To specialized music system for iPod or iPhone, I'm very
negatively. Not once, not twice bought portable JBL for a gift, that's like a
gift, bauble, these things are close to ideal. As something more - hardly. See
for yourself, manufacturers of accessories profitable to build infrastructure
around the iconic devices. But why do we as consumers take part in this orgy? I
would like to listen to music? Buy a microsystem. Use the home theater. Listen
to the same player. Much easier to take the headphones better than to spend
money on obscure stand and speakers. I speak strongly against such accessories
and immediately want to mark their position. I like spending time in the
stores, look at the "Zeppelin", it is such megakolonka for iPod for
mad money. Probably a good buy in the office or in the living room. If
absolutely no place to spend the coin. But we, the poor, should be easier. And
try to discover all sorts of the right options.
What I want to say. Then it so happened that the case was
completely without iPod Classic. I became much less likely to use it. And do
not listen to podcasts something. Only new music there most, the load and all.
It turns out that the player is used as a repository of tracks with a
"five-star". That is the best. There and classic, and electronics,
and pop and rock, and then there just is not. Almost eighty gigabytes carefully
selected music. Insert the earphone and go. Do not forget to charge it. But
life turns vice versa. Run out of the house and not the player, you forget to
take your passport. Or phone. Work a lot. And all that. Then it turned out that
he had taken finally to test a large sound system called Harman / Kardon Go +
Play. Took the above-described mood. Like, I will try, I will write, but I know
that does not like it. Well, where there is more to spend tens of thousands on
some toy? No, it's not for me. He brought home a box, put, not even unpacked.
The next morning, reached his hands.
Design, construction
A very important detail. As I see it, the trouble all large
speakers with docks for iPod - it's not just weight. It is also a disadvantage
carrying. For fun, go to any salon and try to drag the same
"Zeppelin" from the counter to the counter. If the sellers are
allowed, of course. I think you feel it yourself. When I took out the Go + Play
out of the box, he immediately appreciated the idea. At the top is a metal
carrying handle, a sort of thick tube with a special texture. And it is not
only for transportation, the tips are at the same time and "legs" for
the column. Two more located in the middle of the bottom. Weight when you lift
the handle accessory, not really feel it. But considerable weight, almost four
kilograms. Dimensions are 500h230h240 mm. I can not say that's a lot. Normally.
Visually, the device sounds a bit tricky due to the form, but when you start to
look for a place on the shelf, the understanding comes the hard work of
designers. Note that the legs "tear off" the bottom of the surface
for a couple of centimeters. This was done not only to improve the appearance,
but also, apparently, to improve the acoustic performance.
The column looks very unusual and immediately attracts the
eyes. People like it. Not a single guest did not miss the opportunity to
approach, touch, look, turn, appreciate the sound. I think the design is not
only modern minimalism, but also some retroelements. Round "intakes"
speakers on both sides of the device, the buttons as riveting. The buttons are
located on the top panel, the first is responsible for switching on and off,
pressing the green light is activated. The volume buttons are located on
opposite sides of the dock for the player. At the bottom there is a compartment
for storing the player on the back - the two connectors. The first - for cable
3,5 mm, the second - for the PSU. They plugged, do not collect dust.
In fact, all that remains is to connect the speaker to the
network, insert the iPod, press Play. Or, connect to Go + Play laptop. Or
phone. Do not be lazy here to make a video where the sound enters the accessory
is a wireless headset, you can easily rewind the beginning, the work of the
unit begins with the third or fourth minute.
But the more I do not even like the ease of installation
loudspeakers. The more I liked the ease of transport. This "music"
center is ready to go with you to the country at any time. All thanks to a
convenient carrying handle, like the M-16 rifle. Taken, thrown (sorry, gently
put) into the car, drove to the right place.
Especially for different iPod adapter is included, to my
shame, I did not have the patience to learn what is suitable for the Classic.
So did without add-ons. Assembly, design, construction - at altitude. And to
feel good and look. And the mind and the heart, as they say.
Management
As I said above, on the device are only three buttons, two
responsible for volume control, plus a power button. My experience with the
accessory probably would not have been as positive if it had not been included
in the wonderful remote control. In form it resembles the blade, made
unusually, in the style of Go + Play. Small remote lets you adjust the volume,
move from track to track, stop and start playback. Range is decent, from one
corner of the room to the other signal is easy to reach.
Another small detail - on the remote is a miniature light
indicator to signal that has been done for some action. For a complete list of
features is available console here . Special instructions for the six-button.
It's amazing.
Compatibility and nutrition
After all this time you need to allocate special. Just want
to say that the iPhone I did not dare to stick in the cradle. It is better to
follow instructions. Declared support for iPod Touch, Classic, Nano different
generations. I used the Go + Play Classic with the previous generation. I think
if you decide to buy a system, it is best just for players with more memory. To
get a sort of modern "boom box".
Another important point. In addition to working on the network
Go + Play can play music offline. Need eight "large" batteries.
Weight, of course, greatly increased. But the declared playing time - about
sixteen hours. Not tested. I mean is not checked, check it at the holidays.
Sound
In one of the online stores is found here is a description:
"The incoming stereo signal is processed by the digital signal processor
DSP for optimal sound equalizer settings and adapts truthful Surround allows
you to play deep and powerful bass thanks to the low-frequency speakers with
large stroke of the diffuser, and crystal clear with crisp detail treble, with
speakers on a neodymium magnet. " Led as it is, and I think that all of
this does not matter. Much more important than subjective feelings. These same
feelings I had the most positive. This does not some ridiculous
"pukalkami" for desk table. That is to say for beauty. I liked that
the Go + Play is very frank. I do not know how to say it better. It can peel
full Ivanovo some romping hausets. Maybe gently, carefully play "Peter and
the Wolf." Can embed the ears these same guitar. In short, the thrill of
high-quality microsystems. During his time with the Go + Play, I did not turn
the music on the laptop and do not listen to it on something else. Then the
stars came together - accessory conveniently moved to another room, connect,
great listen. Very well, I'm in awe.
Findings
The cost of the accessory is on average about thirteen
thousand (so says "Yandex.Market"). If ordering from the western
online auctions, you can save hundreds of dollars. Or more, but you will note
that the column with packing weighs more than five kilograms (cables, power
supply, box, etc.). So it makes sense to buy in Russia. Who will advise? Advise
owners of iPod Classic, not knowing where to stick their pet. Advise those who
roam on private rented accommodation and do not want to grow roots all sorts of
monstrous system (speakers, the main unit, etc.). High-quality, beautiful,
well-sounding thing, and, in my opinion, it is worth the money. I do not think
the other big sound system for iPod just impressed me. After all, she will not
be carrying handle. Or is such a convenient remote control. Or it will not work
on batteries. Another would be to try the radio with the new Nano.
Highly recommend it.