James Fee
10-05-2004, 07:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews.php?id=P5159' target='_blank'>http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews.php?id=P5159</a><br /><br /></div>"<i>In the past, we have described JBL's three-piece Creature speaker system as one of our top recommendations based on its great sound for the dollar, and iPod-matching aesthetic design. However, when compared against truly portable solutions, the Creatures are clearly less compact, don't run off of batteries, and are not fit to be carried around in a briefcase. We have continued to recommend them regardless not only because we really like their sound, but because so many people initially are attracted to "portable speakers" as a concept, yet ultimately place the speakers in one place and never move them. JBL's new On Stage speaker system for the iPod presents an even more interesting challenge for iPodlounge's readers and editors alike. In essence, On Stage packs 90% of the Creatures' sound quality into a significantly smaller and novel disc-shaped enclosure. Unlike the Creature system, On Stage is specifically designed as a combined iPod dock and sound system, including everything you need to connect an iPod for easy, immediate enjoyment with speakers. The only hitches are two: unlike other small iPod speaker systems released recently, On Stage is not truly portable. And it sells at a substantial premium ($199.00) over the Creatures - $20 more than Altec Lansing's recent and fully portable iM3 inMotion speakers, which we noted were at the very cusp of acceptable pricing even given their numerous packed-in accessories. </i>"<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/02.jpg" /> <br /><br />I have to admit, the look of the On Stage speakers has grown on me over the past month. The only problems appear to be lack of portability and a remote because they apparently sound the best (at least to Bose gets their iPod solution on the market).