KICKER - iKICK501

The 2012 Best Speaker Dock winner, according to readers, was the Kicker iK501.
The iK501 combines high-quality sound with sci-fi design to create a pleasing package. It includes a built-in subwoofer, a remote control that can navigate the menus and screens of an iPhone or iPod connected to it, AUX and RCA inputs for additional components, and much more. Check out the poll results, etc. on About.com

The new iKICK501 now certifiably works with iPhone™, along with iPhone 3G and all 4th-generation or newer iPod media players. Another feature is composite video output, allowing the user to play video from an iPod™ or iPhone docked on the unit to larger screens such as your TV or computer monitor.

Still portable and still loud, the iKICK501 still features the outrageous, square-shaped reflex subwoofer on the back of the unit, along with a pair of five-inch woofers and silk-dome tweeters. It's all juiced by a powerful internal amplifier with digital signal processing for the richest, best-sounding docking system available.

Dig deeper into DSP with the thin infrared remote, fully featured to fine-tune the iPod or iPhone's music and video content. It helps to navigate with ease through the iKICK501 system menu, adjusting bass, treble, and aux-in options, as well as through the iPod or iPhone's menus and sub-menus. Skip forward and back, fast-forward and back, play and pause, volume, mute, and power on/off selections have their own buttons too.

The rotary knob manually serves as the power and selection push button, and controller for bass, treble, auxiliary-input options, or standby mode. Standby will continue to charge the iPod or iPhone even when the system is powered down. In the dark, the knob is back-lit in blue and the display LCD screen continues to steer the user easily through the menu.

A mini jack input allows a hookup for stereo sound from alternate media, including other MP3 or compact-disc players, desktop and laptop computers, or satellite radio. RCA stereo outputs allow for even more alternative audio hookup. A two-foot auxiliary cable, integrated carrying handle, AC power cord and 22-volt power supply add up to complete a convenient and enjoyable entertainment experience.

Specifications

Model:	iK501
Speaker Design:	2-Way
Woofer Sizes (in., mm):	5, 127
Tweeter Sizes (in., mm):	3/4, 20
Square Reflex Subwoofer Size (in., mm):	6 x 6, 152 x 152
Power Supply (volts, ampere):	22, 2.7
Height x Width x Depth (in., mm):	8.5 x 19.2 x 8.4, 216 x 488 x 214
Weight (lbs., kg):	9.2, 4.2

Features

	Subwoofer Patent-pending, 6-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response with the kind of intensity you’ve come to expect from KICKER.
	Speakers 5" woofers and 3/4" tweeters fill your room with premium full-range sound quality.
	Remote Credit-card size remote allows easy control of the system and complete navigation through your iPod’s menu.
	Control Knob The rotary knob serves as the selection button and controller for volume, bass, treble, aux-in, or standby mode.
	Aux-in The 1/8” auxiliary stereo input allows you to connect additional media sources for richer, louder sound.
	RCAs RCA stereo outputs allow for even more audio hookup. Video output allows you to pass video from your iPod to a TV.
	Dock The dock works all iPod models, including the iPod touch and any featuring a click wheel. It is also “Works with iPhone“ certified.
	Handle Convenient carry handle maximizes portability.

Reviews

	The Kicker iK501 iPhone/Ipod Dock performed well and sounded amazing for an iPod dock. It doesn't get much better then the iK501. Infact, with how good it sounded, I know a few people who would be happy to use it as their primary stereo system!Read the full review on stereowiseplus.com
	While many think of Bose for ultimate sound quality, beware, Kicker is making a name for itself, and kicking the competition to the floor. Because of this, we really have no choice, other than to award the Kicker iK501 with our Awesome Hardware Award. Read the full review on techwarelabs.com
	Leave it to the Godfather of car audio to release the best iPod sound system. The Kicker iKick iK500 is easily the most powerful iPod sound system we've tested, and blows away the oh-so-overrated Bose SoundDock... Read the full review on uncrate.com
	The first and most significant thing you will notice about the iK500 is just how LOUD it is and it does this without virtually no distortion at the highest volume levels. We played everything from heavy metal to classical to hip hop and it handled each and every song beautifully with clear mids, highs and solid bass... Read the full review on acquiremag.com
	With large "bumping" speakers, 5-inch woofers, and a 40-watt stereo amplifier, the iKICK iK500 is definitely loud enough to get the party started. Plus, it also comes with a credit card-sized infrared remote that lets you adjust the stereo system's bass, treble, and auxiliary-in options, as well as the iPod menu directories... Read the full review on techeblog.com
	Do you live above me? If not, go ahead and buy this astonishingly bassy, badass iPod dock. The Kicker iKick (iK500) even looks mean: With a Vaderesque design and scowling speakers, it actually looks like it's a little pissed. And while it will kick you around a little with its loudness, it can just as easily play nice on the quieter stuff too... Read the full review on wired.com
	I've had the sound system sitting on my desk for the past few weeks, and although I have seldom "needed" to move the volume above 7, I like the idea that if I wanted to rattle the glass in my office (literally), all I would have to do is just turn that knob a bit. If you have been looking for a self-contained iPod or Zune sound system that can charm you by its excellent sound and blow your socks off with its punching bass, then this is the one to get. I wish my current Alfa's car stereo sounded as good... Read the full review on geardiary.com