Archive for Speakers

CES 2008

Razer Mako desktop system swims into CE waters

Posted in CES 2008, Razer, Speakers by Nino Marchetti on January 7th, 2008

Razer MakoRazer has brought to CES some great gaming accessories for high end players. One of those which is now shipping is the Razer Mako, a 2.1 desktop audio system priced at around $400.

The Razer Mako, as you can see from the photo, has a very unique look to it among desktop audio systems. It consists of two bi-amplified satellites (2 x 50 watts each) with DSP control and a powered subwoofer. Total system power is around 300 watts and the system is also THX certified.

Logitech Z Cinema PC surround sound

Posted in Home Theater, Logitech, Speakers by Darrin Olson on January 6th, 2008

Logitech Z Cinema Advanced Surround Sound System for your computerSo now that there are becoming more and more high quality movies, games and music available to download from the intertubes onto your computer, the next thing a person finds themselves needing (aside from getting that content over to their living room) is a higher quality display and sound system to take advantage of all this advanced media technology. This year at CES, Logitech is coming through with the sound portion of this equation by launching the Logitech Z Cinema surround sound system.

This new speaker system consists of just two satellite speakers (no rears) and a subwoofer along with what Logitech calls “SRS TruSurround HD” to put your desk chair in the middle of the surround sound action. The speakers have a 180W hybrid Class D + Class AB tri-amp, two-way satellite speakers and an 8″ subwoofer along with 24-bit audio via a USB connection. If for some reason you are unable to play your digital audio through the PC that the speakers are connected to, you can also just connect the player to an input jack to play directly through the speakers. Also, in the event that you don’t already have a media center remote control with your system, Logitech is throwing one is as well.

CES 2008

Polk Audio reveals upscale, thin surround system

Posted in CES 2008, Home Theater, Speakers by Nino Marchetti on January 5th, 2008

Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD TheaterPolk Audio is always known for bringing excellent products to the Consumer Electronics Show to show off. It has a new two-piece surround sound system set to unveil known as the Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater. It is priced at around $1,200.

The Polk Audio SurroundBar 360 DVD Theater has a “multichannel loudspeaker (44 1/2″ W x 4 7/8″ D x 4 1/8″ H) and a separate, compact electronics console (16 1/2″ W x 11 1/2″ D x 3 3/16″ H) that contains an integrated DVD/CD player, SDA signal-processing amplifier, AM/FM radio, and a host of digital, analog, USB, and video inputs.” That’s right from the horse’s mouth folks - all of that in a tight little design which will make you drool over its very cool looking gloss black enclosure.

Dice speakers from Bird electronics

Posted in Speakers by Conner Flynn on December 28th, 2007

Dice Speakers from Bird Electronics

These dice speakers from Bird Electronics make an interesting statement, which seems to be, “I like cartoon dice that are actually speakers”. Each is adorned with cartoons by TAKA Tetsu Shima. They would probably look really sweet hanging from your rear-view mirror.

They will certainly add some color and style to your gadget collection and they feature a stereo mini jack so you can hook them up to your media player. The Dice speakers are available in dense wax white, black/white, or white and you can get one for $46 if you happen to be in Japan.

Vivid Audio G1 Giya super speaker

Posted in Speakers by Conner Flynn on December 27th, 2007

Vivid Audio G1 Giya super speaker

If you’re looking for an extravagant after Christmas gift for yourself, you might want to look into Vivid Audio’s latest offering. The Giya G1 has an interesting eclectic, almost organic look that resembles some magical artifact. It comes in a variety of automotive paint finishes and is being tauted as a real treat to ears with better then average sound quality.

The included speakers are made using patented cabinet construction and bass loading. The smaller speakers use double drivers on the front and back of the speaker in a bipole radiating fashion and the dual 12″ are positioned on the sides. Are you ready for the price yet? Luckily, you are probably sitting down. These come with the hefty price tag of $54,000 and will be displayed at CES 2008. I’m pretty sure the Bionic Man’s ears aren’t worth that much.

Waterfall Audio showcasing all glass speakers

Posted in Speakers by Nino Marchetti on December 17th, 2007

Waterfall AudioFrench loudspeaker audio company Waterfall Audio is set to introduce to the United States some rather unique glass loudspeakers. The slim Victoria EVO and Iguasçu EVO models will price per pair at around $5,400 and $3,900 respectively.

The Waterfall Audio glass speakers are handcrafted fully in glass via a “combination of advanced computer-controlled diamond and water-jet glass cutting techniques.” They measure about 40 inches high and 10 inches wide. The Victoria EVO, a three-way/four-driver design, includesa downfiring, 8-1/2-inch passive woofer, while the Iguasçu employs identical drivers (including the passive woofer) in a two-way/three-driver arrangement.

iPond portable aquarium and speaker

Posted in Speakers by Reuben Drake on December 16th, 2007

iPond fish tank has speaker and headphones jack, too small for fishAt first glance this little speaker/fish tank might look like an media player with a video of a fish on it, but if you watch long enough you’ll notice that the fish never leaves the screen, and it doesn’t shut off. The device is called the iPond (yet another clever ‘i’ name) and is being sold in Australia as a small portable aquarium complete with gravel on the bottom and a live fish. It also contains a speaker built into the bottom and a headphone jack to plug in your MP3 player, but some are complaining that this doesn’t leave a lot of room for the fish.

Inside the iPond is a Siamese fighting fish that might usually be sold in smaller tanks, but not quite this small. In fact the RSPCA in Australia is asking that the small portable tank be banned since it is not providing an adequate environment with it’s 2.5+ cups of water. They say the fish requires a minimum of closer to 3 gallons of water.

iFrogz wants to Thumpz you with portable speaker

Posted in Speakers, iFrogz by Nino Marchetti on December 10th, 2007

iFrogz ThumpziPod case maker iFrogz recently unveiled a new, very portable mini-speaker system which an expandable middle chamber. The new Thumpz is priced at around $25.

The iFrogz Thumpz offers up what its maker calls a typical small speaker sound when the speaker is closed. When the middle section is expanded however one gets increased bass sound, filling a room with “a deep rich sound.” It comes with a rechargeable battery and USB cable.

New Blue Raven speakers do docks or Bluetooth

Posted in Blue Raven, Speakers, iPod Accessories by Nino Marchetti on December 10th, 2007

Blue Raven Maestro 2040iPod accessory maker Blue Raven Technology unveiled today some new iPod speaker systems, some of which use Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming from the MP3 player. The new Blue Raven Maestro 2020 and 2040 models range in price from around $170 to $300.

The Blue Raven Maestro 2020 and 2040 models are two piece speaker systems with 20 and 40 watts of digital audio playback, respectively. They come in several different colors. What distinguishes the products from each other is that two of the four models have built-in iPod docks, while the others make use of an optional Bluetooth transmitter attached to the iPod to receive sound. All models can connect almost any other audio device to the unit with the auxiliary in port.

Wake the dead with coffin speakers

Posted in Speakers, music by Conner Flynn on December 3rd, 2007

Coffin It Up Coffin Speakers

These Coffin It Up coffin speakers would have been great for Halloween. Maybe you’re feeling Goth or just a tad emo, in which case they are perfect for year round use. Each coffin is made with melamine and houses 2 sets of speakers: 5″ 2 way and 6″ x 9″ three way speakers. Vibration dampening material inside helps create crystal clear sound that that will travel through your entire Addams Family mansion.

Each coffin speaker is 25.5″ long X 13″ wide X 8″ deep and comes complete with hand grips on the side for your poll-bearers to “carry that weight”. I suppose the only way these would be better for your music crypt, would be if a skeleton actually popped out with a guitar.

Teresonic Magus speakers go eco-friendly

Posted in Speakers by Nino Marchetti on November 27th, 2007

Teresonic MagusTeresonic is hoping to appeal to those seeking “environment-friendly audio” by unveiling a speaker which draws only a few watts per channel. The new Teresonic Magus speaker is priced at $3,985 a pair.

The Teresonic Magus speakers are a smaller size, said the company, using low power amplifiers which include vacuum tubes, a sensitivity of 98dB and what’s termed a “unique design” to produce sound more equivalent to larger, more power hungry speakers. The design itself is described as being full-range and straight-through (crossover-less).

New Geneva iPod speaker system at retail

Posted in Speakers, iPod Accessories by Nino Marchetti on November 26th, 2007

Geneva Sound System Model MGeneva Lab, a maker of iPod sound systems, has apparently unveiled a new model for iPod owners which comes in a single wood cabinet. The new Geneva Sound System Model M is available in three body colors and priced around $500.

The Geneva Sound System Model M is a tabletop iPod sysem which is compatible with all iPod models that make use of a dock connector. Four speakers are housed in the wood cabinet, powered by a digital amplifier which kicks up 100 watts of power. There’s also a LED display on the front which shows information like which track is playing.

“I Look” interactive eyeball speakers

Posted in Speakers by Conner Flynn on November 26th, 2007

“I Look” interactive eyeball speakers

I don’t know about you, but when I look at the “I Look” speakers, I see something that looks alot like teletubbie technology. This must be their way of taking over the world since Tubbie custard failed to do the trick.

It’s a new and possibly creepy way to enjoy tunes on your mp3 player. These interactive eyeballs light up, flash, and move to the beat. And if you clap your hands, they will look in your direction. Hopefully, you won’t be hypnotised and do their bidding. The manufacturer even claims that they light up with millions of color patterns.

boynq iCube II adds color & style

Posted in Speakers, iPod Accessories by Conner Flynn on November 23rd, 2007

boynq’s iCube II speaker and docking system

boynq’s iCube II speaker and docking system gives off some retro vibes, thanks to hot colors and nicely detailed design. The award winning company is known for such attention to detail. Even the packaging for the one above is eye catching, matching the product. It’s from boynq’s Pour Femme collection, which I believe translates to “for her”.

They do have a more manly option as well. The “Pour Homme” version of the iCube II. Truth is they are both eye candy, with subtle curves mixed with the right sized knobs. The large knob in the center even lights up. The connections are of course located in back. Line in, line out, iPod USB connection and the DC power in. It will allow you to charge and sync your iPod, connect the iPod shuffle and other audio devices and connect to your home stereo.

Motion sensing air speaker dock does it all

Posted in MP3, Radio, Speakers by Conner Flynn on November 19th, 2007

Motion sensing air speaker

These speakers/moodlight/FM radio are simply way too cool to behold. They remind me of the Easter Island stone heads, you know, if aliens had mated with robots and then made art. For a dock, it really does do quite alot.

Raise and lower the volume by simply waving your hand across the infrared sensor. You can tune the radio by the same means. No need to press any buttons. Of course you can plug your mp3 player into it, or turn on the radio. If you get really bored you watch the pretty mood light glow.





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