Top 5 iPod sound systems for quality and design in 2009

With Christmas season coming upon us (yes, i know it is still early) and not to mention bonus season for those of you lucky enough to be getting one this year (working for Goldman Sachs perhaps), it is time to start looking at those extravagant, high quality iPod and iPhone accessories to get this year. There are few things better to get your iPod or iPhone this season than a good quality sound system.

Based on experience and preference we have pulled together what we see as the top 5 high quality iPod Sound Systems of 2009 based on quality of sound and design. These have been picked from a long list of some of the best iPod speaker docks and sound systems available on the UK market at the moment.

With the popularity of the iPhone we have also put emphasis on the sound systems being iPhone compatible, allowing you to play music without setting your iPhone in flight mode first.

Here is our top 5 high quality iPod and iPhone sound systems of 2009:

Geneva Lab HiFi system with iPod dock
Now this unit does not only look cool, but it is also packed with all the great sound you expect from Geneva Lab and their history in music and sound. It is an all-in-one hifi solution with integrated iPod/iPhone dock, CD player, and radio. It also comes with an optional pedastal if you need to get it a lift up from the floor for an even more room filling sound.
Design score: 08/10
Sound score: 09/10
Price: £849 from Amazon UK

Focal XS sound system
Focal XS Multimedia Sound System is another great iPod and iPhone compatible sound system that comes packed with great sound in a nice wrapping. This unit is sat in my own living room as well, and i usually get complaints from the neighbours when i crank up the volume to enjoy the high quality of sound. This unit can be highly recommended for any Christmas and New Years Party.
Design score: 08/10
Sound score: 09/10
Price: Focal XS £399

B&W Zeppelin iPod and iPhone sound system
The B&W Zeppelin has become legendary in the iPod and iPhone sound system market with its unique design and high quality of sound. The Zeppelin is undoubtedly one of the most desired iPod sound systems in the market today, and the one with the highest ‘drool-factor’! If you are after standout design and quality sound, the B&W Zeppelin is a keeper.
Design score: 10/10
Sound score: 08/10
Price: £390 from John Lewis or £395 from Amazon UK

Fatman iTube docking station
Now the Fatman iTube docking station is a bit different as you will need separate speakers for this unit, but it will also allow you to add whatever speakers you want to use with it. What the Fatman iTube brings to the table though is a high quality sound with that warm analogue touch that is desired by so many audiophiles out there. And to be honest, i quite like the design of the unit as well.
Design score: 07/10
Sound score: 09/10
Price: £199 from Amazon UK (reduced from £499)

Parrot sound system by Philippe Starck
Now, we are adding this iPod sound system to the list without anything other than a desing rating as we have not yet had the pleasure of listening to it or testing it, but the reports from other reviewers is that it brings quality of sound as well as the unique Philippe Starck design. To top it all, they are also wireless!
Design score: 09/10
Sound score: TBA
Price: £1070 (Google product search UK)

We appreciate that there are probably a lot of people out there with different opinions and experiences when it comes to these iPod sound systems as well as others we have not had the pleasure of testing or listening to. These scores are based on our own experience and thoughts around each unit.

See reviews and information on many of the other iPod speaker docks and sound systems in the market, as well as our review of top 5 DAB radio with iPod dock.

(2 votes, average: 3 out of 5)

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