What Hi-Fi? Verdict
The world is awash with mediocre iPod speaker docks and the Intempo InSession falls firmly into that category
Pros
- +
Compact, fully functional remote
- +
creates a fair amount of bass weight
Cons
- -
Coloured, hazy sound
- -
disorganised presentation
Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.
Compared with the unusual Edifier iF500 iPod system, the Intempo InSession looks remarkably sedate. Well, what do you expect from a product that costs half the price?
The Intempo uses two, 25W speakers and a rear-firing 9W sub for a bigger bass presence. On the front there's a protruding platform on which to park an iPod (apart from the Shuffle).
You can charge your iPod through the dock and use the USB input to transfer music from a PC or Mac. There's no built-in rechargeable battery with the unit.
The cabinet vibrates uncontrollably
A small remote allows full control over your iPod, including bass and treble, but even a whole week's worth of tweaking would prove pointless.
Yes, the Intempo produces a weighty sound, but this only encourages the plastic cabinet to vibrate uncontrollably, leading to a colouration of the sound and a loss of clarity and detail.
Lupe Fiasco's vocals on Superstar sound closed-in and the accompanying instruments appear messy and misplaced.
Even if your budget is limited to £80, there are better alternatives.
