AktiMate Mini Active 2-Way Loudspeakers with iPod dock

Designed by legendary Mike Creek of Creek Audio and Epos fame, the AktiMate Mini features a Creek amplified Epos speaker with an embedded iPod dock and two additional inputs for listening to a source other than your iPod (eg: CD Player, Tuner, Computer, Television).

AktiMate's Mini are active 2-way speakers with a 40 Watt per channel amplifier built in to one of the speakers. Apart from its iPod / iPhone dock, it has connections to play audio from MP3 players, CD Players & TVs - and even output for a subwoofer. In early versions the iPod dock was clearly visible - it is now concealed under a cover flap on the top of the active speaker.

The rear panel jack plug accommodates the connection to an MP3 or MP4 player or your computer via the 3.5 mm input. RCA stereo inputs permit connection of any hi-fi source product, e.g. CD Player, tuner etc. RCA stereo outputs to allow for the connection of a subwoofer. It is important to note that the USB connection can only be used for charging purposes.

Should the desire be to run a second pair of AktiMate Mini speakers, the RCA outputs accommodate daisy chaining which will provide independent volume control in each location. It has composite video output for connection to a larger monitor (handy if your iPod has photo storage or video clips). Please note that this feature is suitable only for earlier edition iPods to version 5 and Nano version 2.

The AktiMate Mini is Ideal for use as your television speakers - they are fully shielded, so placement alongside a monitor presents no problem.

In versions manufactured before March 2010 (serial numbers commencing 1003...), an iPod will charge when it is in the dock. However new international regulations relating to Standby power mean this feature will no longer be available. Remember that the iPod will always charge whilst it is in use or when the Mini is not in Standby.

A voltage selector switch permits a change of voltage should you wish to travel to a part of the world using different mains voltages. The volume control on the front panel allows ease of operation – a control which, with a simple press, takes the system into standby.

The AktiMate Mini has remote control and comes with a small but perfectly formed handset! The remote handset not only controls the volume of the speakers plus mute and standby, but also all basic functions of an iPod.

Each speaker stands 30 cm high.

Get a personal walk-through of these speakers by Phil from AktiMate on the Aussie Hi Fi YouTube Channel (thanks to AudioFile TV).

AktiMate Mini Speakers Awards and Reviews

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - Best Desktop Speaker of 2009

Sound And Image Magazine - Best iPod Dock 2009

Smarthouse Magazine - iPod Speaker Of The Year 2009

cNet Australia - YouTube Review - Feb 2011
The AktiMate Mini is an Australian-designed iPod dock that offers the best stereo sound we've heard in one of these systems. If you're after a great looking and sounding iPod system, then the Epoz Aktimate Mini are highly recommended.

...certainly able to put out a lot of sound. Sound quality is balanced and the set has the best stereo imaging of any system we've heard of this kind.

What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision - 5 Stars - March 2009
Nicely made; well specified; full-scale, articulate sound. They sound superb, delivering dynamics, detail and integration.

The Minis demonstrate fine levels of grip and go – they're punchy and well controlled at the bottom end, eloquent in the midrange and crisp at the top without any hint of splashiness, There's plenty of dynamic heft available, smooth integration between drivers and impressive stereo imaging.

In short, this is about as good as your iPod can be made to sound without chucking a fair bit more money at it, Anyone who sneers at the description of iPod as 'hifi' needs to hear a pair of these.

Watch the What Hi-Fi review on Aussie Hi Fi's YouTube channel.

Hi Fi Plus
... it soon becomes obvious that the AktiMate is operating on a different level to most of the docks that I have heard.

They are capable of quite decent levels, again without sounding forced or strained, with a surprising amount of detail and a soundstage that exhibits good projection away from the speakers, something that the majority of docks just cannot do.

Adding a CD Player via the auxiliary inputs shows just how good the speakers are; they're actually not far from what I would expect a good integrated amp and separate loudspeakers to be capable of.

BBC Music Buyer's Guide - Best Buy - September 2010
Brilliant all-round sound, ideal for larger rooms and party duties. Despite the lack of a subwoofer, the built-in 40W amp helsp the AktiMate Minis thump out the heaviest rock tunes at high volume without a hint of distortion.

There is finesse and subtlety too, with a particularly delicate quality to feamle voices.

Smarthouse magazine - August 2008
iPod Speaker Of The Year - The Aktimate Mini is a simple speaker system that can blow anyone away. It has a lot to offer ... making it one of the best iPod speakers we have seen and heard to date.

The Aktimate is one speaker system that can do it all: it can pump out tunes from your iPod, can act as your PC or TV speakers, or can just be your source of audio goodness in your room. These speakers certainly have it, so don't be afraid to flaunt it.

Playback (via AVGuide) by Christopher Jones - July 2008

A Well-Conceived, Stylish System; Powerful & Elegant Sound

The speakers make a dynamic first impression, and the more you listen the harder it is to shut these babies down. The AktiMates produce a well-rounded and dynamic sound and can handle any style of music, from bass-heavy hip hop to delicate jazz and classical arrangements. The tonal balance at all volume levels is solid, and the detail is excellent even at low volumes.

... there was loads of high-frequency detail, balanced with a smooth midrange sound. The bass was also impressive, and especially so considering the size of these speakers ...  the AktiMates managed to keep them sounding tight and powerful without the muddiness that’s common in other speakers. It’s a rare thing to hear an iPod speaker system that can crank up this high without any distortion, and I was amazed at how far these could go.

With more subtle music, such as Miles Davis’s The Complete In a Silent Way Sessions [Sony], the AktiMates were equally impressive. The wide-open feel of these sessions really comes through on the AktiMates, as each instrument has room to be heard in the spacious soundstage.

The AktiMate Mini is a powerful, dynamic sound system that’s easy to use, has a small footrprint, and a sharp design. You can’t ask for too much more than that. Of all the iPod/PC-oriented speaker systems I’ve heard over the last few years, this one has the most refined and powerful sound, and is great for any style of music. It’s not an inexpensive product, but the price is justifiable for those who want high-quality, high-performance iPod speakers.

AktiMate Mini Speakers Specifications

Configuration 2-Way active bookshelf speakers (1 active master speaker/1 passive slave speaker)
Power Output 40 W into its own 4 Ohm speaker load
Woofer 130 mm (5.25 inches) mid/bass with moulded polypropylene cone. Shielded magnet.
Tweeter 25 mm (1 inch) metal dome with neodymium magnet.
Speakers driver used in AktiMate are licensed from Epos Limited U.K.
Frequency Response 58 Hz - 28 kHz
Power Amplifier Type Class A/B (built in) 40 watts per channel RMS
Nat-Semi LM4766 Overture
Burr-Brown PGA2311 digitally controlled analogue volume control
Transformer 120W Toroidal power transformer
Inputs 1 Pair Stereo RCA sockets
1 3.5 mm jack
iPod dock
Outputs 1 pair RCA sockets (unfiltered) for connection to sub-woofer or to daisy-chain AktiMate speakers
Video output (suitable only for iPods to generation 5 / Nano generation 2)
Connections USB for charging purposes only (iPod or MP3)
THD <0.05%
Crosstalk <50dB
Input Impedance 10 kOhms unbalanced
Passive speaker
impedance 4 Ohms
Protection Output current limiting, Thermal over-temperature, Power on/off transient protection
Replaceable external mains fuse
Mains voltage 240/120V 50/60 Hz
Inclusions Right angles IEC power cord
Connecting speaker cable
3.5mm connection cable
iPod accessory pack - note this is a selection only. The accessory which came with your iPod
fits into the AktiMate dock.
4 mm banana plugs
IR remote control handset
Instructions
Size 300 x 185 x 210 mm
Weight 12 Kgs
Packed 1 carton
Warranty 12 months

Warranty period is one year from date of purchase and applies to the original purchaser only. Warranty is valid in the country of purchase.