There has been a continuous stream of iPod docking devices submitted to the NDTV Gadgets Laboratory over the past few weeks. The latest gadget to arrive for testing and review is the Logitech Rechargeable Speaker S715i. Although the name of the gadget is quite unoriginal, the sound produced is surprisingly powerful.
The Logitech brand name is highly thought of, and most of their past products have been in a class of their own. The Z-5500 surround sound speaker developed by the company has been one of the best systems ever made and their sound quality is unique.
Logitech do not have the best design features and many of their products are pretty basic and the same must be said for the new Rechargeable Speaker S715i. The blandness of the design is highlighted by the rugged black finish. It is easily transported as it weighs a little less than 1½lbs. The speakers are fairly wide which improves the stereo effect enormously.
At the front of the dock are the 3 inch neodymium drivers and two half inch neodymium tweeters. There are two radiators on the front as well and altogether there are 8 drivers to increase the sound. At the back of the dock is a fairly weak kickstand which seems rather unstable. There is also an auxiliary port, this has a rubber cover and is also incorporated into the rear, next to the power outlet.
Two rear facing radiators are quite noticeable and act as a boost for increased bass. In the middle of the device is a connector which does not support the iPod. The connection feels insecure as the iPod becomes unsteady when the dock is moved even slightly. The speaker is made of a mixture of plastic and metal. The plastic used is of a standard quality and is expensive.
A carry case as well as a remote control is provided by Logitech but the remote is below standard and feels cheap to the touch. iPod functions cannot be accessed with the remote and any function changes must be made manually at the dock device. This lack of functionality defeats the object of a remote.
Despite the questionable construction of the S715i, there is one area in which it cannot be faulted and this is the quality of the sound. Many may feel Logitech are employing marketing gimmicks in providing 8 drivers but the sound produced justifies their place. The sound quality can be favourably compared to that of the more expensive Altec Lansing Sound Docks or the JBL OnBeat or even the Bose SoundDock.
Many audio companies employ Dynamic compression technology and with this the companies try and control bass volume and the unpleasant distortion associated with greater bass volume. While the sound travels through this compression process, the bottom end has a solid and powerful beat.
By placing the submissive radiators on the back and front, Logitech have given the device a quality previously unheard of on iPod docks below 10kw. Reproduction of the whole sound range is easily handled by the dock with both the high frequencies and the mid range sounding very balanced. Some distortion does take place but only at very high volume.
The only complaint found in the testing of the S715i was the distortion experienced at very high volume. This became apparent to all even those with untrained ears. With decibel levels this high, distortion will naturally take place.
Another feature not previously mentioned is the portable battery supplied with the dock. According to Logitech, the battery has a full charge life of nearly 10 hours. On test the battery lasted on average 7.75 hours. This is a good return on a dock in this price range.
To summarise, the Logitech S715i is the best sounding of the iPods below 10kw. While it is not the best looking device on the market at present, it does provide a high quality sound experience.
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