Kensington Stereo Dock for iPod - 33164
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I have a Bose and a Kenwood system that I was hoping to use this with. I was very upset to find that the sound output was minimal with both systems. I was not aware the Bose or Kenwood sound would not work with the ipod/Kensington combo. At max volume, the sound output was not even half of what it is normally, and is distorted from being maxed. After a few months of use, I got a loud pop out of this and now the sound is barely audible.
 
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The Kensington stereo dock for iPod 33164 is the ideal connection and charging device for those who prefer high fidelity through a stereo system. It is attractive, easy to use and connect, and the remote is a bonus. I would pay no attention to the remarks about how the remote doesn't control enough functions. Given that you have to have the ipod essentially within arms'length to pick your selection, it is excellent. Choose an album or playlist, set your stereo volume control to a moderate setting, sit back and enjoy. You can use the remote to skip forward or back and to lower the volume from the maximum setting that you set your stereo receiver/amp to originally. It is ideal. Don't worry about the whiners. They are just too lazy to appreciate the efficient simplicity of this docking device. Remember, it is about the music.
 
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It's a remote controlled dock with AV inputs to your stereo. You can control the ipod forward and backward in your playlist, and control the volume with the remote that comes with the unit. Sound quality is good--the MP3 compression is the culprit, not the device, if there is any distortion. Over all, a really cool unit. I'm surprised nobody thought of it sooner. If you use your ipod with any regularity, you should get one.
 
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The Kensington Stereo Dock is nifty little device for playing your iPod through your stereo while at the same time keeping your iPod charged up. It works beautifully, and the sound will be as good as your stereo can make it. Of course, there's a cheaper way to accomplish the same thing if your iPod comes with its own charger (as all do) and docking stand (as the 4G 40gb iPod does). Just buy an iPod-to-RCA-plug patch cord (ca $10 if it's not a Monster Cable) and use the rest of the gear that Apple gave you. Plug the AC adapter into the wall, connect the docking station to the adapter, plug one end of the patch cord into the docking station and the other into an auxiliary input on your stereo, and you're good to go. What more does the Kensington Dock give you? Just a remote control. On the other hand, it frees up your Apple charging and docking gear for other uses (e.g., travel, another sterero, etc.). And if you're going to use your iPod with a number of different stereos (living room, bedroom, office, vacation home, etc.) it's handy not to have to disconnect the docking gear and bring it with you. The Kensington gear is beautifully made and suits the iPod perfectly. The performance is flawless. The only thing to be careful about is the fact that you are now working with 3 different volume controls: one on the iPod, one on the Kensington remote, and the one on your stereo. Here's how to handle the issue. Turn the iPod volume all the way up; leave your stereo volume set to its normal position for the listening level you prefer (i.e., the position you'd normally have it in for listening to your CD player or FM tuner). Then increase the volume on the Kensington remote until you reach the desired level. Some might consider this an inconvenience, but it seems pretty minor to me. You will notice that when the docking station is plugged into wall current, it lights up (there's an illuminated "Kensington" on the top of the dock). The folks at Kensington assure me that it does no harm to keep it plugged in all the time. And it provides a nice night-light, handy if you keep yours in your bedroom. This product is a winner -- a great system for playing your iPod through your stereo, while keeping it charged, at a reasonable price.
 
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The Kensington stereo dock for iPod works pretty well. I tried it with my gen 5 video iPod and it worked as claimed. The only potential problem is with the IR remote, which needs to be pretty much aimed directly at the dock to work. Good value for the money.
 
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Many people look to buy Ipod stand-alone speakers and Some people are trying to beam their music wirelessly to their stereos. This product made it simple to have my music library in a compact form and play it right through my stero. So guess what I have great sound, fidelity and it's a small footprint. If you have a great stereo already this is the way to go for MP3 and Itunes playback. The unit works great and the remote makes it easy to skip tracks forward and back and to handle the volume. I would recommend this product for someone with a stereo that wants to use their Ipod.
 
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Very easy to setup - excellent sound quality through speakers. Both dock and remote light up (orange glow) when operated. Wish remote was able to display what is on the iPOD screen :)
 
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The stereo dock is a must-have for anyone who has an iPod and wants to enjoy the music through stereo speakers. Absolutely simple to set up, it took me 5 minutes. Great directions made it a snap. More economical than buying an iPod dock from Apple and y-connectors from Radio Shack. Love the remote, too. I'd buy it again!
 
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Works just fine with my 2gb Nano and is perfect for listening to music over my stero system at home. Its a much better deal than the apple dock. This one comes with the charger and a neat little remote. The only drawback is there is no video out for the newer iPods with video and photos.
 
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I bought three of these nifty devices. I have one at my main office, one at my secondary office, and one at home, each attached to a stereo system. It is very convenient to just walk in, dock the iPod, turn on the system, and get my favorite music on the spot. Since I've got about two weeks of music on the iPod, I can go from place to place to place and keep on track and in tune with my playlists and favorites. I don't miss a beat. The remote works well enough, though it has limited functions. Mostly I use it for volume control, which is a major plus when the phone rings. Skipping songs or going back in the playlist is a breeze, too. The only drawback is the inability to navigate hierarchies in the iPod interface, but then the product didn't promise that, so I can't complain. As for my music over my stereos in my places when I want it, it's friggin' brilliant. This is the best buy I've made on buy.com.
 
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This product is simply great and does the job as expected. The input voltage to the adapter is 100-240 volts which makes it easy to use this product anywhere in the world. Nice product -- GO FOR IT.
 
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This is a very useful addition if you want to play your Ipod music through your home entertainment system while your computer is off. Basic play/pause controls, remote control and it recharges your Ipod. It misses out on being able to select albums/playlists other docking stations provide. Sometimes the volume is low and you have to play around with the controls but otherwise works as it was designed. Carefully check your Ipod for compatibility. Mine is not listed on the documentation but it still works!
 
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I purchased this for use with my 4GB Nano, and barely any sound is outputted to my receiver. Although the listing says that it is Nano compatible, the box states that it only works with the regular iPod and the mini. I will be sending it back.
 
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Neat little "gadget". It does the job. Just plug in the supplied power supply from your Kensington cradle to your ac outlet. Then run your RCA extention jacks to the back of your stereo into the input for your (aux,or tape} Now set your stereo to the input you are useing. Make sure your Ipod is secured in cradle. If you are useing the aux. input then change the front setting of your stereo to aux. Set your stereo volume about halfway. You can adjust the volume up or down useing the supplied remote. Now you can rock and roll. All functions work thru the remote/ Wish the instructions were a little more detailed. I turn my cradle facing the doorway to the room I'm in. Remote is good up to 30 foot straight shot. This unit also charges so I let my IPOD in it all night. Just grab, and go with it in the morning. Unit appears to be solid, and well made. Warranted for 5 years. Front of cradle lights up showing that you are charging unit, and power supply is conected properly. Well worth the money. Only drawback is you have to stand close to your Ipod is see what gentre, or playlist you wish to play. I'd pay double the money if the remote displayed a menu that you could choose, and change. I gave the over all satisfaction a 4 because the remote had no menu.
 
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Easy to setup and use. Just plug into stereo receiver and you have your iPod music playing over your home system. It even has a remote which works the same as the iPod controls. iPod charges while playing or when off. Highly recommend this product!
 
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I bought this dock to use with my new 30gb video ipod. First of all it does come with all necessary cables and AC adapter as well as batteries for the remote. The setup is very simple, just make sure you push the cables all of the way in on the back of the dock. I have it hooked up to my home stereo so when I get home I just drop the ipod into the dock and enjoy the music while it charges. There is about a 1/4" between the back of my 30gb ipod and the metal bars that hold the remote so the ipod is standing on the dock connector only, but it does feel pretty secure. I'd give it a five if it had video out. It's about half the price of the Apple dock by the time you buy the AC adapter, remote and cables.
 
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This is a great addition to your iPod and stereo. It comes with everything you need to play all your ipod's music through your home stereo and set up only takes about 5 minutes. The base charges the ipod too (doesn't sync because it doesn't hook up to the computer) so you can play your music for hours/days/months or as long as you like. One of the best ipod additions I've purchased. Highly recommended. You won't be disappointed.
 
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I was able to hook it up in a matter of minutes, and now I can groove to my music without having to use headphones! So easy, I love it!
 
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Docking station works great with my iPod Mini. Didn't have a docking station, so I love being able to charge and play over my stero. Unit is well built and appears to be very durable. iPodish mini remote is nice also.
 
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This little gadget is awesome! It transmits the music from your iPod over you stereo speakers. This definately beats having to drag your laptop out for parties. The remote works great, it's compact and the sound is perfect. I was really impressed. Try it, you will not be disappointed!
 
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