Speakers for your Zune

Microsoft has done an outstanding job when it comes to audio quality in the Zune.  According to Joshua Topolsky writing for Engadget, "Zune players have always been known for their stellar audio."  But then he goes on to say, "Forget about using the included earbuds -- they're pretty much junk. When we tested with decent in-ear buds, however, we thought the quality was rather excellent."

So what about external speaker docks?  They range in quality from smokin' to broken.  Let's take a quick look at the top three.

Kicker ZK500 Zune Speaker Dock

One of Kicker's most powerful MP3 docking stations on the market, the zK500 lets you get more out of your Zune than ever before. Bass and treble adjustment allow users to enjoy their music the way they want. The big, bumping speakers, 5-inch woofers, and 40-watt stereo amplifiers deliver the kind of crisp, powerful sound you expect from a Kicker product. Kicker's patent-pending 6-inch square reflex subwoofer delivers a dynamic bass response unmatched by other MP3 docking stations.

User Review:

I just purchased the zkicker 500 and have had it for a week. It is an amazing product. The sound is extremely clear and crisp, better than anything else I own. Don't worry about turning this one up. At volume level 16/40 It shakes the pictures on my wall. Even at higher volumes there is no distortion. Bass is clean, it puts outs out a lot of bass. Not as much as your 15" sub in your car, but enough. I have never seen a boombox so small that puts out this much sound. It has +-9 on the base and treble settings to make it do what you want with your music. The remote fully controls the zune very accurately. It connects to your entertainment system through componant video. It displays movies great and adds to your sound system. When I watch movies I hook it up to get a larger range of sound. I recomend this product. I would even recomend this product even if you don't have a zune, it has auxillary input for any sound device. It is worth every penny!

- Joshua Timothy, USA

Altec Lansing inMotion iM414 Portable Audio System

With its sleek and modern design, the iM414 is designed to complement your contemporary lifestyle. Backed with enough power to deliver full-range, full-bodied sound in the kitchen, living room, or bedroom, the iM414 runs on three AAA batteries (not included) that can power the unit for up to 24 hours. For those times when you don't want to worry about battery life, the iM414 includes an AC adapter for nonstop playback functionality.

User Review:

The im414 is a fabulous attribute to my Zune. The sound is amazing for such a small and inexpensive item. It is very easy to use. I love that fact that my satallite radio plugs in to the im414, eliminating the need to use a stereo amp to enjoy that radio in my house. It is also extrememly portable for use with the Zune. (The satallite radio needs an antena to be moved with it.)

-Bennett Lentczner, Berkeley Springs, WV

Zlive Speaker System and Docking Station for Zune

The ZLive NS108B speaker system makes sharing your music a snap. This system connects to all Zune players through the certified connection. You also can connect to any MP3 player, cell phone, or video game system through the line input. Control your music from across the room with the remote, and enjoy room-filling sound from the acoustically calibrated stereo speakers.

User Review:

After looking all over for a Docking Station for the new Zunes I just bought my two girls for Christmas, I finally found this through Amazon (everything is for I-Pods ... oyyyy). I did find another type of docking station at Best Buy, which was $99, but read bad reviews on the Internet. I was pleasantly surprised at the sound and volume for such a little box. As other people have mentioned, it is not a Bose stereo that you will use for a large party, but definately will serve your purpose for a kitchen or bedroom. My girls absolutely loved them. I actually paid $59.99 right before Christmas, but now see they are $47.99, which I am bummed since I can't return since they are open, being used and would spend the difference of savings on shipping back. However, I think they are worth the price - $59.99 or $47.99.

-D. Ashton, Cincinnatti, OH