There are myriads of iPod accessories that can extend the capabilities of the popular music player that shook the industry. Logitech has joined the ranks with their new AudioStation™ Speaker System designed to support all current iPod models (see below). In addition, the AudioStation™ has a built-in AM/FM radio that enables users to listen to over-the-air broadcasts of their favorite music or talk radio shows. For non-iPod users there is a 3.5mm auxiliary input that is designed for other music players or audio sources. The AudioStation™ has a set of attractive backlit controls just below the display. These buttons have an elegant touch sensitive interface that adds a high-tech appeal to the product. Also included is a full function IR remote that allows the user to control the unit from across the room, making it very convenient to use. The AudioStation™ features a pair of bi-amplified two-way speakers with removable speaker covers. Each channel includes a 1-inch soft-dome tweeter and a 4-inch long-throw woofer.

The AudioStation™ supports all current iPod models and is designed to charge the iPod while docked in the station. Video iPod owners will have access to a composite and s-video output jack on the rear of the AudioStation™ to provide external video. According to the literature, the AudioStation™ is capable of producing a sound pressure level of 110 dB with a frequency response of 36Hz-23kHz ±3dB. This is all made possible with the advanced DSP (digital signal processing) capabilities and the bi-amplified speaker design.

The external switching power supply module generates ±18VDC and 13VDC and plugs into the AudioStation™ with a four pin connector that snaps into place. Setup is very simple and requires no wires other than the power cord and antenna wires for the built-in AM/FM tuner.

Operation
The iPod docks in the center of the unit and may require one of the adapters included with the system. When the unit is in standby mode, the LCD displays the time with large fonts and look like a fancy clock radio. When powered on the other information along with the time in the upper left side in smaller fonts. The following iPods are supported with the AudioStation making it a very versatile audio player.

iPod  mini iPod  (4G) iPod  color iPod  nano iPod with video (5G)  iPod nano (aluminum)

The AudioStation™ has a built-in AM/FM digital tuner with 8 AM and 16 FM presets. FM stations support RDS (Radio Data System) which can display artist/song information along with other data transmitted by the broadcasters.

The front panel display can be changed to the user's preference. When using the FM radio the display can show the station frequency in large fonts or the station frequency and RDS information with three lines of smaller fonts. With any audio input, the user can also display the current time or the visually alluring spectrum analyzer. A sleep timer function is also available. The bass and treble levels are adjustable along with the 3D Stereo processing control. The IR remote has additional controls that are not available on the front panel of the AudioStation™, so you will be in trouble if you lose the remote.

Performance
The AudioStation™ produces surprisingly good audio from a small all-in-one enclosure. The bi-amplified electronics provide each speaker with a separate amplifier for improved audio performance. Each woofer has a dedicated 32-watt Class-D power amplifier and each tweeter has a dedicated 8-watt Class AB power amplifier. The woofer and tweeter combination is contained in a sealed and tuned enclosure. The bi-amplified transducer design, active equalization and the digital electronic crossover optimizes audio performance by compensating for driver and cabinet deficiencies. The AudioStation™ has excellent audio performance for a small portable unit. There's no doubt that the unit leverages from some advanced signal processing features.

Conclusion
The Logitech® AudioStation™ Speaker System is a value-added product designed for your portable music player whether it be an iPod or another audio device. The design makes it convenient to dock any iPod into the base using the provided adapters. Since it is likely that you have more than a single iPod in your household, anyone can use it. The unit can easily be connected to a television and a high quality s-video connection is available for those who can take advantage of it. Logitech has delivered a great new product for iPod users with the introduction of the AudioStation™ Speaker System.

- Kevin Nakano