MusicSystem
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Sonos listens to reason, drops dedicated controller in favor of smartphone apps
Sonos will halt the sale of its pricey CR200 remote control from June 1st, after acknowledging that it's been nudged into obsolescence by free software controllers for Macs, PCs, tablets and smartphones. It'll honor warranties and issue software updates for the "foreseeable future," but CEO John MacFarlane indicates the decision was inevitable, having been brewing ever since the "early days of the iPhone explosion." That never stopped his company from selling the CR200 for a hefty $349, but then again he probably deserves some respect for finally making the call. After all, rival Logitech charges a premium for its own touchscreen-equipped Duet and Touch controllers, even if you only use them once during installation and then never go near them again.
Bose Wave SoundLink wireless music system goes on sale today
Bose Wave SoundLink, the too-expensive, yet pretty OK looking wireless music system by the "too expensive, yet pretty OK looking" consumer electronics people over at Bose, has gone from rumor to reality as of today. Expect to pay $599.90 for the whole McGillicuddy or -- if you've already bought into the Bose Wave thing -- pick up that SoundLink upgrade kit featuring a USB Bluetooth dongle for a mere $149.95. A steal at a fraction of the price! PR after the break.
Bose intros SoundLink wireless music system, charges $550 with a straight face
Ah, Bose. While almost any other audio company would be properly lambasted for charging $549.95 for a portable sound system with absolutely no hard specifications (driver material, amplifier type, wattage, etc.) to speak of, somehow or another Bose gets away with the practice. All bitterness aside, the fresh SoundLink Wireless Music System is actually rather attractive, and unlike its other models, this one arrives with a USB dongle that enables computers to stream tunes directly to it. 'Course, we're not told what kind of technology is used here nor how far you can stray without losing signal, but as we alluded to earlier, this is all par for the course for Bose. In brighter news, there's a rechargeable battery that keeps it humming for three hours on a full charge, and the bundled IR remote could probably be programmed to control your media app from afar. Oh, and there's a standard 3.5 millimeter auxiliary jack for linking things up the "old way." Start saving your pennies quarters, folks -- this one ships to those with more dollars than sense on August 27th. [Via HotHardware]
Marantz shows off CR502 all-in-one music system
While Marantz is still generally sticking to its bread-and-butter AV receiver offerings, there's nothing wrong with a little diversion every now and then to see just how successful a new initiative can be. The CR502 micro audio system possesses two stereo amplifiers, each of which pack 25-watts of power. There's a built-in CD player, a DAB radio tuner and a nice array of inputs and outputs (USB 2.0 included) to complement the clock radio function. Of course, that whole "Marantz" logo helps explain the lofty £499 ($718) price tag, but if you've got it to blow, your night stand will thank you ad nauseam.[Via Stuff]
Sony bites the bullet, releases Made for iPod music systems
Sony's using CES to update its iPod / iPhone-compatible stereos -- it's releasing the iPod / iPhone-friendly CMT- LX20i micro shelf system and MHC-EC99i mini boombox (pictured above). Not a whole lot left to say other than they also play CDs and rattle windows, respectively. For pricing and release details -- including a word or two on the new Muteki systems -- hit up the read link.%Gallery-40935%
Avoca unveils VIP Music Edition residential music control system
As the run-up to CEDIA continues, the no-names are coming out in force. Avoca is looking to make a splash in the residential music control system sector with its VIP Music Edition. A stiff $3,990.00 (and up) will buy you a sleek VIP Music Player, a wireless VIP Music Companion (read: a remote) and the company's own Say it-Play it control interface, which enables you to simply speak what artist you'd like to hear and have it played back instantly. The integrated CD player can automatically rip and store lossless copies of your jams, and the on-screen interface enables you to sift through and find whatever you're looking for. The system is all set to snag some limelight in Denver, though prospective buyers can find it at dealers right now. Full release after the jump.
Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System reviewed
While the portable (and semi-portable) boombox market has grown out of control, the sound quality you receive from these mini systems can't exactly match up with the larger, more powerful, and more robust sound systems more suited for home theaters or living rooms. Although a dedicated HTPC can pipe digital audio directly into a receiver without too much fuss, the rest of us need a clean, wireless solution to that dilemma. Enter Logitech's Wireless DJ Music System, a remote-controlled, Bluetooth-based system that BlueTomorrow praises as "simple to install," easy to use, and as intuitive as anyone could hope for. Reviewers were stunned at the sleekness and stylishness of the black / silver remote, and found that the button layout, LCD screen, and overall functionality were all "top notch." Additionally, they found the system incredibly simple to set up, claiming that wireless connections were set and ready to rock "within seconds." While piping audio from internet radio streams, iTunes / MusicMatch playlists, and using the included StreamPoint software, the crew declared its operations seamless from 100 feet away. The only digs came from the inability to search from the remote, no loop scrolling, and the apparent inoperability with Macs. Overall, however, the system was deemed a glorious success, and was said to be an excellent value for those looking to channel their audio to that svelte home stereo for just $250.
Gamexpert takes a note from Apple, intros PSP Hifi
It's not as if Apple needs the validation, but peeps in Cupertino: you made it. It's weird enough when companies rip product designs and preface every product with the letter "i," but "peripheral specialist" Gamexpert has gone to the next level by coating what appears to be an iPod Hi-Fi in a glossy black finish, slapping a PSP dock on top, and having the nerve to price it higher than Apple's (first-party) original. The self-proclaimed "ultimate sound experience" for your handheld Sony, the PSP Hifi houses two midrange drivers, a down-firing subwoofer, an aux input (for your iPod, perhaps?), a uninspiring 23 watts of total amplification, and, of course, a place to rest (and charge) your Sony device. While you even get a wireless remote to control the tunes from across the way, claims like "maximum bass extension" paired with its inability to thump below 50Hz seem a tad suspect. Nevertheless, the £199.99 ($376) PSP Hifi will be vying for your accessorizing wallet when it hits stores -- and mostly higher octaves -- soon enough. [Via Tech Digest]
