HTCBose SoundDock 10
Manufacturer: Bose Corp. Part number: sounddock10
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it's expensive and isn't loaded with features, the Bose SoundDock 10 is classy looking and sounds excellent for a compact iPod/iPhone speaker.
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CNET editors' review
Bose SoundDock 10 price range: $599.00 - $599.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: John P. Falcone
- Reviewed on: 10/02/2009
The good: Really good sound from a compact, single-speaker; classy, minimalist styling; plays loud without distorting, and fills a large room; simple to operate; interchangeable dock system; composite video output/line input; GSM shielded for iPhones.
The bad: Expensive; optional Bluetooth dock accessory works well but is $150 extra; no radio; you can't charge your iPod/iPhone when using the Bluetooth accessory; video-out limited to low-res composite connection.
The bottom line: While it's expensive and isn't loaded with features, the Bose SoundDock 10 is classy looking and sounds excellent for a compact iPod/iPhone speaker.
Believe it or not, iPod speakers were once rare objects--and Bose's SoundDock was one of the first to hit the market back in 2004. Since then, the company has followed up with the SoundDock II ($299) and the SoundDock Portable ($399), even as the iPod speaker category has become completely commoditized (nowadays, there are plenty of sub-$100 clock radios with built-in iPod docks). For the 2009-2010 buying season, Bose has gone back to the drawing board and produced the SoundDock 10.
Bose says it worked for several years on this new speaker system for the iPod and iPhone, with the lofty goal of building a product that can deliver "audio performance previously unattainable from a one-piece speaker system for iPod." The SoundDock 10 is bigger and more expensive (costing a whopping $599) than previous SoundDock models, but it's still relatively compact, measuring 17 inches wide by 9 inches high by 10 inches deep, and has a nice clean, understated design that gives the whole system a classy look.
We really liked the design, though it's worth noting that since there are no buttons on the unit itself, you have to use the included remote to control playback. Lose the remote and you'll have a problem, especially when it comes to adjusting volume. (The remote controls your iPod's basic functions, and, while the system does have a video output, Apple doesn't allow the iPod menus to be displayed on a TV or other video source, which would make it much easier to navigate the device from afar.)
The centerpiece of the unit is a hefty, custom woofer, bracketed by two Bose Twiddler transducers (no, that's not a new social-networking site; it's a combination of a high-frequency transducer and midrange driver). The woofer alone adds a lot of weight to the unit, and while the speaker can be moved around the house easily enough, the SoundDock 10 weighs a beefy 18.9 pounds (that's three times as much as the aforementioned SoundDock Series II and SoundDock Portable). Held in hand, this model feels quite substantial and well built.
As far as extra features go, you don't get a whole lot. There's no radio or clock, but you do get an audio input for other audio devices and a composite-video output for showing iPod/iPhone images or videos when connected to a TV. While Bose is known for its sound and not its video, we wish it had incorporated a component-video connection because composite video really offers a mediocre picture. Particularly at this price point, if you're going to include video, you might as well make it decent.
Bose also has equipped the SoundDock 10 with a proprietary interchangeable docking architecture, which it says is designed to "future-proof" the system and make it compatible with any hot media players or smartphones that might come along (around back, there's a USB port for uploading any future firmware updates). For instance, if Microsoft's Zune really took off, it could add a dock for that, but right now it's only offering an optional Bluetooth dock that costs an additional $149. For 600 bucks, you'd have hoped Bose would have integrated Bluetooth into the unit, but it didn't.
As you might imagine, that Bluetooth dock allows you to stream music wirelessly from your iPod Touch or iPhone to the SoundDock 10 using your Apple device as a source and a remote. When you move too far away from the device--we got about 40 feet away--or run into some interference issues (i.e., microwaves or other Bluetooth devices), a light starts blinking on the dock, which alerts you that the quality of stream may be affected. If the light blinks faster, you're more likely to have a problem.
For our Bluetooth tests, we used an iPhone 3GS, and the Bluetooth worked well. While Bluetooth streaming compresses the audio, we didn't notice a marked difference in sound quality (the degradation was only very slight). All in all, we really liked the option of using our iPhone as remote, but there's one serious drawback to the Bluetooth dock: if you have it plugged in, you can't charge your iPod or iPhone in the SoundDock 10. That's just unfortunate.
In terms of sound quality, the first thing you'll notice is that the SoundDock 10 plays loud and doesn't distort when you crank your tunes. Typically, most compact iPod audio systems just can't fill a large room with sound, but this model definitely plays much bigger than it looks.
We played an eclectic mix of music--everything from Bach to Dan Aurebach to Elvis Costello to Rihanna and Lady Gaga. The sound is rich, detailed, and well-balanced. That specially designed woofer delivers lots of bass. While it's not incredibly tight, it does have some good thump to it, and we agree with Bose that the SoundDock 10 has some party chops.
While some people might lament the lack of bass and treble controls, Bose tends to cater to an audience that isn't inclined to tweak their audio settings and just wants a system that's optimized out of the box. (Note: In some ways we prefer testing products that are optimized by the manufacture because it help eliminate a layer of subjectivity.)
So, does Bose deliver on its lofty sound goals? In large part, yes. For a compact speaker system, the SoundDock 10 sounds really good. If there's a weakness, it is that, like most iPod speakers that have their drivers placed right next to each other, you don't get much in the way of stereo separation. (Bose reps explained that its engineers designed the drivers to fire off at an angle rather than straight ahead, but you still don't get much stereo separation.) Despite that shortcoming, you'd be hard-pressed to find an iPod speaker system this compact that delivers better sound.
Of course, there's that little nagging issue of price. Six hundred bucks is a lot to spend on an iPod speaker and you can get home-theater-in-a-box systems that sound better for the same amount of money or even slightly less. You can also pick up something like the Altec LansingMix iMT800 iPod/iPhone boom box or the iHome iP1 for half the price of this model, but you're not going to get quite as good sound (the iMT800 is fairly close, however) or the upscale look of the Bose. B&W and Geneva also make iPod speakers in this price range that sound really good. However, their designs are more unique and may turn some people off.
Weighing the SoundDock 10's pluses and minuses, it's pretty easy to say that it's not for everyone. Its price is high and we wish Bose had integrated Bluetooth into the unit and not made it an extra feature that costs an additional $150. But if you're someone who's less concerned about price and really values the concept of a compact iPod/iPhone audio system that looks classy, plays loud (without distorting), and sounds really good for its size, we have no problem recommending the SoundDock 10. It's also worth noting that Bose does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out yourself and return the thing for a full refund if you don't think it's worth $600.
User reviews
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Great Bose product and great acoustics.
by gkorsgard on October 5, 2009
Pros: I like the sound and especially the focus on more bass from such a small speaker. The remote is simple like all wave systems and great reception.
Cons: Obviously price is a little high. The bluetooth adapter needs some work. Sometimes the signal drops and the audio quality suffers.
Summary: In all - awesome speaker for iPods and iPhones. I have owned this for one week and have been using it daily. No regrets on this purchase!
Summary: In all - awesome speaker for iPods and iPhones. I have owned this for one week and have been using it daily. No regrets on this purchase!
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A Fantastic Product!!
by Paul_Hill on November 11, 2009
Pros: The Sound quality is fantastic, when playing a variety of different pieces of music (Classical to Rock etc) what is apparent is how good the dynamic range is. Great low range but crisp clear highs great separation too
Cons: If The video out would allow you to display the your music on screen so you can use the TV to navigate
Summary: One thing that is apparent is that the Sounddock 10 is a bit bigger than other Bose Sounddock's, this is because Performance was the focus of this model. When ...
Summary: One thing that is apparent is that the Sounddock 10 is a bit bigger than other Bose Sounddock's, this is because Performance was the focus of this model. When playing classical music (Johann Strauss On the Beautiful Blue Danube)I noticed the range of the product to be great, from the low range of the drums to the clarity of the wood and string sections, and the higher range of the percussion section, all where very clear and well seperated. Then a bit of Rock (Kings of Leon) then some metal music (Metallica) and finally a bit of country (Rosanne Cash). For all these genres the Sounddock 10 handled all with out a problem, it sounded just amazing! With regard to some issues that have been mentioned in other reviews, such as lack of clock and alarm etc, these features are all on your ipod. If you loose the remote control the Sounddock 10's set up allows you to use the Volume control and navigation on the Ipod itself. In the case of the Ipod Touch you will see the volume controls disappear momentarily, and then re-appear. With Classic Models and Nano Models, use the click wheel. When using the Bluetooth Adapter I found it to work flawlessly with My Sony Ericsson Mobile Phone, and with the Bluetooth feature on my Ipod touch. For me I noticed no difference in the sound quality, it was just great. I got a longer range from my mobile phone than my ipod touch. Remember the Bluetooth Adapter is a receiver therefore the range you get is more dependant on the transmitting range of the Bluetooth device you are pairing with it. Yes compared to other products it costs a bit more (In the UK the price is 699GBP with the Bluetooth Adapter included)However for me I feel it is worth every penny. I always have it on when I can, I love my music, and for me its just great, five stars! If I could change one thing it would be for the Video Output to display my music tracks so I could navigate my Ipod using my Television.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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You haven't heard music till you've heard Bose.
by photolito on November 8, 2009
Pros: - Best sound a speaker this size can offer (or bigger speakers for that matter)
- Immerses yourself with rich , room filling, lifelike sound.
- Video Out.
- Waveguide Technology +7"= good bass.
I own several bose products, this is by far my favorite.Cons: -Expensive... but later on it pays itself.
-The video out is only 480p.Summary: In my opinion the Bose SoundDock 10 is slightly better than the Acoustic Wave II , significantly better than the Wave II and a lot better than the other SoundDocks. It ...
Summary: In my opinion the Bose SoundDock 10 is slightly better than the Acoustic Wave II , significantly better than the Wave II and a lot better than the other SoundDocks. It sounds REALLY good. Btw, I don't work for Bose, I just discovered them 2 years ago and they are awesome. But this is definitely better than all their other stereo speakers.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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SoundDock 10 is the best ipod speaker I ever heard.
by ritabrata101991 on October 15, 2009
Pros: Great Bass. Excellent sound from twiddler. This is now one of the ultimate sound system I own.
Cons: Nothing bad. Only a little bit heavy (8.4 Kg). But it's because of the woofer so it is considerable.
Summary: I own 4 sound systems of Bose. Including this Bose SoundDock 10. Among all high range ipod dock this system gives best sound output. Specially the powerful woofer gives a ...
Summary: I own 4 sound systems of Bose. Including this Bose SoundDock 10. Among all high range ipod dock this system gives best sound output. Specially the powerful woofer gives a complete theatre effect. Can easily be used as a primary sound system at home. B&W Zeppelin is the only strong competitor but still its cannot give an output of 150 Watts.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Typically overpriced item from Bose
by josjoslyn on December 4, 2009
Pros: Style, solid build
Cons: Poor component add-ons - Bluetooth should be built in, Over-reliance on remote. There are MUCH better alternatives for less cash(and significantly better styled)
Summary: Whilst this unit is well put together and does look - to a degree - stylish, but sadly now that 'look' is definitely more than a little dated, and to ...
Summary: Whilst this unit is well put together and does look - to a degree - stylish, but sadly now that 'look' is definitely more than a little dated, and to been in other manufacturers products. There are much better alternatives out there, such as :
Lars & Ivan PA40Ti Hybrid Amplifier with the BoBo Speakers & Fatman's iTube 452 with ValveDock(additional FatBoy Speakers Mk II) ........ serious Hi Fi for the iPod -
Skimpy but something to listen too.
by rlcato on October 4, 2009
Pros: Solid, hefty system to fill a room with clean audio.
Cons: Not a good tool. Can't recharge; pointless. No volume control? What were they thinking?
Summary: When you look at it, quality workmanship is not the 1st thing that comes to mind -especially when it's 'painted' silver. Those slits -with indentations no less- in the ...
Summary: When you look at it, quality workmanship is not the 1st thing that comes to mind -especially when it's 'painted' silver. Those slits -with indentations no less- in the top was an afterthought and it says nothing except dust magnet, hard to clean. The 'minimalist styling' dies right there, gone. The single, off centre, vertical opening on the back was a wasted opportunity if there ever was one (horizontal handle). It looks like a compartment to store something in. Just looking at it from the rear says 'Oops!' or television; butt ugly. You can never do enough without a smattering of ill-conceived plugs, off the shelf roundhead screws -indented, and big stickers. The only thing they spent several years on was locating the tramp-stamp: 'BOSE'
1 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not that impressed considering the price!
by Enpar4 on November 27, 2009
Pros: Plays loud, clean simple design
Cons: Slow sluggish bass response when playing anything with a bit of beat and tempo to a point that the subwoofer seems out of time compared with the mid/high frequency drivers. Certain low range frequencies boom and overpower the rest of the system..
Summary: £700 price tag here in the UK and I'd be reluctant to pay even £400 for it. Don't get me wrong this dock will produce low bass notes, ...
Summary: £700 price tag here in the UK and I'd be reluctant to pay even £400 for it. Don't get me wrong this dock will produce low bass notes, clear highs with bags of volume but the large woofer and little twiddlers just don't sound right together. The woofer booms and rumbles along but with a real lack of energy and engagement to point it almost seems to be lagging behind the rest of the system in its timing. I have been playing a sounddock portable next to this unit for quite some time now and can honestly say that the portable sounds better balanced and more realistic. I play the same track on both docks and find the 10 irritates me with is bloated lazy bass and thin mid range but the same track on the portable has my foot tapping along with the music. Ok the portable dosen't have the same scale of sound or sheer volume of the 10 but to me the portable is a much better system to enjoy music on at moderate volumes.
I have the Sd 10 on 30 trial and it will be going back. I'm disappointed because I really wanted to like it...I was looking for something to upgrade the portable with to really fill our living room with great sound but unfortunately it only plays louder and not better for twice the price!0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Manufacturer info
- Bose Corp.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Bose Corp. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.bose.com/
- Address:
The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701 - Phone: 1-800-999-2673
