CAV Japan today announced [JP] iPod speakers designed like Hello Kitty, the dream cartoon cat of millions of teenage girls. The maker says the speaker dock comes with “Surface Mounting Technology” and “Lossless Energy Amplification Technology” for 360° sound, but the design is the main selling point in this case. → Read More
Grace Digital Audio just launched their latest, a line of wireless, waterproof outdoor speakers designed to work with almost any MP3 player, mobile phone, stereo, computer or CD player. The portable base unit supports up to 10 speakers, with a range of over 150 feet. → Read More
Short version: While you may not have heard of this brand, if you are looking for a complete home theater setup or even stereo setup, complete with powered sub, for $1k or less, you will likely be impressed with Orb. Try them in your home for 30 days. → Read More
Takara Tomy in Japan is offering what they say is the perfect companion for this summer: the Neckphones [JP], travel pillows (kind of) that feature an integrated speaker. The devices are waterproof, making them suitable for use in the bath tub, at the beach etc. (see picture above). → Read More
Japan-based accessory maker Momoyama is offering a range of ceramic mini speakers that come with an iPod cradle and in funny (stylish?) forms. Choose, for example, between a pig, a hippo, an apple or a cute elephant (more versions can be seen here [JP]). → Read More
There isn’t too much to explain here. This is Logitech’s new iPod/iPhone dock and speakers — the main thing you need to know is that it has a rechargeable internal battery so you can take it to the beach and whatnot. It’ll go all day long — and all night strong. As long as that’s not more than eight hours. Comes with remote. It probably sounds good too, but why bother with speakers when you can just wear your headphones and sing really loud? → Read More
Logitch has a new 5.1 audio system that may interest you, particularly if you’re not looking to spend too much money. It’s the called the Z506, and it’ll only set you back $99. Throw in a couple of cheap stands and you’re good to go. → Read More
I’ve been following Creative for so long I feel like they’re old friends to me. I’ve been impressed over the years with their MP3 player line but they, like so many audio manufacturers, have seen the writing on the wall and the future isn’t in making the MP3 players – it’s in making the stuff that works with MP3 players. To wit: here we present the Zii Sound D5 and D200 Bluetooth speakers. I also saw the D100, a $69 entry-level set for the younger crowd, but those aren’t shipping for another month. The D5, at $299.99 is my absolute favorite. Clad in black plastic and chrome accents, this kit has a surprise – a fully portable iPod/iPad dock that turns your device into a remote control. → Read More
Kyoto-based Murata has developed the world’s first piezoelectric speaker that not only is waterproof but also ultra-thin (0.9mm). The devices are meant to be mainly used with mobile phones, which makes sense, given that almost 25% of the 50 latest cell phones released (on the Japanese market, at least) are actually waterproof. → Read More
Audio-Technica today in Japan announced [JP] diamond-shaped portable speakers, dubbed Bijoué/AT-SPF30, which are especially geared towards female users. Technically, the speakers aren’t special: you’ll get 600mW/φ28mm full range speakers running on two AAA batteries for 33 hours continuously. → Read More
Pioneer is about to release yet another iPhone-compatible speaker system. The company yesterday announced [JP] the XW-NAC1 in Japan, a speaker system that can connect to and alternately play music from two iPods or iPhones. The XW-NAC1 has two iPod/iPhone docks that charge these devices simultaneously. → Read More
Short version: Harman/Kardon makes great speakers, and this set is no exception. If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive home-theater speaker system, you can definitely do much worse then the HKTS 20BQ. This is a complete 5.1 system in a box, and includes everything you need to get your system rocking. The speakers have great response throughout the range, and the 8 inch powered subwoofer will definitely shake things up. → Read More
You can’t use this device as a tumbler and I’m not even sure it makes sense functionality-wise, but Sony Japan announced [JP] the SOUND MUG yesterday, a speaker that’s shaped like a tumbler. To be more exact, the portable device is being marketed by Sony as a dock speaker specifically designed for their Walkmans. → Read More
Well, I have to say, this is by far the coolest iPod amp/speaker set I’ve ever seen. To be fair, it’s not actually new — it’s the same basic audio components as the iBox, by the same people — and of course the ammo box is vintage. But put them together and BAM, new product. So, so great. With the speaker grills and everything? Brilliant. → Read More
Logitech promises that “Your built-in speakers just can’t compete with the stereo sound from this lightweight, portable speaker.” Whether or not that’s true will be up to you to decide, I suppose, but the single-cable operation of the “Logitech Laptop Speaker Z205” that’s “tiny enough to toss in your bag” may appeal to those of you looking for a bit more oomph. → Read More
The Short Version: You’ll be hard pressed to find a higher fidelity desktop audio rig than this. But the wireless capability is rather limited in its application, and the price runs a little high for a 2.1 system. → Read More
The gap between consumer audio and professional audio can be rather daunting. Large speakers require large amplifiers and large mixing desks and all sorts of convoluted patching bays. Another inescapable side effect of these professional systems is that they also require large, sweaty men to haul everything around, and some know-it-all engineer to make it all work. Not quite what you want at your backyard barbecue. Samson Audio’s Expedition series are all-in-one, inclusive sound systems aimed at bridging that gap, and this year brings in two new contestants. → Read More
Short version: These designer speakers have a unique design and excellent sound. Their appearance may not be for everybody, and the lack of a subwoofer affects a portion of the bass, but apart from that these are a true high-fidelity audio solution. → Read More
Altec Lansing announced three new products today – a docking station, a new set of computer speakers, and a set of headphones. While not exactly earth shattering, they do look to be some decent sounding products. → Read More
Notebook speakers are generally the definition of suck. They tend to be flat, lifeless, and just plan bad, but then portable speaker sets aren’t exactly portable. The USB-powered AQ Amigo seems to be a nice solution though. → Read More
