Crank Dat: The 10 Best iPod Speaker Docks

Now that the warm-weather months are here, every social gathering from house parties to beach blowouts are popping off. But no party's official these days without a loud sound system that's capable of blasting your iTunes playlists. Now with Apple's

media devices practically monopolizing the market, audio manufacturers are

applying the same advanced sound technologies found in today’s high-end home

entertainment stereos to smaller, more portable systems like iPod/iPhone docks. And with summer bangers like Lil’ Wayne’s The Carter IV and Jay and Kanye’s Watch the Throne on the horizon, you'll need a dope dock to back up that monstrous sound and keep your party going. So

clean out your ears, open your eyes, and tune in to the 10 Best iPod Speaker Docks.

Price: $600

The Zeppelin Air comes laced with five upgraded drive units

and advanced Digital Sound Processing—balancing high-powered bass with fine-tuned

audio. Dock your iDevice or take full advantage of AirPlay integration and wirelessly

stream music from any of your other Apple gadgets, including the iPad, iMac, or

MacBook. Throw in tweeters from the award-winning MM-1 computer speakers and you

have one loud-ass sound system.

Price: $300

Bump 22 watts of bass through eight-speaker drives, while

feeding off the sun’s rays and gaining up to five hours of energy charge via a 72-inch square inch monocrystal solar panel. With iPod and iPhone capability,

plus the addition of a removable gel-cushioned carry

strap, Eton’s dock is a must for any beach or backyard cookout. Go green!

Price: $500

The ghetto blaster is resurrected in the form of an

iPod/iPhone sound system that offers high fidelity and full-range sound. A

six-inch subwoofer pushes strong bass levels, while two six-inch coaxial

drivers produce sharp audio output. The Boombox supports other media devices as

well, allowing iPod-less owners the ability to play and control music

straight from any USB or external hard drive. Who said they don't make'em like they used to? TDK says different.

Price: $1,000

B&O’s futuristic conical dock rocks a stunning aluminum

veneer, along with industry-leading specs like Adaptive Bass Linearization that

help push loud and clear acoustic resonances. Room adaptation technology demonstrates

“flexible placement options” that capitalize on the sound quality of any

environment, too. Plus the accompanying iTunes app

grants you access to over 13,000 worldwide radio stations and color

optimization for the clock. The BeoSound 8 is compatible with all iOS devices

(iPad, iPhone, and iPod).

Price: $300

Altec updates its

boom-blasting IMT800 system and welcomes optimized sound, multiple equalizer

modes, dual jacks to connect multiple iDevices, and a sleek chrome finish.

Niche features like automatic pausing when receiving iPhone calls can also be

found on the dock. Include durable side-by-side grab handles and move the party

from the pool to the penthouse with no sweat.

Price: $500

Philips introduces PureDigital and passive crossover technology that helps produce

awesome sound clarity and reduce distortion levels. A proximity sensor

illuminates the dock’s functional touch keys and the dock port is large enough to

anchor an iPod or iPhone while still in its protective case. The DS9000 model also

offers a free iTunes app

that lets you browse and play your music catalog, control speaker acoustics,

and setup daily alarms.

Price: $150

When it comes to dope sound quality and versatility, the

OnBeat is on point. Dual Phoenix full-range transducers with computer-optimized

DSP equalization deliver surround sound audio and pushes frequency response

levels that range from 70Hz—20kHz. JBL also offers an optional composite

cable that allows users to play content on your iPod on any high-def TV, plus a

universal connector that rotates your iOS device to landscape or portrait mode. It's also one of two docks on this list that you can properly dock your iPad onto. Awesome.

Price: $400

Measured at five inches wide and nine inches long, this bitty stereo

speaker utilizes Bluetooth technology to wirelessly stream your iTunes catalog

and doubles as a desktop speaker for you MacBook or iMac. If that's not enough, there's also a free app

that lets you customize volume presets, create custom EQ settings, and toy with

other advanced settings. Trust us, this is one audio expedition worth taking.

Price: $450

The solid construction compliments the aggressive performance of the Dr. Dre-endorsed multi-speaker system that can easily unleash monstrous bass and powerful treble that’s nearly identical to a full-sized sound system. Monster’s Beatbox also blasts over 200 watts of digital

amplification and sports a built-in carrying handle for those Radio Raheem-types looking to bump Dre's long-awaited Detox album. If it ever drops, that is.

Price: $120

Logitech’s mini-boombox

was built to bump music on the go with its portable design, wireless remote,

and eight-hour NiMH battery. Size and longevity aren’t the only facets found

here, as two 3” laser-tuned neodymium drivers and four 2” passive radiators enhance the

listening experience, no matter the environment. The S715i dons an auxiliary input in the rear to support other

portable devices like non-Apple MP3 players and laptops, too.