I had been reading about the IP99 for months but was unwilling to pay well over $120 for it.When I happened across the new IP9 for $79.99 in a local warehouse that starts with "Cost" and ends with "co", I thought I would give it a try.
The sound is slightly improved over my older IH5 and IH6 radios -- which is to say excellent for the money -- and so far I haven't heard the slightest GSM buzz.The iP9's 3D effect is richer than the Sony ICF-C1iPMK2's "Mega Xpand" feature.The overall sound of the iP9 is slightly warmer than that of the Sony but otherwise comparable.The Eq option is a big plus.
The one advantage the Sony has is that it supports an iPhone from the back via and adustable block.That somewhat negates the need for a dock insert.This is a nice convenience for people with an iPhone shell that is small enough to fit in a universal dock as you may not have to remove the shell to dock the iPhone securely.You NEED an insert on the iP9 as you would on any device with a universal dock on top and nothing substantial behind the dock.Fortunately, the iPhone insert iHome includes seems to work as well as an iPhone 3G Universal Dock Insert from Apple... and it's black!The iHome website currently states that the IP9 does not ship with an iPhone 3G insert but perhaps iHome wised-up.
The dual alarms work in a similar manner to the Sony.The 2-5-7 day setting is a plus.I have not used the snooze feature though it is supposed to be configurable.Our dogs do not allow us to snooze, in case you were wondering.At night, one big advantage for the iP9 is that the dimmer allows you to turn off the backlighting entirely.As anyone with a Sony will tell you, their dimmest setting is way too bright.The iHome's numbers are also a little larger.
I have read about some quality problems with the IP99 and am hoping that the IP9 is as solid as the IH5 and IH6 clocks I have had for a few years without any problems.The iP9 seems to be built more solidly than the Sony, particularly with respect the buttons.The dials take a little getting used to, but if you're tying to adjust the volume in a dark room they are much easier to adjust than the tiny Sony volume buttons, which have an annoyingly loud click.I also give the iP9's remote an edge because it includes a few more functions.
In summary, the iHome iP9 is a solid performer with an excellent attention to detail that puts it ahead of the Sony ICF-C1iPMK2, despite its more iPhone shell-friendly design.
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iHome iP9 Clock Radio for iPod and iPhone (Silver)Product Description: The iP9 is an innovative clock radio for iPhone & iPod designed to shield annoying iPhone/mobile phone GSM noise. This way the airplane mode is not required and you'll never miss a call again when your iPhone is docked. The iP9 has several unique features, including a remote control, AM/FM presets, EQ controls, and even 3D sound for an enhanced audio experience. The iP9 also allows you to wake to your custom iPod playlist at different times on different days with iHome's 7-5-2 feature and programmable snooze settings. You'll also enjoy great sound around the clock with their Reson8 stereo speaker chambers.
An innovative clock radio for iPhone & iPod.Click to enlarge. Extra-large, backlit custom LCD Display with dimmer.
Remote included. iPod, iPhone, Radio or Buzzer Alarm Wake to your docked iPod, the radio, or--if you must--a classic buzzer alarm. Whichever you choose, a gradual alarm feature gently raises the alarm volume, so it's not too jarring. Dual alarm lets you set separate wake times.
You can set separate wake times for weekdays and weekends, and can wake to the playlist or song of your choice.
Programmable Snooze The iP9's programmable snooze feature allows you to set snooze intervals of 1 to 29 minutes, so you can milk every last second of sleep before you're late for work.
Sleep Features Drift off to your iPod, iPhone or radio, with programmable sleep times of 120, 90, 60, 30, or 15 minutes. Gentle Sleep gradually decreases the music volume as you drift off to dreamland.
What's more, an Adjustable Sleep volume solves an age-old alarm clock problem, allowing you to select a comfortable "sleep" volume level without affecting the "wake to" or listening volume levels.
Play and Charge Your iPod or iPhone The iP9's Universal dock plays and charges most docking iPod models (in addition to using them for alarms), along with the iPhone. So when you do finally wake up, your device will have a full charge as you head out the door.
DST Switch Switch to Daylight Savings Time at the flick of a switch, rather than pushing buttons for that whole extra hour.
AM/FM Radio The iP9 delivers solid radio listening, complete with an external AM antenna for better reception. Save your favorite stations on the AM/FM presets.
Big Sound, Small Package The iP9 delivers powerful audio with stereo drivers in specially designed Reson8 speaker chambers.
Reson8 is iHome's through-body ported speaker chamber technology. Porting speakers gives better bass response characteristics, and helps the iP9 deliver sound beyond its size.
Bass, treble, 3D and balance controls let you further adjust the sound to your liking.
Auxiliary Input Connect external devices like MP3 or CD players to the rear auxiliary input for your enjoyment.
Full-Function Remote Control Enjoy convenient control from a distance with the included remote--control both radio and iPod functions.
What's in the Box iP9 Clock Radio and Audio System (Silver), Remote control, Docking inserts, AC power adapter, AM antenna and stand, Owner's manual.
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I'd been primarily looking for a speaker/charging dock for my new iPhone. However, when my alarm clock began acting up, I took the opportunity to look for a new one that was iPhone compatible.
