Macworld | iPod Product Guide: JBL Duet

JBL Duet

Basic Information

Price as Reviewed:	$60; street price: 40
Company:	JBL
Rating:

Review

While most powered speaker systems use a subwoofer/satellite design these days, JBL's Duet is a throwback to the early-90's: small left and right speakers with no sub. Although this results in a significant lack of bass response, the Duet -- like its bigger sibling, the Creature II -- provides surprisingly good sound for the money and a modern design that doesn't scream "computer speakers." You shouldn't expect the range and clarity provided by many of the better "big" systems we've reviewed, but for ~$40 (street price), you get sound that's enjoyable enough to keep you company at your desk in a package that also happens to look good. Our only complaint with the Duet is that the speakers are a bit top-heavy, making them too easy to tip over accidentally.

Tip: If you're looking for more bass and volume, check out the $50 Logitech X-230 we recently reviewed. Also consider stepping up to the JBL Creature II, which offers significantly better sound quality for only $20-$30 more (at street prices).--Dan Frakes

Specs

Ipod Models Supported	1G (Physical Scroll Wheel)2G (Touch Scroll Wheel)3G (4 Horizontal Buttons)4G (Click Wheel or iPod Photo)Mini4G (Click Wheel or iPod Photo)Shuffle1G Nano (Chrome Back)5G (Video)1G Shuffle (White Plastic Stick)2G Shuffle (Aluminum Clip)2G Nano (Aluminum Body)
Size	each speaker: 3.9"W x 7.3"H x 4.9"D
Speaker type	Computer (no iPod dock, connects via minijack)
Channels	Left/Right
Connection type	Minijack