Review on 🔊 Optimized Philips Fidelio Primo DS9 Docking Speaker for iPod/iPhone/iPad by Cameron Rosa

Was looking for a quality iPod dock to replace my stereo components (receiver, Squeezebox network audio player, speakers, subwoofer). I was willing to accept that an iPod dock wouldn't sound as good as a stereo, but I wanted to simplify setup and reduce clutter. In the end I chose the Philips Fidelio Primo DS9 speaker docking station and am very happy with this system. The system is larger and heavier than expected. I used to have a DS8500 in the same shape but much smaller and lighter. This dock sounded decent (but no better than the Logitech S715i, which is cheaper and has the benefit of being portable), but the DS9 is in a whole different league. The DS9 uses separate woofers and tweeters instead of the full-range DS8500 drivers. Excellent drivers combined with a large enclosure deliver more detailed, cleaner and less crowded sound than the DS8500, especially at higher volumes. Well the DS9 MUST sound better than the DS8500 of course as it costs almost twice as much. so many. But the DS9 also pairs well with docking stations that cost about the same or more. (I don't have any other AB comparison docks, so these comparisons are based on my memory of the sound quality of other docks.) The DS9 easily beats the Bose docks I've used in fancy hotels, which cost about the same. The DS9 also offers more accurate and balanced sound than the Harman Kardon Go + Play, which has a warmer, more bass-heavy sound that many will enjoy, but can be a bit overwhelming for those wanting a more neutral sound. What surprised me the most was that the DS9 sounds about as good as the B&W Zeppelin Air, which costs twice as much (but has AirPlay, which Philips doesn't). Again, AB is hard to compare without a comparison, but DS9 is definitely in the same league. From what I remember, the Zeppelin Air had a bit more bass on the default settings. Before purchasing the DS9, I also tried the Philips Fidelio SoundSphere DS9800W, which features AirPlay (and no physical iPod dock), has two completely separate speaker enclosures, and costs more than twice the price of the DS9. I ended up returning the DS9800W and for me the sound of the DS9 is more balanced. The DS9800W sounded very good, but had some flare in the upper mids and lower treble, causing many (good) recordings to sound a bit harsh or harsh. The DS9 probably doesn't play as loud as the DS9800W, and they definitely don't have the stereo separation of the DS9800W, but the sound is smooth and balanced across the spectrum with no major flaws. their limited soundstage - unless you sit very close, the soundstage and stereo effect is limited by the fact that the left and right speakers are only a few inches apart, compared to the few feet you would normally have between the speakers to have. To counteract this, Philips curved the front of the DS9 to allow sound to spread slightly left and right. It works - the DS9 produces a significantly larger soundstage than most other iPod docks, comparable or even better than the Zeppelin Air (which is physically wider). You still don't get the same soundstage as good speakers spaced a few feet apart (or the DS9800W), but Philips does it better than most. Those looking for frills will be disappointed. Aside from the expected auxiliary jack and remote control, the only notable feature is the free iOS app, which offers dynamic bass boost and various equalizer settings. The EQ should remain at the same level, but I found to my surprise that the bass boost is actually effective and well done. The speaker sounds more balanced with Bass Boost turned on than without, and even higher settings don't exaggerate the bass to the point where it overwhelms everything else. Bottom line, this is one of the best sounding iPod/iPhone/iPad out there. Affordable docking stations, an attractive design, and a price that I think beats several systems that don't sound much better. Highly recommended.