JBL Radial (white)

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CNET editors' rating: 3.5 stars Very good
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Product summary

The good: The JBL Radial speaker system sounds fantastic; includes audio line-in, video out, sync, and recharge capabilities, as well as an RF remote.

The bad The bad: The JBL Radial speaker system is pricey, and its design may not appeal to some. It doesn't run on batteries.

The bottom line: If you're looking for a stellar-sounding iPod speaker system for your home--and you don't mind dropping a wad of cash for it--JBL's Radial might be just the ticket.

Specifications: Type of speaker: portable speakers with digital player dock; Dimensions (WxDxH): 12 in x 12 in x 10.5 in; Color: White; See full specs

Price range: $179.97 - $199.99

See all products in the JBL Radial series

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Jasmine France
Reviewed on: 08/15/2006

JBL has been in the audio business for a very long time--since the 1940's, in fact--and all that experience really shines through in the JBL Radial speakers for iPod. The company eschews the traditional iPod "brick" speaker, but the unusual spacey design of the Radial does nothing to hinder the sound coming from the iPod. In fact, we think it improves the digital sound overall. It's expensive at $299.95, but your ears will thank you.

The design of the JBL Radial appears to be modeled after the On Time, which was released at CES this year. The iPod--any dock-connecting iPod will do--sits center-stage under the arc of a speaker creating a futuristic circle. The 10.5-by-12-inch (height by width) "iPod stage" certainly draws attention to itself as well as to the iPod.

The Stargate-esque design won't appeal to everyone, but it's not entirely unattractive. Volume buttons rest on the front edge of the iPod stage and are the only controls located on the unit itself. An included RF remote--in a stylish angular design--comprises the rest of the controls. There are only six buttons, but four of them serve different purposes depending on the mode you select. The volume controls alternately serve as Menu and Enter, while fast-forward/rewind can also scroll through menu options. The mode and play/pause keys are static.

If you turn the 2.5-pound Radial around, you'll find the master power button as well as a variety of ports: auxiliary line-in, S-Video, USB (for computer syncing), and DC-in. JBL includes a power adapter cable and brick, a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable, and a compatible USB cable. Alas, this thing does not run on batteries.

See more CNET content tagged:: JBL,; Apple iPod,; Harman Kardon,; speakers,; adapter

User reviews

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Showing 2 of 2 user reviewsSee all 2 user reviews
4.5 stars

"Love this product!"

by blufountain1 on January 31, 2008

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4.5 stars

"I sold my Bose Sounddock for this!!!"

by jay0heavenly on January 2, 2008

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JBL Radial (white)

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Where to buy

JBL Radial (white): $179.97 - $199.99

store	price	in stock?	rating
ShopTronics.com	$199.99	Yes
Amazon.com	$179.97	Yes

see prices from 2 stores

Reviews from around the Web

digitaltrends.com

Editors' rating: 80

Read full review
pcmag.com

Editors' rating: 80

Summary: A wonderful-sounding iPod speaker system that's a strong competitor with the Bose SoundDock. It's capable of powering small parties, and the RF remote means you won't have to push anyone out of the way to change songs.

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macworld.co.uk

Editors' rating: 80

Summary: Just like the iLuv, JBL has opted for a one size for all strategy - the Radial lacks its own set of bass and treble controls, and because that kind of tweaking is an essential element to music listening, we think that's an oversight in an otherwise excell

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