GEAR4 StreetParty 3 Portable Speaker Dock for iPod
Review: GEAR4 StreetParty 3 Dock Review
Pros:
Works with all Current iPod and iPhone Models.
Works on AA Batteries.
Very Light, Easy to Carry Around.
Cons:
Slight Sound Distortion at Very High Levels.
Lacks FM Tuner.
Jump To
Our team of self-appointed experts has taken it upon themselves to locate and review the best iPod Docks on the market right now! Since their inception, iPod/MP3 docks have become one of the dominant forms of music playback in the world, so its only right that we play guardian to your wallet and give you the low down on which ones sound great and, conversely, which ones will have you reaching for the earplugs.
Introduction
The GEAR4 StreetParty 3 doesn’t have the best name in the world (when do these things ever?). Its unfortunate moniker might have you believing that this little bugger has the juice to fire up an entire street full of drunken revellers. Not so, if you were one of the many people that held a street party following the royal wedding and are planning another one in time for the one-year anniversary, then this simply isn’t the dock for you. It does go pretty loud, to be fair, and it’s actually a great, yet affordable, dock, but that unfortunate name places it quite far out of its depths.
This is not to say that the StreetParty 3 is in any way disappointing. It isn’t. It’s only a letdown if you expected something you could cater a house party with (and you still could if you live in an average sized flat). If you’re looking for a solid, (verging on high) performance device that’s still affordable and portable, then look no further. You’ve found it. They don’t come much better than this.
The StreetParty 3 runs either from the mains or from two AA batteries, so the choice is yours. The batteries don’t last that long in truth, so its best to remove them when there’s a mains source available. It also features an optimized frequency response, allowing for the best possible reproduction of whatever you play from it. In addition to all that, the Street Party 3 will also charge your iPod whilst playing music from it. It is lightweight, durable and surprisingly high quality.
The StreetParty 3 is compatible with all iPods (excluding Shuffle) and most mobile phones. As always, check to make absolutely sure your device is catered for before placing your order.
Hardware / Design
The best assets of the StreetParty 3 are its size when offset against its asking price. Because it folds down flat (only marginally bigger than a thick-sized paperback), it is extremely portable, which means that you can take it with you anywhere you like (and with minimum fuss).
The StreetParty 3 is also a very good quality model. Sound reproduction is of a very high performance indeed for such a small speaker and it somehow manages to sound crisp and clear without coming off as ‘tinny’ (a common complaint among the cheaper docks). It also goes up pretty loud, though not as loud as the name suggests. It could easily be pointed out of a window in Summer and provide a gentle soundtrack to a few beers and a BBQ. (But if you do that, you have to invite me over).
This is a simple device. There aren’t that many options on it really, having said that, the StreetParty 3 does everything you need it to do automatically. This is either a plus point or a minus, depending on your stance. Control freaks can look elsewhere, but those of us who value simplicity (and, dare I say, efficiency) will love this one.
Conclusion:
The truth is that the StreetParty 3 is actually a very capable and practical model. Its well worth the asking price and won’t disappoint. Don’t get this if you’re setting yourself up as a DJ for weddings and bar mitzvahs, but if you’re looking for a solid, dependable speaker that is both portable and extremely low maintenance, then this is far and away the best one in its price bracket. It’s simple to use and does its job extremely well.
In the battle of price verses performance, this one comes out tops. In fact, we have one in the kitchen of my place (though it is an emasculating pink as opposed to a trendy black as it belongs to my girlfriend) and we use it to play music whilst we eat dinner in the next room (usually Latin or Jazz, in case you’re interested). It always does the job and does it well. This one comes very highly recommended.
£24.30
£29.99
£29.99
£29.99
£49.99
£39.99
NB! Confirm the retailer's price and product information prior to making your purchase.
Product Specifications:
Description
Version
GEAR4 StreetParty 3 Portable Speaker Dock for iPod
Colour
Black
Dock Power
Power Source
Battery and Mains Adapter
Battery Type
AA
Batteries Required
4
Charges Ipod When Docked
Yes
Dock Dimensions
Height
26 Centimeters
Width
16 Centimeters
Depth
12 Centimeters
Weight
712 Grams
Dock Sound
Subwoofer
N
Volume Control
Y
Number of Speakers
2
Dock Features
FM Tuner
N
DAB Tuner
N
Bluetooth
N
Alarm Clock
N
LCD Display
N
Remote Control
N
Was: £29:99
Now: £24:30
Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk. Gift-wrap available.
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Customer Reviews
Honest reviews of the GEAR4 StreetParty 3 Portable Speaker Dock for iPod from previous customers
"Love this product. The sound is clear and it doesn't take up much space. Exactly what I wanted."
Review by Harvey Winter
"I have bought this system for use with an iPod Touch. I have had it a day and am pleased with the performance. My usage is as a speaker set for bedside listening. I no longer am disenchanted by the tinny sound of the iPod's speaker and can listen to music or radio, with pleasure, streamed through my iPod Touch"
Review by Sophie Houghton
"I ordered this iPod docking speaker after reading such fabulous reviews."
Review by Joshua Sharpe
"I'm using these with my new iPhone 4 in my office where they are not played too loud. I feel they are the best speakers that you can get for such a low price. Even at the low price, you're not giving up much in sound quality."
Review by Katie Stevens
We encourage you to read them prior to making your final purchasing decision.