Sony Clock with iPod Dock - Black (ICFC1IPBLK) Reviews

• best iPod clock radio you can buy - great sound, great radio, compatible with new iPods and iPhone

  
  By A2XPK6XCL0UH1S on 2007-10-09
  UPDATE: Sony has updated this clock radio with a new model - the ICF-C1PMK2 - which has even better AM reception, a brighter display, and official iPhone compatibility.
  
  Several weeks ago, I upgraded to a new 160GB iPod Classic. At the same time, I bought an XtremeMac Luna clock radio, which had good reviews. Unfortunately, I found that the Luna is incompatible with the new iPods - it cannot wake them from deep sleep to play the alarm in the morning. A call to XtremeMac got nothing more than a note that my issue had been forwarded to their technical team.
  
  Without any reviews, I took a chance, and ordered the Sony ICF-C1iP iPod clock radio, and am I glad I did! The Sony is fully compatible with my iPod Classic, and Sony includes instructions for using the iPhone as well. And, the sound quality and radio performance is remarkably better than the Luna or other iPod clock radios I've tested.
  
  Sony has done a great job with the ICF-C1iP. It is an upright design, with most of the unit behind the iPod, in a slanted design with controls at the top. The iPod dock accepts universal adapters, but they aren't really needed as Sony has an adjustable supporting plate behind the iPod.
  
  Unlike the Luna, which attempts to duplicate the iPod menus on its display, the Sony ICF-C1iP includes a remote control that lets you completely control the iPod menus as if you were manipulating the scroll wheel. Quite impressive.
  
  Sound quality is very good for a clock radio - with full bass and even midtones. Sony includes a simulated mode they call "Mega XPand" that in my experience made the music sound muddied and under-sampled. Your mileage my vary.
  
  The blue-backlit clock is located in the iPod dock area, and 3 brightness levels are available. In my experience, even the lowest setting is a bit too bright, but not enough to disturb me at night. I wish that the display were slightly larger, although the high contrast lets me see the time without my glasses from a reasonable distance.
  
  And, unlike most iPod clock radios, the radio reception is outstanding - with an external AM antenna provided. The unit has dual alarms, which can be set to iPod (you can even select a wakeup volume), Radio, or Buzzer.
  
  On the downside, the battery backup for the buzzer alarm and clock is a small expensive lithium battery. And, if your relying on just the buzzer to wake you up it's not very loud. You also have to be careful when changing the alarms to make sure that you don't accidentally turn the alarm off. But all of these are minor issues. However, these are all very minor issues that don't detract from the unit overall.
  
  All in all, in my experience, this is the best iPod clock radio you can buy.
  
  

• If The Price Reflected The Sound, This Sony iPod Dock Would Be Far Cheaper

  
  By A1ZM846Y7AUYD on 2008-02-06
  I have been using the Sony ICF-C1iP iPod Dock w/clock for about two months now. I bought it for my office, so that I could listen to the radio and also play songs from my iPod Touch. As far as looks go, this Sony is quite attractive. The buttons, located on top of the unit, are large and arranged well. The clock is a nice backlit blue, and is quite pleasing to the eye. The iPod dock, itself, is well made and offers an adjustable back support, so that every iPod model will be held in place firmly. Overall, the style, design and features of this unit are 5-star all the way.
  
  Now for the weakness, which is arguably the most important feature of any music playing device. The sound quality of this Sony iPod dock is very average; barely. There is just no low end (bass). Don't get me wrong, the music doesn't sound tinny or distorted, when played at reasonable volume levels, but it just doesn't have the full-bodied sound that I desire. I wasn't expecting Bose SoundDock quality from this item, but I assumed that it would sound much better than it does. Highs are fairly crisp, and the midrange is very pronounced, but notes and sounds cut off quite sharply below that. I cannot find the rated frequency response of this model but I'm sure the numbers are fairly unimpressive. The stereo soundfield is also extremely narrow, even with the included "MEGA Xpand" feature turned on.
  
  The included remote control is nice, and it controls nearly every function of this device. However, all clock and alarm related features must be controlled from the dock itself. The unit is fairly large, considering that it is advertised as a clock radio. I don't know as though I would want this thing sitting on my nightstand. But I didn't buy it to be used as a clock radio, so I am not rating it as such. Overall I am fairly pleased with this device, as a means to play some low volume music in my office. However, for anyone that is looking to play loud music, and/or is expecting solid bass frequencies in your music, then I would definately look past this Sony ICF-C1iP dock. It does suit my needs here at the office quite adequately, and that is why I decided to keep it, but I certainly would not buy this unit for use at home. I paid just over $100.00 for mine (with tax), and for that kind of money I would exect much better sound. If it were only $50 or $60, I would give it 4 stars, but for the money that Sony demands for it I cannot rate it any higher than 3 stars.
  
  

• Very well designed. Only drawback is constant charging of battery

  
  By AFSZ7YNT0CY56 on 2007-10-16
  My father bought this clock radio for me as a gift because he knows i love my ipod. I have tried several different clock radios now that would enable me to wake up to something other than a radio or buzzer - like a CD or ipod. None of them have worked very well for various reasons.
  
  As soon as I plugged in the Sony alarm clock, the time and date were already set for me to Eastern Daylight Time. I hardly had to read the instructions because set up was so easy and user friendly. The most impressive was the ability to fully control the ipod from the remote control WITHOUT having to buy a special attachment from the Apple store so that the ipod will recognize a remote.
  
  In addition, I thought I would have to set not only the alarm on the Sony, but also set the ipod itself to go off at 7am. Instead, I found that the Sony "wakes up" the ipod to go off for 7am, so I did not have to set up the ipod alarm at all.
  
  I love my new clock radio. The only drawback is that you have to place the ipod in the dock the entire night, which means that your battery is constantly charging the entire night. From my understanding, this leads to early burnout of the battery. I wish there were a way to turn off the battery charger, but still have all the other functionality.
  
  

• Good product, but the display is just too bright

  
  By A118562M3MDPN7 on 2007-10-27
  I really wanted to like this product. It had everything I was looking for. The sound quality was good (not great, but good for something of this size). The remote works great, and the iPod integration is well done. It's very easy to use.
  
  But in the end I decided to return it. The problem is the display. It has three brightness levels, but even at the lowest setting I found it to be way too bright. It really projects light out into the room, to the point where it casts shadows on the walls and ceiling. It's actually hard to look at during the night until your eyes adjust to the bright light. Yet during the day, it's almost impossible to read unless you are looking at it straight on. Since the main selling point of this product over other iPod speaker docks is the clock radio functionality, this is a fatal flaw.
  
  

• Well designed iPod product ironically from Sony.

  
  By AC0QWUE5GX3MU on 2007-10-17
  Best iPod Alarm Clock period.
  
  Amazingly easy to set up, has 2 seperate alarms, and, unlike the iHome this is replacing, you can set the wake up volume. As an added bonus you can even set each alarm at a different volume!
  
  I can't tell you how many times I've jumped out of bed due to the lack of volume control on the iHome (OK, so the iHome's volume is "progressive" - it starts out too loud and works its way up to insane within about 5 seconds).
  
  
• Good Sounding Ipod Clock Radio - Barely fits on Nightstand
  By A3T1S9ZTHNLVJY on 2008-02-17
  I just got this clock/radio/alarm yesterday and thought I would give some initial impressions. It has good sound for a clock radio and charges and plays the IPOD in addition to playing the radio which has five presets and offers an optional alarm buzzer or music wakeup.
  
  For 2" speakers it has great sound. It is slightly large length wise as it barely fits on my nightstand. Sony could easily have made it 2 to 3" less wide but left dead room at each end of the radio for expansion in a new series later with larger speakers or is engaging in creative packaging meant to impress beyond the actual size of the speakers - sort of like the large chip bags which are only half full. However, it does not provide sound even close to some of the Panasonic Micro Stereo PM series which have a music port for an Ipod or any MP3 player - which however is substantially larger and will not fit on a nightstand like this Sony Ipod Clock Dock but will do very well filling up a medium size living room with quality sound.
  
  Yes, the backlight display is a bit bright on its lowest setting and dimly lights the bedroom up at night. Sony also loves to show you a flashing colon between the clock numbers to show you it is working I guess - which only anoys you if you look at it. Duh, it wouldn't be on if it wasn't working so enough of the flashing second colon already!
  
  It also lacks a bass and treble control, although the overall sound quality for the size of the speakers is pleasing and bests most clock radios. The sound volume is adequate for a bedroom or kitchen, but will not be near loud enough for a livingroom stereo.
  
  Overall I like the unit and its sound is decently good for 2" speakers. I wish they had either put in 2 1/2 inch speakers to match the larger case, or made it more night stand friendly buy cutting the length down about 2 to 3" which could have easily been done with all the dead space on each end. If they had done that, installed a bass and treble control, and had a darker option for the dimmer, it would have been perfect.
  
  All the same, I recommend it as a Ipod Clock radio although it takes up alot of space unnecessarily on my night stand as the case is large, especially for the speakers it houses. I recon you could get a scrap piece of window tint and cut to fit the slightly bright display for a darker bedroom at night.
  
  If you want a clock radio, be careful if choosing the Altec Lansing IM600 which although more portable and not quit as wide as the Sony, as Altec appears to be engaging in a little creative advertising when they say it can be used as an alarm clock as it seems not to have a clock at all, except for using the Ipod as one.
  
  
• Disappointed
  By A2SUJDVRSYCUMZ on 2008-02-07
  I've always had a Sony alarm clock and loved them. So I figued this would be a great upgrade so i can listen to my ipod while falling asleep. It works fair. I like to wake up to am radio and the am reciever is lousy. The brightness of the clock keeps me up. And you can't choose what song/playlist you want to wake up to. It only plays the first song of all your music. And the buzzer is not very loud, i've slept through it every morning till i returned the item.
  
  
• Spectacular!!! Works with iPhone
  By AUVUY8W08PGML on 2007-10-26
  I was looking for a speaker for my iPhone. I was looking for something around $100 from a reputed brand. I tested a lot of speakers at the Apple Store like JBL, Altec Lansing etc but wasnt satisfied. the JBL sounded awesome but didnt have any features, the low end altec lansing speakers didnt sound that good. then my eyes fell on this sony speaker. i liked the quality plus it suited my budget plus it had dual alarm and radio.
  
  I bought them from Apple Store yesterday and tried it last night and i should say it exceeded all my expectations.
  
  Pros:
  1) Quality of music is amazing with an option to turn on/off the megabass
  2) works without any disturbance even when the iPhone was in normal mode. the only disturbance that i heard was when i connected the iPhone. after that there was no disturbance. i was very surprised b'cos the guy at the store said i've to keep the phone in "airplane" mode otherwise i would be hearing a lot of disturbance but he was wrong.
  3) this was important (to me)...i've the showcase case for the iPhone and it was not possible to connect to any of the other speakers with the case as it didnt fit the dock. guess what??? this sony speakers dock is wide enough that i was able to connect the iPhone with my case on and that was the best part for me.
  4) dual alarm works very well.
  
  Cons:
  1) nothing really. but if i have say one, then i would say its the price. i would have been very very happy if this was priced around $70 but for some reason all the ipod/iphone speakers are expensive. wonder why??
  
  Overall I am very very happy with this speaker. even though i bought it with a mindset to return it but i am going to keep it....
  
  I highly recommend this....
  
  Hats off Sony!!!!!
  
  
• Worked great...for a month
  By A2LDB0ZIGMMFVI on 2007-12-14
  From a functionality standpoint, I was happy with this alarm clock/iPod dock. But after a month, some of the buttons on the base stopped working. Specifically, the off button and all the buttons to adjust the time and alarm functions did nothing. I called Sony, who was of little help. They told me to ship it, at my expense, to Texas for repair. The rep didn't even have me try the reset button, which might have easily resolved the problem (though it didn't). I guess I didn't expect to have to pay to ship a new Sony product back to them when the issue is clearly some sort of defect. Looks to me like Sony has joined the race to the bottom when it comes to quality.
  
  
• All the features I have been looking for!
  By A140W52Y6M4ZKW on 2008-02-19
  I was looking for an IPod docking clock-radio less than $100 with the following features: easy setup; decent sound; good remote control; NO gradual awake feature; adjustable dimmer; and pre-sets. I bought and returned three other models before I decided to pay a bit more for this Sony. It has turned out to be far superior to many on the market; most importantly, it had all the features I wanted. I can control the wakeup volume of the radio or IPod - the volume is constant unlike one model I tried that went from 0 to loud in 5 seconds - not the way to wake up. There have been complaints that the display is too bright; I was concerned about this but found that the lowest setting works fine. The initial set up was easy and intuitive. The remote control has enough features to control both the radio and IPod modes.
  
  If I have any negative comments, they would include: 1. a slightly tinny sound at high volume; 2. FM reception not the best but that could be my location; 3. I have the unit on a "high boy" dresser and I cannot see the display from the level of the bed. This is solvable, however, by raising the unit.
  
  Bottom line, this is a great unit for my needs; and please note that it is smaller and more streamlined than it appears to be in the pictures.
  
  
• Something you should know before you buy
  By A2LOA9GEYF9FPW on 2008-06-03
  I had one of these under my arm last night, ready to buy, then I checked out one last thing that made me put it back. It is surely a non-issue for a vast majority of people, but for some, with certain space limitations, it may also be an issue.
  
  Check out the transformer on the plug-end of the power cord. It might be the biggest one I've ever seen. It's HUGE! Because of that and extreme and unalterable space limitations I have , I cannot use this item where I intended and had to move on to another IPOD-compatible item.
  
  That said, it would have killed them to house the transformer IN the unit? There's PLENTY of room in the back of this item due to the design. Bad decision by the SONY engineers.
  
  
• Great Value! (Watch out: This is NOT the iPhone compatible version)
  By A23G1APWJ7WJKK on 2008-10-06
  Very good value for the money.
  A heads up for iPhone owners: If you are looking for the iPhone compatible version, make sure you order ICF-C1IPMK2 instead of ICFC1IPBLK. They look the same but ICFC1IPBLK experiences interference and gives a warning.
  Here is the link: Sony ICF-C1IPMK2 Speaker System and Clock Radio with iPod Dock (Black)
  
  
• Very little room for improvement
  By A26M4R07WMXD6I on 2007-12-09
  Two words summarize this review: I'm impressed. Although Sony doesn't make the iPod, they've done an excellent job integrating it into this clock radio.
  
  The clock radio has the same opening for the iPod as the Apple Remote Dock, allowing the adapter that comes with the iPod to fit the clock radio perfectly. Nice touch, Sony. The adjustable "foot" that supports the iPod is exactly what I was looking for. I just KNEW that if I got a clock radio that didn't fully support the iPod, that I would knock it over, searching for the alarm off button, and break the connector, the iPod, or both.
  
  The included remote control allows for MENU functionality that the Apple Remote Dock doesn't even support. Great job, Sony... bad job, Apple. This allows you to switch between videos and music using the remote control. This is particularly nice because I enjoy watching a quick TV show on my iPod before going to sleep.
  
  There are only two things I would change: I would add a pass-through dock connector, so I could connect it to my computer and sync my iPod. Right now, you have to remove the iPod to sync it or use the video out cable (for a TV).
  
  Second, I would change the backlight brightness levels. It has three brightness settings: Bright, really bright, and supernova. Maybe I'm more sensitive to light when I'm sleeping than some people, but WOW it is bright. I usually put the remote control in front of the display.
  
  Overall, the audio quality is better than most clock radios (but not as good as stand-alone, and more expensive, iPod speaker systems), is easy to set the clock and alarm times, and has excellent iPod integration. This is an excellent choice.
  
  
• nice but no base...
  By A14GT9YP18TEMA on 2007-10-17
  everything about this machine is great, with one exception... it can't handle one little bit of base... even when i have the volume turned down low, really low, there is so much distortion when it comes to songs with base. i was very disappointed, because despite this it's quite perfect for the price, etc.
  
  
• sony clock radio w/ i pod dock
  By A2EA6TS1E3L5C8 on 2007-12-07
  good sound. lots of features. the clock face and numbers could be bigger to make it easier for the myoptic owners (my group). i like the remote. i put a self adhesive velcro patch on the remote and keep it stored next to my bed on another velcro patch no my nitestand. overall good to excellent.
  
  
• Loud and bright
  By A1CBFMHTBZ988U on 2008-01-12
  This gets a 9/10.
  The dock works with all of our Ipods, which is plus.
  The sound quality and ability to turn it up to high levels is excellent.
  Also, the sleep function and remote are also awesome.
  But, the front screen is SO BRIGHT that I have taken to keeping the remote leaning up in front, covering the screen. Just to get some sleep.
  Even at its lowest brightness level, you could use it to land airplanes.
  I would buy this again but, only if it wasnt going to be feet from my face in the bedroom.
  
  
• defective
  By AU54LM3OR5GSC on 2008-01-25
  I have two children and I bought them both a sony dock. One works great! The other dock would not play or charge an ipod. The clock worked, but nothing for the ipod.
  As a side note..., so far the return policies and service from Amazon have been wonderful. I'll buy this product again to replace the one that didn't work, but I'll be a bit more choosy of the "deal" I may be getting.
  
  
• I recommend this unit highly
  By A1TWWYFK0J5DWV on 2008-02-08
  I originally purchased another system for half the price and was sorely disappointed, I returned it and went ahead and purchased this one even though it was a little pricey. Turns out you get what you pay for with these systems. The Sony is well worth the price. I bought this for use in my office at work. Its sounds great, has a nice remote, a clock, radio, a 'back' support for the ipod so you can touch it without being afraid you will break the connectors. This unit is almost perfect for me. the only reasons I left off a star were the cost, I still think a unit like this shouldn't be quite so expensive, and the only other complaint is the granularity of the volume settings. Its a +/- click to increase or decrease the volume, and sometimes its either just a tad too loud for the office environment, but when you hit the '-' its just a tad too soft. Overall I definitely still recommend this item, I like it very much.
  
  
• Works with my nano 3G
  By AHIQA3XY524BQ on 2008-06-30
  I was worried that this wouldn't work with a Nano 3g, however, it seems to work just fine. I found the lowest setting on the display to be fine, not annoying. The playlist can be selected by cuing to the song in the playlist and pausing before bedtime. Good sound.
  
  
• its okay
  By AYUPI7M9R625X on 2008-07-19
  
  My son, 13 years old, had been wanting something like this for his I-pod Nano (2nd generation) but he didn't want the same one as his brother (the iHome-IH5) so he bought this one. Basically this was the only one at the Apple store that was in his price range. Its okay, but not as nice as the iHome. The radio doesn't get as good a reception. You can't dim the backlight (it comes with 3 settings, but even the lowest is too bright for my son at night). I think it looks nice and sharp, but I'm a little concerned for when he actually uses the alarm and the snooze on the clock. I feel like its in an awkward spot (compared to the i-Home) and when he goes to hit the snooze, he's going to knock into the Ipod that is docking in it. Now, as luck would have it, his brother's iHome-IH5 stopped working and the company wanted $40 to fix it. Its already 3 years old so he went out and bought himself the iHome-IH9, which was the same price as the Sony. So far, I am liking the iHome product better. Each of my boys' of course thinks that the one they have is the best!! It will be interesting to see which one is more durable, since they were bought within a few days of each other.
  
  
• Excellent Unit
  By ABBPNNG51BDWG on 2007-12-26
  The Sony Clock with iPod Dock - Black (ICFC1IPBLK)combines all the attributes that I was looking for; decent sound, good alarm clock and iPod functionality. If there is anything that could be improved, it would be that an AM tuner is also included which it is not. A few of the highlights include, dimmer for display, 2 alarm settings that work with both FM radio and iPod, sleep timer, good remote for full control of iPod and volume, 5 FM presets. I also wanted a unit that the iPod had a back to rest on when in the cradle vs many that have the iPod completely exposed and held vertical by the connector in cradle. I was worried that you could accidently push the iPod and possibly bend the connector while coming out of a sleep and looking to hit the snooze button.
  
  I researched many units quite extensively and decided that this Sony unit had best combination of features.
  
  
  
  
• Disappointing.
  By A280XVCUFBIN9R on 2007-12-27
  I was disappointed with this item. The sound is not as good as I hoped. The FM reception is very poor compared to much cheaper "boom boxes". The clock is too bright for the bedside at the dimmest setting. The iPod integration is very good and the remote works great. I will keep the item, but this is because I can not find a better clock/radio/ipod combo for the bedside. iPod units with the sound I want do not have the clock radio.
  
  
• It's good and priced well.
  By A2L19K11J5M1S0 on 2008-01-07
  K, Quick review here. This product has been good to us. I bought it as a Xmas gift for the girlfriend and it outputs audio pretty well for it's size (I'm not expecting hi-fidelity here) and it's easy to use. Looks good, has a small footprint (size) and easily accepted the Ipod Touch.
  
  The alarm clock functions well and is easily visible, but it doesn't affect me by being too bright. So far so good.
  
  
• good clock radio
  By A11SE91WV2Q76P on 2008-05-19
  I ordered this radio to play my ipod. good sound..bass quality could be a little better for the price. Since it includes the the dual alarm clock functions, overall its not a bad buy. If you are looking for good bass sound you should pay the money and upgrade to a Bose system.
  
  
• Amazing!!!
  By A29GN6U9M9O5PM on 2008-06-14
  I have owned this product for about a month and have yet to be dissapointed. It works with the new IPOD classics, keeps your IPOD charged and plays any music on your IPOD to wake you up as an alarm. It is easy to use and has a very nice interface. I recommend this product to anyone who ownes an IPOD.
  
  
• It's O-kay
  By AGCYZMXTES2VJ on 2008-07-16
  I like the function of the remote (it works just like having the iPod in your hands) but the sound coming out of the speakers has something left to be desired. Also, I was having trouble with picking up some of my favorite FM stations. All in all, I think Sony has a solid product that needs to work out a few bugs!
  
  
• Inexpensive iPhone solution
  By A2T4EW7F0G961J on 2008-09-07
  This is the perfect unit for us. the sound quality is excellent. My wife uses it as an alarm clock/iPhone charger at night. It is portable enough to take with us on driving trips.
  
  
• Don't replace your alarm clock with this
  By A3VOF7ENC1DNBT on 2008-10-05
  I bought this specifically for an alarm clock/iphone charger. It replaced an older sony cheapo alarm clock. The older sony had a longer snooze and let you push the snooze button more than once. This one has a crappy 5 min. snooze and only adjusts the brightness after the first push (worthless feature btw -- brightness should be lowest setting always). The snooze button is right behind the ipod dock (and the phone is taller than the clock -- picture with nano is misleading), and not easily accessible when you're half awake (the first two days I used this, I knocked my iPhone right out of the dock looking for snooze button). Also the off button is poorly placed and the sound quality is bad even for sony.
  
  
• Nice Clock Radi For Them money
  By A1901NTE8LFJF6 on 2007-11-10
  I purchased this a a gift for my wife.
  
  i am not sure about the charging problems with the iphone that I have connected with this device. The Sound quality is pretty good for the money. While there is not much bass to speak of, The clock radio is a good performer.
  
  The lighting is a little bight, but I am fine with the light... no more stubbing my toe on things I can't see in the dark. But if you are a person who needs a completely dark room to sleep in, then this is not for you.
  
  
  
• A very nice radio
  By A39ICUPUJZB5V1 on 2007-12-16
  I just got the radio as a gift and I couldn't be happier it does everything I need it to do and more.....Sound is great for a clock radio....So if you are in the market for a clock radio look not further you have found the best one on the market....
  
  

• Apple iPod nano 4 GB Silver (3rd Generation)
• Apple iPod classic 80 GB Silver (6th Generation)
• Apple iPod nano 8 GB Black (4th Generation)
• Apple iPod touch 8 GB (2nd Generation)
• Iron Man (Single-Disc Edition)