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Aperion Signature SLIMstage30 Speaker Bar Review

Filed under: Gadgets

Not being an audiophile, it takes a lot to impress me when reviewing a speaker system. I didn't think much of reviewing Aperion's new sound bar style speaker as it seemed like a pretty straight forward device. The idea of a sound bar (soundbar) style speaker is to offer an external speaker when using many of today's flat panel television sets because the native speakers they have usually aren't very good or get very loud. Rather than getting a more complicated and space intensive speaker set, a sound bar offers a total package in a thin speaker strip. At least that is the idea. Usually these compact devices have serious drawbacks in the interest of being small. What I found however is that Aperion loaded the Signature collection SLIMstage30 with a ton of features and options to make it one of the best and most comprehensive speaker systems I have ever used - all in a one-piece device.

Tags: aperion, review, signature, SLIMstage30, sound bar, soundbar, soundmatter, speaker, system

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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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Ferrari Audio System

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

The Ferrari Audio System was not made by Ferrari, but it is endorsed by them and the design team worked with Ferrari to nail down the aesthetics. It is made by David Weiner Ventures' ART.Engine and is a stand-alone system that is shaped like a single speaker. It measures 47 inches tall, 16 inches wide and just 6 inches deep, with a Ferrari logo at the top and a Ferrari engine start button.. As is typical of anything branded with Ferrari's name, the performance is outstanding. It can receive wireless streaming media from, for example, iTunes via a computer with wireless capabilities and can also be hooked up physically to CD and mp3 players. The most interesting thing about the unit, which is being sold in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces, is that many Ferrari owners are buying them and keeping them in their garages, close to their cars. Price: $20,000.

[via coolest gadgets]

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Tags: audio, car, cars, ferrari, ferrari audio, sound, sound system, system

Inflatable Outdoor Home Theater

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

There is a certain point at which a screen can become too large for most rooms inside the house, but it is hard to admit that a TV can ever be too big. Even if the TV fits easily into the space, you might not be able to get far enough away to actually view it comfortably. The solution is to take your TV outside, and the Outdoor Home Theater looks like a pretty good system to try. The weatherproof 8-foot screen inflates with an air pump in only 4 minutes, so unlike other projection screens, it doesn't need to be permanently set up in the yard. Two "weatherized" speakers, safe for outdoor use, are included with the screen and can be placed to create a surround-sound effect.

Unfortunately, this doesn't ship until mid-July, so you won't be able to get it in time for a 4th of July party, but it will make watching movies (or baseball games) on warm summer nights a lot more enjoyable. Price: $999.95.

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Tags: gadget, inflatable, outdoor, projection, system, theater, tv