- Black 2.1-channel speaker system with built-in iPod dock and AM/FM tuner
- Pair of built-in, full-range, magnetically shielded speakers and dual subwoofers
- 3D sound with SRS TruBass enhancement; AM/FM tuner with memory presets
- 4 A/V inputs (2 RCA and 2 S-video); L/R audio input and auxiliary input; A/V and S-video outputs
- Includes remote control; measures 34.2 x 9.8 x 7 inches (W x H x D); 90-day warranty
The integration revealed three weaknesses in design of the iLive Soundbar:
1. The RCA input connections are facing downward on the Soundbar in a position that requires 90 degree angle adapters to be used in order to properly hide the wiring behind the Soundbar when it is mounted to a wall. This increases the total implemented cost.
2. The iLive remote control does not have an infrared code available to program other remote control devices that are capable of controlling multiple devices. In essence, your stuck using the iLive remote along with other remote controls to accommodate multiple devices.
3. The iLive IHT3817DT-IB 2.1 Soundbar does not have an adapter fitting for third generation iPOD devices. Third generation iPOD devices can be used without the adapter fitting, but the connection is fragile and is prone to damage if the iPOD is bumped while inserted on the mating connector.
On the positive side, the iLive IHT3817DT-IB 2.1 Soundbar strengths are good quality sound, sleek look and simple mounting scheme.
I was able to work around the remote control problems by using a Harmony 880 universal remote control. These are costly but allow programming without the need for infrared code.We bought this item without listening to it first. Big mistake. The sound quality on this unit is *very* sub-par, especially for the iPod dock sound. The dock also feels very flimsy, like it will break off at any moment. FM radio could barely pick up any stations at all. The remote that comes with the unit is extremely cheap, and had some rattling part inside. Additionally, the unit would only marginally respond to the remote.
Approximately 5 months after purchasing the item, it just stopped working and displayed random numbers on the front panel. We called "customer service" at iLive, only to be told that the warranty is only 90 days for labor, and that to repair would cost over $100.
Bad product. Bad service from iLive. Get something else from another brand.I saw the lower end model on sale in stores for about the same price as what I paid for this little number. At first I was skeptical, b/c I had some mixed reviews and a few unfavorable reviews for some of their other products. But I looked around and kept comming back to this one item and it met the specs that I desired for my bedroom. I already had a 5.1 CH for the living area, but wanted something smaller for bedroom. I read many good reviews and took a chance, I was not disapointed. It has met my expectations and am very pleased. Makes all the dirrence when watching TV, movies, and listening to music on my MP3 or PC. Get Quality Audiio cables if you want to maximize it's potential.I saw this product in Target a couple days ago. I plugged my iPod in out of curiosity, and played a few songs including recordings of: Nessun Dorma sung by Pavarotti, Do you know you are my Sunshine? by the Statler Brothers, A Moment so Close by Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, and Forsaken by Dream Theater. The product performed a huge cut above all other iPod speakers that were available anywhere near its price of $249 in Target. The midrange was intelligible and fairly natural sounding even at moderately loud listening levels. (Speaking in terms normally reserved for actual stereo speaker systems.) This does not sound like just another iPod system. Its output capability is well beyond most iPod systems. The bass is not prodigious, however it does offer a subwoofer out to add a powered sub. I've been reading other reviews of this system across the net, and it seems most people are just looking for lots of boom in the bottom end.
I cannot stand excessive bass or treble, and iPod systems are especially notorious for having midrange that is heavily lacking in quality and intelligibility while emphasizing boomy and distorted bass and screeching highs from tiny and usually inadequate low and high frequency drivers. Midrange, the part of the spectrum where 90% of music occurs, is simply ignored more often than not. This system actually has dedicated midrange drivers that do not sound like a kazoo when played louder than 70dB. (moderately loud conversation, vacuum cleaner @ 10 feet) In fact, they play very clearly up to about 90-95dB at the listening position (approx 8-15 feet away, as loud as most high quality bookshelf speakers will play without becoming harsh sounding.)
I could actually hear what was happening in the music with this system. Pavarotti sounded like himself, and the deep bass guitar from Victor Wooten in the Bela Fleck track was clear and punchy without sounding 'woofy'. Dream Theater's intricate and complex music was delivered full-spectrum with admirable balance, even with James LaBrie's very unique sound. It won't shake your floor, because it's designed to have something most people don't understand: Balanced sound. It's not going to replace a good pair of B&W or other high end speakers, but it's a massive step up from the average iPod speaker system. Think of it as a larger and higher-output version of a Bose sound-dock (With more connections and features).
Inputs and outputs are massively impressive for an iPod system. 2 full RCA/S-Video video ins, and an RCA/S-video out for your TV, subwoofer line-level out, AM/FM antenna connections. Wall-mountable, and fits nicely beneath a 32" LCD TV.
One thing to note... the iPod dock does seem a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the system. In fact, in the one I tested, it was working, but the display on the front of the dock itself was not functioning at all. I was able to use my iPod, but had to use the non-synced mode. I am assuming that's simply because it was in Target and kids always destroy everything they can get their hands on in those stores. 90 day warranty is pretty standard, and not impressive.
Overall, I rate the product very high in the sound quality and available features areas. Build quality is excellent **with the exception of the dock itself-somewhat sub-standard.
If you want a speaker system that can accept source inputs from your DVD/Gaming/other systems as well as play Radio and iPod music, and mounts conveniently under your TV or on its own stand, and has acceptable performance relative to actual home stereo systems (Extremely rare among iPod systems), this one seems in a class of its own for now.
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I purchased this item because it does have a nice sound, however, it arrived defective. Needless to say I had bought one for my friend who tells me the display does not work now and he contacted the manufacturer and left a message no one returned his call. So having a couple of experience I think I have had it with this product.
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