Ion Audio Block Rocker Portable PA with iPod Docking

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Ion Audio Block Rocker Portable PA with iPod Docking, Main
Ion Audio Block Rocker Portable PA with iPod Docking, Main
Take the party anywhere and leave the cords behind with the Ion Audio Block Rocker Portable PA with iPod Docking.

Make your iPod the soundtrack to ANY party, with no chords, and no hassles! The on Audio Block Rocker is the perfect portable speaker system for traveling musicians, entertainers and event coordinators. A long-lasting rechargeable battery, sturdy construction and portable design, make certain the Block Rocker can be taken anywhere and everywhere. It features a high-efficiency amplifier with four inputs for connecting microphones, instruments, CD/MP3 players, and a universal dock for iPod. This powerhouse sound system makes every mobile event a success.

Features

- High-output powered mountable 2-way speaker system
- Built-in rechargeable battery with level indicator lasts over 12 hours
- Outputs high-fidelity sound to over 150 feet
- Enhanced bass output creates a full, rich sound
- Professional quality microphone included
- Heavy-duty aluminum construction
- Two-wheel system with retractable handle for easy portability
- 1-3/8 in. PA speaker stand mountable
- iPod Dock features for iPod, iPod Mini, or iPod Nano (iPhone has limited playback and no charge/recharge feature)

Specifications
Four inputs with independent level controls for:
- iPod: Integrated Universal Dock for iPod, iPod Mini, or iPod Nano
- Microphone: Balanced 1/4 inch microphone
- Instrument: 1/4 inch jack for guitar, keyboard, other instrument, or second microphone
- CD/MP3 Player: RCA line level input for CD player, MP3 player, or other audio device

**When a 3rd generation iPod is used with this product, the iPod will not charge. Although 3rd generation iPods feature dock connectors, these iPods communicate via FireWire, not USB (which is used on all newer iPods). This difference makes it impossible for many products with dock connectors to provide a charge to 3rd Generation iPods.

See iPod Compatibility Chart (Found in the Documents section for full details).

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 888-800-0681
Overview
Quick Start Guide
iPod Compatibility Chart

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars. (52 ratings)
Submitted August 31, 2010 by a customer from hep.uchicago.edu

"It was working well but it is really short lived"

Overall: 1 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I'm not satisfied with the product. I was very happy with it only for the first few months. I will look for an alternative product. It was working well but it is really short lived.

Sound
After 10 months the amplifier is producing a steady humming sound that covers soft music and is very annoying during silences. I would rate this as 1 As new the sound quality was good, probably 8, so the average is 4.

Features
In theory it has all the right features. It is a great idea: a portable amplifier where you can plug iPods or other devices (to the jacks) . It also comes with a microphone. The materials have to be poor since the amplifier is not lasting a year of gentle use and now produces a distorted sound.

Ease of Use
It is very easy to use: just plug and set the volume. You can not modify the sound but I was not expecting an equalizer.

Quality
Looks nice white an shiny but it is more appearance. The amplifier is not working after less than a year: produces continuously a humming sound. The device is not very sturdy considering that is designed for outdoor use. It is not designed for easy maintenance: not even the battery is easy to replace. Probably ION is aware of the problems since it offers only 90 days warranty (on the new product, not a refurbished one)

Value
It is not expensive for the features it offers but… read more it lasted less than a year of gentle infrequent use and attentive care (I followed the demanding instructions to keep the battery in good condition)

Manufacturer Support
ION provides only 90days warranty. The customer support difficult to reach (their unadvertised toll free number is 1 888 8000681). The first time I called, Monday mid day, after a long menu selection I waited 45min (the expected time announced was 18min) only to be sent to a voice mailbox. No one called me back. The second time I called early morning and was able to reach them. They gave some trivial and ineffective troubleshooting suggestion and referred me to a repair shop in NJ (I'm in Chicago).

The Wow Factor
It looks good but it is kind of expensive as piece of furniture.

Musical Background:
active DJ

Musical Style:
world music read less
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