![]() ![]() The distortion comes as a bit of a surprise since the On Stage Micro II uses dynamic compression at higher volumes to limit the peaks of various parts of the frequency range. Orchestral music, like the Bernard Herrmann Vertigo score, managed to avoid distortion at high volumes, but it goes without saying that audiophiles need to look elsewhere and fans of popular modern music shouldn't expect this speaker dock to power their next party. The disappointment sinks in at high volumes-distortion clouded the audio picture regardless of whether I played The Knife, an electronic duo that features deep low-end, or Beach House, a rock group with a sound that, while featuring some low-end, is not nearly as intense. Its small frame suggests a modest audio performance, and that's exactly what you get. When you see the size of the On Stage Micro II, it's obvious that you're not going to get throbbing bass. In other words, there's never a need to walk up to your docked iPod to scroll through menus-you can do this all on the remote, which, seems like a standard feature, but is absent from many docks, including much more expensive products like the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini ($399.95, ). Two volume controls are the only buttons you'll find on the front area of the dock, but the included remote control, though tiny with cheap-feeling membrane buttons, offers full iPod/iPhone navigation. Two JBL Odyssey 1-inch drivers peak out from behind the black metal speaker grille, offering full stereo playback, albeit with minimal separation, as the drivers sit only a few inches apart. ![]() The rear of the dock also houses a Power button, a mini USB connector, and a 3.5mm aux input. Virtually all iPod and iPhone models are supported, so you can dock your iPhone, including the new iPhone 4 ($199, ), without fear of GSM buzz or missing a call. The compact design also makes the On Stage Micro II a strong candidate for a travel dock-its shape makes it easily packable, and it can run on four AAA batteries (not included). The tiny device is a mere 1.8 inches high, making the Micro II ideal for cluttered bedside tables and other locations with limited real estate for speakers. A circular, 6-inches-in-diameter black speaker houses the iPod/iPhone dock in the center. The On Stage line of speaker docks has retained the same basic look over the years, and the new Micro II is no exception. If you need to save space, this, along with the Altec Lansing Octiv mini ($59.99, ) are both respectable options, but if you're expecting strong audio performance, you should look elsewhere. Predictably, there's not much low frequency response coming out of this tiny speaker dock, but the drivers also distort at high volumes, even on songs without overwhelming bass. The audio performance, however, is where the On Stage Micro II falls short. Sure, the familiar circular design is pleasing to the eye, and the remote control offers full iPod navigation, which should be standard these days, but generally is not. You could easily spend more on an iPod or iPhone speaker dock, but something about the $129 (direct) price tag on the JBL On Stage Micro II seems a little high. Best Hosted Endpoint Protection and Security Software. ![]()
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