Harman JBL On Stage iPod Docking Speaker System

Rating:
Summary: It's too bad...
Review: Aesthetically, this has a nice design, and well in keeping with the "iPod look." The sound wasn't too bad, either, though not noticeably better than the PC speakers that came with my computer five years ago, which it was supposed to replace. It's too bad that it has such a serious technical design flaw.

I went through two of these before I gave up and decided to find a more reliable product. With both units, the problem was the same: after a few uses, it started playing with increasing static and a loud popping noise whenever I tried to change the volume. In other words, it was fried.

Some research on the Web showed that this happens when you plug the iPod in while the On Stage speakers are powered on. Gee, I wonder how many people did that without thinking twice? Apparently, quite a few.

I expect better for a consumer device that is supposed to illustrate simplicity and ease of use. Find something that you can use without having safety instructions pasted on the wall above it.

Rating:
Summary: Volume control broke after a couple of days
Review: Don't know if it's because I inserted/removed the ipod while the unit was on, but the volume control stopped working correctly after 2 days use. Sounded like an old motorcycle when either of volume control buttons was touched.
The JBL FAQ contains the following:
Question: My On Stage volume control is not working or is stuck in one position. How can I resolve this?
Answer: JBL has discovered that a certain chip used in the production of JBL On Stage will fail under certain circumstances....
I did like it while it was working.


Rating:
Summary: Juan Jose Guardado
Review: Good set of speakers, specially the doughtnut-shape that it has, and I love it for that.
I'm giving for stars because of the sound, because its a good quatlity of sound but it doesn't compare with the Bose Speakers for the Ipod.
But i'm pretty much satisfy with the On Stage that I bought, the only I'm hoping for is that my On Stage doesn't break down.

Rating:
Summary: great gizmo complements ipod nicely
Review: Great sound from this small device. Lots of clarity, plenty of bass. Sounds like the music is coming from something MUCH bigger. A minimal amount of distortion when playing certain songs really loud, but an EQ adjustment fixed that. Thoughtful and intuitive design make this surprisingly easy to use...it's really a gadget-lover's dream. I haven't heard the Bose, but I am plenty satisfied with this...it was far less expensive, and far MORE portable. I am in Iraq, and I will definitely be traveling with it. I'll follow up if there are any problems that others experienced.

Rating:
Summary: Love it!
Review: I have it running with the sleep timer before I go to sleep at night and it wakes me up with a playlist, in lieu of the alarm clock. I love this thing--have experienced no problems. The sound is fine. I have a small apartment with small rooms, and it is great. It is not a full-size stereo, but you know that when you purchase it. I am recommending this to everyone.

I thought about the Altec InMotion, but I think being able to plug in and recharge as you listen is a good feature, as is the sleep/alarm function.

Rating:
Summary: Great for the office
Review: I've had it for a week now, and it's great. Works perfectly. Sound is better than I expected. I read about some problems that other buyers had and I've been careful not to touch the volume buttons too firmly, remove the iPod after I turn it off, etc. If you take care of it it should last. I would definitely recommend it to people on the fence. It's also small enough to put anywhere. It's also a nice conversation piece.

Rating:
Summary: Problems with Volume
Review: Let me begin by saying for the first week that my OnStage was working, it was great. Incredible sound for its size - crisp, clear and plenty of range. Not only does it look cool, it sounds better.

However, and like some of the other reviews, I had a problem with the volume controls. After less than a week of use, my touch volume controls simply stopped functioning. I have read a number of other reviews (here and elsewhere) and this does not appear to be an isolated experience. I have also been working with Harmon to exchange for a new unit but this process has taken more than a month (and to date, I am still without a new unit).

All in all, this will be a great product once the 'bugs' have been worked out. I do recommend (when working, the sound is impressive) but I recommend with caution.

Rating:
Summary: Great Sound after getting a replacement
Review: Like the other reviewers before me, I too had problems with the volume button. Right out of the box, I could not change the volume. The speakers would go mute when I tried to adjust the volume. I contacted JBL and they said it was broken. Their published toll free number has been changed to a non-toll free number. That pissed me off. Kudos, however, to Amazon.com on how they handled it. They sent me directions on how to return it at no cost to me and sent me out a new speaker right away. So far,I have avoided putting my ipod onto the speakers when it is on and I have not had any problems. But as one of the other reviewers pointed out, it's not easy to see if the unit is powered up or not. The sound is terrific. I would not have expected such sound quality from small speakers, but I am fearful of having future problems with the volume buttons again. It is only for that reason that I give it 3 stars.

Rating:
Summary: Mine just broke after 3 uses
Review: My unit shorted out when I put the Ipod into it. Now all it does is hiss and the volume control is broken. Buy at your own risk.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Sound, but defectice chipset...
Review: This unit has nice sound, and great ergonomics.

But, mine shorted out in 2 hours. I had bought 2, and the second one shorted out in several hours too.

Go to www onstagesupport.com. There is a huge problem with this unit.

I had also bought 3 more on a separate order. I called JBL, and yes, theses also had the bad chip.

If you send the unit in, they will replace it. JBL reports this defect with less than 1% of all units.

Hmm.....

A great unit if you feel lucky.

Craig in Minnesota