Customer Reviews and Ratings

4.0 out of 5 stars

Based on 137 reviews

  • 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Almost Perfect

    • Written by from Jersey City

    By now it should be no surprise that the Bose sounds real good. Unlike other speakers I tested, the vocals and instruments sound full and alive. It can play quite loud without distortion. The original SoundDock has many reviews if you can find them.

    This is the new model (Series II) of the SoundDock and, contrary to what the previous reviewer wrote, it does not run on batteries. For portability you must shell out another $100 for the model with the word "Portable" in its name. The Series II has a new slimmer profile, an input for other audio devices, and a slightly more functional remote. It now lets you switch playlists like the remote on the Portable. I'm not sure why they didn't go all the way and give the remote the ability to fully navigate the iPod menu and list system. You must still have physical access to the iPod or iPhone to select artists or albums which makes the remote a bit disappointing if you listen to music in full albums instead of via playlists.

    If, like me, you care about subtle qualities in the sound or if you want to be able to play loud without distortion, by all means the Bose delivers compared to its competition. You will not get booming bass out of a speaker this size, but you will be impressed with the bass you do get.

    It loses a star for the lack of full functionality in the remote and because it is expensive (like all Bose products). If you are not an especially critical listener, the Logitech Pure-Fi sounds very good for less than half the price and provides portability at no extra charge.

    1393 of 1489 people found this useful

  • 2.0 out of 5 stars

    Bose SoundDock Capatibility

    • Written by from Huntsville

    According to Bose and many other sources, the Bose SoundDock was suppose to be 100% capable to to iTouch. After getting it shipped, I found that the recharging feature only works for iPods and iPhones, NOT iTouch. This shortcoming is slightly implied on the Apple website, but I don't think anyone would have noticed the exclusion of iTouch for this feature since it should be obvious requirement. Sound quality is pretty good, but I'm going to return the unit since I would be running on battery power all the time. Live and learn!

    1342 of 1569 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Good!

    • Written by from Florence

    I've wanted this since It came out because all of the other sounddocks I've had did not messure up to Bose. You can't blare your speakers out, but, I don't think that's the point of a Bose sounddock. You will be very shocked for how awesome it sounds considering it is so small.

    I also had trouble with the remote and Bose was very nice and sent me a new one in the mail next day delivery.

    I'm very happy and would recommend it my friends and family.

    731 of 805 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Best sound & portability!

    • Written by from Emerald Hills

    Great product with exceptionally great sound, portability, and charges your Iphone or Ipod at the same time. Can be used with battery power or by plugging it in and has its own remote. We particularly like that we can take it everywhere.

    186 of 257 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Fantastic once I got it working

    • Written by from Penarth

    Opened the box, plugged it in , sat my iPhone 4 in the cradle. Nothing. Very unhappy indeed. Phone would charge if I fiddled it around a bit, but would only play music through the system if I pushed it down reall hard. Was I cheesed off or what. Played fine when connected via the aux cable, but not what I wanted of course.

    Spent ages googling and reading, couldnt find an answer, then I half remembered a comment from somewhere about another iPod dock where the writer mentioned cleaning out bits from the inside of his (or her's) iPod 30 pin connector. So out came a needle, 2 minutes of gentle scraping and probing in the 30 pin socket on the iPhone, 18 months half a ton of accumulated fluff extraction later and it all works perfectly and sounds fantastic... Suitably impressed, especially as I scored the Bose sound dock with my Amex reward points.... Been listening to some led zeppelin, some thievery corporation and now some pink floyd as I write. All sound awesome. Will try some Mozart later.

    116 of 121 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Perfect iPhone Speaker System

    • Written by from Oak Harbor

    This is my third iPod/iPhone speaker system. I did not like the sound quality of the original Bose Sounddock, so I returned it and purchased an Apple Hifi. Unfortunately the Hifi does not work with my iPhone 3G, so I decided to purchase the Bose Sounddock Series II (SD2). I am overall very pleased with the SD2.

    The best feature of the SD2 is the Bose sound. I use it on a shelf about 4 feet off the floor, and the SD2 fills my 12x12' room with clear, well balanced "surround" sound. I actually had to use the "Base Reducer" EQ setting on the iPhone due to the bass boosting ports on the SD2.

    The second best feature of the SD2 is FULL iPhone 3G compatibility. I've successfully texted, made calls with a Bluetooth headset, checked email, and surfed the internet while the iPhone 3G was docked and charging using both Edge and Wifi. There is absolutely none of that annoying speaker buzzing that I've experienced with other speakers and docks. 3G charge time seams to be pretty quick as well.

    Other neat features include the small size and portability, and some pretty cool features worth checking out on the Bose remote.

    The downside to the SD2 is the high price. I did quite a bit of searching and even some haggling at the electronics store, and could not get the price below $299.

    115 of 119 people found this useful

  • 1.0 out of 5 stars

    SoundDock Series II system is NOT compatible with iPod touch 4G

    • Written by from New Delhi

    Bose website clearly states that their iPod docking station Sounddock Series - II is compatible with iPod Touch 32 GB (see link iPod compatible models in the second FAQ). I bought this system with the same belief and when I got it home and tried inserting the iPod in the dock, I realized that the iPod just wouldn't dock !

    On calling their service center I was assured that the system and iPod touch are very much compatible and that I should get the system to their service center. Probably I was doing something wrong. I took the system to the service center and there the technicians themselves tried to dock the iPod but even they were unable to. After this they very coolly said -'Sorry, it seems that these are not compatible'. !!

    From what it seems that BOSE did not take the pain to test the new iPod 4th Generation iPod touch with its systems and have just mentioned it on their website so that people can buy their systems. And after that whether the system works or does not work for the customer is of no concern to them. This is the worst kind of customer service I have ever seen and this coming from Bose systems is very surprising and disappointing

    116 of 122 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great product

    • Written by from HONOLULU

    There was a SoundDock 1 in my HKG hotel room and loved the great sound so I just had to get one for my home. The sound from this SDII is best if your room has high ceilings and lots of reflective surfaces. The sound really travels and is amazing for such a small package. Even if you dont have high ceilings and hard surfaces it sounds quite good. The next best thing is this model recharges the iphone/ipods. The remote could be better if it could scroll through the menus though but its still better than adjusting the music manually. A bit pricey but you get what you pay for.

    117 of 125 people found this useful

  • 4.0 out of 5 stars

    Good for playlist

    • Written by from Farmington Hills

    I was planning to buy a Bose speaker for a long time and this one fits right in to my budget and apt for listening to music. If you are having a party and you can satisfy everyone by playing their own songs in their iPod or iPhone. On top of it you connect your TV or any other device through aux

    109 of 113 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Brilliant

    • Written by from Lufkin

    Recieved this today and plugged it in immediately! It is simply amazing! The sound quality is like none other. Would definitely recommend this to anyone!!

    107 of 109 people found this useful

  • 4.0 out of 5 stars

    iPod Touch g4 is compatible with Bose Sound Dock Series II

    • Written by from Walnut Creek

    iPod Touch g4 is compatible with Bose Sound Dock Series II.

    I just purchased an iPod Touch g4 and Bose Sound Dock Series II. At first, my iPod Touch g4 didn't charge or even play on my Sound Dock Series II (though it did play music from my iPod Nano g3).

    I called Bose tech support. The tech rep told me that the two components are compatible. After a couple of troubleshooting steps, he told me to remove the dish shaped plastic adapter that comes installed and surrounds the male connector below the speakers on the front of the Sound Dock (the plastic adapter was easy to pop out with a butter knife).

    Once the adapter was removed, I reinstalled my iPod Touch g4. Without the adapter, the iPod Touch g4 set onto the male connector much better. As soon as it was installed, a chirp sound came out of the Sound Dock speakers, which the tech rep said indicated that the iPod Touch g4 started charging. I hit play on the iPod and the music came pouring out from the Sound Dock speakers. It works and sounds great!

    Though my iPod Touch g4 is currently connected to the Sound Dock without an adapter, the Bose tech support person told me that he will be sending a new adapter to accomodate the iPod Touch g4 for no charge. Excellent service and support Bose!!!!

    107 of 109 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    FANTASTIC

    • Written by from Sugar Land

    I bought this as a gift for my husband and he absolutley loves it. The sound quality is great. Everyone who visits has commented on the amazing sound quality and compact size of the dock. It is very user friendly. We are very happy with our purchase and would not hesitate to make a recomendation.

    111 of 120 people found this useful

  • 2.0 out of 5 stars

    Splendid sound when it worked

    • Written by

    We recently bought a unit at the store near Stanford University in Ca and brought it back here in the Philippines. The unit worked for about 3 days and when my son was using it,it suddenly went dead. No sound, no power. I tried everything the manual said from plugging and unplugging the unit a for a few mins to re-attaching the ipod after a few mins, adjusting the volume both in the ipod and the unit and still nothing worked. I read the same problem from the review of another user and if anyone else out there has the same problem, please sound out. I have a trip to San Diego, Ca this Nov. and is bringing the unit back with me for replacement. I hope Bose finds out what's bugging this model.

    107 of 125 people found this useful

  • 2.0 out of 5 stars

    Sounds great, but.......

    • Written by from Valley Center

    I am now waiting for my THIRD SoundDock Series II. The first one sounded fantastic for 3 songs and then just died. No sound, no power....nothing. I disconnected my Touch and tried the earphones to make sure I didn't blow anything and it was fine. Sent that one back and got my second SoundDock II days later; that one worked great for 3 days - same thing happened. BOSE claims it is highly unlikely that 2 of their SoundDocks could be faulty. I tried other ipods in the system and they didn't work either. I'm going to contact apple to see if they have any suggestions or have heard of any glitches like this. Please let me know if anyone out their has experienced the same issues. When it works, it's worth the price. Thanks.

    105 of 121 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    BOSE SoundDock Excellent buy~!

    • Written by from Slave Lake

    I received an IPOD Nano from my daughter for a birthday present, knowing nothing about this technology I was hesitant at using it. I found I liked it very much but wished I could charge it without my PC and listen without earphones. I purchased this Bose and am thrilled with the ease of set up, which is almost nil, and love the quality of sound, its fantastic for it's small size! Its expensive but sounds like a high quality/larger system.
    I highly recommend it to anyone.

    90 of 94 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Bose SoundDock II works with AirTunes!

    • Written by from Marylhurst

    Have the 1st Bose SoundDock for 2 older iPods. When bought new iPhone 3GS, bought the new Bose SoundDock II. Excellent sound! Fills 2300 sqft house fully, plus the yard. Rich clear music. Can get very loud, impressive. Kept my iPhone on it for a couple months, then discovered AirTunes, the Apple way of wirelessly turning every speaker in the house into broadcasting station for iTunes playlists and radio etc. AWESOME !!! Just buy an AirPort Express and connect it to the SoundDock II via Belkin Mini-Stereo Cable and you can stream all your playlists / songs to this great speaker PLUS all your other speakers in every room of your house, all at once, individually, or in selected groups. The roof is about to fly off with the volume of intensely great music raising the rafters here!

    Then your iPhone is free to use as a Remote, free Apple app, to control your music on all speakers. Heaven! Have a long kirtan / mantra / bhajan playlist and having it going all throughout the house and yard for hours (actually days) non-stop is an amazing boon.

    The Bose SoundDock II is expensive but we are very glad we bought it. It is getting a workout now along with all our other systems / speakers, all at once. Plus, we can take the Bose out on the deck, or to the office.

    89 of 93 people found this useful

  • 3.0 out of 5 stars

    Big disappointment.

    • Written by from Cambridge

    So I don't understand why their aren't more complaints about the remote's ridiculous lack of functionality.

    Basically, it only scrolls through the playlists!?!?!?!

    I spent 250 on the iPod (160 GB Classic) because I have a huge CD collection, well over 2000 CD's.

    Then I spend 300 dollars on the Sounddock II, only to find out it is basically designed for a child.


    Pros: Much smaller than I thought, good sound (though the bass is a bit too much on some performances, and the treble tones shake sometimes), light weight, and sleek.

    CONS: How on earth can any engineer justify designing a product like this for the presumed serious music lover with such limited functionality? You can't scroll through the Albums, Cover Flow, Composer, Artist. Nope. None of those options. Playlist only, which means more of the precious hours of your life wasted in iTunes organizing.

    Unbelievable.

    My first review.


    If your a serious music collector, it doesn't deserve all the brouhaha every is blathering about, imo.

    99 of 113 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    I like it!

    • Written by from riverview

    This is my first ipod docking station, and am very impressed with it. For such a small unit- it packs in big great sound!! I bought it because of the name brand, and have tested many other brands in several stores, and nothing compared to it! I have the 1st click wheel ipod model and an ipod classic, the they both work without a problem.

    I do agree that more controls could be on the remote for picking playlists and options from it, but your not going to be that far away from the SoundDock,while listening to it, where you can't do it yourself... IMHO.

    I'd buy another one in a heartbeat!

    91 of 104 people found this useful

  • 1.0 out of 5 stars

    SUDDEN SURGE OF ELECTRICITY RENDERS iPHONE USELESS!

    • Written by from REYNOLDSBURG

    WARNING:
    SUDDEN SURGE OF ELECTRICITY TURNS BOSE SOUNDDOCK, II ON—RENDERS iPHONE 3G TEMPORALLY USELESS:
    I purchased a Bose SoundDock, II at Best Buy on 10/16/08. On two occasions, I docked my iPhone 3G (while in the non-music playing mode) on the SoundDock. After about 10 minutes, the iPhone and SoundDock suddenly turned on (into lock/slide-open position) as electrical surges pulsated through the speakers. The surges were so loud and strong that it caused the SoundDock to vibrate on the nightstand, until I removed the iPhone. The next day, while playing music (using my iPhone 3G), a sudden electrical burst/surge occurred, drowning out the music for a few seconds. This time, it caused my iPhone 3G to be nonfunctional for about 30 minutes (displaying only the Apple icon). I called Bose and reported the issue to them and a supervisor was summoned to the phone. I was issued a RMA # (Return Merchandise Authorization Number) and asked to return the unit to them. Bose is sending me a new unit, to replace my defective one. I guess the question is, “is it just my unit that is defective, or the overall design?” You be the judge.

    111 of 147 people found this useful

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Bose delivers as always, but Apple compatability occasionally muffs it up

    • Written by from FARMINGTON

    This system has been worth every penny! My husband and I were sick of our old, giant sound system that took up way too much space with wires and speakers trailing out all over the place. That, and who wants to have tapes or CD's getting abused over time from regular use?

    Not only can you get HUGE sound out of this tiny system, but it is clear as a bell. A perfect representation of your recordings.

    The one and ONLY complaint I have ever had has nothing to do with the Bose system, but with the iPhone working with it (not working, actually). I don't know how other iPods respond with the system, but when I performed a regular update to the iPhone and reconnected it to the Bose it would no longer work. Only when I reset all of my iPhone settings did it work again. So, once I did a little bit of personal troubleshooting and know what to expect with updates, I am now completely satisfied with this system and recommend it to anyone who wants big and beautiful sound in a super-small space.

    78 of 84 people found this useful