speaker

With the booming popularity of sound bars, iPod docks, and tiny Bluetooth speakers, it's increasingly obvious that most people aren't interested in buying the best-sounding speakers. Other factors, such as the smallest possible size and maximum feature set are higher priorities than sound quality. I go the other way and put sound at the top of my list, but I'm far from convinced that the most accurate sound is the best sound. Accuracy isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Digital audio formats, for example, always have more accurate frequency response than any analog format, … Read more

The Jawbone Jambox Bluetooth speaker has always offered tinkerers the freedom to choose a custom voice through its MyTalk platform, but the company just announced even more customization down the line. Beginning August 28, you'll be able to build a unique Jambox using 13 grille and nine cap colors on the newly remixed Web site.

The combinations offer more than 100 possible permutations to fit your favorite palette. I recommend using Wes Anderson's cinematic aesthetic as inspiration, but you can start anywhere you'd like.… Read more

When it comes to portable speakers, most products cram a couple drivers into a small brick of the Jawbone Jambox or Logitech Mini Boombox variety.

Many of them sound pretty good for their size, but the best stereo comes when you've got two speakers spaced farther apart.

On the other hand, you still want portability, and, ideally, Bluetooth.

Problem solved: Abe's of Maine has the DBest Duo Bluetooth mini speaker set for $49.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code CNET20 at checkout. (That's right: This is another fine exclusive just for Cheapskate readers.)

Update: The … Read more

I would like to talk about how the Hart Audio D&W Aural Pleasure loudspeakers feature crystal-clear highs and sternum-shaking lows, but I can't stop staring at them long enough to actually care how they sound.

The speakers look like a cross between a jelly bean and something an elephant left behind. But really, these speakers aren't about the looks. They're about being able to tell people you spent $4.7 million on 18-karat-gold speakers.… Read more

I've written many times about the merits of augmenting your TV's crummy built-in speakers with an external sound system. Even if you add lower-end speakers, the difference is night and day.

I've also written many times about Vizio's sound bar, which has sold for as low as $50 (refurbished). It's pretty good on its own, but if you really want to kick your TV sound system up a notch, you need a subwoofer.

Today only, and while supplies last, JustDeals has the refurbished Vizio VHT210 sound bar and wireless subwoofer for $109.77 shipped. That'… Read more

Andrew Jones has a degree in physics, but his real passion is speaker design. He worked as a research engineer for KEF, Infinity and now with Pioneer, and he's chiefly responsible for their ultra high-end TAD Reference line of speakers that sell for upwards of $80,000! So a few years ago when I first heard that Jones was working on a line of superaffordable speakers for Pioneer, I didn't believe it. I said, "You mean that Andrew Jones? No way." Well, it was that Mr. Jones, and the speakers were astonishingly good. The now-discontinued 5.1-channel, … Read more

I know it doesn't make sense, but it's true: most musicians don't have good hi-fis.

To be fair, most musicians don't have hi-fis at all, because like most people musicians listen in their cars, on computers, or with cheap headphones. Musicians don't have turntables, CD players, stereo amplifiers, and speakers. Granted, most musicians aren't rich, so they're more likely to invest whatever available cash they have in buying instruments. That's understandable, but since they so rarely hear music over a decent system they're pretty clueless about the sound of their recordings.… Read more

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- Can a tiny $39 amp make your headphones sound a lot better?

- The Audiophiliac picks 11 of the world's best headphones.

- The Philips Shoqbox is our favorite camp-friendly, rugged Bluetooth speaker.

- Self-portraits done to a different drug every day.

Follow Steve Sphere Guttenberg on Twitter.

Bathroom break video: Steve Coogan impersonates Steve Hawking.… Read more

Congrats to Kevin A. of Beverly, Mass., for winning last week's giveaway, a $300 gift certificate from device accessory maker iSkin.

We still have a few weeks left of summer, and that's a few weeks that could be spent traveling and playing outdoors with this week's multitasking prize, a Braven 625s rugged and portable Bluetooth speaker/speakerphone/device charger.

The all-in-one device delivers wireless stereo streaming from as far away as 33 feet for up to 16 hours per battery charge. It also charges your mobile device and takes hands-free calls through the built-in speakerphone. (If your device isn't Bluetooth-compatible, you can still connect using the included 3.5mm audio cable.)

The Braven 625s measures 6.3 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.8 inches and weighs just 11.6 ounces, so it's easy to tote in its water-resistant carrying bag. It even comes with a little USB-powered LED flashlight if you happen to be taking it out into the woods. Bear repellent not included. … Read more