Would you buy an iPod dock from this man?
New Price NZ$ 499
If you correctly identified the face behind the cigar as Sir Terrence Conran, the god father of British modernism, then you probably already know the answer to the question. If not, a bit of an introduction is in order.
Founder of both the Habitat and Conran design shops, restauranteur, author and all round design guru, Sir Terrence (79) is showing no signs of slowing down or compromise. So when he attaches his reputation to the audio world a rather higher standard is set.
Archived page: January 2016
– Please see Geneva and Tivolifor great 'iPod' music systems as well as the Spaced 360
Great design is difficult to define, but when you see it, you instinctively know something is right. A creation of Studio Conran, this new speaker dock is just such a product, a synthesis elegant design aesthetic with a stunning audio performance engineered by Q Acoustics.
Combining seriously stunning acoustics with an elegant design aesthetic, Conran has created a contemporary design classic. It is a dedicated 100% pure iPod player that works both docked and wirelessly with iPhones and iPods, and wirelessly with iPads. Bluetooth™ connectivity allows song selection from the comfort of an armchair or, if it’s your thing, while dancing around the room.
See a a nice little video that tells you all about it.
Furthermore, the Conran dock's in-built Bluetooth™ receiver chip is compatible with apt-X, the new high-performance audio coding technology which transmits CD-quality full-bandwidth stereo over Bluetooth™ connections. apt-X is fast becoming the next 'must have' technology feature in high-end consumer audio devices with pre-installed or dongle-enabled Bluetooth™ Stereo capability.
While the Conran dock is not without competition from Geneva Labs, Tivoli, B&W, and others, what it does deliver is a uniquely balanced combination of innovative features and value. Touches like the neat placement of the remote control in a slot on the side when its not in use, the intuitive operation of the volume which also allows selection of inputs and the ability to rotate the dock all contribute to a winning look and feel.
Sound-wise the Conran is no slouch although it's well worth taking the time to try the various settings incorporated - like any small speaker system it will be placed in different environments and the ability to optimize the sound for these changes is a welcome addition. The effects are subtle yet persuasive. Not surprisingly, it's the direct connection of an iPod that delivers the best sound. But the apt-X makes a real difference to Bluetooth performance - bringing it on par with AirPlay, but without the dependence on the wireless network and the range/performance issues that dog many modems. And of course BlueTooth means the Conran can do more than Mac.
"It’s that cool ‘60s influence that seeps out of every pore of the Conran dock – it could easily have been a prop in some stylish ‘60s show like The Avengers, had iPods existed back then. The very nice – and rather unusual – design is definitely one compelling reason for purchase of the Conran, given its ability to enhance the style of any home (or work) environment…But what we really want to know is: does the sound blow? Actually, it’s one of the best-sounding iPod docks I’ve heard." Gary Steel, 'Witchdoctor'
So if good design is important to you, the new Conran Audio iPod system may well be just what you are looking for. There are two finish options in stock - black and white with a wood trim. Price is just NZ$499 inclusive of GST.
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