Philips Fidelio DS7700 30-Pin iPod/iPhone/iPad Speaker Dock

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Product Description

Philips Fidelio DS7700 Docking Speaker iPod, iPhone and iPad

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Product Details

• Color: Black
• Brand: Philips
• Model: DS7700/37
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.70" h x 7.70" w x 10.20" l, 2.20 pounds

Features

• Superb gaming sound effects via Bluetooth,DBB to preserve low tones for deep bass at any volume level.
• Elegant, slim and compact design to fit into any briefcase, Robust aluminum finish and cover case for full protection
• Design fit for iPod/iPhone/iPad, Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery for long music playback
• Shielding technology to block mobile phone interference.
• Dock any iPod/iPhone/iPad, even in its case, AUX-in for easy connection to almost any electronic device
• AUX-in for easy connection to almost any electronic device
• Design fit for iPod/iPhone/iPad, Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery for long music playback, Dock any iPod/iPhone/iPad, even in its case
• Design fit for iPod/iPhone/iPad, Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery for long music playback,
• Shielding technology to block mobile phone interference
• Superb gaming sound effects via Bluetooth,DBB to preserve low tones for deep bass at any volume level

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Customer Reviews

Most helpful customer reviews

69 of 72 people found the following review helpful.
Audio Anywhere: A Philips Fidelio DS7700 Docking Speaker Review
By L. T. Beasimer
I wanted to use my iPad 2 as a stereo while enjoying our pool without worrying about electrical outlets and power cords. With a 10 hour rechargeable battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and compact design, the Philips Fidelio line caught my attention. While researching which model to buy, a friend received the modern looking DS7700 2 lb 1 oz docking speaker station. I read in other reviews about diminished power/volume while the Fidelio ran on battery, and asked for her thoughts. She assured me my concerns were unwarranted and urged me to make the purchase.

The Philip's Fidelio DS7700, manufactured in China, is designed to provide high quality sound in a portable aluminum finish shell. Shielding technology prevents cell phone interferance, and Dynamic Bass Boost plus various equalizer settings in the app provide rich stereo sound. The 30-pin style docking connector accepts iPods, iPhones, and iPads in their cases, or the auxiliary jack connects to other devices. The package includes the docking speaker, a protective brushed aluminum cover, plus power and auxiliary adapters.

The iPhone / iPad App

Using the Fidelio app is required to get the most out of the Philips Fidelio DS7700. Controlling the Dynamic Bass Boost (DBB) and equalizer settings can only be set through the app while physically connected. The Fidelio app also includes additional features including playback controls, a multi-function alarm clock, music collection browsing, sharing via Facebook and Twitter, access to more than 7,000 internet radio stations and podcasts, displays current local weather conditions, and helps you keep an eye on the docking speaker's battery life.

Like many others, I installed the Fidelio app on my iPad 2 and iPhone 4. Initially, the app would work fine one moment, and later shut down the moment it's fully loaded. There seemed to be no pattern to the problem. I browsed the Philip's Product page and found a solution in the frequently asked questions page. This problem is reported to occur when the app is installed on devices prior to iOS 4.3 being installed. To resolve the issue, delete the Fidelio app from your device, go to the app store and search for the Fidelio app, and reinstall.

Now that I can use the Fidelio app without it shutting down on me, I find I don't want to use it. The alarm clock requires the app to be running for use, browsing and listening to the internet radio stations and podcasts quickly looses its interest, and the app doesn't integrate with Pandora accounts. Philips attempts to enrich the Fidelio experience may successfully do so for some, but not for me. If it weren't for the audio setting capabilities, I would probably remove the app from my iDevices.

The Fidelio DS7700

For my needs, the Fidelio DS7700 docking speaker has fulfilled my expectations. While the volume decreases when the DS7700 is disconnected from a power source, it's only noticeable when disconnecting the power cord while listening. Even then, I have to be listening for the difference or I don't notice it. Additionally, I'm happy with the sound quality when using the docking speaker on battery power.

The Fidelio DS7700's compact design and rechargeable battery allows me to disconnect the power source and listen to music anywhere I want to around the house. I could be working in the garage, organizing my closet, or relaxing by the pool. It doesn't matter where I want to listen, as it's so easy to grab the docking speaker and place it near where I intend to be.

This is my only iPad docking station, although I could use the auxiliary jack on other devices. Even still, the Fidelio DS7700 has replaced my Philips DCM250 iPhone docking station as my favorite device. If you are looking for a portable iPad / iPhone docking speaker system with full rich sound, consider the Fidelio DS7700.

PROS:
10 hour rechargeable battery life
Bluetooth connectivity
Full, rich sound at all volumes
Compact, lightweight, and portable design
Modern brushed aluminum appearance
One-year limited warranty

CONS:
The app

85 of 92 people found the following review helpful.
Not for the IPad
By Michael Grass
I purchased this item to use with an IPad 3. Upon reciept I excitedly opened it it up, plugged it in, and docked my IPad to it. It was at this point that I noticed a potential problem: It wasn't really made for an IPad: The IPad is just too heavy. It worked the first few times, but as the IPad rests it leans back, putting stress on the connector where it plugs in. Sure enough, by the 2nd day, when docking the IPad it no longer will play sounds through the speaker. The connector where it docks has loosened and now the only way for the IPad to register that it's docked is to grab it, lean it forward, and press slightly down. As soon as you even think of letting go though, it disconnects. The worst part? You can't even return it! Read the description above: it has rechargeable batteries. Because of that Amazon classifies it containing hazardous materials and won't take it back. Why it's ok for them to ship out what they consider hazardous materials but not take it back I'm still trying to figure out, but the end result is $175 spent for a defective product that they won't take back 2 days after receipt. Save yourself some frustration and look elsewhere if you're looking for an IPad dock.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful.
Elegant Design, Excellent Sound, Extremely Practical!
By Groch
The Philips DS7700 is a truly exceptional sound dock that matches my iPad2 and iPod Touch very well. While not cheap, I think it is a very good value compared to other premium portable sound options with bluetooth.

The good stuff:

- Elegant and Practical Form Factor. I have used quite a few iPod docks, of all sizes. This is the first highly portable one I have tried that sounds good. About 1 foot long, but only an inch thick, its cover and rounded design make it simple to throw into a suitcase or laptop/messenger bag to enjoy on trips. It has an aluminum shell, and when closed, has no overhanging switches to get caught on stuff. Its beautifully finished metal case feels solid and matches the elegant design of the iPad/Pod itself.

- Sounds very good, and plays amazingly loud for its size. For my purposes, the DS7700 has the best combination of small size and good volume, clarity, and bass performance I have seen in any iPod dock. I am sure it would not satisfy those who must have earsplitting bass or theater level volume, but for me, it is the smallest dock I have seen that has excellent sound and enough volume to fill a medium sized room (hotel room for example). At lower volumes it has really excellent sound....crank it up and the high frequencies get a little strident and the bass gets thin. I rate it 5 stars for sound for my purposes.

- Great charging dock design. It unfolds to provide a sturdy support for iPod/iPhone, and an acceptable support for my iPad 2. (Acceptable only because its small size would make it a bit tippy if you had kids knocking it around). The connector should work well with iPods/Pads/Phones without removing them from most cases, and requires no adjustments for different devices. It charges both my low current iPod and high current iPad just great, but must be plugged in to AC power to do so.

-Bluetooth works great, and from well across the room. It pairs almost instantly and remembers its pairing the next time you use it. I have not exhausted the battery, but have used it several hours without it running down.

- the free iPod/iPad apps are fine. They provide easy access to tune-in internet radio, as well as equalizer functions and battery level indicators. It works fine without the app too.

Could be better:

- Owners manual is terrible. Ignore it. After you get the hang of the DS7700 it is easy to operate, but getting there is more confusing than it should be for such a simple device. Things like what flashing - and + mean (charging I think) and how bluetooth paring works are not mentioned. After 15 minutes of fiddling, you should get it all, but that is 15 minutes that could be saved.

- The AC adapter brick is pretty big - about the size of a large bar of soap, and lacks fold down plugs or way to wind up the cord that would make it more travel friendly. With all the thought that went into the DS7700, they just threw in a generic wall wart. For the premium price asked, it would have been thoughtful if they had included a travel sack that would hold both the speakers and the adapter.

- The DS7700 looks great with an iPod/Pad docked into it...but not so great when used remotely via bluetooth. The iPod back support will not fold flat with the rear panel support extended, it spoils the look on your desk. You fold back the support, and the rear brace retracts so the DS7700 rolls back on your desk. The stylish cover can only be used with the speakers off....if they had put speaker vents in it, you could use the DS7700 it on bluetooth with the cover on. That would be perfect! The cover looks nice, but I would have rather had a sack that carried both the AC adapter and the Speakers for normal travel.

- No Battery Level Indicator on the unit itself. You can see battery level when the player is docked and the Philip's App is visible, but that's not too convenient.

I really like the DS7700, and think it well worth the price. Sound and construction rate 5 stars, but I am judging it 4 stars because the manual could be much improved, and the portability enhanced with a better designed AC Adapter, cover, and an included case.