iLuv ArtStation Pro iMM514

In the year of the wireless speaker dock, iLuv keeps things plugged in with the ArtStation Pro iMM514, foregoing extra connectivity in favor of an iPad-friendly docking arm. The $169.99 (direct) dock also works with the iPhone and most iPods, and comes with a free app that adds Internet radio and alarm clock functionality. At reasonable-to-loud volume levels the ArtStation Pro provides clean audio performance, but when you crank it up, deep bass tracks begin to distort. As a wired dock in the below-$200 realm, the ArtStation Pro is in a lonely category?most quality audio docks are more expensive and often wireless. Its audio performance is in line with its pricing, meaning it sounds decent, but not astounding, while its feature set is minimal, but useful.

Design
Measuring 11.6 by 11.8 by 7.9 inches and weighing 4.9 pounds, iLuv's ArtStation Pro comes in black (like our review model) or white, with a glossy top and rectangular base that houses the speakers. The side panels are lined with black speaker grille cloth, while the base and docking arm use black and metallic gray plastic. Two interchangeable, transparent plastic sleeves fasten onto the docking arm?one stabilizes the iPad's larger frame, the other is intended for iPhones. Once docked, the devices can be turned sideways for horizontal viewing, making the ArtStation Pro an ideal mini-theater for dorm rooms, bedside tables, or kitchens. It also doubles nicely as a digital frame. The minimal controls that line the top panel are, from left to right, Track backward, Play/Pause, Track Forward, Volume Down, Volume Up, and Power. On the back panel, there's a USB port for syncing with your computer's library (a cable is included), a 3.5mm Aux input, and a power adapter connection.

Unfortunately, the included remote control is strictly for playback and volume control, echoing the controls on the dock itself. Menu navigation buttons, for switching Playlists or Albums, would have made it far more useful. A convenient magnetic nook on the back panel of the system houses the remote when not in use.

The first time you dock an iOS device, you'll be prompted to download a free iLuv app. You don't need the app in order to listen to music or watch videos, but it adds some nifty alarm clock, calendar, and weather functions that you may find worthwhile. Its real selling point, however, is the free streaming Internet radio it brings straight to your device. Its sizable collection of stations and options are quite varied, from classical to pop, from U.S. radio to Italian, so it adds a bit of flair to the otherwise feature-light ArtStation Pro.

Performance
The audio performance of the ArtStation Pro is neither spectacular nor abysmal. The aforementioned distortion only kicks in on deep bass tracks, like The Knife's "Silent Shout," and only at top volumes. At moderate volumes, the system lacks the bass punch favored in many modern systems, but this mostly works to its advantage, particularly on bass-heavy pop tracks that benefit from a toned-down response. On classical tracks, like John Adams' "The Chairman Dances," the clarity of the strings and percussion is the most apparent sonic feature. It would be nice, however, to hear?slightly?more low-end presence on large percussion drum hits or lower register strings on classical tracks, but at least the system is never muddy.

Generally speaking, audio is clear and pleasant at normal listening levels; you have to blast it to get distortion. If this doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement, it's worth noting that most quality iPad or iPhone docks are much more expensive than the ArtStation Pro. Compared with, say, a similarly priced pair of PC speakers like the Harmon Kardon SoundSticks III ($169.95, 4.5 stars), the ArtStation Pro cannot keep up sonically. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but keep in mind: that 30-pin iPad dock connector costs a lot of money to include, so the price you're paying is inflated substantially. In other words, it's probably fairer to compare this dock to a set of $100 speakers?and that's what they sound like.

If sound performance is more important to you than having an actual dock, computer speakers might be the way to go, and the SoundSticks III are probably the best bet in this immediate price range. As mentioned earlier, the trends for docks have been not only wireless, but also far higher prices than the ArtStation Pro's middle-ground pricing. Two recent systems for portable devices, the Bose SoundLink Wireless Mobile Speaker ($299.95 direct, 4 stars) and the JBL OnBeat Xtreme ($499.95, 4.5 stars), are both excellent examples of how far wireless Bluetooth audio has come. The OnBeat Xtreme is also an excellent wired dock that supports vertical and horizontal iPad viewing?but it's more than twice the price of the ArtStation Pro.

In this range, the Altec Lansing iMT630 Classic ($149.95, 3.5 stars) suffers from similar pitfalls. Neither the iMT630 Classic (which is portable and not very suited for the iPad) nor the ArtStation Pro are bad choices, but if audio quality is your main priority, it's advisable to either save up for a higher quality system or consider non-dock speaker systems. But if you're looking for a dock made specifically for the iPad, there aren't a lot of choices, and the docking arm on the ArtStation Pro makes it a great way to turn your iPad into a mini-theater for a small room.

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