iLive IBCD3816DT Portable 2.1-Channel CD Boombox with iPod Docking Station (Black)

• Convenient portable boombox with built-in iPod cradle for "dockable" iPods
• Slot-loading CD player (supports CD-R/RW formats) and digital AM/FM tuner
• Pair of stereo speakers and dual side-firing subwoofers for deeper bass
• Auxiliary input for older iPods and MP3 players; 4 preset EQ settings
• Video output; measures 17.5 x 7.4 x 7.6 inches (W x H x D); 90-day warranty

I already have a quality 800 watt, 7.1 surround sound system via digital optical cable directly from my Macintosh computer, which produces GREAT powerful sound. So I've learned one really can't combine a whole lot of quality, power and portability in one easy to use stereo.

The iPod doesn't have the ability to transfer good sound to begin with, one can add better speakers and all, but that only goes so far.

What I needed was something to take and play in different locations without headphones, the design and price of this iLive stereo attracted me, as well as a lot of features and power input options.

The sound quality of this iLive unit is ok, much like a pair of iPod headphones is ok.

My opinion of decent sound would be something like a Bose Wave Radio or a iPod HiFi, but these items cost over 3x the amount of this iLive stereo and not suitable or lack a lot of features, power input options etc.

The iLive is priced very reasonable and makes a great general purpose iPod player, it's certainly attractive in black, which makes the black iPod w/video sort of blend right in with it like a perfect match. There is a tiny bit of background noise coming from somewhere and the bass isn't as deep as I would like (spoiled on my 200 watt sub woofer I guess), but hey it's only $79 and can play cd's, radio and iPods and charge them up too.

There is a few things I've found lacking, a handle for instance. But the strap could be made shorter. There doesn't seem to be a way to lock a iPod into place so it doesn't accidentally pop out, perhaps a piece of velcro in the right location will do the job. There is no cover either, but I guess one can be modified to protect the iPod from scratches and dirt, paint, wind blown sand and other nasties.

Overall I'm very pleased with this unit, I know it's not a kick system like my expensive home stereo, but it will allow me to watch movies, TV shows (with video iPod), listen to music etc. with complete portability if the power goes out or at the gym or at the beach or campsite etc. without paying a lot.

In places like college dorms and such where thieves abound, this makes a great unit because the expensive iPod part can be taken out and the cheaper bulkier part left behind.

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I inserted the ipod nano adapter bracket into the docking cradle and went to insert my ipod nano only to find that it does not line up.

We tried inserting the ipod nano first and then placing the adapter over the ipod and almost broke the connector pins that go into the iopod nano.

The ipod nano docking cradle adapter bracket is only off by what appears to be about a few millimeters but none-the-less, it doesn't align and you can't use the nano adapter at all.

. . of course you can always take your chances and use it without the docking cradle adapter bracket and hope that the delicate pin connector doesn't get bent or your ipod falls out of the unit and onto the floor yiikes!

I sent "iLiVE" an email asking fo a "correct" docking cradle adapter bracket.

Since I only wanted this thing for my ipod nano, I'll have to return the unit if there's no replacement bracket forthcoming.

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A simple e-mail to the manufacturer and I instantly received the additional "cradle" for the most up-to-date iPoD Nano. Now I'm very happy. This unit's a pretty good value. I now have changed my rating to 4 stars.

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Something strange happens to this unit. Recently I've experienced problems with the volume. I had an issue where the volume stayed on so loud that I was afraid that it might blow out the speakers. Even pulling out the plug and plugging it back in did not relieve the serious malfunction. But then, as mysteriously as it started . .it stopped. (Very curious). You should also be aware that the "volume" comes on at a "preset" level that's rather loud; "NOT" the level that you turned it off at. This could be a major issue if you listen to the unit in an office environment or have a sleeping baby(or spouse) within ear-shot. If this was a more expensive unit I'd take serious issue with this engineering volume design.

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The unit came with the antenna broken so I am sending it back to Amazon.

The sound from the ipod, a CD and radio are of poor quality, The radio sounds the best. The sound fidelity is not good despite tweaking with the controls.

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This product dissapointed me in just about every way. Shortly after buying it I returned it to the store to invest in something better. I had read some of the other reviews by customers claiming that it it had a "slight hum" and it wasn't close to slight. It almost buzzed, the sound quality was horrible no matter what function it was on. The radio also got poor recption. In addtion the remote didn't allow menu changes and only worked short distances. The speaker is also pretty large for it's bad quality. It does run off batteries. Even with all it's features and the low price, invest in something with better quality.

I did not purchase this from Amazon, but felt I needed to put my review out here since this is where I look at reviews for products. I purchased this item to use at work so I could listen to my IPod and/or radio. The CD player was just an added bonus. However once I plugged it up, it took me forever to get a radio station in clear. And since it is digital there is no way to tweak the radio station in like you can with a turn dial. There is also a constant faint static noise. Again, it is constant! Whether you're playing the radio or IPod, you could hear this noise in the background. Now if I turned the volume up the music would over power it. However, since I'm using this in my office, I don't want the volume that loud. I have since returned this product and am looking for a better one.