Speakers
ZVOX Z-Base 550: big sound, small package
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Running with the theory that bigger isn't always better, ZVOX has crammed a complete home theater sound system into a compact cabinet measuring 28" wide x 14.5” deep x 3 3/8” high that doubles as a minimalist base platform for stand-mounted flat panel TVs. Within this small footprint the Z-Base 550 incorporates five 2" full-range speakers, a 5.25" powered subwoofer, 60W amplifier and virtual surround circuitry with only one connection required to the TV for a simple set-up. Read More
How to set up your surround speakers
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The world of home theater seems ever changing. New formats, new innovations and cheaper prices have made an altogether bigger audio-visual experience more accessible for everyone. Two channel systems have been common place in our lounge rooms for decades now, but you might need a few more tricks in your arsenal to get the best out of the latest multi-speaker systems. Tim LeFevre investigates. Read More
Onkyo upgrades THX Certified Home Theater Package
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The new Onkyo HT-S9100THX combines a home theater receiver with a 7.1-channel home theater speaker system, all of which were designed to conform to THX's Integrated System Plus certification protocols. It also boasts1080p capable HDMI v.1.3 connectivity, Faroudja DCDi video upscaling, Audyssey 2EQ and Dynamic EQ, and complete decoding for the latest high resolution audio formats. The system also includes the new THX Loudness Plus technology which compensates for the tonal and spatial shifts that occur when the volume level is reduced below the reference levels. Read More
Edifier S200V premium desktop speaker system
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In part created by renowned loudspeaker designer Phil Jones, the S2000V from Canadian based audio specialist Edifier International boasts a total power output of 80 Watts RMS with a newly developed 5.5” subwoofer with HSCC (high strength cotton composite) cone designed to deliver impressive bass and mid range performance. Read More
Sony's latest iPod dock range
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Sony's new range of iPod compatible products makes good on the company's stated promise to “continue to develop products that are compatible with popular hardware formats and audio codecs.” Not surprisingly, this includes Apple’s ubiquitous portable player. The five-strong range includes a mini hi-fi system with docks for two iPods and DJ functions, two designs of iPod speaker system and two clock radios, one having CD playback in addition to its iPod compatibility. Read More
Sonance updates outdoor speaker line
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Here's one for those looking to entertain outdoors without upsetting their back-yard's natural ambiance. Sonance is expanding its Landscape Series of outdoor audio speakers with the addition of three new models. The new products include two smaller rock-like speakers and a larger boulder-like enclosure to house Sonance’s Mariner outdoor speakers. Read More
Infinity Systems Prelude Forty Loudspeakers
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To commemorate Infinity Systems 40th year in the industry, the company has released the Prelude Forty speaker system. Featuring a slim profile and the companies proprietary Maximum Radiating Surface (MRS) flat panel driver technology, the Prelude Forty aims to satisfy audiophiles and the design conscious alike, with it’s looks and the most advanced engineering innovations Infinity have to offer. Read More
Harman Kardon's diamond-like GLA-55 speakers
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Sound quality is always the key consideration when it comes to speaker systems, but if you are looking to combine this with some serious visual impact, Harman Kardon's GLA-55 two-piece speaker set for computers, laptops and portable media players could well be an option. Read More
Logitech introduces Omnidirectional PC Speakers
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September 16, 2008 Logitech is proclaiming a significant step for itself in the evolution of the PC speaker. Logitech Z-5 omnidirectional stereo speakers use omnidirectional acoustics that create a substantially wider sweet spot – an especially helpful feature if you often move your laptop around your home or office. An innovative speaker technology previously found only in expensive home-theater systems, omnidirectional acoustics on the Logitech Z-5 speakers use forward- and backward-firing drivers to transmit sound evenly in all directions, and they’re available for both religions - PC or Mac at US$100 a pair. Read More
ION Audio's DESK ROCKER speakers
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ION Audio’s US$149.95 DESK ROCKER speaker system plays audio from any PC, Mac, TV, DVD, CD, and connected guitar or keyboard. The DESK ROCKER system consists of two self-powered desktop speakers, which plug into a standard wall outlet. Read More
Ego Cup FM in-car FM transmitter
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Drivers just might have to find somewhere else to stow their tasty beverages with the Ego Cup FM from German wireless in-car communications company Funkwerk Dabendorf. The Ego Cup FM is a plug and play FM transmitter designed to slot into car cup holders that connects to a mobile phone via Bluetooth and, as well as transmitting MP3s stored on the phone to the radio, also allows calls to be taken over the integrated speaker or through the car speakers. Read More
Grundig announces return of Audiorama spherical speakers
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September 2, 2008 Grundig's disco-ball-esque speakers blasted funk in the 70s, and now the company is releasing a model for a new generation to enjoy. The Audiorama 9000 is set for an October release, for an RRP of €1100. The speaker set consists of two deep mid-range chassis, and incorporates a hyperbolically diverted treble system that provides clear 360 degrees surround sound without the “lattice fence effect”.
The Sountina sound fountain – 1.85 metre tall glass and leather column delivering 360 degree sound
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August 29, 2008 It’s taken us a few decades to fully wrap our brain cells around the fact that a loudspeaker doesn’t need to be box-shaped with an array of woofers and tweeters and equally, that remarkable sound quality can be produced from a single speaker. Taking it one step further is the new Sony Sountina: this single, elegant column, combining glass, leather and room-enhancing illumination, delivers music over 360 degrees, providing a sonic and visual focal-point for any room. The name comes from a fusion of the words ‘sound’ and ‘fountain’; just as people gather around a fountain, so the 1.85m tall Sountina will deliver amazing music to those all around it. Sony calls it a Circle Sound Stage, and it’s all made possible by brand-new Vertical Drive Technology. Check out the image library - beeeeautiful! Read More
ELAC shows of world’s smallest subwoofer – ‘probably’
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August 28, 2008 German speaker manufacturer ELAC was showing off what they dubbed ‘probably the world's smallest hi-fi subwoofer’ IFA 2008 this week. Their 2.1 desktop speaker system is made up of two satellite speakers and the 2010 BT MicroSUB, which contains four amplifiers, (two for the two bass drivers and two for the two connected satellites), in a unit that measures just 21.8 cm tall, 15.0 cm wide and 17.8 cm deep, and weighs just 4.8kg. Read More
Hidden sounds from Revox speakers
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Revox of Switzerland manufactures a wide range of audio equipment that implements functional technology into everyday items. Two of its more notable products are speakers designed to replace traditional ceiling lights and bass speakers that double as stylish leather seats. Read More
Leon Speakers introduces Profile 404-X-A on-wall speakers and A3-SUB subwoofer
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August 12, 2008 Leon Speakers, established in 1995, is a world leader of high performance, on-wall loudspeakers. The company's new Profile 404-X-A speakers allow you to set them up on, or against a wall. The shallow profile (3.25-inches deep) helps them blend with their surroundings, and a choice of veneers and finishes (including paints) are available to finish the look. Read More
New ROKR range from Motorola
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Motorola has expanded its ROKR range with the introduction of three new units in a range of styles. The lineup includes the candybar MOTOROKR EM30, clamshell ROKR EM28 and the slider ROKR EM25, plus there's two new portable speaker systems to complement the new phone’s music focus. Read More
How to choose the right speakers for your amplifier or AV receiver
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August 4, 2008 Of all the equipment we use in our hi-fi and home theater systems, the thing that’s changed the least over the past 20 years is the speaker. After all, there’s only so many ways you can move air to produce sound. With that in mind, matching speakers to an amplifier should be easy, right? Well...it’s not rocket science, but there are a few key specifications that affect their overall performance. Our AV expert Tim LeFevre explains. Read More
GEAR4 DUO 2.1 iPod speaker system
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The GEAR4 DUO is a 2.1 home stereo speaker system made for, yes you guessed it, the iPod. The versatile design of the DUO speaker system, which comprises the Bass Unit and the Satellite Speaker, means both can be used together as a home stereo speaker system, or the Satellite Speaker can be un-docked resulting in a portable unit for music around the house, garden or on your travels. While docked, the Bass Unit charges up the Satellite Speaker’s rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, making it permanently ready for portable use. Read More
ZN9 Dual Alarm Clock Radio
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July 21, 2008 With all the third party devices released for the all conquering iPod it can be easy to forget that there are actually other digital media players on the market. Like Logitech’s iPod Pure-Fi Dream and Altec Lansing’s iM600, the new ZN9 Dual-Alarm Stereo Clock Radio from iHome turns a digital music player, this time Microsoft's Zune, into a clock radio so you can wake to the sounds of your music library. Read More
A.M.P. – the dancing, mobile, robot boombox
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The semi-autonomous robotic boombox the Miuro has a new big brother. Tiger Electronics, a division of Hasbro Inc. has teamed up with Japanese distributor SEGA Toys to introduce the Automated Music Personality (A.M.P), a 2.4 feet (73 cm) tall black robot that can be hooked up to an MP3 player or iPod and bobs its head and dances while red LED lights on its head flash. The A.M.P. pumps out 12 watts of stereo sound through a 5" mid-range speaker and two high output tweeters while more boom can be added to any song with the dedicated bass boost button. The A.M.P. also features two turntable shaped hands that allow users to be the DJ and use A.M.P. as a virtual mixing deck. The touch pad hands serve as a way to layer different sound effects and scratches over the music with the left touch pad used to add music effects and the right touch pad controlling the audio. Read More
Parrot Party portable wireless audio system
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Designed as a quality alternative to the often unsatisfying speaker systems in mobile phones, this compact and totally wireless sound audio system offers four hours of playback from Bluetooth devices to a range of 33 feet, as well as a plug-in solution for listening to personal media or CD players while you're out and about. Read More
Genius' touch control notebook speakers
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Push-button technology is just soo 20th century. Driven by versatility, user friendliness, and because they just look so good, touch-screens are fast becoming the interface of choice... and mobile phones are just the beginning. Genius has just announced its latest notebook speaker system which features touch panel control of on/off, mute, volume, bass and treble functions. Read More
JBL Control NOW indoor - outdoor loudspeakers
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JBL'sControl NOW loudspeakers offer solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications via a unique curved shape that enables them to be placed virtually anywhere and promises to deliver high sound quality even in less-than-optimal acoustic situations. Read More
Computer speakers integrate iPod dock
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iHome's new iH69 and iH70i speakers are designed to save on clutter by allowing users to dock, charge, play and sync iPods directly to their computer. Read More
Eos digital wireless iPod-based speaker system
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May 29, 2008 The benefits of wireless speakers are clear - they do away with the pesky (and costly), need to rip up carpet or tear up walls to run cabling and provide a versatility that enables easy reconfiguration of the set-up whenever the need arises. The latest to cross our desk is the Eos system, which is compatible with any iPod with a docking connector, consists of up to 4 self-contained remote speaker/receivers and a base unit/transmitter and can broadcast over 150 feet, inside and out, upstairs, downstairs, through walls, doors, ceilings. Read More
Alpine Electronics' ultra-compact subwoofer
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Alpine Electronics has developed a subwoofer solution for automobile enthusiasts who value space as much as bass. The subwoofer provides the same low frequency performance of a 12-inch model, but in a compact 100mm deep unit that can snugly fit in sports cars, SUVs and saloons. Read More
Camouflage speakers for the great outdoors
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Hooking up an outdoor sound system for your backyard can be unsightly with big black speakers unable to blend in with the surrounds. This line of camouflaged outdoor speakers from Niles Audio Corporation is designed to address these issues and look like common backyard items. Read More
Orb Audio's handmade, modular speaker system
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April 28, 2008 Orb Audio’s line of handmade compact speakers promise to deliver a sound usually reserved for much larger units by using state-of the-art components and high carbon steel housings in a modular and easily upgradeable package.
New iPod dock, amp and speaker range from Scandyna
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March 18, 2008 Danish speaker company Scandyna’s ‘v dock’ is an iPod dock with integrated amplifier that is specially designed to complement the iPod Video models. It combines high quality audio with an S-Video connection to play videos from the iPod on a TV or computer. The dome shaped unit includes a 3.5mm mini jack stereo line out for output to a subwoofer as well as a 2x15 watt RMS ClassT active amplifier, remote control and inserts for use with different iPod models. Read More
The Razer Mako 2.1 THX certified speaker system
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February 25, 2008 Co-developed by the audio scientists of gaming audio leader Razer and audio industry pioneer THX Ltd., the Razer Mako 2.1 bi-amplified multimedia speaker system is the first desktop speaker system to incorporate the THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies, as well as ClassHD Digital Amplifier Technology, which enable rich, omnidirectional audio effects. The downward-firing design of the THX Ground Plane and THX Slot Speaker technologies eliminates distortion caused by the 'desk-bounce' phenomenon encountered with normal speaker systems, to create a rich, omnidirectional soundstage while the high-end ClassHD digital amplifier technologies intelligently manage the amplifier power to achieve greater power efficiency, lower distortion levels, and better sound quality. Read More
Outlaw LCR loudspeaker optimized for vertical or horizontal placements
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February 3, 2008 Outlaw Audio has introduced the Outlaw LCR, a flexible home theater loudspeaker that is the first to include the company's exclusive Main/Center Optimization, (MCO), selectable crossover technology. This allows the speaker's acoustic radiation pattern to be optimized for use as either a left or right front speaker or as a horizontal center channel speaker simply by flipping the MCO switch. Designed and hand-built in the USA to audiophile-grade performance standards, the Outlaw LCR features two long-throw 5-1/4" SEAS woofers flanking a custom designed 1-inch ferrofluid-cooled soft-dome tweeter, giving it improved bass performance and enabling the flexible MCO crossover circuitry. It is this circuitry that enables users to select between two crossover configurations to optimize the speaker's output for either center channel (horizontal) or main channel (vertical) placement. Read More
Blaupunkt Velocity 2Go: portable speaker system AND car subwoofer
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January 17, 2008 Blaupunkt has revealed a headphone-jack portable stereo speaker system that can be converted into car audio subwoofers. The Velocity 2Go speakers can connect to any device with headphone output jacks, and when used in a car, deliver deep, clean bass to complement the basic four-speaker audio system. Read More
Logitech's Squeezebox Duet wireless home audio system
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January 15, 2008 Logitech’s Squeezebox Duet network music system integrates home audio by allowing users to access Internet radio, online subscription services and their personal music library, wirelessly, through any speaker system in their house without switching on a computer. Read More
Teresonic's Magus compact speakers
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November 30, 2007 The new Magus compact loudspeakers from Teresonic combine quality audio and environmental efficiency in a unique casing. The speaker gets the most out of its low wattage, thereby offering power savings without compromising on sound quality.
