Klipsch's nifty ProMedia 2.1 does bona fide stereo, and its subwoofer belts out more and better bass than single-box iPod speaker systems.
(Credit: Klipsch)I don't know why, but it seems like almost every iPod speaker I hear here at CNET is a wretched-sounding thing. Most have screechy treble, lumpy bass, and vocals never sound remotely human.
As always, you get what you pay for, and the cheapest ones tend to be the worst offenders, but hey, they're cheap.
Some, going for upward of $300 are somewhat less horrible, but for three hundred bucks, you could actually buy a nice set of hi-fi speakers.
The A2 speakers
(Credit: Audioengine)And since most iPod speakers are one-piece systems, they don't do stereo all that well. Sure, many incorporate some sort of processing to simulate stereo separation, but that usually messes up their already pitiful sound quality even more. With separate speakers, you can place them far enough apart to make stereo sound like stereo. Which stereo speakers, you ask?
I like Klipsch's little 2.1-channel iPod solution, the ProMedia 2.1 iPod/Computer Speaker system that goes for $150. It features a pair of two-way satellite speakers and a 6.5-inch powered subwoofer. Separate speakers means it does bona fide stereo, and the sub is big enough to generate real bass.
The larger A5 speakers
(Credit: Audioengine)For $199 you could buy a pair of Audioengine A2 speakers and hook them up directly to your iPod. In my opinion, the A2 sounds at least as good as any single-box $400 iPod speaker I've heard. Granted, the $600 high-end iPod speakers make a lot more bass, but it's still on the thick, boomy, and bloated side of natural. And they're $600! For that kind of dough, you could buy a small stereo receiver and actual hi-fi speakers.
You can read my complete A2 review here.
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(Credit:
Moonlight)
From the bathtub to the bed, it's usually not hard to make sport of pointless mood-lighting products. Much to our surprise, however, we've encountered one that we might actually like.
Moonlight's "360-Degree Sound System" does more than just add a Barry White atmosphere; it also has speakers that can handle up to 200 watts of amplification in all directions, according to Technabob. If you combine these with Grundig's "Audiorama" speakers, you'll have sound in every molecule of your abode. As if that weren't enough, the audio orbs can also be equipped with LED bulbs--qualifying them for Caroline McCarthy's color-changey status.
Don't poor beer in these
(Credit: Taguchi Craft)If speaker systems can be designed to fit in with the bathroom decor, then surely a set for the dining room table is eminently reasonable. The "Supper Sound System" delivers on the promise of its name, blending in seamlessly next to the salt and pepper shakers in ceramic cases molded to look like bottles, tumblers and other dinnerware. Technabob notes that the base station even resembles a serving dish.
The system, made by Japan-based Taguchi Craft, is apparently taking the opposite approach from other home stereo designers in believing that sound equipment should be seen as well as heard. But if you want to keep your guests guessing, you could also install some SoundArt speakers and have music literally coming from the walls and tables at the same time.
(Credit:
Newlaunches)
When Evesham came out with its Sound Stage TV stand with its built-in speakers, we thought it might be a good sign that furniture makers would come up with some innovative ways to display the new generation of flat TVs. So far, that's proven to be overly optimistic.
Newlaunches says Yamaha, for example, has come out with its own TV rack that includes a full Dolby system of speakers, sub-woofer and amplifier, with an optional DVD player, for the Japanese market. It's more expensive than Evesham's stand system ($780 vs. $600), but our quibble has more to do with design.
Perhaps it's telling that Yamaha calls its product a "rack," because that's exactly what it looks like. Unlike Evesham's stand, which builds its audio equipment into the frame, Yamaha's version basically looks like some shelves with components sitting on them exposed. For that, we could go to Levitz.
(Credit:
Newlaunches)
Way back before Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless technologies, some people touted electrical power lines as the next big thing for digital transmissions. But even though it was feasible, few companies marketed products that used the technology.
Despite this unknown potential, Pioneer Japan has gone ahead and released its "Music Tap" series of power-line products for the Japanese market, according to Newlaunches. The line doesn't include an actual media player but provides the equipment necessary to turn an iPod into a sound system connected by electrical outlets.
We applaud the effort, but it may be too late now that wireless audio systems are finally starting to become more common. Besides, with all the huge bricks that come with all our electronic devices, we don't have an outlet to spare.
If Louis XIV had a MySpace page, a Web cam and iPod he would totally cry his eyes out in this chair.
(Credit:
Born Rich)
I can hear him now: "Even though I totally distracted all the nobles by making them hang out at Versailles--finally--and have become the standard for any wannabe absolute monarch, I still feel like my people just don't get who I am. You know? I mean, I wish someone would just notice me as a regular guy with big hair who wears high heels, and not as, like, the quote-unquote Sun King."
Even if you're not an all-powerful French king, this would still rock any dorm room/bedroom/basement. Born Rich found this multimedia chair with built-in subwoofers that will hook up with any TV set, MP3 or CD player. It's upholstered in cashmere, wool and leather and has a speaker near each ear.
No word on the price, but it's almost a given the chair will cost you a pretty franc.
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