Philips has launched a new high-end iPod dock with an acoustically designed wooden cabinet, the Fidelio DS9000.
The unusual casing is made up of several layers of lacquered plywood which are then bent into their distinctive curved shape. This 'Veneer Lamination' technique produces a cabinet that's 1.2cm deep, with the natural stiffness of the material and curved shape reducing internal vibrations while also minimising internal reflections and standing waves.
Its twin 4in inverted dome woofers are each contained in their own, separate 3.4-litre chambers, and they're complemented by two 1in dual ring-radiator diaphragm tweeters made from silk and copper-clad aluwire and "audiophile grade" digital-to-analogue conversion and crossovers.
There's a digital connection for iPod or iPhone and the sound can be fine-tuned using a free Fidelio+ app for the 'Pod which gives five preset equaliser options. A remote control handset is also supplied.
Internal bass pipes are used to tune the low-end frequencies and there's also a built-in alarm clock as well as a proximity sensor for the controls, and a flexible mount for the personal player, which can be plugged in even if your iPod or iPhone is in a case.
The Philips Fidelio DS9000 is on sale now for £400.
philips.co.uk
