The CTA GrandScale came in a BIG box (the iPod nano is on top of the box).  Everything was very well packed and logically organized.  This made the overall assembly process quite straightforward.

We unpacked the boxes and laid everything out on the floor.  All of the pieces were predrilled and ready for assembly. All of the wiring, nuts/bolts, and fittings were clearly labeled.

The assembly instructions were sparce but the process was pretty self-explanatory.  We had no problems putting the system together.  The only tool needed was a pair of pliers for tightening the nut at the bottom of the weighted floor plate.

The main support tube is made of steel.  One end slips into the housing of the satellite speakers.  The other end slides into the weighted floor plate.

The iPod dock/main controller unit can accommodate all dockable iPods.  The front is finished in brushed aluminum with chrome control buttons.  We like the brushed finish as it does not show fingerprints.

The elegant satellite speakers have the same brushed finish and a black cloth covered grill.  The cover does not come off, but we could see three speakers (1 dome tweeter, 2 speakers) in each column.

The subwoofer has a downward facing 8" speaker and a port in the rear.  The entire system is powered by a built-in 150 watt amplifier.

Like the satellite speakers , the controller unit has its own mounting stand.  The controller hangs on the stand by the two knobs.  The stand is curved to the controller is nicely centered on its pedestal.

While all of these pieces look great on their stands, they work just as well situated on a book case.  We like the way they look on the stands, so that's how we set them up in the office.

We remember not so long ago, a stereo system required an entire wall of equipment, space for the music, and looked...well, some people liked it.  Now, with a setup like the CTA GrandScale and an iPod, anyone can have 1,000 songs instantly available in a great looking package that will fit in anywhere.

The CTA GrandScale Speaker System is one of the largest accessories you can get for your iPod :-)

This system was designed not just to create room-filling sound from a dockable iPod, but to enhance the decor as well.  The GrandScale is simple to set up, easy to move around, and fits pretty much anywhere. 

For the FirstLook review, we'll check out the speakers and all of its various parts.  For the FirstUse review, we'll give you our impressions of these iPod speakers.

Reviews:

1. Assembly

2. Wiring Mod

3. FirstLook

4. FirstUse

Review Summary:

Initial Impression - great looking

Usability - all dockable iPods

Durability - TBD

Price - $250