 presets.
Big Sound, Small Package
The iH9 delivers 6 watts of great sound, thanks to its high-fidelity stereo speakers in specially designed isolated speaker chambers. Dial in the bass, treble, and balance controls to get just the sound you want, or flip on the 3D setting for an immersive experience.
Need more? The included speaker jack lets you add separate speakers.
Auxiliary Input
Connect external devices like MP3 or CD players to the rear auxiliary input for your enjoyment.
Full-Function Remote Control
Enjoy convenient control from a distance with the included remote--control radio and iPod functions, plus EQ and volume. You also can control snooze and reset alarm functions, in case the device isn't by your bedside.
What's in the Box
iH9 Clock Radio and Audio System, remote control, docking inserts, AC power adapter, AM antenna and stand, and owner's manual.
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