The Klipsch iGroove SXT iPod speaker system has a solid design and execution. We note this iPod accessory for its smart looks, small form factor and great sound.

The Klipsch iGroove SXT is a small speaker system, and has a stylish, well thought out look to it with the black speaker covers and silver top framing. Three buttons on top offer volume and power control, with power, S-video output and 3.5mm audio input ports on the backside offering external display and playback of other portable audio devices.

The small iGroove SXT packs dual long-throw 2-1/2-inch woofers in a ported enclosure and dual 3/4-inch Horn-loaded tweeters. The result is an extremely rich sound covering high, mid-range and low with a well balanced mix. We easily picked up on nuances in the music we'd missed on comparable iPod speaker systems. It should be noted there was some slight distortion when the system was turned up to full blast.

While we liked the sound we were not quite as impressed with the iPod control options. A well-designed system like the iGroove SXT only offered basic control of functions like volume and track selection through the included basic remote. We would like to have seen advanced iPod controls like menu navigation.

iPod management occurs through the built-in iPod dock, which lets you control and charge your player. A variety of universal well inserts are provided so your specific iPod model fits snugly into the dock. We would again like to have seen Klipsch go a little further with the iPod dock by allowing USB pass-through, so one could gain iTunes syncing through a connected computer.

Though we would have liked to see equalizer controls like bass and treble controls as part of the overall system, we believe the Klipsch iGroove SXT to be one of the better, less expensive iPod speaker systems currently on the market. It offers sound comparable to higher end units, and we are happy to award it a Budget Buy.

Pros: Great price to sound ratio, small form factor, stylish looks
Cons: Basic remote functions, slight distortion at high volume end, lack of USB pass-through

Warranty
1 year