Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus iPod Speaker Dock Conclusion

Performance Testing

The sound quality performance evaluation using the Pure-Fi Express Plus was done by listening to MP3s stored on my laptop and my iPod. The laptop uses an internal Realtec audio chip for sound processing. I listened to a number MP3s with bit rates of 128kbps and 320kbps. A wide selection of classical, rock, alternative and hip-hop music was used in the evaluation.

My listening sessions revealed that the speakers produce a very wide soundstage, but it was difficult to find a “sweet spot” where the sound from the speakers enveloped me as a listener. This may be due to the fact that I always listen to music in 2-channel stereo mode, and the omnidirectional acoustical processing was just very foreign to my ears.

Hip-hop and alternative music was pleasantly produced by the speakers, with clear highs that did not sound shrill. There was a good amount of detail produced, with lighter notes still audible through the mix of other heavier sounding notes. Mids were adequate and tonal balance was on par with other iPod/MP3 speaker docks, but it was not outstanding by any stretch of the imagination.

The biggest miss of the Pure-Fi Express Plus is glaringly obvious – almost no low-end bass frequencies. Listening to rock and hip-hop was of little enjoyment, as there was simply no low-end impact produced by the speakers whatsoever. I was not able to find a stated frequency range for the speakers on the Logitech website, but I think somewhere in the 500 Hz range is the cut-off point for this iPod speaker dock.

Turning up the volume did not result in much fanfare - which is a good thing. There isn’t much oomph from the speakers, even when turned up to full volume. The highs become somewhat shrill, however, and it’s best to leave the volume at a lower setting to get the most out of these speakers.

iPod Attached		Front Closeup

Logitech Pure-Fi Express Plus iPod Speaker Dock

The Pure-Fi Express Plus has a few things going for it – relatively low price point, ease of use, decent styling and a remote control. But the so-so audio performance left a lot to be desired from this reviewer’s standpoint. My ears simply did not warm up to the omndirectional processing that is built into the unit.

It’s a definite improvement over laptop speakers, but the iPod/MP3 speaker dock market is a crowded one. There are other units I have reviewed which tickled my fancy much more than Pure Fi Express Plus.

Pros: Included remote control, decent styling, relatively inexpensive..

Cons: Sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, size is not easily portable.

Rating: 3.0 out of 5

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