Klipsch iGroove HG iPod Speaker Review
I have one of the first generation black iPod Nanos, and I've primarly used it for listening to music while on the go. However, there have been times when I've wanted to listen to the music stored on my iPod while I'm at home. I have a nice stereo system which is great for playing CDs, but I've been slow to adapt to an iPod speaker system. So, when Klipsch sent me the new iGroove HG iPod speakers I was pretty excited.
When I unpacked the box the iGroove was sent to me in, I was impressed when I pulled it out of the box. It was nice and sturdy, and I felt confident that if I set it on a stand, or a bookshelf, that it wouldn't easily fall off.
Design:
If you like simplicity and sleek designs, the Klipsch iGroove HG is the perfect iPod speaker system solution for you. To get it up and running takes only a matter of minutes. Just plug it in, pick the right iPod adapter, and pop in your iPod, and you're all set to go! There aren't all kinds of crazy cords and settings to deal with, which is a nice change of pace.
The Klipsch iGroove is by far one of the sexiest iPod speaker systems I've ever seen. It does not look cheap, like some other top selling products by other companies, but rather, exudes quality and class from its every inch. The speaker system is a high-gloss dark black, which reminds me of a luxury automobile finish you'd see in a dealership showroom. It's got curves in all the right places, and is one of the most uniquely designed systems available. When you see it in person, you'll be drawn to it like a magnet. And just like me, you'll want to touch it. Trust me on this.
The metal grill on the front of the system looks and feels solid, and will not be easily dented or dinged. I'm betting that even a fall wouldn't dent it; it's that kind of quality. The iGroove features a substantial weight and three wide rubber feet, which help to keep the unit very stable. In other words, like I said previously, you won't easily bump off a shelf.
On the back of the unit you won't find a whole lot of unneccessary fluff. Like the rest of the system, it is quite clean and simple. You'll find a nice built-in handle near the top of the back, and a connection for DC-in cord, and a small port. The rear of the unit is also very clean. There is a small handle built into the rear of the unit, and a connection for the DC-in cord.
Using the iGroove:
Once you've plugged in the iGroove and choosen the appropriate adapter for your iPod or other MP3 player, getting the music grooving is merely a matter of turning on the power and pressing the "Play" button. On the front of the system there are only two buttons - the power button, and a volume button. You'll know that the unit is on when the power button glows green. When off, it glows red - just like a traffic light.
Also packaged with the iGroove is a handy little remote. It's lightweight, and has a funky shape. Personally I liked the shape. Being female and having smaller hands, this remote fit in my hands like it was made specifically for me. The one concern I did have about the remote, however, is the fact that it is small and lightweight. I don't know about you guys, but I have a hard time keeping track of tiny remotes. I didn't end up losing this one, at least not yet, because I was overly conscious of where I put it down. Like the system itself, the iGroove's remote control is also very simple. It features a power button, play/pause, volume controls, and buttons that allow you to skip through tracks on your iPod.
Sound Quality:
When I first turned on the iGroove HG and played a song, I was mesmerized. I ended up sitting there listening to almost half the songs on my iPod. I heard things in the songs that I'd never heard before with any other speakers or headphones. The music was so clear and brilliant, and it picked up all of the magical subtlties in so many songs. I don't know if it has to do with the iGroove's horn-loaded tweeters, or what, but man this thing pumps out some quality tunes!
I listened to all kinds of different music on the iGroove, and all genres sound absolutely amazing on it. For such a small little device, the iGroove packs a lot of punch. In testing the volume levels of the unit, I was also very impressed. It is a relatively small system, but if you never saw it, you'd never guess it. It can get loud, and can easily fill up several rooms with clear, loud music. Or, in my case with my small little house, every inch of the place was drowned in beautiful music.
Like the included instructions suggest, the iGroove plays best on a flat, sturdy surface. I tested it out on various surfaces, including on the carpet and on the desktop, and found it did in fact work best as suggested. When playing on the carpet, the quality was slightly less. For maximum sound quality, the iGroove is best placed somewhere more sturdy, and of course, safer than a floor.
Conclusions:
The Klipsch iGroove HG definitely looks its best with one of the shiny black iPod Nanos or Video iPods, but it also works quite well with other brand MP3 players through use of the universal J-cup adapter. For such quality workmanship, the iGroove can be yours for just $199.99 if you buy it through their website. It's been marked down from its normal price of $249.99, which itself is a steal. Sweetening the deal even more, I see that Klipsh is now offering free shipping on the iGroove HG when you order it through their website.
If you're in the market for an iPod speaker system, skip the trip to Best Buy, Walmart, or any other of the major chains. While they do carry quality devices, you're not likely to find a better deal than this, or a system of such quality.
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