Cyber Acoustics Portable Digital Docking Speaker for iPod (Black) Review. Black Portable Digital Ipod Docking Spkr Sys Batt Or Ac Power...
"Superlative sound and convenience, but no remote switch." 2008-07-25
By Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States)
[Update: In answer to some questions, this stereo has a conventional audio input, so you can easily use it with sound sources other than an iPod. As someone has observed, the Cyber Acoustic web page claims the Nano 3g can't be charged by the CA-421 dock. Au contraire! When using electrical power and the included dock adapter, I had no difficulty charging a Nano 3g with this CA-421 dock. In fact, contrary to the company's description, it did the same with a Classic and the Touch (I don't own an iPhone, though.) Since writing the following, I've "gone through" other speakers, including the most popular rechargeable Altec Lansing and Logitech, both of which balk at playing the newest Touch. This inexpensive iRhythms model actually sounds competitive and continues to be the only portable I can depend on (no doubt due to the well-constructed adapters and the provision for using regular AA alkalines). As for the outdoors volume limitation, even the very pricey, much lauded Tivoli iPal falls flat on its face when used outside. These battery-operated machines simply are not backyard party animals. Finally, these are far and away the best labeled and designed adapters I've seen.]
After becoming attached to a JBL Micro, I decided I could use another, more affordable version. The Cyber Acoustics dock-speaker seemed like a worthy candidate, especially at a half to two-thirds the price of the JBL. Frankly, I wasn't expecting a unit as good as the vaunted JBL but was willing to sacrifice some quality to save a few bucks.
Surprise. If anything, the Cyber Acoustics sounds better than the On Stage Micro! Tastes will vary, but the CA-421 is slightly warmer, has deeper and fuller bass, and is less inclined to distort when playing files recorded excessively "hot." The Micro is a bit more crisp-sounding with a slight edge in treble frequencies (as noticed while comparing the drum's hi-hats and ride cymbals on the two units). I'm finding the Cyber Acoustics unit "wears" better for extending listening stretches.
Aside from the sound of the two units, the Cyber Acoustics-421 will seem agreeably light and trim--unless you've owned a JBL Micro, which wins on style points (the impressiveness of the Micro's sound is partly due to its coming from such a tiny saucer). The JBL also gets points for finishing touches and detailing--the look and feel are less "plastic" (even though, unlike the boxed CA, it comes sealed in virtually impenetrable plastic laminate). Also, the JBL's carrying bag is supple and cushioned (with interior pockets and velcro straps to keep Micro, iPod, and cords tightly and neatly packed); the CA's is basically a functional "sack." On the other hand, the Cyber Acoustics has clearer labeling of the plastic inserts for adapting different iPod models; the JBL comes with the inserts, but the user has to pick the right one through trial and error.
Even if the cost of the two units were the same, the CA-461 would still be competitive, if for sound alone. Perhaps the most compelling reason to go with the JBL in that case is its inclusion of a remote--admittedly handy for starting, stopping, and changing tunes when the speaker is on the other side of the room. But even without the remote, I doubt you'll find a better value in an iPod dock-speaker than this little Cyber Acoustics overachiever.
Finally, give the Cyber Acoustics people credit for making the power adapter light and compact, easily deployed whenever the user wishes to save on batteries (I returned a JBL On Stage II because the power adapter was practically the size and weight of a small boat anchor, making it clumsy for use even with some electrical installations.)
"Looks good, sounds great, does all that is required" 2008-03-21
By Craig Weems (Houston, TX USA)
I was looking for something cheap to listen to podcasts while I was working in the garage. This thing plays loudly with no apparent distortion. Very well designed with digital volume control. Recharged my iTouch in less than an hour. At the present it has adapters for all iPods regardless of what the descriptions may say. Had I paid twice as much I would have still regarded it as a bargain.
"Fab little speakers" 2007-03-28
By sandy see (Atlanta, GA USA)
These speakers have great sound for their size. If you're looking to spend this amount on speakers, then they are great. I listen to dance music when I'm travelling and the sound is good when it's played reasonably loud. My only (small) complaint is that I have a white iPod and only black speakers are available. But apart from that, I'm really happy with these.
"Finally, a no hassle electronic" 2008-04-28
By Monica T. Uruchurtu (Bedford, MA)
This is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something small, w/ good sound and portable. This docking station delivers. The sound quality is great considering how small it is. Of course to much of anything is bad, so if you decide to turn it all the way up, you may blow the speakers. I don't think it was made to serenade the whole neighborhood. It fits all IPODS, even the Iphone, and the best is that is doubles as a charger.
Some things to keep in mind. It does not have controls on it (only for volume) so most controlling (skipping, repeating, searching, sound) is done from your IPOD. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on what your wants are. Also, it has great sound, but again, this is used more for a small area, like a dining or kitchen or garage area. Not for music heard all over the house. For that you may want to consider buying a stereo system w/ a docking station. Also, it comes w/ no remote. This didn't bother me, but keep in mind that you have to walk over to it to change settings, songs, etc. A little exercise never hurt anyone! Finally, the speakers don't carry. If you've ever had a Bose, the speakers are constructed around the docking stations allowing them to carry sound further. Not this one. For example, I had the docking station in the kitchen and as soon as I went to the next room, the sound was muffled a bit by the wall. Really not a big deal because it satisfied my needs in the end, but if you are looking for projection, check out a stereo system instead.
All in all, this satisfied my need for a docking station and I'd buy it again any time of the week and twice on Sunday. The price was great, the quality is great and the docking station is simple, problem free--perfect for an electronically challenged person like myself ;)!
Monica
"For the money it can not be beaten!!" 2008-05-28
By John H. Andrews (Texas)
I have never written a review before simply because I have not bought anything that knocked my socks off as this product did. Yes you can pay $150 or $200 more and get a better sounding unit but for $38 this unit is fantastic.I have this unit sitting on my work desk at home and have purchased another to put in the kitchen for when I cook. I bought a Memorex cd microsystem dock that has a cd player built in for $129 from Target and this unit sounds better.I don't know if I should be happy that I found a good deal or pissed that I bought the Memorex. 2 limitations... prob not meant for more than 1 room sound wise and does not charge 3rd Gen I-pod.
By Samuel Chell (Kenosha,, WI United States)
[Update: In answer to some questions, this stereo has a conventional audio input, so you can easily use it with sound sources other than an iPod. As someone has observed, the Cyber Acoustic web page claims the Nano 3g can't be charged by the CA-421 dock. Au contraire! When using electrical power and the included dock adapter, I had no difficulty charging a Nano 3g with this CA-421 dock. In fact, contrary to the company's description, it did the same with a Classic and the Touch (I don't own an iPhone, though.) Since writing the following, I've "gone through" other speakers, including the most popular rechargeable Altec Lansing and Logitech, both of which balk at playing the newest Touch. This inexpensive iRhythms model actually sounds competitive and continues to be the only portable I can depend on (no doubt due to the well-constructed adapters and the provision for using regular AA alkalines). As for the outdoors volume limitation, even the very pricey, much lauded Tivoli iPal falls flat on its face when used outside. These battery-operated machines simply are not backyard party animals. Finally, these are far and away the best labeled and designed adapters I've seen.]
After becoming attached to a JBL Micro, I decided I could use another, more affordable version. The Cyber Acoustics dock-speaker seemed like a worthy candidate, especially at a half to two-thirds the price of the JBL. Frankly, I wasn't expecting a unit as good as the vaunted JBL but was willing to sacrifice some quality to save a few bucks.
Surprise. If anything, the Cyber Acoustics sounds better than the On Stage Micro! Tastes will vary, but the CA-421 is slightly warmer, has deeper and fuller bass, and is less inclined to distort when playing files recorded excessively "hot." The Micro is a bit more crisp-sounding with a slight edge in treble frequencies (as noticed while comparing the drum's hi-hats and ride cymbals on the two units). I'm finding the Cyber Acoustics unit "wears" better for extending listening stretches.
Aside from the sound of the two units, the Cyber Acoustics-421 will seem agreeably light and trim--unless you've owned a JBL Micro, which wins on style points (the impressiveness of the Micro's sound is partly due to its coming from such a tiny saucer). The JBL also gets points for finishing touches and detailing--the look and feel are less "plastic" (even though, unlike the boxed CA, it comes sealed in virtually impenetrable plastic laminate). Also, the JBL's carrying bag is supple and cushioned (with interior pockets and velcro straps to keep Micro, iPod, and cords tightly and neatly packed); the CA's is basically a functional "sack." On the other hand, the Cyber Acoustics has clearer labeling of the plastic inserts for adapting different iPod models; the JBL comes with the inserts, but the user has to pick the right one through trial and error.
Even if the cost of the two units were the same, the CA-461 would still be competitive, if for sound alone. Perhaps the most compelling reason to go with the JBL in that case is its inclusion of a remote--admittedly handy for starting, stopping, and changing tunes when the speaker is on the other side of the room. But even without the remote, I doubt you'll find a better value in an iPod dock-speaker than this little Cyber Acoustics overachiever.
Finally, give the Cyber Acoustics people credit for making the power adapter light and compact, easily deployed whenever the user wishes to save on batteries (I returned a JBL On Stage II because the power adapter was practically the size and weight of a small boat anchor, making it clumsy for use even with some electrical installations.)
By Craig Weems (Houston, TX USA)
I was looking for something cheap to listen to podcasts while I was working in the garage. This thing plays loudly with no apparent distortion. Very well designed with digital volume control. Recharged my iTouch in less than an hour. At the present it has adapters for all iPods regardless of what the descriptions may say. Had I paid twice as much I would have still regarded it as a bargain.
By sandy see (Atlanta, GA USA)
These speakers have great sound for their size. If you're looking to spend this amount on speakers, then they are great. I listen to dance music when I'm travelling and the sound is good when it's played reasonably loud. My only (small) complaint is that I have a white iPod and only black speakers are available. But apart from that, I'm really happy with these.
By Monica T. Uruchurtu (Bedford, MA)
This is exactly what I was looking for. I wanted something small, w/ good sound and portable. This docking station delivers. The sound quality is great considering how small it is. Of course to much of anything is bad, so if you decide to turn it all the way up, you may blow the speakers. I don't think it was made to serenade the whole neighborhood. It fits all IPODS, even the Iphone, and the best is that is doubles as a charger.
Some things to keep in mind. It does not have controls on it (only for volume) so most controlling (skipping, repeating, searching, sound) is done from your IPOD. This could be a good or bad thing, depending on what your wants are. Also, it has great sound, but again, this is used more for a small area, like a dining or kitchen or garage area. Not for music heard all over the house. For that you may want to consider buying a stereo system w/ a docking station. Also, it comes w/ no remote. This didn't bother me, but keep in mind that you have to walk over to it to change settings, songs, etc. A little exercise never hurt anyone! Finally, the speakers don't carry. If you've ever had a Bose, the speakers are constructed around the docking stations allowing them to carry sound further. Not this one. For example, I had the docking station in the kitchen and as soon as I went to the next room, the sound was muffled a bit by the wall. Really not a big deal because it satisfied my needs in the end, but if you are looking for projection, check out a stereo system instead.
All in all, this satisfied my need for a docking station and I'd buy it again any time of the week and twice on Sunday. The price was great, the quality is great and the docking station is simple, problem free--perfect for an electronically challenged person like myself ;)!
Monica
By John H. Andrews (Texas)
I have never written a review before simply because I have not bought anything that knocked my socks off as this product did. Yes you can pay $150 or $200 more and get a better sounding unit but for $38 this unit is fantastic.I have this unit sitting on my work desk at home and have purchased another to put in the kitchen for when I cook. I bought a Memorex cd microsystem dock that has a cd player built in for $129 from Target and this unit sounds better.I don't know if I should be happy that I found a good deal or pissed that I bought the Memorex. 2 limitations... prob not meant for more than 1 room sound wise and does not charge 3rd Gen I-pod.
