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Paradigm "Phantom" Cinema Gaming speaker system review
Paradigm has a long history of offering speakers that provide a big slice of audiophile-approved sound at reasonable prices. Its speakers aren't the cheapest and they can't be found at every big-box retailer, but chances are that if you seek out a Paradigm dealer, you'll be rewarded with some great-sounding gear at a fair price. Follow us past the break to see how much of the high-end Paradigm delivers with its latest entry-level offering, the Cinema Gaming speaker system.
SpeakerCraft introduces outdoor OG speakers for pool owners, lawn mowers
The speaker-in-a-rock was hot stuff back in the day, but now, it's pretty played out. SpeakerCraft has applied its jungle influences to the OG outdoor speaker, which is modeled after an exterior landscape lighting fixture and can be hidden away in flower beds, under bushes or in between statues of Tiki Men. The unit itself includes a 3-inch full-range aluminum cone driver, but it seems as if you'll need to phone up your nearest SpeakerCraft dealer for pricing information. Full release after the break.
JBL introduces LS series of loudspeakers at CEDIA
It just wouldn't be CEDIA without an announcement from JBL, now would it? This year, the speaker giant is introducing a few newcomers to the minty fresh LS Series: the LS40 bookshelf, LS60 / LS80 floorstanders and the LS CENTER -- wait for it -- center channel. These sophisticated speaks were designed with fashionistas in mind, as they boast curved contours, tapered sides and a high-gloss stained-wood finish. Retail prices on the new crew are expected to range from $999 to $1,999 each, so yeah, don't even think you're getting all that pizazz on the cheap.
Canton delivers new floorstander, surround bar and bookshelf speakers
The speaker manufacturers are out in full force in the run-up to CEDIA, and Canton's making sure its voice coils are recognized, too. For starters, the company is introducing its Reference family of speakers consisting of four models (including the Reference 3.2 floorstander, going for $16,000 per pair). It's also looking to snag a sliver of the soundbar market with the CD 90 SB, which packs a trio of speakers and comes in black or silver for $650. Finally, the outfit will be demonstrating its upgraded Ergo and GLE lines, each benefiting from updated driver technology and finish options. Follow the links below to satisfy your curiosity about any of the aforementioned wares.Read - Canton upgraded linesRead - Canton Reference 3.2Read - Canton CD 90 SB
PSB pushes out Imagine loudspeakers, leaves nothing to the imagination
PSB is noticeably proud of being based in Canada, but its patriotism is just slightly overshadowed by the pride put forth in the construction of its new Imagine line of loudspeakers. On course for a CEDIA debut, the Imagine crew consists of the Imagine T three-driver tower, Imagine B two-way bookshelf, Imagine C dual-woofer center channel and the Imagine S dual-two-way surround. The new family is available as we speak, though they aren't for the short-on-cash crowd; the C alone is $800, while the floodstander rings up at two large per pair. Full release (with all the juicy details) is just after the break.
Soundmatters reveals foxLmb portable Bluetooth speaker
Soundmatters already has the living room taken care of, so it makes sense to see it aiming for those times when you need sound everywhere else. All set to debut at CEDIA, said company has unveiled its foxL portable speaker, which measures in at 5.6- x 2.2- x 1.4-inches and promises "audiophile" grade sound quality. The foxL is also available with integrated Bluetooth (foxLmb), and both flavors include a pair of 1-inch "Twoofers" (yes, we're serious) and a Li-ion battery good for around five hours on a full charge. Expect these to surface in early September for $199 and $249, respectively.
Aperion Audio intros Intimus 4T floorstanding speaker
Digging those Intimus loudspeakers, are you? Welcome yet another member to the family: the 4T floorstander. This tower packs dual 4-inch woven-fiberglass mid-woofers, a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, an anti-resonant cabinet and a sexy coat of either gloss black or cherry. As you could likely piece together, this one was designed to complement the previously referenced 4B bookshelf speakers, and while they aren't exactly out-of-a-white-van cheap, $650 per pair is still fairly reasonable in our eyes.
Aperion Audio unveils Bravus subwoofers, Intimus loudspeaker line
Aperion Audio may not be a household name in, well, audio, but it's newest offerings sure warrant a look from anyone mildly serious about sound. For starters, the outfit has completely revamped its Intimus loudspeaker line, now offering up nine models across three speaker series. As expected, the entire crew has been voice and timbre matched, and each speaker possesses the same tweeter so that all Intimus units can be mixed and matched to suit your fancy. Since we know a multi-channel system just isn't the same without a dash of low-end, the Bravus subwoofers were also introduced to handle those duties. The 8D, 10D and 12D units pack twin 8-/10-/12-inch subbies with 150/300/500-watts of power behind 'em. As for pricing, expect the new Intimus line to start at around $149 for a bookshelf, while the Bravus line ranges from $499 to $1,099. Read - Refreshed Intimus lineRead - Bravus subwoofers
Goldmund's $300,000 Epilogue Speaker System joins Media Room
Personally, we can only imagine what a $300,000 speaker setup sounds like. But you -- we know you're eager to pick up the Epilogue Speaker System (previous edition shown) and rub it in the faces of everyone else, right? Regardless of whether you answered that truthfully or not, Goldmund (those same cats who actually had the nerve to create a $17,000 Blu-ray player) has introduced the latest version of the aforesaid system, which will now be built specifically for integration into the Goldmund Media Room. Pretty though they may be, we have a sneaking suspicion you won't be getting much bang for your buck with these -- but then again, what do our virgin ears know, anyway?
Atlantic Technology intros THX-certified IWTS-30 LCR in-wall speaker
Atlantic Technology, which was busy showing off an array of in-wall speakers at CES, is now replacing its IWTS-20 LCR with an all new flagship: the IWTS-30 LCR THX Ultra2 Certified in-wall loudspeaker. Designed for use as the left, right and center channel, this unit is declared by its CEO as the "best sounding in-wall [it] has ever made, and it makes no apologies for being an in-wall." Mr. Peter Tribeman continues on to say that he knows of "no other architectural solutions that deliver this kind of performance and flexibility at anywhere near this price point." Regardless of hype, the unit itself uses the company's exclusive Low Resonance Tweeter (LRT) along with a single 8-inch GLH (Graphite Loaded Homopolymer) woofer and two 3.5-inch GLH midrange drivers. Of course, you wouldn't expect such an exalted speaker to come without a princely price tag, so we suppose we're not too shocked by the $1,250 (each) sticker.
MartinLogan unveils Spire hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker
No stranger to electrostatic speakers, MartinLogan is giving audiophiles an awful good reason to rid their wallet of $8,495 (per pair) with the all new Spire floorstanders. Each powered hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker includes a 10-inch aluminum cone woofer and 200-watt high-resolution amplifier which produces bass down to 29Hz. You'll also find a 35Hz equalization knob for low-end calibration, the firm's own rigid AirFrame and the curvilinear XStat electrostatic transducer. As expected, such fine pieces are available in a plethora of shades -- Black Ash, Dark Cherry, Natural Cherry, Maple, Birds Eye Maple, Wenge, and Rotary Cut Bubinga -- and those not satisfied with dropping "only" $8.5k can free themselves of even more Benjamins by dreaming up a cabinet hue of their own. One more look after the jump.[Via eCoustics]
Infinity begins shipping Classia Series loudspeakers
Remember those toothsome Classia Series loudspeakers that Infinity introduced us to just before CES? Yeah, those beauties are finally making their way from the labs and into eager hands everywhere. The C205 bookshelf loudspeaker, C336 floorstanding speaker, CC225 wall-mountable center channel speaker and C255ES wall-mountable surround loudspeaker -- all of which boast "selectable monopole / bipole / dipole / dual-speaker operation" -- are shipping now to those in need. Oh, and if you didn't get your pre-order in, fret not, as Infinity would love to accommodate your audio wishes now for $349 to $899 per speaker.
Leon Speakers intros Horizon 414-LCR-X-A on-wall loudspeaker
If the luxurious Seven Series was a bit too rich for your blood, Leon Speakers is offering up yet another option for tossing tunes up on your wall. The "ultra" high-fidelity Horizon 414-LCR-X-A is designed to fit nicely in "small theater settings where audiophile quality sound is still paramount," and as you can see, the left / center / right channels are combined into one cabinet. Additionally, the whole thing is just 3.25-inches thick, and each channel -- which can handle 225-watts -- is home to twin 4-inch Peerless HDS woofers and a 1-inch Morel MDT29 cloth-dome tweeter. Sadly, this one's still not suited for the bargain hunters, as it'll run customers $2,495 when it debuts at EHX Spring next week.
Morel's Fat Lady loudspeaker thins out your wallet
According to Morel, its Fat Lady floorstanding speaker is the result of two full years of R&D, and it's got the looks (and price tag) to prove it. Constructed from a unique mix of carbon, fiberglass, resin and other materials, this curvaceous loudspeaker houses a pair of 9-inch woofers, a single 6-inch midrange driver and a 1.1-inch soft dome tweeter. The former two even boast cones crafted from three layers of carbon fiber woven mat, Roahcell PMI damper and non woven carbon sheet, and the sexy exterior is kept glossy by numerous layers of protective epoxy lacquer. Mum's the word on frequency range and power handling, but considering that these are pegged at $25,000 per pair, maybe it figures only a sliver of the population needs to know, anyway.[Via AudioJunkies]
Artcoustic reveals Spitfire Venue loudspeaker, subwoofer
Finally down to the short list for speakers? Before you pull the trigger, Artcoustic is hoping that you'll give its latest loudspeaker and subwoofer a glance. Up first is the two-way Spitfire Venue, which weighs in at just under 22-pounds, sports interchangeable screen options and should fit in just fine at a night club or guest room. You'll find a 10-inch woofer and a one-inch compression horn, which -- when paired up -- are capable of hitting notes anywhere between 40Hz and 18kHz. Taking care of the low-lows is the Spitfire Subwoofer (pictured), which actually relies on four 10-inch drivers and comes bundled with an 1,800-watt Artcoustic PA-1800 amplifier. Sadly, we've yet to be clued in on the price of the Venue, but considering the £1,485 ($2,922) sticker attached to the subbie, we'd surmise that these are most suited for the high-end sect, anyway.
Snell Acoustics intros Illusion LCR loudspeaker
If you're yearning for yet another all new, totally extravagant loudspeaker, Snell Acoustics has got you covered. Debuting at CES, the Illusion Series LCR was designed to match the firm's acclaimed Model A7 Reference tower (which we're hoping to spot at CES) and features a three-way design and the company's D'Appolito array. According to Snell, the Illusion series speakers are "the most accurate, linear, and dynamic" the company has ever created -- pretty bold words, we'd say. 'Course, they are individually calibrated and priced at $10,000 apiece, so think long and hard about whether or not you want glossy black or practically any other color in the world before pulling the trigger.
Infinity intros Classia Series loudspeakers
Infinity is hitting us up with a new line of loudspeakers just in time for CES, and we must say, these beasts are quite the attractive bunch. Included in the family is the C205 compact bookshelf monitor, a wall-mountable center channel speaker (CC225), floorstanding tower (model C336) and a wall-mountable surround speaker with selectable monopole / bipole / dipole / dual-speaker operation (C255ES). Each of the aforementioned speakers utilizes CMMD driver technology, and while there's no word on the frequency response / power handling figures, we do know that the whole range -- which will be priced between $329 and $899 -- will be available in glossy black and cherry-wood veneer in "early 2008." Another shot after the jump.
Outlaw introduces dual-mode LCR loudspeaker
Are you the type who likes to change up the surround system every few months just for kicks? If so, Outlaw's out to make your life a whole lot easier with the LCR. This dual-mode loudspeaker is the company's first to include its MCO (Main/Center Optimization) selectable crossover technology, which enables its "acoustic radiation pattern to be optimized for use as either a left or right front speaker or as a horizontal center channel speaker simply by flipping the MCO switch." This flexible, 20-pound unit can handle between 50 and 300-watts and features a frequency response of 75Hz - 22kHz, a one-inch custom silk dome tweeter and two 5.25-inch SEAS drivers. Furthermore, the LCR is currently available in black or cherry veneer finishes at a price of $649 and $699, respectively. Check out a couple more looks after the jump.
Vivid Audio's G1 Giya speaker: suitable for a prince... or Prince
Ready or not, here comes yet another extravagant speaker that the vast majority of us will simply be forced to drool over. Vivid Audio's G1 Giya speaker rocks a wild design, comes in a variety of automotive paint finishes and aims to catch the eye of style conscious enthusiasts more so than diehard audiophiles. 'Course, we're pretty certain this fine piece of engineering sounds pretty impressive in its own right, as it utilizes dual 12-inch subwoofers and aluminum tweeters / midrange drivers to crank out the jams. Reportedly, each 154-pound, 5.58-foot tower can handle frequencies from 23Hz to 44kHz and a staggering 800-watts of power, but alas, it'll remain a pipe dream unless you've got $54,000 to lay down (for each, we presume).
Genesis 2 loudspeaker system isn't for the faint of heart
If you thought a 6.5-foot tall loudspeaker was a touch too much for your needs, we've all ideas the Genesis 2 system will also exemplify overkill in your mind. For those who don't mind pushing the envelope (and emptying their wallets in the process), the four-speaker G2.2 could be just what you're after. The system actually places the tweeters and midrange ribbon transducer in one 6.25-foot tall cabinet while the eight 8-inch ribbed-aluminum cone subwoofers reside in another tower of equal height. As a whole, it can handle up to 1,000-watts of pure solid state power, and considering the 720-pounds of heft this thing's packin', we highly doubt you'll be rearranging the foursome whimsically. For those champing at the bit to place their order, we certainly hope you've got copious quantities of cash to burn, as the G2.2 setup will run you a cool $63,000 in the traditional high gloss black motif.[Via Widescreen Review]
