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It seemed like not so very long ago that the Sony Walkman was THE portable music playback device. I mean being able to load your favorite songs on to a cassette and then loading that cassette into a device that was roughly the size of a small box of tissues which could be clipped onto your belt, there was nothing better. Then along came the CD and well things got a little better because the CD could hold more music. The size of the players didn’t much change though but we were all still pretty ecstatic that we could listen to our music through a pair of headphones while we walked, ran, played, worked and did just about any number of other things.

Well fast forward to today. Portable playback devices have changed dramatically not just in physical size but their ability to not only play music, but video as well. On top of that these devices can store hours (even days!) worth of music and large video files which can be quickly uploaded to them from a personal computer via the internet and played back with the touch of a button. There are many who believe that downloadable music and video will be the wave of the future for home entertainment for music and movies. I am not so sure that the CD and DVD are dead just yet however I will admit that this would certainly appear to be the direction that we are headed.

There are a plethora of portable devices available from differing manufacturers that can do all of the above and then some. I don’t think that are any that have grown as quickly in features, popularity, or variety as Apple’s iPod. The iPod is THE portable playback device of choice (or so it would seem) among not only teenagers but adults as well. The iPod comes in a variety of types and colors that can be had at differing prices depending on the features contained therein.

With the increasing popularity of the iPod there are several manufactures that have developed devices that can be used in conjunction with it to enhance the experience. One such manufacturer is Sonance. Sonance calls their product the iPort. The iPort is a docking station that when connected to the iPod will charge it, allow music and video files to be streamed through it to the iPod from a personal computer, will allow connection/playback of music and video files from the iPod to a video display and or music system. The unit comes in either white or black colors.

The iPort FS line is available in five models which are labeled FS-1 through FS-5. The FS-1 and FS-2 are the entry level models and the FS-3 through FS-5 offer expanded options. Sonance sent me the Model FS-2 for review. The FS-1 model delivers unbalanced audio and video up to 25 feet, connects to a computer, and charges the iPod while it is docked. The FS-2 includes those same features and also allows control of track playback or volume from the iPort dock itself, as well as allowing an optional iPort remote to be connected and used via IR connections. For complete info on the other models in the FS line you can visit their website at www.iportmusic.com.

Upon receiving the review unit and unpacking things I found that the box contained the iPort Dock or Universal cradle, a 2 meter (6.5 foot) double cable, a 15 vdc regulated power supply, and a signal breakout box that is used to connect the device to your audio/video gear. Supported iPod models are the iPod Mini, Nano (adapter included), iPod, iPod with color display, and iPod with video.

There are two modes which can be selected by pressing the function selector/status indicator on the iPort. They are streaming data mode, which allows playback of audio video material on your device, and a data transfer mode, which allows new material to be transferred back and forth between the device and a personal computer. While the light on the front of the device is red, the device is in data transfer mode, and the computer will recognize that a USB device has been connected.

Streaming data back and forth went off without a hitch and was every bit as quick and easy as directly connecting the iPod itself. I played back a variety of music through the iPort and through my daughter’s two channel system which consists of a KLH stereo receiver and Wharfedale Diamond 7.2 bookshelf speakers. Her impression of the sound was that it was excellent overall. I moved the iPort into my main system and connected it to my high end Anthem pre/pro and Canton Ergo speaker system. I found the audio to be quite pleasing with good bass response and an open presence. I didn’t hear anything that indicated that the iPort was adding anything to the audio’s presentation.

The iPort FS-2 is a great way for iPod users to stream audio/video to their home entertainment systems. Its ease of use and responsiveness should pose no problems even for those who are technically challenged. Add to that the fact that it is compatible with just about every iPod available and I think that Sonance has come up with a winner.

The Review at a Glance (max possible = 5 paws):

Performance:

Build Quality:

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