Gear4 DUO Versatile Speaker System for iPod
Gear4 DUO speaker is a unique combination of a truly portable iPod speaker system with a docking station that doubles as a subwoofer, improving the portable unit’s bass response when they’re connected for tabletop audio and charging. Includes a replaceable rechargeable battery and a second battery bay for added runtime should you need it, as well as a wall adapter, Infrared remote control, and dock adapters. Attractive, simple design allows for uninterrupted transition between portable and desktop listening.
Docking the portable speaker with the subwoofer and charging dock was problematic in our review unit due to an issue currently being resolved by the manufacturer. While exceptionally convenient for users who would otherwise buy both portable and desktop audio solutions, standalone audio performance of portable piece isn’t as strong as leading less expensive portable competitors; similarly, combined performance doesn’t outstrip same- or lower-priced all-in-ones.
Originality has long since disappeared from the iPod speaker category: there are dozens of any given type of pocket, portable, or desktop design, each with relatively small distinctions that might appeal to certain users. So we are conceptually very enthusiastic about Gear4’s DUO (£150/$200), which the company accurately bills as a “Versatile Speaker System for iPod;” it is the first all-in-one unit we’ve seen that transforms from a slim portable speaker into a mid-sized desktop system. And save for a couple of non-trivial issues, DUO would have easily rated a high recommendation, as Gear4’s design makes a lot of sense and will appeal to many different types of iPod fans.
Only 9.1” wide and 5.2” tall, the black and silver DUO system begins with a metal and plastic speaker housing that’s merely 1.3” thick and entirely portable, containing two .75” tweeters, two 2-inch midrange drivers, and a rechargeable 9-hour battery. Volume and power buttons are located on its top, with an alternating red and blue light hidden behind the unified metal grille to provide standby or power on status. A metal kickstand flips out and locks into place on the unit’s back for stability, and a fold-out iPod dock is in front.
With two exceptions, this part of the DUO unit is extremely well designed. It has a power port on the back if you want to recharge it on its own, plus a line-in port for auxiliary audio, and not just one but two battery compartments; unlike most other rechargeable portable speakers we’ve seen, you can replace the included battery, and/or add a second pack if you need to double the system’s run time. Nine gold contacts are found on the back—more on them in a moment—and then there’s a physical power switch. Somewhat oddly located, this on/off switch is designed to let you know for sure that the portable half of the system is turned off when you’re traveling; the system’s top power button is apparently not enough in this regard. You needn’t use it at all when the front and back halves are connected to each other.
Nearly six inches deep, DUO’s subwoofer box is a combination charging station and bass enhancer for the portable speaker. It projects low-frequency sound from vents and a port on its back, contains rubberized feet for stability on a table, and features both line-in and power ports identical to the ones on the portable unit’s back. This piece is large and designed to be kept in one spot, and then rejoined with the portable system whenever you want more full-bodied sound or battery power. Together, the two pieces look handsome, and while they’re over 8 inches deep with the iPod dock extended, the combined unit seems compact and clean by all-in-one iPod speaker standards
08.22.08 (10:42 pm) [
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Docking the portable speaker with the subwoofer and charging dock was problematic in our review unit due to an issue currently being resolved by the manufacturer. While exceptionally convenient for users who would otherwise buy both portable and desktop audio solutions, standalone audio performance of portable piece isn’t as strong as leading less expensive portable competitors; similarly, combined performance doesn’t outstrip same- or lower-priced all-in-ones.
Originality has long since disappeared from the iPod speaker category: there are dozens of any given type of pocket, portable, or desktop design, each with relatively small distinctions that might appeal to certain users. So we are conceptually very enthusiastic about Gear4’s DUO (£150/$200), which the company accurately bills as a “Versatile Speaker System for iPod;” it is the first all-in-one unit we’ve seen that transforms from a slim portable speaker into a mid-sized desktop system. And save for a couple of non-trivial issues, DUO would have easily rated a high recommendation, as Gear4’s design makes a lot of sense and will appeal to many different types of iPod fans.
Only 9.1” wide and 5.2” tall, the black and silver DUO system begins with a metal and plastic speaker housing that’s merely 1.3” thick and entirely portable, containing two .75” tweeters, two 2-inch midrange drivers, and a rechargeable 9-hour battery. Volume and power buttons are located on its top, with an alternating red and blue light hidden behind the unified metal grille to provide standby or power on status. A metal kickstand flips out and locks into place on the unit’s back for stability, and a fold-out iPod dock is in front.
With two exceptions, this part of the DUO unit is extremely well designed. It has a power port on the back if you want to recharge it on its own, plus a line-in port for auxiliary audio, and not just one but two battery compartments; unlike most other rechargeable portable speakers we’ve seen, you can replace the included battery, and/or add a second pack if you need to double the system’s run time. Nine gold contacts are found on the back—more on them in a moment—and then there’s a physical power switch. Somewhat oddly located, this on/off switch is designed to let you know for sure that the portable half of the system is turned off when you’re traveling; the system’s top power button is apparently not enough in this regard. You needn’t use it at all when the front and back halves are connected to each other.
Nearly six inches deep, DUO’s subwoofer box is a combination charging station and bass enhancer for the portable speaker. It projects low-frequency sound from vents and a port on its back, contains rubberized feet for stability on a table, and features both line-in and power ports identical to the ones on the portable unit’s back. This piece is large and designed to be kept in one spot, and then rejoined with the portable system whenever you want more full-bodied sound or battery power. Together, the two pieces look handsome, and while they’re over 8 inches deep with the iPod dock extended, the combined unit seems compact and clean by all-in-one iPod speaker standards