iKick IK500: A focused performance.

Up until now, my iPod Nano was only allowed to sound through the headphones and occasionally a FM transmitter to the car's stereo. The Kicker iKick iK500 changed that and the our rooms are now filled with music coming from a tiny mp3 player. Kicker is mostly known for powerful car speakers and amplifiers. Chances are that most car buffs at some point have at least considered Kicker components. The iKick500 is the company's first attempt to extend from the car to the home.


IN A NUTSHELL

The iKick iK500 is basically all it aspires to be and nothing more: providing an active speaker set to Apple's popular portable player, a.k.a. the iPod. (A Zune version is also available under the name zKick.)

With the limited focus, the company didn't get distracted by adding bells and whistles like Equalizer or a Radio. For some users that may just not be enough, but the basic functionality is compensated by excellent sound (for the size) and a surprisingly powerful sound.

With the iPod taking center stage, Kicker can rely on having most of the functionality already built in and essentially provided only the missing functionality and that they did with excellence.

(The iKick iK500 also functions as a charger for the iPod.)


DETAILS

Design: [***--] If Darth Vader or Batman are your personal heroes, the design cues of the iKick iK500 may fit right in with your decor as the speaker design has some resemblance with those characters. (Darth's helmet or batman's symbol.) For others it may be love at second sight, as the overall rectangular box and single button user interface tames the organic lines of the speakers enough to fit most preferences. The Black is neutral and fits with most stereo equipment. It also makes for a neutral setting for the potentially colorful iPod that takes center stage.

Interface: [****-] The user interface consists of a single button which turns and pushes to adjust Volume, Treble, Bass, and Input. Of these functions only Volume and Power can be accessed via remote control, but it's needed to access functionality specific to the iPod. The Blue LCD display right above the knob is relatively simple and effective. Overall, the remote control is functional without major surprises. Design is marginal (compared to the main device) and not easily oriented without paying attention. That matters mostly for the FWD and BWD buttons which can be easily confused. Given the "newness" of the device, a universal remote control like the Harmony 550 doesn't currently have the codes available to replace the remote. However, when controlling the iPod itself the usability is limited to actions that can be done blindly or at least it's very difficult to read the iPod display from a distance.

Compatibility: [*****] The common connector for the iPod series is customized with an inserts to mechanically cradle the iPod better. While generally usable without the inserts it's a cleaner presentation with, if you only have one type of iPod. Both input and output signals are relatively generic and independent from specific formats that would lock you into a certain brand. Overall functionality wouldn't require such step anyway and Kicker has no interest (or product line) to push such proprietary format. That's certainly good for the user. [Update: I just tried out my new iPhone 3G and it works very well with the adapter plate removed. You're given a choice whether to turn off phone service to reduce interference, but leaving it enabled appears to have no negative impact on sound quality.]

Connectivity: [****-] Aside from the obvious iPod connector, the iKick iK500 also sports a standard stereo auxiliary input as well as stereo RCA outputs. No wireless or optical formats are available. Given the purpose of this device that's not a significant loss.

Sound: [****-] The 2x 20W (RMS) are surprising in their ability to deliver a clear mid and high range and still a good bass. The latter is expressed by lower end of the truncated frequency range 50-20000 Hz. Nevertheless, even 50Hz (rated at the typical maximum -3dB fall-off) can produce a warm sound and only punch bass is a bit muted. You also won't vibrate your home too much, but that may not be a thing depending on your preference. Overall, the iKick delivers an impressive sound spectrum and clarity all the way to maximum volume. (In our case, the volume set to 10 is more than enough and the maximum of 40 is relatively theoretical.) The close spacing of the speakers reduces the stereo experience on greater distance, but fortunately Kicker refrained from adding electronic trickery to simulate extended stereo which typically reduces sound quality anyway.

Durability: [****-] The iKick iK500 is well built, and overall construction shows no flaws in the form of vibrations and/or fit issues. A natural concern is around toddlers. At least our 10-month-old is determined to grab the iPod, and yanking on that while plugged in is a recipe for disaster for both the iKick and the iPod. We have similar concerns with the soft membrane in the back which is certainly good enough protected for adult usage, but baby could easily find ways to harm the membrane.

Alarm?: [n/a] Given that some iPods offer an alarm functionality, some users might get the idea to have the iKick iK500 as a powerful alarm clock player. However, when the Kicker is off or muted and the alarm goes off, it will not play through the speaker box as it does not wake up the iKick nor does it unmute the speakers. The only way to make this work is to keep the iK500 turned on. However, now it's a rather power hungry alarm clock. (Aside from the fact that I wouldn't want my alarm clock boast suddenly 20 or even 40 Watts (RMS) into the silence of the night.)

Value: [****-] A list price of $349 (MSRP) for an active speaker set may not sound like a bargain and even the current $299 offer doesn't change that. However, the iKick iK500 aims at those for whom the "other speakers" are simply not enough. After all, it proudly claims to be the loudest! It also manages to be one of the best sounding speakers for the iPod, albeit one of the largest systems as well. Even if sales-promoting bells and whistles are missing, the value in terms of sound is certainly a good one. (I would expect for the street price to level out somewhere around $250.)

© 2008, theuerkorn


Disclosure: I received this product from ­­­­­­SCC Grossman (a public relations firm) in return for providing a fair and objective review on Epinions.com.