Apple has launched its own hi-fi speaker system for the iPod. From the news release:

Apple(R) today announced iPod(R) Hi-Fi, an all-new high-fidelity speaker system that works seamlessly with the iPod to redefine the home stereo system. iPod Hi-Fi delivers breathtaking acoustic performance and room-filling sound unlike any other speaker system designed for the iPod in an innovative, all-in-one design that can be powered from a wall socket or by six D-cell batteries. iPod Hi-Fi is easily controlled by the Apple Remote for an amazing stereo experience in any room in the house.

“Apple is reinventing the home stereo with the new iPod Hi-Fi, the first iPod accessory that adds true high-fidelity sound quality to the iPod,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “iPod Hi-Fi’s unrivaled acoustic performance and stunning design is at home in any room in the house.”

iPod Hi-Fi has been designed and engineered by Apple to deliver unrivaled sound quality, realistic sound imaging and optimal audio performance. Its clean, all-in-one design features a unique isolated enclosure system that includes two custom designed wide-range speakers and a tuned, ported bass system, minimizing vibration while maximizing sound quality and allowing users to listen to their favorite music as it was intended with amazing sound clarity and rich, deep bass. iPod Hi-Fi features handles to easily transport your stereo anywhere, a removable front grille with precision-mounting clips, touch-sensitive volume control buttons, the Apple Remote for easy song and volume control from anywhere in the room, a universal power supply incorporated into the all-in-one design so there’s no bulky power brick to weigh it down, and the ability to power iPod Hi-Fi from six D-cell batteries for true portability.

Featuring seamless integration with all iPods with a dock connector, iPod Hi-Fi automatically recharges your iPod while docked and displays features of iPod that maximize the iPod Hi-Fi experience such as Tone Control, Large Album Art mode and volume mirroring.* iPod Hi-Fi includes a dual-purpose 3.5-mm auxiliary input that accepts either analog or digital signals for easy connection to a wide range of audio sources. iPod Hi-Fi is compact and can be powered by AC or six D-cell batteries, providing more flexibility than any traditional home stereo and is perfect for use not only at home, but just about anywhere you go without compromising sound quality.

Apple today also announced new luxurious leather cases designed specifically for the fifth generation iPod and iPod nano models. The Leather Case for iPod is made with fine, hand-crafted Italian leather and features a soft and durable interior lining for a secure fit, making it the perfect carrying case for iPod or iPod nano.

Pricing & Availability

iPod Hi-Fi includes the Apple Remote, a removable grille, an AC power cord and 10 Universal Dock adapters, and is available for $349 (US). The Leather Case for iPod is available in 30GB and 60GB models as well as an iPod nano model, each for $99 (US). iPod Hi-Fi and all models of the Leather Case for iPod are available through the Apple Store(R) (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

Source: PRNewswire

Apple iPod Hi-Fi Reviews

iLounge has a review of the Apple Computer iPod Hi-Fi Speaker System, they feel that perhaps the Hi-Fi isn’t as great as promised in the press release we previously posted on this site. Let us know what you think about the Hi-Fi. iLounge writes, “If sustained sound quality at high volumes was the only measure of a great iPod speaker system, ratings would be easy to assign, and iPod Hi-Fi would be at or near the top of the pile. In fact, the iPod-specific speaker market has grown so considerably over the past three years that some people may want it only for this reason, and we certainly wouldn’t dissuade them - or other readers - from giving iPod Hi-Fi a try. Apple Stores will no doubt stock all of the speakers we’ve referenced above, so if you’re really curious enough to try them for yourself, we’d advise you to try systematic tests: the same song on each system at the same volume, with the iPod’s equalizers off and the speaker’s own equalizers set to your preferred settings. That way, you can get an idea of what’s best for you…however, the aggregate assessment of a speaker system should also take into account factors such as typical-volume performance, dynamic range, pricing, design, size, and practicality. Considering all of these factors, and despite its good (if warm) low-volume sound and strong performance at high volumes, iPod Hi-Fi falls somewhere in the middle of the semi-portable speaker pack. Because of its comparatively high price, staid design, and underwhelming treble response, it’s hard to recommend to typical iPod users over Altec’s inMotion iM7, Bose’s SoundDock, or JBL’s On Time for most of their listening purposes. Even Klipsch’s iFi has recently fallen in price to as little as $200, making it a comparatively aggressive alternative to iPod Hi-Fi. Except when placed at the far end of a large room and cranked up, these options will provide listeners with great audio experiences at lower - potentially considerably lower - asking prices. It’s hard to believe we’re saying this about an Apple product, but pay the Hi-Fi’s premium only if you really need the extra horsepower and don’t mind its extra size and weight.” Link.