Speakers
Fraunhofer slims down its ultra flat loudspeakers to less than one inch
It seems the world has become obsessed with ‘skinny’ – watch your diet, exercise more and aspire to be ‘model thin’. But skinny isn't always better when it comes to speakers – good sound reproduction needs room to vibrate. However, at IFA, Fraunhofer scientists (in cooperation with Sennheiser electronic) presented a completely new concept for ultra-flat loudspeakers that still deliver full sound reproduction. What’s more, these speakers can be integrated inconspicuously on walls or in furniture because they're only 24mm thick (0.94-inch). Read More
Altec Lansing's 200W Expressionist Ultra MX6021 computer speaker system
Some people like their PC gaming experiences big. They spend big money on big games, big monitors and big gaming accessories but suffer from SSS (small sound syndrome). Well, listen up! Altec Lansing has released the Expressionist™ Ultra (MX6021), a distinctively styled and powerful three-piece home speaker system for computers, MP3 players and more that delivers 200W RMS. And with this quality of sound, it won’t be just the gamers taking advantage of all that power. Consumers who keep their music on their PC will greatly benefit from these speakers. Read More
Altec Lansing’s Orbit USB 360° sound portable speaker packs a punch
Laptop speakers generally aren’t the most impressive sound reproduction devices going around so travelers either have to put up with poor sound quality, rely on a set of headphones, or pack a set of (often not so) portable speakers. Altec Lansing appears to have overcome this annoyance by unveiling its Orbit USB ultra portable speaker at IFA 2009 this week. Read More
Sony makes some noise - S Series Walkman with built-in speakers
Sony has announced the latest update of its enduring stalwart, the Walkman, with some additions to their range of portable music players. Rather than just providing music for one, the S-Series includes built-in speakers to share the sound, while the new E-Series offers a stylish entry-level option. Read More
French company Cabasse has redefined the notion of high-end loudspeakers with the creation of a speaker system that costs almost as much as a base model 2009 Ferrari F430. But for your UK£108,000 (US$176,000), you're buying a monumental engineering achievement - the world's only four-way, point source speaker system (more about that after the jump). This audio perfectionist's dream required a spherical enclosure - which means you also have to accept the fact that two giant, ugly eyeballs on sticks will be watching you enjoy some of the best audio reproduction, sound staging and stereo imaging the world has ever experienced. Read More
As personal music players like the iPod become ubiquitous, there’s another developing trend that’s even more insidious: the desire to share that music with everyone else. Miini speakers are flooding the market at the moment, but a new product called the Kerchoonz K-box promises to make even more noise. A compact, mobile-phone sized device, the K-box turns any flat surface – wall, table, window, ceiling – into a giant speaker. Read More
The digitization of music has seen many people’s music collections move from the CD rack to the hard drive. Although the computer is a great place to store music, it can limit the listening experience thanks to the less than stellar speakers that are often tied to it. Bose has unveiled its new designed for people who want to listen to music stored on their computer, but don’t necessarily want to be at their computer to enjoy it - the SoundLink wireless music system. Read More
Logitech has announced four new multimedia speaker systems featuring omnidirectional acoustics for a wider sound sweet spot. Unlike standard PC speakers that use forward-firing drivers, the four new Logitech multimedia speaker systems feature 360-Degree Sound courtesy of the forward and backwards facing drivers found in each satellite. Logitech claims this allows sound to be transmitted more consistently over a wider space to provide better sound when you drag yourself away from the desk. Read More
Three years of exhaustive research, testing and experimentation has resulted in the KEF Concept Blade loudspeaker. In particular, the loudspeaker showcases KEF’s cutting-edge capabilities and commitment to furthering innovative design. Read More
The majority of the “effects” you get from your surround speakers are quite directional, so ensuring that in-built speakers are pointing the right way is an important part of nailing your home theater set-up. Entering a relatively new area of the market is QPD Speakers with its range of motorized in-ceiling and in-wall speakers. These units use an adjustable design that caters for 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 degree angles, allowing tweeters to fire directly towards the listening area rather than straight down or across. Read More
