iPod docks are everywhere, but most are cheap, nasty and unoriginal. You can’t say that about the latest offering from high end hi-fi makers Marantz – the IS301 Wireless iPod Dock is, well, wireless. And an iPod dock, clearly.
The cradle uses Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR A2DP and Bluetooth AVRCP for cable-free communication with a receiver that links up to your hi-fi via normal audio leads. It can stream both audio and video from your iPod or iPhone, and also lets the user control his or her hi-fi’s volume and lots of other settings on a Marantz receiver. You can have several docks wirelessly hooked up to one receiver.
The dock has a USB connection allowing you to connect it to your computer for iTunes syncing, but one of its coolest features is the fact that the docking port is detachable. That means your iPod doesn’t have to be sitting in the dock cradle to stream music to the receiver – you can pick it up and take it into another room, and as long as it’s within Bluetooth range (around 10 metres) it will still stream audio.
Out December | £TBC | Marantz (via Akihabara News)
