We aren't about to believe that Axiom Audio's Audiobyte is actually the first
luxury speaker system made for the PC, but it's pretty swank, regardless. The setup consists of a pair of ultra-compact speakers, a dedicated stereo amplifier and an optional (but totally necessary) subwoofer. Additionally, the firm offers 'em up in seven different finishes including lacquered, real-wood Burled Walnut, and the standalone amplifier pushes some 55-watts to each 6.5- x 5.5- x 4-inch speaker. The pair houses a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter and a 3-inch aluminum cone woofer, and the optional Audiobyte subbie packs an isobarically-loaded 6.5-inch driver, but is unfortunately passive in nature. Interestingly, the system's amplifier features an integrated USB plug, so DAPs can be plugged in directly for audio playback sans a running PC. As for pricing, the 2.0 setup will run you between $349 and $559 depending on finish, and the optional subwoofer will tack on another $179 to whichever pair you choose. Click on for one more look, won'tcha?
[Via
CyberTheater]
posted November 21st 2007 3:20AM
I never thought wood could be so shiny!
Am I in Heaven?
That's what she said
This is nothing revolutionary. Mercedes-Benz cars have shiny wood made from real trees. I have also made wood shine using special finishing techniques in my old high school woodshop.
dude! id bet the glorious 8kbps mono sounds of Doom would simply sing through those burled walnut beauties
insert phallic pun using wood.
penis.
does that work?
insert phallic pun using wood.
What?
Define oomph.
oomph, as in the effect you get with a powered subwoofer.
Oh right, even for the insane price of these things, you don't get one of those.
Doh
Crap.
I'd like to hear them against my Swan M200s. I mean, they look nicer, but the 200s are $200 at Newegg and they sound better than my big old JBLs (though the bottom end gives out sooner, obviously). Plus, am I the only one who remembers when a 6.5 inch speaker was the midrange? Now it's not the woofer, it's the freaking *sub*woofer.
You are trying to compare something made in China using mass production vs small scale CANANDIAN manufacturing by a very small group of highly skilled people who's only mission is to produce QUALITY Audio and cabinetry.
Based on Axiom's reputation, these things wouldn't do anything short of bitch slapping your Swan's all over the place.
So what you're both trying to say is, you have no idea. While I hold our neighbors to the north in high esteem, and I'm sure Axiom's reputation is top-notch, both facts tell me nothing. The loudspeaker industry is legendary for being full of bullshit and specious claims along with high-priced boutique brands and engineering claims just a notch below perpetual motion in credibility. There's also no shortage of examples of small or unknown companies putting out excellent products, and big-named companies flubbing one once in a while (sometimes to initially good reviews). But, as I said, I'd like to hear them side-by-side and see if they're worth the difference in money to human ears -- mine in particular. Why does that simple wish have to provoke bitch-slapping Molson drinkers to post noise?
I have an Axiom surround system that is very good for the price. More importantly though, Joe, Axiom has a 30 day trial period and shipping to you is included in the price, so you can compare to your Swans with the only risk being return shipping. Haven't heard either system in person so can't give you an opinion on how they compare.
Pah! I've got el-cheapo wooden speakers for my PC!
I have M-Audio's AV40, which sells for about $140 to $150 U.S., shipped. I can't imagine being happier with a pair of 2.0 PC spaakers. The headphone OUT has plenty of oomph.
Hah! Who needs a subwoofer? Just buy one of those USB-instrument jack converter things and run it through an eight tube analog bass amplifier. *That's* some "oomph", right there.
i love axiom. goodbye another 500 bucks!