Klipsch iPod Dock Streams Music Wirelessly

Just like any other iPod docking station, the Klipsch RoomGrove can play your music and liven up any room. But there’s more to this speaker system than meets the eye because it can actually stream audio to any room with its KlipshCast technology.

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In order to take advantage of this feature, one must  purchase a second, or maybe third, set of RoomGroove speakers to create a wireless audio system. By pressing the Transmit button on the main unit (with the iPod), and pressing the Listen button on the secondary speakers, users can go from one room to another while still being able to listen to their music.

The RoomGroove sports a simple and clean design with only five buttons (Volume up and down, Transmit, Listen, and Power), a black grille, and a retractable iPod dock found up front. Located at the rear are a 3.5mm audio-in jack to hook up non-iPod devices; a DC-in for powering up the unit; and a wall mount bracket for easy wall mounting.

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It took less than five minutes to set up the unit. All we had to do was to connect the AC adaptor to the unit and turn it on, lightly press the Klipsch logo to eject the iPod docking port, change the docking adaptor (if necessary), plug in your iPod, and press play. Because of its small profile, you can put the RoomGroove anywhere you like: on top of your bedside table, on the bookshelf, and even beside the telly.

The unit comes with a remote control for navigation, although it is limited as users can only go to the previous or next track. If you want to change the playlist or navigate through the iPod’s main menu, you’d have to do it manually. In addition, the unit also comes with three dedicated RoomGroove buttons (iPod, Aux, Listen), five ‘Cinema System Sources’ buttons (CD/DVD, AM/FM, Cab/Sat, Aux1, Aux2), a mute button, and a play/pause button.

The RoomGroove’s sound was balanced, with vocals being clear and crisp and bass sounding just right. The unit was able to perform even at high volumes, filling up our test area with music. This is good as you may be able to listen to your music from just about anywhere in the room.

As mentioned, the RoomGroove comes with a wireless audio technology called KlipschCast. While this technology is good for people who are looking at creating a wireless audio system at home, it does have its limitations. For one, a user can only change the tracks from any remote location but cannot access the main iPod menu. Another problem is if a user hooks up a non-iPod device to the unit (say an MP3 player), they won’t be able to navigate through the tracks and would have to go to the main docking station to change it manually.

The Klipsch RoomGroove is a great iPod docking station: it sounds good, doesn’t take up much space, and is easy to set-up. Unfortunately, in order to maximise this product, users would have to purchase two or more of these docking stations.

See page over for product specifications and final rating.

Klipsch RoomGroove Specifications

Frequency response: 65 Hz – 17 kHz
Crossover frequency: 2.9 kHz
Maximum acoustic output: 98 dB SPL @ 1m
Tweeter: 1.0-inch tweeter
High frequency horn: MicroTractrix Horn
Midrange: 2.5″ woofer
Amplifier: Class D
Enclosure material: ABS plastic enclosure/dock and remote
Enclosure type: Tuned port
Inputs: iPod docking connector/Stereo mini auxiliary input
Dimensions (H x W x D(drawer in)/D(drawer out)): 177.8 x 400.05 x 114.3/152.4mm
Weight: 2.72kg

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Klipsch RoomGroove Wireless iPod Speaker | $449 |  | www.klipsch.com

For: Nice form factor; Easy to set-up; Sounds great; KlipschCast function
Against: You need a second (or third) RoomGroove to take full advantage of the product; Just an iPod dock if you only purchase one RoomGroove
Conclusion: Wireless music with Klipsch