The all-in-one form factor for iPod speaker systems have long been a popular choice for consumers. Apple's own iPod Hi-Fi exploits the ease of use provided by a single-unit system, and the Bose SoundDock remains a popular choice on the Apple Store.
Griffin has aggressively launched the Amplifi at a sub-£100 price point, something bound to catch the bargain-scouting consumer's eye. For just £90 though, can this all-in-one option truly compete in the mean world of iPod accessories?
Design
Whether a conscious decision or otherwise, Griffin has reflected the minimalistic iPod design in its Amplifi system. The absence of buttons, bar the central, clickable volume wheel, is in keeping with the iPod's simple, classy looks. Overall the design is superb. The system's wooden enclosure is coated with a slick black paint job, giving it an elegant finish. It's a solid build and significantly weighty, too.
Behind a black metallic mesh reside twin 70mm (2.75-inch) high- and mid-range speaker drivers. The drivers are set to the left and right of a large central volume wheel, itself backlit with a seductive neon-blue glow. The underside hosts a 127mm (5-inch) subwoofer and a deep 40mm (1.6-inch) bass reflex port. The sub is given roughly 30mm of breathing space thanks to the extended side panels the Amplifi sits on. Small rubber feet beneath this pseudo-stand keep the system from slowly walking over the edge of whatever it's sitting on.
Around the back of the unit, the minimalist aesthetics are extended -- just simple power and line-in sockets sit neatly in the centre of an otherwise plain and simple rear.
Overall, it's a superbly built setup that far exceeds what we expect for a mere £90. The question is, does it sound as good as it looks?
Features
It's been noted by some that the Amplifi's lack of features hinders its usefulness. For example, there's no radio, display, equaliser or battery operation. We'd argue against this, since Griffin's aggressive pricing is certainly the result of resisting tacking on pointless features and, instead, focusing on delivering one feature very well. This feature is of course the iPod docking system and it's delightfully simple to use: stick an iPod in, switch the speakers on, choose a volume.
The Amplifi belts out a total of 40W from two 10W front-mounted neodymium speaker drivers and a 20W sub. It can be controlled with a pitifully small, credit card-esque infrared remote control that performs a whopping three functions: volume, skip and power. Go nuts.
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suzzy 4 February 2008
Good: Easy to use, LOUD...
Bad: Nothing....
Comment: I run a small charity linedance class in a club, had problems with c.d.s 'jumping in the middle of dances, also had to carry stereo and cd.s. with me......I wrote and asked Nate for advice -whether to change to the Griffin Amplifi and an Ipod?
When this small wooden 'shoebox' arrived I was very dubious, very easy to set up though - slip-on plug adaptors, easyfit reliable ipod fittings [I am useless at 'technology' didn't know how to fill an ipod!]
I set it up, pressed the big blue knob but forgot the warning to adjust the sound!! It was so LOUD..quickly turned it down, still sounded very good.
Off I went to my class with it in my backpack, Ipod and remote in my pocket [No large stereo unit or box of c.d.s]
My group thought I was mad when I set up the little box. but were absolutely astounded. The sound was amazing in the hall, the bass was ideal for dancing and flicking quickly through the tracks which all sounded good.
Have had teenagers and people of all ages coming up to ask me what on earth I was using - thankyou Nate for your advice I think this says it all. I am not a 'sound buff', if you want something to play your music on without having to fiddle with any gadgets - that sounds good - can easily move from room to room - go for it..
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