Bose SoundDock Series III with Lightning dock connector review

By Stephen Fenech On Feb 19, 2013

Bose has released its first SoundDock all-in-one music system with a Lightning dock connector designed to connect with the iPhone 5 and the latest iPods.

The SoundDock Series III still features Bose’s trademark top-shelf sound in an attractive, and yet relatively small, unit.

It has a small footprint (it’s 30.48cm wide and 16.51cm deep) which means it can be positioned anywhere from a bedside table and shelf to a desk or kitchen counter.

The dock at the front of the SoundDock has done away with the older, and larger, 30-pin connector and replaced it with the smaller Lightning connector which was first seen with the iPhone 5 and fifth generation iPod Touch and seventh generation iPod Nano.

Audio quality is certainly not affected by having the smaller Lightning connector.

The SoundDock Series III produced a high-quality sound that’s typical of a Bose product with accurate and detailed sound that’s backed by a solid mid-range and bass.

Despite its small size, the device can still produce a room-filling sound. And the main reason it can punch above its weight like this is a result of Bose’s proprietary acoustic design.

Also included with the SoundDock Series III is a remote control that, apart from controlling volume and turning the system on and off, makes it easy to navigate your music whether it’s an album or a playlist.

And there’s no need to worry about losing charge on your connected device because it is also being charged as long as it’s connected to the SoundDock.

It is small enough to carry from room to room but the device only runs on AC power so you need to connect it to power wherever you want to listen to it.

There is no compartment for batteries or an internal rechargeable battery. We imagine adding this would either compromise the sound quality or add bulk to the product or perhaps both.

This is hardly an issue because the Bose SoundDock Series III is designed for the listener who demands quality and wants to enjoy their music in comfort.

And if you want to hear the music that’s on your iPhone or iPod while you’re out and about and away from AC power you can always use your headphones, right?

The Bose SoundDock Series III is an excellent device that ticks all the boxes on design, sound quality and value.

If your favourite music is on your iPhone 5 or one of the latest iPods you’re not doing the songs justice unless they’re playing through the Lightning connector of the Bose SoundDock Series III.

Bose SoundDock Series III

Price: $349