Review: Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere portable speaker system for iPod


Logitech Pure-Fi Anywhere is the official successor of the largest selling iPod speakers, Logitech mm50. And this system truly deserve to be the rightful successor. Read on for more details.

Features:

  • 2-inch Max-X active, high-excursion drivers & 3-inch pressure drivers
  • StereoXL Technology
  • 10-hour rechargeable battery
  • Travel Case
  • AC (100V to 240V) or battery powered
  • Sockets for aux input (3.5 mm) & DC in at the back
  • 10 plastic dock adapters supplied for all kind of iPods
  • Fully functional wireless remote to control the iPod menu

Performance (Sound Quality):

Logitech pure-fi anywhere front

The system was tested using a set of songs encoded at 320 kbps. The sound quality is pretty good considering the size of speakers. The max volume is slightly lower than pure-FI express . However, the sound quality is definitely better in terms of bass and treble responses. This is another plug n play system. The sound is pre-adjusted for the best output setting.

This is a 4 channel speaker system. The highs and lows are perfectly divided between the two drivers. The 3” pressure drives reproduce low frequency (above 40 Hz only) pretty well even at high volumes. The 2” ones handle the middle and the highs in the right balance.  The system seems to look light but has an excellent build and some weight to keep it from vibrating and cause distortion. The legs do a good job at keeping the system steady.

If you want to experience the power of this system, hold it in your hands and then play the music. You will feel the vibrations.

Turn on the StereoXL and the sound fills the entire room. It is equivalent to the SRS WOW effect found in some high end speaker systems.

Logitech pure-fi anywhere side view

Rating: 4.5/5

Remote:

The remote provides access to all the ipod’s click wheel functions. However, you will have to come pretty close to the system to see whats happening in the iPod. So close that you will rather do it on the iPod. But this isn’t the remote’s flaw in any way.

The remote works pretty well from as far as 20 feet. It also has buttons for StereoXL on/off and iPod’s shuffle and repeat functions. The remote looks trendy with the silver round buttons.

Rating: 5/5

Looks:

Logitech pure-fi anywhere back view

This is one area in which this speaker system lacks a bit. Despite the shiny material used for the body, somehow, this system does not apeal to

the eye. This is probably due to the silver circles distinguishing the 4 speakers. Had there been a single grill, it would have spruced up this section a lot.

The system has a nice back 😉 and looks classy sideways. The green light on the buttons faces up and does not bug you at night.

Rating: 3/5

Portability:

The speakers are built for people on move. They are the perfect companion for those hotel stays during business conferences or family trips. The supplied bag stores the speaker system, remote and the AC adapter. You can also slip in an iPod nano. The legs rotate 90 degrees to hide beneath the system.

The built in rechargeable battery lasts for as long as 10 hrs which is enough for long outings in the woods or a beach day. The system charges your iPod only when its connected to AC power. So remember to charge your iPod if you are planning to take this to a picnic. There is a battery indicator to indicate the remaining juice in the battery to avoid any surprises.

Rating: 5/5

Conclusion:

The price tag of this system was recently reduced to 99.99$ plus taxes. This makes it the best iPod speaker system in the sub 100$ range. Overall a very nice package and a worthy successor to the top selling mm50.

Pros:

  • Best sound output in its class
  • Full functional remote
  • International AC adapter (100 – 240V)
  • 10 hours rechargeable battery
  • Extremely portable

Cons:

  • Average looks
  • No aux cable (3.5 mm male to male) supplied
  • No video out port

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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  1. #1 by Sanjeev on May 30, 2008 - 1:03 am

    Lots of useful info. Keep them coming…

  2. #2 by Sanjeev on May 30, 2008 - 1:03 am

    Lots of useful info. Keep them coming…

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