If you have an Apple iPod, and who doesn’t these days, you will eventually want to improve it’s functionality by adding an accessory.  As the leading portable digital audio player on the market, there are an incredible number of accessories available for the Apple iPod and JBL is one of the leading companies in the iPod speaker and general consumer audio market.  Let’s take a look at a few of the products available from JBL.

JBL On Tour Plus

Price: $129.95
Compatible with: All audio devices with a 3.5mm audio jack.
Plus model includes stand accessory for Sony PSP and available in Black.
Standard model is available in White.

If you are on-the-road and looking to add some music to your environment or just watch a video without being tied to the iPod by a wire, the On Tour Plus is a good choice for a portable set of speakers.

The On Tour Plus features:
Input: 1/8” (3.5mm) Mini stereo jack
Drivers: Two Odyssey neodymium drivers
Power Output: 3 Watts per channel
Frequency Response: 100Hz – 20kHz
Input Impedance: >10k Ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >80dB
Voltage Input: 100V - 230V AC, 50Hz - 60Hz
Power Options: AAA Batteries or AC Adapter
Dimensions: Width: 7” (175mm) x Depth: 3-1/2” (88mm) x Height: 1-2/5” (35mm)
Weight: 12 oz (350g)

In its storage position, the On Tour is about the size and shape of a VHS video tape.  Slide the top cover back to open and the two speakers are exposed.  Audio in and power jacks are exposed in the back edge when the cover is open as well as the Volume Up and Down buttons on the front.  If you are going to use the On Tour with a Sony PSP, unfold the legs of PSP stand and attach it to the top of the On Tour when the cover is open.  Rubber strips on the stand legs and base will prevent scratching to the On Tour.  The clear stand for PSP can tilt over a 50 degree range.  The front edge opens to insert 4 AAA Batteries and rubber strips on the bottom prevent the On Tour from sliding on or scratching the table.

The On Tour is a compact, lightweight, and portable sound system that will give you clear audio when you do not want to use headphones, but it is best for use by a single listener or small room.  A protective case, device stand, AC Adapter, and audio cable are included.

The iPod or PSP holders are ok, but it would have been better to have the stand built-into the On Tour so that you would not need to carry an extra part.  The iPod sits into the stand, but is not secure or locked to the stand.  The power and audio ports are under the cover when the cover is slid back to the operational position.  Unfortunately the design makes the ports a little difficult to reach and plug cables into.  The audio cable must be used for all audio devices including the iPod since the On Tour does not have a Docking Connector.  While this is not the perfect situation for iPod owners, it does make the On Tour compatible to any audio device.

The sound quality is decent, but lacks the power for a large room or outdoor use.  The mid range good and high range is decent, but not as sharp and tight as I would hope.  The bass is good for a unit with no subwoofer.  Music and Movies seems a little hollow because of the close spacing of the speakers, so the On Tour lacks good stereo separation.  The volume level is good for a portable and there is little to no distortion when the volume is turned all the way up.

The On Tour is a nice, lightweight, portable speaker for the Apple iPod or Sony PSP when portability is the requirement as opposed to big sound.  Good for single listeners or small rooms, I would recommend it for the individual traveler who enjoys music without headphones.  If you are only concerned with using an iPod, then consider the On Stage II as a better choice.

Pros:
Portable
Use with any audio device

Cons:
Weak bass
Hard to reach ports
Device stands

JBL On Stage II with Remote

Price: $169.95
Compatible with: Any iPod, MP3, PMP, or CD player with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

Having a large sound system with room filling sound is a great way to enjoy your music.  However there are times when a smaller solution that is easy to carry in your briefcase and still provides quality sound is what you want.  The JBL On Stage II is a compact, lightweight portable sound system that is compatible with any music devices that features a 3.5mm headphone jack and iPod with a Docking Connector.

The On Stage II features:
5 docking adapters for different iPods
AC Power supply
Power switch at rear, volume buttons on front.
Small remote control (Like Griffin) with power, track forward and back, volume up and down
Audio In (for devices other than iPod) and Power Jack on back
Nice round design
Four speaker drivers, but no subwoofer or bass driver
Excellent volume for a small unit
Great for use on a night stand
Portable, but no battery support
Low frequency range is good for small unit and no subwoofer
Great mid range
High range is good.
Good sound for the size, but is not the full sound of the larger JBL iPod speakers.

The On Stage specifications are:
Drivers Four Odyssey neodymium drivers
Power Output 6 Watts per channel
Frequency Response 80Hz - 20kHz
Input Impedance >5k ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio >80dB
Voltage Input 120 V AC U.S. (100 V AC Japanese, 230 V AC Europe optional)
Dimensions Diameter - 7” (175mm); Height - 2” (50mm)
Weight 1 lb (450g)

The JBL On Stage II is a compact sound system for iPod or any audio device.  Providing clear, powerful sound, it is great for small rooms.  Although it is small enough to be portable, it does not have the ability to run from batteries, so an AC outlet will always be required.  When using an iPod, the On Stage will also provide recharging and synchronizing when you connect the standard iPod cable to the rear of the On Stage and your computer.  The small remote can control your music from up to 50 feet away.  Simply plug in the AC Adapter, select and install the appropriate docking adapter for your iPod, plug in your iPod, and you are ready.

The On Stage comes complete with AC Adapter, audio cable, remote control, and docking adapters.  The compact design features large rubber surfaces on the bottom to keep it stable.  The volume power is very good for small rooms with good mid-range and average high-range frequency reproduction.  The Bass-range is very good for a product with no subwoofer.  While I detected some distortion at high volumes, the On Stage II is a good product offering clean, efficient sound and a very compact design.  If you want a personal speaker system that delivers good sound, works with almost any audio device, and is portable enough to fit in a briefcase, the JBL On Stage II is a good choice.

Pros:
Docking Cable Connector
Compact design
Remote Control

Cons:
Power Switch on back
No Battery power

JBL Radial with Remote

Price: $299.95
Compatible with: Any Docking iPod or MP3/PMP/CD player with a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

For every Apply iPod owner, there will be a time when you want to share your music or listen in an open environment without using earphones.  When that time comes, you will want powerful, clear, accurate sound with deep rich bass.  That is exactly what the JBL Radial will give you.  Based on a stylish circular arch, the Radial will fit most room de’cor.  Its amazing sound and complete set of features is a great compliment to any docking iPod.

The JBL Radial has great JBL sound with very powerful highs and mid ranges and a subwoofer for those deep bass effects.  The Radial can be used with any audio device including your computer.  For the Apple iPod, the Radial has a docking port compatible with most docking iPods.  A wireless RF remote is included that provides control of your music from up to 20 feet away.  When the Radial is connected to your computer, it will also synchronize and charge your iPod using a standard USB connection and cable (the iPod cable is not required).  The S-Video connector will even allow you to output your iPod video and photos to a monitor or television set.

The JBL Radial features:
Drivers: One low-frequency neodymium and four Odyssey full-range drivers
Power Output: 2 x 15 Watts, 1 x 30 watts
Connections: Main connection - iPod docking connector, Auxiliary - 1/8” (3.5mm) Mini stereo jack, Video Out
Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz
Input Impedance: >10k Ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >85dB
Voltage Input: 120V AC U.S., 100V AC Japanese, 230V AC Europe
Dimensions: Width - 12” (305mm), Height - 10.5” (267mm), Weight, 2.5 lb (1.2kg)
The Radial includes an AC Adapter, USB cable, audio cable, Remote Control, and Instruction Manual.

The Radial has a down-firing subwoofer for strong bass as well as 4 full-range drivers.  The power switch, power port, audio in, s-video, and USB port are all in the back, while the volume up and down buttons are on the front.  This is a heavy, solid unit with a large rubber surface on the bottom for stability.  The 6 button remote allows you to control the volume up and down, forward, backward, mode, and play/enter functions.  The remote is a nice design with good size, is easy to hold, has rubber strips for resting on a table, and actually allows you to control your iPod menus and music.  Most speakers that have a remote only allow you to control the speaker unit.  One thing I did not like is the power LED on the Radial which is under the inner ring at the top, making it difficult to see. 

The sound quality is excellent with a deep, rich bass, great mid-range, and very good high-range frequencies.  I did not detect any distortions even at the highest volume.  This is the sound quality the JBL is famous for and the Radial is perfect for medium sized rooms.  The stereo separation is very good for such a compact design.  If you are looking for a single unit, sound system for your iPod, computer, or MP3 player, the JBL Radial is worth considering for its cool design, great sound, and ease of use.

Pros:
Design
S-Video Output
Control of iPod menus from Remote
Standard USB Connector
Great Sound

Cons:
Power button on back
No NTSC Video Out

Web Site:  http://www.jbl.com
Category:  Mobile / Audio Hardware

Reviewed by Harvey Lee, Senior Technology Editor