Best iPhone 5 Speaker Docks

If you’re an inveterate Apple aficionado, chances are that you’ve already got hold of the iPhone’s latest iteration – the iPhone 5. And if you’re an audiophile as well, equal chances are that you’re frantically hunting for a compatible speaker dock to pair with your precious acquisition, given its distinctive “Lightning” connector. There’s good news for you – you need not search anymore! Numerous reputable docks are already equipped with AirPlay (Apple’s wireless music technology) and Bluetooth that will allow you to enjoy your iPhone 5’s music effortlessly.

Presenting a quick roundup of the finest such speaker docks for your iPhone 5:

• Zeppelin Air: This stylish speaker dock from famed audio company Bowers and Wilkins is, as its name suggests, shaped like a zeppelin and sturdily built too.But it is in the sound quality department that the dock really soars – the stereo audio reproduction is rich, clear, and loud with enviable bass and mid-range output. You also get a nifty radio-frequency remote control as a bonus. The Zeppelin Air, as is required by AirPlay, may be setup either through Ethernet (via the included cable) or Wi-Fi.

All this versatility, though, comes at a price – the Zeppelin Air will set you back close to USD 600.

• OnBeat Xtreme: JBL, another frontrunner in audio knowhow, brings you the OnBeat Xtreme, an extremely well-rounded speaker dock that uses Bluetooth to smoothly render wireless music. The 120-watt speaker dock boasts excellent bass, mid-range, and treble sound quality. The OnBeat Xtreme also has other neat facets namely:

• The crisscross design is truly one-of-a-kind – the dock is armed with a rotatable holder for iPhones and iPads.
• A RF-enabled remote control for convenience
• An entrenched microphone to receive phone calls
• 5 equalizer settings

The OnBeat Xtreme can be yours for around USD 500.

• Beolit 12: This AirPlay-enabled speaker dock from Danish audio giant Bang and Olufsen commands a massive price too – close to USD 800. Fortunately, the device delivers on the music front with brilliant overall sound especially an emphatic bass thanks to an inbuilt amplifier outputting 120 watts. The Beolit 12 is thoughtfully constructed too with a practical boxed design comprising easily accessible controls and ports as also a carrying strap.

The docks other merits include an 8-hour capacity rechargeable battery while the lack of a remote control, especially on such an expensive device, can be counted as a limitation.

• Samsung DA-E750:If cutting-edge design means a lot to you, look no further than Samsung’s visually stunning DA-E750 speaker dock. The box-like device is exquisitely fashioned in a gleaming hue and boasts a unique vacuum-tube construction that ensconces all the necessary ports and controls with consummate ease. Moreover, this Samsung marvel is exceedinglyversatile as it allows you both AirPlay and Bluetooth options to help connect your iPhone 5.

Great sound reproduction is assured due to the included mid-range speakers, dome tweeters, and rear-placed subwoofers. These, combined with Samsung’s advanced audio technology, generate flawless music with terrific overall tonal qualities.

The speaker dock, which ships with a remote control too, is priced just over USD 600.

• Gallery G-17: This speaker dock brought out by Klipsch is also AirPlay-enabled and priced at around USD 500. The Gallery G 17 incorporates a sleek black rectangular design that is light as well. But there is nothing light about the G 17’s audio performance – it engenders superlative theatre-like sound with commendable bass and treble output as also competent mid-ranges. The speaker dock is also equipped with a USB-input option.

So go ahead and take your pick but remember – with Apple recently shipping Lightning connector adapters, you’re soon bound to be spoilt for choice.

This is a guest post by Ann Phillip of globalx.net, a site that offers savings and current information on dish packages, as well as dish.com services.