Review: Logitech S715i iPod dock

Logitech's S715i iPod dock. Photo / Supplied

I was determined to keep an open mind upon receiving Logitech's latest iPod goody, the S715i rechargeable dock. However, all semblance of rational thought vanished as I got busy unboxing the S715i, reinforcing my positive opinions as it's plastic body delivered dull inert thuds to my rapping it, suggesting a well-braced and solidly-built portable speaker case that could finally pull some half decent audio off of my iPod.

Look & feel

Looking more like something that Reebok would make, I was smitten by the S715i's slinky, curvaceous looks. Peeper-pleasing design aside, the S715i also managed to deliver where so many other iPod docks had failed so abysmally, delivering rock solid audio, yet almost miraculously leaving my anaemic bank balance relatively intact in the process thanks to its reasonable $299.90 sticker price.

Audio performance

The first thing that struck me about the S715i was it's petite size - a mere 15.5" wide and a slender 2" thick.

It may have been small and portable, but ran on the equivalent of an oily rag, using a Nickel-metal hydride battery to make full use of its four tuned drivers and two passive radiators for up to 8 and half hours away from mains power to deliver surprisingly substantial sound. In use, bass was not merely hinted at by the S715i, but was actually a tangible and room filling thing, highs were present and crisp but not shrill or fatiguing, whilst mids had warmth, helping to flesh out a reasonably convincing soundstage..

Design

The S715i packed the all the design hallmarks I'd come to expect from Logitech. Starting with a solid build, it also packed plenty of portability thanks to a portable, boom box-like form factor. Given this, it'd also easily slip into a backpack , making it the ideal travelling companion for oonst on the move.

Controlled by a small infra-red remote, manual control is achieved by front mounted power and volume buttons. Equally clever is its iPod dock, whose cover flips back becoming a kickstand for keeping the S715i upright.

The device also has a small 3.5mm auxiliary input so it'll play nice with non Apple MP3 players. Being portable, it is also likely to take its fair share of punishment. I suspect that this figured prominently in Logitech deciding to cover its six speakers with alloy grilles.

Verdict

While only four of the S715i's speakers are powered, the S715i delivered audio that belied its pint-sized form factor. Even when played at ear bleeding volume levels, the sonics pouring out of the S715i remained relatively clean and distortion free.

Heading into summer, the S715i has a whole lot going for it when it comes to outdoors music for BBQ's, especially considering its very reasonable price tag. The neighbours are guaranteed to hate it!

Logitech S715i speaker system/dock
$299.95