Klipsch iGroove SXT WWI iPod Speaker System Charges all new iPods/iPhones

I have been looking for a second speaker dock for my Iphone for several months and had tried 5 other docks all of which had lack lustre performances at best. Trouble is, I have been spoilt by my Bose docking system that I have had in my kitchen for the last year, and expected to find it's sound quality and depth for half the price, which I had almost given up on, until that is, I stumbled on a little known American manufacturer called Klipsch (little known here in the UK that is), who were receiving high praise from gadget magazines like Stuff!, What Hifi, etc and expecting to be disappointed yet again, I decided to order the Klipsch Igroove SXT WWi, WWi meaning - Works With iPhone, from Amazon, knowing that if I was unhappy I could send it back! The Klipsch arrived promptly 2 days later and I eagerly hooked up my iPhone ready to be disappointed, but no, far from being disappointed, the biggest grin ever came over my child like gadget addicted face! I was blown away! Not only was the Klipsch about a third smaller than my Bose speaker dock, but it sounded just as good, if anything, better. Base is rich and deep without being overpowering, treble is crisp and sharp without being harsh and tinny as on most sub £100 docks, and mid range is equally as good. Power is astounding for something this small and breaks the laws of physics, although for me I will mostly listen to it at less than a quarter volume, as you don't need to drive it any harder to appreciate it's rich tonal balance. It seems to be good with all types of music, pop, classical in particular, and using the Internet radio on the iPhone/iPod is particularly good. All in all I have to give this 5 out 5 for it's sound quality which is what most people want when buying a speaker dock, I have even moved my Bose out of it's pride of place in the kitchen now and put the Klipsch there I am that impressed, as I reckon it has more depth and warmth that the Bose lacks just a little, and therfore it's been relegated to the bedroom! Sounding somewhat like an employee of Klipsch, though I am not! I have to say that if you are looking for Bose quality sound but without the pricetag, I can assure you that the Klipsch Igroove SXT WWi is just as good if not better!!!

I had been considering a Bose system for my iPod Classic 160GB and listened to them in shop. However I came across the great reviews for this product and decided at the price to opt for this instead.

The sound for an item this size is truly magnificent - however this can not be considered as a replacement for a full stereo system.

The remote that comes with the system is fairly basic (Power on, play/pause, mute, vol +/-, track forward/back and fast forward/back). It does not have any of the 'menu' functions so you can not navigate as normal through your ipod device. That said it is still more useful than no remote at all.

One useful function that persuaded me to opt for this model was the s-video output on the back of the device. It promised to allow me to view video and films stored on my ipod through the TV. After placing the order I read a review that said the s-video only works with older models of ipod and not the newer ones, however I tried it on my new ipod and it worked just fine.

After 2 days my remote stopped working also and I arranged to send the unit back to Amazon for replacement. They have since decided that there is no point sending the unit back to them for replacement as all of their stock has the bad batch of remotes. If they knew this I do wonder why they continue to supply it with the knowledge that the remote will fail! Hopefully if/when I receive a replacement direct from Klipsch it will work ok?

That aside a great product which is value for money especially when compared to more expensive products.

UPDATE 12 Feb 2010
After several email correspondence with Amazon Customer Services I still have not received a replacement remote control. They tell me they are still waiting to hear back from Klipsch??? After 2 weeks I find this unacceptable and am considering sending the whole thing back for a refund. Maybe the Bose would have been the better buy after all!

UPDATE March 2010
Telephoned Amazon complaint number as I was getting nowhere with Customer Services. The nice man in Ireland promised me a replacement next day and true enough a new remote arrived. So much for cheap off-shoring of Customer Services!

The answer would appear to be to contact Klipsch UK direct if you have a remote problem and they will send you a new remote return post.

As there is no product info on Amazon yet and if you were wondering what the differences between this the newer WWi version as compared to the older MFi version: (information according Andy W - Klipsch Employee)

"OK... differences...

1) bi-amplification and active crossovers and equalisation.
2) tweaked sonics and loudness contour
3) authentication
4) 5V "USB" charging
5) improved TDMA immunity (some brilliant engineers thought it would be a good idea to modulate digital cell phones in the middle of the audio band - actually it improves range and battery life - and most importantly increases bandwidth for the cell phone company - but it stinks for audio circuits)

The first two might be self-explanatory, as for the others...

The original SXT charged via the "Firewire" pin on the iPod. Firewire charging (8-30VDC) was deprecated by Apple and they now only allow "USB" charging (5VDC).

If you connect an iPod that only allows USB charging to a dock that does not support it, the iPod won't charge, and it will give you a message. Apple also made mandatory the "Authentication" to get to put "Made for iPod" and "Works with iPhone" on the box. Since Apple does not release its technical specs before the release of the new iPods these changes were somewhat a (but not a total) surprise (long story).

We had been already working on the "WWi" version (Authentication + 5V charging + TDMA noise lowered to pass the Apple spec) when the new requirements were released last fall, and in order to not have a bunch of new iPod owners returning SXT's by the truckload (that wouldn't charge their new iPod) we decided to delay the "WWi" program, and get an "MFi" version out post haste. The "MFi" version is 98% the same as the "WWi" version. The "WWi" version is simply different firmware version that lets iPhones know that the product is a compatible device and a revised circuit board with better TDMA noise immunity. "

Features

* Huge stereo sound from a pint-sized package
* Impervious to cell phone interference
* Bi-amplified design virtually eliminates distortion
* Works with any iPod or iPhone with a 30-pin connector
* iPod shuffle and other devices connect via auxiliary input
* Instant wake functionality when using your iPod's alarm clock feature
* Quickly recharges the iPod, iPod touch or iPhone
* Includes IR remote, power adapter and power cord

Product Description

While many iPod speakers fall into the dime-a-dozen category, the iGroove SXT iPod Speaker System, with iPhone certification, definitely does not. In fact, this sleek, pint-sized powerhouse fits perfectly into any room, while making your playlists larger than life.

The original iGroove SXT, introduced in 2007, turned a lot of heads with its sleek style and performance prowess. This latest version takes that success to a whole new level, without costing a penny more. It sounds better than ever and accommodates all of the new iPod and iPhone models, even the iPhone 3GS.

Technology
The iGroove SXT remains a true stereo sound system that employs dual long-throw 2.5-inch woofers in a ported enclosure and dual ¾-inch horn-loaded tweeters. Klipsch is the only company in the iPod speaker category to utilise horn technology, a design that delivers lifelike sound as well as produces more output using less energy.

And unlike before, the iGroove SXT is now bi-amplified, which means each driver is individually amplified, a feature that virtually eliminates distortion and significantly improves sonic performance. We've also re-tuned the bass ports on the sides of the system to remove any "port noise."

iPod/iPhone Compatibility
It charges any iPod with a 30-pin connector, while the shuffle and other digital devices connect via a rear auxiliary input. We've added a 1000mA rapid charge circuit to the system, so you can quickly recharge your iPod, iPod touch or iPhone. An S-video output lets you watch videos on external monitors.

Features
Available in a black finish with a silver trim and black cloth grille, the iGroove SXT comes with an IR remote, power adapter and power cord.

Speaker Specification
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 60 Hz - 20 kHz
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY 4 kHz
MAXIMUM ACOUSTIC OUTPUT 100 dB SPL @ 3m anechoic
TWEETER ¾ inch tweeter
HIGH FREQUENCY HORN MicroTractrix(tm) Horn
MIDRANGE 2.5" woofer
AMPLIFIER Class D, bi-amplified
ENCLOSURE MATERIAL HIPS plastic enclosure/dock and remote
ENCLOSURE TYPE Tuned port
INPUTS 30-pin iPod docking connector, 3.5mm mini auxiliary input
OUTPUTS S-Video
DIMENSIONS 4.75" x 12" x 4.625"
WEIGHT 3.2 lbs
FEATURES IR remote, iPod docking station with charger
FINISHES Black with silver accent and black cloth grill
VOLTAGE 230v
BUILT FROM 2009

Hope this helps!