audiophile

Aperion Zona Wireless Surround Speakers Review

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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Beatbox By Dr. Dre iPod Speaker System Review

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

I have real idea what Dr. Dre is doing these days. However, one of the things he seems to be up to is putting his name on high-end audio equipment such as headphones and speakers - including this Beatbox speaker system for your iPod, iPhone, or other portable audio device. Since the advent of the iPod the portable speaker system has enjoyed a venerable golden age. They have come in each and every style, color, and set of functions to best utilize native features found in iPods or alike devices. By themselves such speaker systems do nothing, but combined with a "DAP" (digital audio player), they have more or less put the final nail in the coffin of most high-end audio equipment. The world has spoken, and they want their songs played on an iPod, but crappy white ear buds simply won't always do the trick. This is where people like "Dr. Dre" seem to come in.

The Beatbox is an attractive long wedge-shaped bar with four speakers in the front, and a familiar docking station on the top. It There is also an easy to miss power button and volume knob, as well as one the Beatbox's best design features - a carrying handle. On the back you'll also find a handy audio-in 3.5mm jack (for people who don't use iPods/iPhones). A system like this is good for parties or your own personal enjoyment when wanting to make the most out of music trapped in your gadgets.

Gallery: Beatbox By Dr. Dre

Tags: audiophile, beatbox, dr dre, review, speaker, speakers

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Luxist Giveaway: Able Planet Foldable Headphones

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Are these cute or what? These pink plaid foldable headphones from Able Planet aren't just adorable, they have state-of-the-art noise cancellation. The XNC230P features an adjustable headband, superior sound quality and clarity, patented LINX AUDIO technology and in-line volume control for easy adjustment to safe listening levels. The headphones come with a 1/4 home stereo adaptor, AAA battery and a soft carrying pouch. Better yet, Able Planet will donate 10% of each sold pair of pink, plaid, noise-canceling headphones to breast cancer initiatives. They include interchangeable ear cups enabling to you to have the final say on design as well as a port for a microphone for gaming or Skyping. The Plaid line provides a full rich sound at safer, lower levels, while still allowing users to enjoy the full audio experience at an affordable price. They also come in Red, White and Green (only the pink pair benefits cancer research) and sell for $149.99. We are giving away a pair to one lucky reader who leaves us a comment below.

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before September 13, 2010 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a pair of Able Planet Pink Plaid XNC230P Foldable Headphones valued at $149.95.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete giveaway rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: Able Planet, able planet headphones, audiophile, foldable headphones, headphones, Linx Audio, luxist giveaway, stereophile

Sleek Audio's SA7 Earphones Go Where Your Ears - and Body - Can't

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Sleek Audio has just released its SA7 earbuds, which use all kinds of military grade materials, specs, and jargon to deliver your rather lo-fi iPod tunes to your auditory canal: carbon fiber composite weave, milled aluminum core, titanium plate connector and screws, variable equalization system, and dual ultra-wide band balanced sonic cannons. That's right, sonic cannons.

The two drivers inside are cushioned by silicone, and the structure can withstand 14,000 times the force of gravity. Needless to say, 14,000 Gs is well beyond the point at which you would be unrecognizably dead. But technology doesn't limit itself to puny human boundaries. The pertinent specs: adjustable bass and treble ports, wireless functionality, and the ability to transmit another octave to golden-eared listeners. If your ears are worthy, you'll find them for $400 at Sleek Audio.

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Tags: audiophile, earbuds, earphones, music, sleek audio, Sleek Audio SA7, stereo

The Sound Egg Chair, Surround Sound For One

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

Surround sound gets personal with the Sound Egg chair, a chair from Accousticom that will be on display at the upcoming CES show in Las Vegas. The chair takes the classic 1970s egg chair style and creates a new sound experience. It can be used for gaming, music or movies. A 10" sub woofer under the seat makes sure you feel the sound and it can be configured to stero receivers. The interior is lined with acoustic foam and both the exterior and the foam are available in a variety of colors. The Sound Egg chair starts at $1.450.

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Tags: acoustics, audiophile, egg chair, EggChair, sound

Ultrasone Edition 8 Headphones

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Some headphones are pricey because they are covered in glittery doodads but the Edition 8 headphones from Ultrasone are a more understated form of luxe. The headphones use the company's S-Logic Plus technology to deliver a sound that gives the listener a better sense of "spacious tonal perception." The headphones are created for the "audio connoisseur" with tender ears, the interior ear cups are covered in Ethiopian sheepskin which is said to provide the most isolation. The outer ear cups get their shine from a heavy coat of ruthenium. Each pair comes in a leather case for storage and sells for $1,499.

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Tags: audiophile, headphones, ultrasone

The Parrot By Starck Wireless Speakers

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

If you adore your iPod or iPhone and think it belongs on a pedestal, these new wireless speakers might be just perfect for you. 'Zikmu,' the Parrot wireless speakers by Philippe Starck have a dedicated iPod / iPhone docking station and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The two speakers communicate with each other using Bluetooth technology in order to position both speakers wherever in the room. Using the docking station built into one of the columns, users can enjoy their favorite music while recharging their iPod or iPhone and the speakers and the device can be controlled from anywhere in the room using a remote control. The Parrot by Starck speakers promise a 360° immersive sound experience. The Parrot by Starck wireless speakers will be available for Spring 2009 at a suggested retail price of $1,500.

[via Gizmodo]

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Tags: audiophile, parrot, philippe starck, PhilippeStarck, speakers, starck

Steinway Lyngdorf

by Anton Friant (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

In an interesting and unforeseen attempt to freshen up a veteran instrument company's image while consequently raising one of Europe's preeminent A/V pioneers to world renown, Steinway and Sons have paired with Peter Lyngdorf to "expand the Steinway & Sons brand into the high performance digital sound system market," according to Steinway & Sons Executive Vice President, Frank Mazurco. Their first offering from this new amalgamation, Steinway Lyngdorf, will be dubbed the Model-D, and it will be available for shipment and installation in early Fall 2007 starting at $150k. Audiophiles: check out how Lyngdorf's installers utilize their patented "RoomPerfect" technique to acoustically correct any room here.

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Tags: a/v, audio, audiophile, home theatre, lyngdorf, music, steinway, video

Audiophile Gifts on the Cheap

by Trey Evans (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

While still luxury items, these audiophile grade components are good ideas for college students or some one who digs quality sound but may not have the room or ability to take full advantage of Krell monoblocks. Blogger Sandy Greene posted a list of 'affordable' components on Josh Ray's SonicFlare that includes speakers, an amp, and even an iPod interfacing jack-of-all-trades. The permalink on their site doesn't work, so you'll just have to scroll down on the main page or try searching in the speaker category

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Tags: audio, audiophile, hifi, ipod, speakers