Finally, speakers that aren't afraid of a little color

(Credit: Urban Fidelity)

For all the innovative, unusual and creepy designs we've seen in loudspeakers--not to mention expensive--it's surprising how boring many high-end systems can look. It's reminiscent of the PC industry, which lived in a beige and gray world until Apple came along with the first iMac.

Urban Fidelity is one company that's apparently learned that lesson and has responded by selling a line of "Duevel Planets" speakers online for "hip music lovers, not tweaky audiophiles." Not only do they come in neon colors, according to Audio Junkies, but the German-made loudspeakers are distinctive for the omnidirectional "shiny orbs" that distribute their sound, with 5.9-inch woofers and a "specialty short horn tweeter." But remember, certain paint finishes will cost you $100 extra.