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One of the ways to gauge the iPod’s success and impact is by glancing at the sheer amount of iPod accessories on the market today. In fact, many companies are dedicated purely to creating accessories for all the popular iPod models and the iPhone. Another such accessory just hit the market recently, and this time the Japanese manufacturer Focal Point is responsible and their accessory is a speaker dock called the iBoom Hifi. The name makes it apparent that the device seeks to drastically amplify the music from any docked Apple MP3 player or iPhone, but how well does it succeed in doing so?

The device manages a speaker output of 5Wx2 together with a three inch subwoofer and one inch tweeter, so the acoustic output is definitely quite respectable; especially when one considers the iBoom’s compact and unique circular 30 x 19 x 24 centimetre design. Furthermore, the device is controllable via an Apple remote control, and comes with a touch screen for adjusting the bass and volume. The iBoom’s design is indeed its most remarkable feature and resembles something of an afro for the docked iPod, yet of course this afro comes with bass. It also happens to come with a price tag of around £140, which might be slightly excessive for a docking station, even one that does manage to look very cool and trendy.

Skullcandy has brought two new earphone models onto the market: the Full Metal Jacket model in three versions for Apple’s iPhone and the Titan model in the seven iPod colours. The 11 millimetre sized FMJ speaker’s cable can be shortened by disconnecting the second part of the cable. It possesses an integrated microphone for the phone function. The earbuds also fit with the BlackBerry Curve. They are stored in a protective case made of EVA plastic. ComplyTM earbuds, which can be exchanged with the FMJ earbuds at any time, are also included therein. They should be very comfortable to wear and adjust perfectly to the user’s ear.

Because no outside noises can penetrate inside, according to the manufacturer at least, it is not even necessary to play music at the highest volume. Skullcandy wants to offer the Full Metal Jacket earphones in black, or chrome, for around £75 in the beginning of June. The Titan edition should be available at the same time for Apple’s iPod in pink, red, violet, bright blue, green, grey, and black. The price is put at around £50.

The Auvisio Twin Tubes come with a preamplifier based on tube technology. A total RMS performance of 40 Watts is available.

Pearl is presenting an audio system made from tube preamplifiers and active boxes with the Auvisio Twin Tubes set. It is compatible with all iPod models with dock connectors, as well as iPhones. One practical part: It can even be used to transfer videos onto a TV screen from an iPod touch or video via the docking station. The amplifier manages a harmonious and warm sound, thanks to its tube technology, and comes with an RMS performance of 2 x 20 Watts. The manufacturer puts the frequency range at 60 to 20,000 Hertz.

A wooden chassis in a bass reflex design is employed in the speaker boxes. The 1 inch tweeter should provide for the high frequency domain, while the 3.5 inch subwoofer provides the bass. A 3.5 mm audio input and output jack are on hand, as is a video output. The preamplifier measures 20 x 16 x 9 centimetres, while the speaker has dimensions of 26 x 13 x 20 centimetres. Pearl includes the remote control, battery and audio connector cable together with the speakers for a total price of around £100.