iHome’s New iPod Bookshelf System

There seems to be two camps one can join when it comes to iPod-inspired speaker systems: the classic bookshelf model, which usually comes with two front speakers, a docking/control station and a sub; and the all-in-one, integrated iPod speaker unit. The iHome iH52 represents the most earnest member of the former camp, a high-fidelity, powerful, multi-functional speaker system that could finally supplant any traditional CD bookshelf set-up.

Making the iH52 more attractive is its form, a sleek iPod white or black, with components that not just fit anywhere, but could actually disappear. For additional convenience, the front and right speakers can be configured to lay side ways or upright. As for the functions, there are few things you’d want to do that the iH52 can’t. The designers have included everything: component and S-video to send video or photos from your iPod to the DVD or TV; a line in to connect other audio devices; an iPod shuffle dock; remote control, AM and FM tuners, with 12 presets; and an iPod Firewire/USB connector so you can update the music on your device without taking it off the cradle, which also charges the iPod while it’s docked.

The system is most similar to the Monitor Audio i-deck. But while the i-deck was punchy and powerful, it was bulky and lacked most of these functions, which made it difficult to replace any system in the home. The iH52, meanwhile, is the next best thing to a stereo receiver iPod docking cradle, like the one offered by Harmon Kardon. But while your stereo receiver sits in a static location, the iH52 can be moved to another room with relative ease.

When it comes to sound, the difference maker is the subwoofer. A knob on the back adjusts the intensity. Turn it all the way down and the right and left speakers sound just a little better than the all-in-one iPod speakers. But with the sub’s support, the room fills with a full range of sound that would please, and impress, the partygoers.

The iH52 isn’t without its quirks, however. The display on the front lights up and we had a terrible time getting it to dim. You have the option of displaying the information from the iPod on the front LED, but every time you change the setting, the music skips. And, while the system supposedly comes with four EQ settings, we couldn’t change them, even when following the directions word for word, not that we wanted to change the settings. The system sounded pretty good right out of the box.

The remote control includes more functions than most remotes for these systems, more than just volume up/down and track forward/back. The remote lets you switch functions to the AM/FM band or to an auxiliary audio source, as well as change the display settings.

iHome’s iH52 is a mature iPod system that could serve up just about any room, including the living room or dorm room. Be careful if you buy if for the kids, however. You may want to keep it for yourself.