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Libratone Live and Lounge AirPlay speakers now available in the US
Libratone managed to pique our interest with its brightly-colored, cashmere-ensconced Live and Lounge AirPlay speakers this summer, and it's now finally announced that they're both available in the US. They come in at an expectedly hefty $699 for the smaller Live model and $1,299 for the larger Lounge soundbar (add an extra $100 to each for that aforementioned cashmere option -- yes, really), and they'll both be available at Apple stores and other select design retailers. Despite that sizable price difference, both units have the same 150W of total output power (coming from five dedicated amplifiers), although the Lounge promises some expanded range that's better suited for a living room -- it's also much bigger than it appears in the not-to-scale image above (40 inches wide, to be specific, while the Live is just under eight). The official press release is after the break.
Libratone's AirPlay-enabled soundbars want to cozy up with your iOS wares
Been on the prowl for an audio solution with AirPlay to compliment your iDevice or Apple TV? Bid hello to Libratone's ultra-chic Lounge and Live soundbars. Last year, the company introduced its eye-catching Beat wireless speaker system back at IFA; we were intrigued by its active drivers and carry handle, but mildly disappointed that cord-cutting required pesky proprietary adapters. Apple users will be happy to know AirPlay's been fully embraced this time, along with the signature adornment of cashmere wool. First up, the Live appears to be an Airplay-enabled Beat with 50 extra watts of RMS power (150 total), and an updated -- mini TOSlink accepting -- 3.5mm input for hooking up non AirPlay-enabled gear. Next up, the sleek Lounge unit above sports a similar external design and digital 3.5mm jack, but it's svelte in comparison for wall-mounting under a TV. Under its sheep fuzz, you'll find two 1-inch ribbon tweeters, two 4-inch ceramic drivers, and one 8-inch inverted woofer, all of which are independently amplified for a combined output of 150 RMS watts. Poised to please audio enthusiasts, both employ DSP and Libratone's FullRoom for a "360 degree soundscape" controllable via an iOS app, while the Lounge's volume can also be handled by a TV remote. The Lounge will be available through Apple's online store this September priced at £1,099 to €,1199 (about $1,791 to $1,954), and the Live for £599 to £6,99 ($699) at Apple retail locations in the EU and US -- both in various colorways. You'll find details in the PR after the break while your next bout of Gear Acquisition Syndrome begins settling in.
