speakers

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

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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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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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

Block Rocker, Helping To Keep Your Summer Loud

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Want to really make some noise at a party this summer? The Block Rocker is a nearly 40-pound sound system to make whatever you do a whole lot louder. It has a universal dock for iPods, a microphone and an instrument outlet for an electric guitar or keyboard. It also can hook up to other CD or MP3 players. Alert the neighbors, it delivers high fidelity sound to over 150 feet through its large 2-way speaker and built-in amp. The Block Rocker has wheels and and a telescoping handle like luggage and can keep things going for up to 12 hours on its rechargable battery. It sells for $249.99.

[via Notes on a Party]

Tags: block rocker, outdoor music, sound system, speakers

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

Aesthesis' Gramophone Speakers Now Looking for €60,000 Ears

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

With the exception of Bang & Olufsen, the Danes have mainly focused on creating the most compelling perpendiculars since perhaps Frank Lloyd. The Swedes, on the other hand, have been known to throw a few more curves into their design -- think IKEA vs. Abba. Enter Aesthesis, a Swedish audio loudspeaker company that is going even further than mere curves with its Gramophone line; we're talking waves of beauty here.

And to do it, they started with Swedish car maker Koenigsegg -- or at least, with some of their designers. Aesthesis procured the talents of Ergonomidesign, Eker Design, and Carbocomp which all provide services to the maker of million dollar automobiles.

They spent four years coming up with the Gramophone, which employs a custom developed, full-range coaxial driver to eliminate phase differences and reproduce sounds from 37-20,000 Hz. The curved horn amplifies the higher frequencies, the open cabinet amplifies the lower frequencies. The narrowing of the cabinet is for damping echoes.

The entire point of the Gramophone is to "bring more intriguing, avant garde and sensual products to the market without compromising with sound or picture quality." The handmade, carbon and stainless steel speaker is 1.2 meters (47.2 inches) high, and comes in black -- or any other Natural Color System hue you choose.

Which is to be expected when there will only be 100 pairs of Gramophones made, and each pair will go to the tune of €60,000, or $85,500 U.S., plus shipping. The question you should be asking is: are your ears good enough?

Gallery: Aesthesis Gramophone Speakers

[Source: Aesthesis | Images: Maria Fredriksson]

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Tags: aesthesis, aesthesis gramophone, AesthesisGramophone, audi, gadgets, gramophone, speakers, sweden

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

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

Harmon Karmon Cut Glass Speakers

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Most speakers, no matter how expensive, are usually pretty ugly in my opinion and although these glass ones from Harman Kardon aren't exactly beautiful (I think they look like something out of an alien spacecraft) they certainly score points for being different and having a design that sets them apart from the herd. It's also fun to note that the cut glass exterior not only serves an aesthetic purpose but it also helps improve sound quality by reducing movement and vibration.

Sold in pairs in a limited edition of 3,000 units, the GLA-55 cut glass speakers will be available starting next month for about £500.

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Tags: glass, harman kardon, HarmanKardon, mp3 player, mp3 players, Mp3Player, Mp3Players, music, sound, speaker, speakers, tunes

Sony Soutina Speaker

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Gadgets

Sony has been coming out with some interesting speakers lately. Rigel recently mentioned the tiny Bravia Theater Micro System which put big sound in a package the size of a strawberry. Now check out the Sony Sountina. We're not talking small here, the six-foot tower is made of glass and has a 13 cm woofer and 7 cm mid range speaker. The speakers spread sound out in a circle giving listeners equal sound no matter where they are in the room. Even cooler, in dim light, the glass turns colors, displaying blue, amber, and purple. It sells for $11,800 from Dynamism.

[via Uncrate]

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Tags: gadgets, sony, sound, speakers

$800 Speakers = Smaller than a Strawberry

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Smaller has always meant better (and more expensive) in the world of technology, and it would seem that it's no different for the world of surround sound speaker systems. Sony's new Bravia Theater Micro System has speakers so small they make me giggle -- they look like something that was experimented on in that old movie Honey I Shrunk the Kids! With side, surround, and a center speaker that each barely measure up to a good sized strawberry, the system claims to sacrifice nothing in the way of sound and everything in the way of cumbersome space-gobbling size. The catch is that the collection's subwoofer is monstrous, but working to hide just the one piece seems like a small (pun intended) price to pay for such an "out of sight, out of mind" sound system. $799.99

Via Dvice

Gallery: Sony's BRAVIA Theater Micro System

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Tags: bravia, bravia theater micro sound system, BraviaTheaterMicroSoundSystem, gadget, gadgets, micro, small, sony, sound, speaker, speakers, surround sound, SurroundSound, technology

Razer Mako Desktop Speaker System

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

You are probably familiar with the name THX from the systems at the movie theaters but they are making strides on the home market too. This time last year, the first THX-certified television from Vidikron was introduced. Now the first desktop speaker system to use THX's Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies has come out. The Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System costs $400 and promises great sound in a compact size. Engadget reviewed the system this week and were pretty impressed with its capabilities, check out the review here.

[via Uncrate]

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Tags: audio, desktop speakers, razer maki, RazerMaki, speakers, thx

Morel Fat Lady Speakers

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Usually the term Fat lady isn't one of endearment but the Morel company has given this moniker to their new floorstanding loudspeakers. The speakers are made of an outer layer of carbon-fiber composite with an inside fiberglass enhanced layer. The Fat Lady's zaftig shape is the result of over two years of research and development to create extraordinary sound dispersion through the driver membranes without deflection and sound distortion. The speaker uses two 9" woofers, a single 6" midrange and a 1.1" hand-coated soft dome tweeter. They are expected to cost around $20,000 a pair.

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Tags: audio, morel, sound, speakers, stereo

Klipsch Palladium P-39F Speakers

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

Another entry into the blockbuster speaker category, the Klipsch Palladium™ P-39F floorstanding speaker just looks loud. The P-39F uses a proprietary horn-loaded tweeter assembly made of unique acoustically-damped materials and three high-output woofers to offer high sensitivity and extremely low distortion. The P-39F's three low-frequency drivers have nine-inch hybrid cone woofers (made of aluminum, Rohacell and Kevlar), powered by a three-part neodymium magnet structure. The boat-tail-shaped cabinets are up to 30mm thick with multiple laminations of medium density fiberboard. Each set is a left and right speaker pair that are acoustically matched. The pair sells for $15,000.

[via Uncrate]

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Tags: audio, klipsch, sound, speakers, stereo