audio

Altec Lansing inMotion Air Universal Wireless Speakers

Filed under: Gadgets

altec lansing inmotion air wireless speakers

Spring is here and with it backyard barbecues and weekends spent lounging on the patio. The audio experts at Altec Lansing would hate for you to miss out on hearing any of your favorite tunes while you're out and about, so the inMotion Air was created to be an ultra portable and easy-to-use mobile audio solution. It uses Bluetooth technology to stream music wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad, smartphone, or other stereo Bluetooth device and if you use the included USB transmitter the range is more than 300ft.

I was able to try one out personally and found it to be a sleek and lightweight compact speaker system. After charging it for a couple hours pairing it to my cell phone via Bluetooth took just a few seconds and music playback started as soon as I hit the play button. Pairing it with my laptop via the USB transmitter was also quick and simple -- just plugged the transmitter into a USB slot and adjusted the computer audio output settings to USB.

In terms of sound the speaker puts out crisp, full audio with deeper bass than I expected considering its small size. Battery life is excellent -- once fully charged it played for an entire evening without missing a beat. I was also surprised at how loud it could get when I cranked up the volume (or more accurately when I accidentally turned it with the volume all the way up!).

Other features include a handy and comfortable carrying handle on the back, options for wired access to non-Bluetooth/non-USB devices, and a remote control (accesses basic functions in most music players, iTunes included) that tucks neatly into a slot onto the back of the speaker so it won't get lost. It's also small and light, which means it's easy to tote around (it almost fits in my handbag) and can fit into tight spaces like a bathroom.

The Altec Lansing inMotion Air is an excellent option for portable audio when earbuds and headphones just won't do. Available online for $199.95.

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Tags: altec lansing, Altec Lansing inMotion Air speakers, audio, inmotion air, speakers, wireless

Munitio SITi S Titanium Earphones

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Munitio earphones just might be the Cadillac of earbuds. Annie Scott called the 18k gold version "double-take worthy" and now I can personally vouch that the SITi S Nine Millimeter Earphones are even more drool-inducing.

Encased in extreme industrial grade titanium for natural noise canceling and beauty as well as its high level of durability and safety (it's the same stuff NASA uses in high performance applications), the earphones feel surprisingly heavy in the hand (a little like actual bullets) but they all but disappear in the ears -- once sizing is adjusted of course. The sound is crisp, deep, and beautiful, which is presumably in large part due to the custom tuned AccousticSoundFlowSystem™, BassEnhancingChamber™, and SiliconeHollowPoints™ technology, as well as the 9mm speaker drivers with rare earth neodymium magnets for superior dynamic range and quick recovery. And it's probably worth mentioning that since I got my review unit they've released a new BLK version that comes with a microphone.

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Tags: audio, earbuds, earphones, MUNITIO, review

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The Standard Hotel Headphones By WeSC

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Like Andre Balaz's The Standard Hotels? Stay in them often? Listen to music? Then you might like a new line of The Standard Hotel headphones designed by fashion and gadget designer WeSC (We are the Superlative Conspiracy). The headphones are quite attractive in their design. Good looking enough to make you want to ditch those flimsy earbuds for a pair of these. They will come in four colors, and be part of a large range of accessory and leather goods made as a collaboration between The Standard hotels and WeSC. The headphones have a leather cushion on top with round ear cans. Not sure where you can buy them yet. Some light Googling ought to solve that. Price is $88, see some tech specs below.

• WeSC & The Standard
• Type: 40mm power drivers
• 1kHz sensitivity: 110 dB
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Frequence range: 20-20 000Hz
• Plug: gold-plated 3,5mm stereo
• Cord: 0,5m + 1,0m extension + 0,1m adaptor, PV C cord
• Handsfree

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: audio, B405963, headphones, standard, wesc

Aperion Zona Wireless Surround Speakers Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I tend to be very skeptical of wireless speakers (wireless anything for that matter). Past experiences with them have been often less than good. I tend to rely on a good ol' wired connections, because the promise of wireless + quality is not always met. My fears aren't always justified however, and Aperion's newer Zona wireless speakers are proof that you can be very happy with a set of wireless speakers - even if you need loud, clear sound.

The system is very straight forward, and has only a few minor quirks - but they are worth discussing. I will first mention the issues I have noticed (which aren't huge), and then share with you what I believe are the good qualities that make this a really good system.

Under certain circumstances (such as connecting the speakers directly to many television sets), you'll need to use the included remote control to adjust the volume (as well as treble and bass). Hook the speakers up to a PC or a dedicated audio receiver, and I don't think this will be an issue. Why is this a problem? Because you not only need the included remote (yet another remote...) to adjust the volume, but if you lose it, you are not gonna be in a good place. This is further compounded by the fact that aside from the remote there is no native way to adjust the volume. Again, this is not an issue for all uses of the speakers, but in my situation it was an issue. Second (and it is related to the first issue), aside from the remote there are no ways of adjusting the volume or other level on on the speakers themselves or wireless transmitter. This causes a problem if you lose the little remote or it runs out of batteries. It uses a small CR 2025 battery that you likely don't have laying around the house.

Aside from those issues I have no real complaints about the Zona Wireless Surround Speakers. In a nutshell, Aperion really thought out the product well, the construction quality is good, and the performance is impressive.

Tags: aperion, audio, audiophile, review, speakers, surround, system, wireless, zona

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Custom Louis Vuitton Stereo Speakers

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

Michigan-based Leon Speakers, makers of bespoke high-fidelity home theater speaker systems, have come out with the ultimate in audio haute couture: a pair of custom-made Louis Vuitton speakers. The company produced the one-off creations using Vuitton's famed monogram canvas for a fashionable audiophile. Leon can custom make all components to meet a client's whims and match the decor of a room or a favorite collection, using including exclusive wood finishes, metal and leather. The company has made speakers to match a customer's collection of classic cars and others to go with a collection of modern art. The speakers are designed to sound as good as they look with top-end acoustic engineering.

[via BornRich]

Tags: audio, bespoke, Leon Speakers, Louis Vuitton, music, speakers

Audio-Technica's QuietPoint Noise-Canceling Headphones

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Audio-Technica is known for its microphones, examples of which have brought you the clearest sounds from the Olympics, World Cup, Grammys, and Justin Timberlake and Metallica for starters. A company that good at reproducing should should know a thing or two about keeping sound out, which is the purpose of its QuietPoint active noise-canceling headphones.

As is the case in these kinds of units a miniature microphone in each ear cup detects environmental noise, and a corresponding sound-canceling signal is applied. They come in one over-the-ear and two on-ear flavors that range from 80% cancellation to 90% cancellation, and the two higher end versions fold flat into hard-shell carrying cases, while the entry-level model folds into its own travel pouch.

The rabbit in the hat, though, is that all of them have detachable wires – you can run them wirelessly on a triple-A battery. If your juice run out, you can plug the wire in so your music doesn't need to run out, too. Each model comes with an airline adapter, 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch adapters and an AAA battery, and they range from $99.99 to $219.99.

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Tags: audio, audio-technica, earphones, headphones, noise canceling headphones

Review: McIntosh Laboratory MXA60

by Dan Roth (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Back when shirts were velour and popular music's dominant beat was four-on-the-floor, just like your Super Beetle, high-end stereo systems were both the size and price of that beloved Volkswagen. If you wanted the highest quality sound, you went for a McIntosh Laboratory system, which would likely still be functioning flawlessly. For sixty years, McIntosh has been breaking new ground and serving up fine fidelity. The brand's name and iconic style is recognizable even by non-audiophlies.

When sonics are all that matter, it's hard to fault a rack filled with amplification, line stages, and sources. Most people, however, choose to sacrifice that last little sonic nudge in exchange for fewer obstacles to vacuum around. Small systems, even from audiophile brands, are fraught with compromise. They tend to sound as small as they are, but the tradeoff is that the unit comfortably fits on a shelf and can do everything the pile of iron in the big cabinet does, often with better ergonomics and a single remote control.

As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, McIntosh continues challenging itself, this time turning its attention to a shelf-sized audio system worthy of the classic glass front panel. When the press release about the MXA60 landed in our inbox, we were both intrigued and skeptical. Confident of its efforts, McIntosh arranged for us to go visit the MXA60 at the Natural Sound showroom in Framingham, Massachusetts. Natural Sound's Ken Zelin let us tie him up for a good portion of his day at the well-respected establishment, and gamely indulged our geeking-out.

Gallery: McIntosh MXA60

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Tags: audio, entertainment, hi fi, high fidelity, home stereo, home theather, mcintosh, mcintosh amplifier, mcintosh laboratory, mcintosh mxa60, music

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Bang & Olufsen Makes Sound Sound Better in the New Audi A8

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos

The recently unveiled Audi A8 contains so much wizardry that we hear Merlin has made it his official conveyance when duties necessitate leaving Camelot. The A8 is made of aluminum. It can tell whether cars ahead of you are signaling a turn. It can read speed limit signs (Merlin's not so happy about where that one is going, neither are we...). Its thermal imaging system can detect people 300 feet away. The adaptive lighting system knows when you're going to turn because it's paying attention to the same navigation system that you are. It has Google Earth.

It also has 19 speakers, part of the second generation Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. That is five more speakers than in the first generation B&O system. That is probably 10 more than you have in your entire living room, the size of which -- unless you live in Manhattan -- most likely dwarfs the interior space of an A8. Four of those are in the rear, to create a "movie-theater-like" experience that makes up for lacking popcorn by substituting LED mood lighting.

Rated at 1,400 watts, and with the rear seat entertainment package and "Movie" mode, you might as well be in a theater. Although we probably wouldn't recommend you conduct date nights on the rear bench, in a pinch it can certainly make for some rewarding interludes. Unless, that is, you live in Manhattan, and in that case an evening in the back of an A8 could be just the kind of thrilling, and roomy, getaway you've been looking for...

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Tags: Audi A8, Audi A8 2011, AudiA8, AudiA82011, audio, bang and olufsen, bang olufsen, BangAndOlufsen, BangOlufsen, car audio, CarAudio

JVC Wireless Soundbar Provides All of the Sound, None of the Cables

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Men's Style

Things you do love: home theater systems, 5.1 surround sound, megawatt amplifiers, multiple Dolby signal processors, and most of all, simplicity. Things you don't love: acres of exposed cables and the sound of installers drilling holes in your walls. The latest JVC soundbar gives you what you love, not what you don't.

The 3-foot-long, 5-inch high TH-BA3 ($549) brings together a 280-watt amplifier and six speakers. It is the world's first dual wireless system, in that it is supported by a subwoofer and set of rear speakers and zaps the signals to each without any wiring. Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II are supported, and there are two digital optical inputs and one analog in case your Nilsson Schmilsson 8-track still has some good years left in it.

If you must have something even sleeker and you're willing to submit to 4.1 surround, the JVC TH-BS7 ($599) wireless soundbar is broken up into a thinner speaker a practically wafer-thin, 180-watt amplifier. True, it isn't 7.1 surround, but it is peace of mind for the OCD in you.

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Tags: audio, electronics, home theater, HomeTheater, jvc, jvc soundbar, JvcSoundbar, soundbar, stereo, surround sound, SurroundSound

Bowers & Wilkins' Zeppelin Mini Alights

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

You wanted a zeppelin, but the astronomical helium bills and parking space issues put you off. You were about to settle for a Zeppelin, the iPod dock from studio loudspeaker company Bowers & Wilkins, but its finely delivered sound could still be the aural equivalent of the Hindenburg: explosive. Then this arrived: a kinder, gentler -- and smaller -- Zeppelin Mini.

If you like, you can dive into the jargon and babble -- paragraphs about "slotted cones" and "long-throw motors" and "Flowport enclosure architecture." But none of that will speak to your ears the way the Zeppelin Mini's sound can: beautifully, and from various sources. The Mini will receive your iPod and iPhone, a mini-USB port will welcome your other MP3 player or PC, and an AUX input will bring your "older, legacy sources" in from the analog cold (looking at you, lovers of vinyl...).

Final flourishes include the Zeppelin Mini's docking arm swinging vertically or horizontally, you can sync your iPhone or iPod Touch while it's docked, and the Mini charges the two while it plays. And because it's smaller, you can fit it into more places -- including, when you finally get around to it, your airship zeppelin. The Mini can be acquired through Apple and other retailers for $399.00.

Tags: audio, bowers and wilkins, bowers and wilkins zeppelin mini, bowers wilkins, BowersAndWilkins, BowersAndWilkinsZeppelinMini, BowersWilkins, gadgets, speakers, tech

Sonos Zone Player S5 Plays Nice With Your iPhone

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Need a new buddy for your iPhone that takes advantage of your music library? The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is an all-in-one wireless music system designed to work with the iPhone to bring all the music the internet has to offer to every corner of the home. Unlike traditional docks, you don't have to leave your iPhone connected and unavailable for use to enjoy music. With the S5, you can queue up whatever you'd like to hear from your own iTunes library collection or any of the major online music sources and slip your phone back in your pocket.

The S5 has a five-driver speaker system-- two tweeters, two mid-range drivers and a built-in single subwoofer – each individually powered by a dedicated digital amplifier and optimized to deliver room-filling sound with smooth tonal balance and deep bass. The free Sonos Controller for iPhone app lets you choose the music and control the volume. The S5 also includes free Sonos Controller software for your Mac or PC. It sells for $399 and will be available starting at the end of this month. Check out a video of the S5 in action after the jump.

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Tags: audio, gadget, internet, iphone, itunes, music, sonos, sound

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Luxury Home Theaters For Private Jets

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Wings

For those who still have private aircraft, the options for improved audio/video performance keeps getting better. A company called Skytheater in Fort Lauderdale, Florida does for planes what home theater outfits do for houses. They put a high tech cinema experience on a plane including acoustical considerations, user-friendly operation and optimum performance. SkyTheater uses Richard Gray's Power Company's ClearSky, an A/V power management solution designed for private aircraft to improve onboard A/V performance. The product can be installed on aircraft as part of a complete Skytheater system.

The performance of high-end audio/visual system can suffer because an aircraft's power supply is not designed to feed sensitive and demanding A/V equipment. The RGPC ClearSky product offers surge protection and removes "noise" from the system that can negatively impact audio and video for a richer A/V experience.

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Tags: audio, clearsky, home theater, HomeTheater, private plane, PrivatePlane, skytheater, visual

Audiowood Turntables

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Artist Joel Scilley has a unique niche, he makes burlwood turntables. His Audiowood line is an artistic group of turntables, each informed by the piece of wood he chooses whether it is a redwood burl or a clean slice of tree trunk. His unique decks will be showcased tonight at the FiveTen Studios in Oakland, California. Above is the Pod design which is available for purchase.

[via MoCo Loco]

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Tags: audio, audiowood, burlwood, turntables

Bose is Out, the iHome is In

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Bose is out, the iHome is in. The iHome is made specifically to house your various Apple devices and the sound it creates packs a punch!

The iHome devices are equipped to operate with iPods and iPhones as well as Zunes and most MP3 players with an audio cord - or even Bluetooth technology.

The range runs from $49.95 to $199.99 and any order over $99.00 comes with free earbuds. Our pick? The Rotating Alarm Clock, $79.99, at right. Check out the gallery to see what it does (it flips!), and for more cool products like the color-changing iPod player.

Shop the iHome store here (finally, a music site that doesn't crash your web browser).

Gallery: Our picks from the iHome store

Rotating Alarm Clock for iPod touch & iPod nano

Shower to Shore Water-Resistant Speaker for iPod

2.1 Stereo System with Clock Radio for iPod

Portable Speaker System For Your MP3 Player

Tags: apple, audio, bose, ihome, iphone, ipod, mac, mp3, music, speakers

Legno Luxury Turntable

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

From the same folks who brought us the elaborate Lusso turntable comes another luxury turntable that is a little less extravagant in design and price. Koetsu USA has created the Montegiro Legno Turntable, a spare and modern combination of wood and high-grade steel. It has a bamboo-clad chassis and the turntable has four rounded steel feet with rubber O-rings. The tonearm is a10.5-inch model specially modified for Montegiro. It sells for $13,240 and comes in white or bamboo.

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Tags: audio, legno, montegiro, records, turntable

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