Digital Trends

SDI iHome iH5

January 16th, 2006 | by Brandon King

Setup and Use

The overall functionality is similar to that of your average cryptic, modern alarm clock. There's a lot of holding one button while pressing another, holding this button for two seconds then doing something else, etc. We could go through the operation of setting an alarm or changing a radio station, but the procedure is like any other clock (with a notable exception being the complete lack of radio memory buttons). The main difference is that in addition to setting the alarm mode to radio or buzzer, you can select the iPod. The iHome iH5r supports all iPods through the dock connector except the Gen 1 and 2. The line-in can be used to play music through the unit's speakers, but not for the alarm clock. Because the iPod can be controlled through the dock, the iH5r can tell it to turn on and play. With an external device, you would have to have the device playing all night, which could be a big problem if the batteries run out or the playlist ends before you wake up. One advertised feature, the “Gentle Wake,” is supposed to gradually increase the volume when the alarm sounds. Instead, it ramps the volume up to max in around 5 seconds—way too short. Also, there is only one alarm, and we would like to have seen two. If the alarm is set to use the iPod, and one isn't connected, the iH5r will sound the buzzer. There is no control over the iPod through the iH5r; the iPod has to be controlled by the scroll wheel on the iPod or the remote. The downside of the remote is that it does not control the playlists or navigation, only next/previous song, volume, and play/pause.

Sound quality of the iH5r leaves a lot to be desired. We tested a selection of electronic, rock, and jazz music on an iPod through the dock and the line-in. The built-in speakers are not powered, so portable devices need to be at over ¾ volume to make any impact in a medium-sized room. The iH5r does a decent job with mids at most volume levels. Bass at higher volumes was distorted and crackly, and highs at modest levels were slightly shrill. At lower volumes, the bass is nearly non-existent, and highs and mids were decent. The best appeared to be right in the middle—all sound characteristics were acceptably represented. Overall, the sound is sub-par compared to many other options, but isn't that poor. For the price point and included alarm clock features, the iH5r has respectable sound. One final note on sound:  You cannot change the wake up volume. If you like a loud startle in the morning, this may be the jolt you were looking for.

Conclusion

The SDI iHome iH5r alarm clock is a good first attempt at bridging the iPod-alarm clock gap. The sound quality left us slightly disappointed, but on par with several other options at the same price point. But, sound quality is generally not the selling point for an alarm clock. The functionality is straightforward, but makes some rookie mistakes we hope to see addressed in later revisions. In the end, there are a lot of small nuisances that a new owner will have to get used to, but if you must have an iPod-integrated alarm clock, this is your best (and only) option.

Pros: 

• iPod integration
• Charges iPod
• Aesthetics