IPod docks are nothing new, but iHome has set a new standard with the iP1. When we hooked the dock up to a 32-inch Samsung HDTV and played a standard definition episode of Trauma from an iPod touch, the video looked decent there were a few jagged edges, but it was definitely watchable. The iP1 has component video outputs, but unfortunately, the cables are not included. We appreciated the extra oomph because this dock provided a live performance feel. Complimenting the high and midrange sounds, the persistent bass line emphatically made itself known in the mix although it threatened to become overpowering in bass-heavy songs like Radiohead's "Idioteque," it never drowned out other elements in the song. We also heard a church-like bell in the song stand out more prominently than before. They were full, bright, and more of a focal point in the song than during previous experiences with other docks. Likewise, the strings in Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" stood out more than ever before. We even heard the piano in the back, an element we hadn't previously noticed. The bass was noticeably present in the mix, but not overpowering. While the horns in this song flirted with distortion, they never actually distorted.
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Bobby Darin's classic "Mack the Knife" sounded full and alive. We also tested the iP1 with a few AAC-formatted Smashing Pumpkins songs from a scratched CD that were encoded at 128 kbps, as well as AAC-formatted songs downloaded from iTunes at both 128 kbps and 256 kpbs (which are typically ripped from the master recordings). Activating the B button gave the song back its punchy bass line, along with high-range guitars and cymbals. With the B button deactivated, Interpol's "PDA"-encoded at 128 kbps-sounded flat, without much distinction between the instruments. The B button actives DPS audio enhancement and, quite frankly, there's no reason to ever turn it off. The result? The best-sounding iPod dock we've heard. The iP1 uses Bongiovi Acoustics DPS to restore the high- and low-end frequencies that are often lost when a song is converted into, say, a 128-kbps MP3. In iHome's quest to create a premium device, they thankfully didn't stop at looks alone. A thin remote ably handles the bulk of the iP1's controls, including navigating the iPod and changing the bass and treble levels.
The iP1 is also certified as Works with iPhone, which translates to no irritating GSM buzz interfering with your tunes. As we frequently switch between an iPod nano and an iPod classic, this is a very welcome change, because it eliminates fumbling around for the correctly sized insert. Instead, there is a knob on the rear of the dock which adjusts a small bumper to properly support different Apple devices. Also gone from this iPod-certified dock are the interchangeable inserts meant to accommodate various iPod/iPhone models. The iP1 has four simple buttons: Power, Volume down, Volume up, and the B button, which activates the Digital Power Station (DPS) audio enhancement. Besides, it's loud enough to hear in a large room, or even in adjacent spaces. However, the iP1 isn't meant to be hauled around to different rooms in your house. The iP1 weighed in at 9.0 pounds on our in-house scale, which is heavy for a speaker dock. But with such a head-turning design, we wouldn't want to tuck this baby in a corner anyway. Because it's not encased in a cabinet, it won't work as a bookend. At 7.9 inches deep, 6.9 inches high, and 16.3 inches wide, we had no problem finding a place for the iP1.
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