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This stunning iPhone amplifier is as fragile as it is gorgeous
We all know the old "toss your iPhone in a mug" trick to making your smartphone's speaker output a bit more beefy, but if you're willing to spend some serious coin, Aric Snee might have what you're looking for. The talented designer has crafted an all-glass iPhone amplifier that not only gives your music some added oomph, but looks great doing it. The freestanding, dual-sided work of art is handmade using traditional glass blowing techniques to create a seamless look. It's rather large, and certainly not something you'd want to put on a table where your cats might knock it off, but if you have a safe spot for it, it would definitely fit in with just about any decor. You can order it directly from Snee's online shop, but as I mentioned above, it's not easy on the wallet: You'll have to shell out a cool US$325 for the privilege of putting this beauty on your counter.
Sony's CMT-CX5BiP HiFi system takes a style cue from the S2
Leave it to Sony to deliver odd-ball futuristic designs. The company's latest CMT-CX5 "HiFi" system sure is a looker, and could easily be mistaken as the lovechild of its S2 tablet and B&W's Zeppelin. This made for iPhone rig packs 40 watts of RMS power in its modular design with removable speakers, and can also be wall-mounted if you've cluttered your bookshelves. To get the jams flowing, you'll find an iDevice dock, CD player, USB and aux-in ports, as well as FM and DAB / DAB+ radio tuners; Sony's also added in its Dynamic Sound Generator X-tra processing if you want to give your music a slap of vibrance. You'll be able to pick up the CX5 in either black or white from the UK beginning in August, although pricing remains to be seen. For now, feel free to skim the PR past the break while you decide.
Sony intros G-Series micro HiFi iPhone / iPod systems, blends retro looks with modern features
Sony's got a reputation for pumping out forwardly-designed wares, but its new G-Series micro HiFi systems are a blast from the past -- at a glance, anyway. Both rigs are MP3 and iPhone / iPod-compatible via USB and will be available in two different configurations. To start, the CMT-G1BiP / G1iP feature 60 watts of RMS power with DAB packed into the former for those who find only having AM/FM is passé. Next up, the CMT-G2BNiP / G2NiP add WiFi for getting your stream on from the Web or a PC and can be remote-controlled with a free iOS app. The "HiFi" moniker mixed with iPod connectivity might have audiophiles raising a brow to sound quality, but the brushed metal console and its piano-gloss satellites are lookers none-the-less. A single variant is currently listed on the Sony UK site, although there's not a squeak regarding cost or release dates. For now, we'll refer you to the PR after the break.
Audyssey Audio Dock: South of Market Edition offers high-end Bluetooth music streaming for your phone
It's not every day our interest is piqued by an iPhone / iPod speaker dock, but when the folks at Audyssey told us they were entering the space with their new South of Market Edition, our ears perked up. You're probably familiar with Audyssey if you're into home theater at all -- the company's automatic EQ system is in all sorts of receivers -- and the SOM dock promises the same sort of tuned audio performance you'd expect from the company. It also offers a little twist: you can pair your phone or computer via Bluetooth for both streaming music and making speakerphone calls with the built-in mic. Neat -- although at $399 it's definitely pricey. We spent a few minutes playing with a review sample, and it certainly does what's promised, although we were told our voices sounded quite muddled when we made a speakerphone call. Music-wise, the SOM gets quite loud and the two large bass drivers certainly offered plenty of punch; audio quality over Bluetooth was definitely passable, and we managed a pretty respectable 30-foot line-of-sight range when streaming music, although plugging directly in definitely improved the sound. Of course, spending $399 on a Bluetooth speaker dock for your iPhone right now when AirPlay-compatible devices are right around the corner definitely seems like a bad idea, but if you're just looking for an attractive and great-sounding speaker dock to charge your iPhone in the office and you can swing the price, the SOM is well worth a look. More images in the gallery and PR after the break.
Altec Lansing inMotion Classic iMT620 iPhone stereo review
We've been playing with the Altec Lansing inMotion Classic iMT620 for a few days now, and before you think "man, not another iPhone stereo dock," look again. It was (mostly) love at first sight when we spotted this mini boombox -- sharp corners and minimalism are what Altec Lansing does best these days, and the hint of retro isn't hurting anyone, either. Like the iMT620's predecessors, the inMotion series still bears the portability hallmark in the form of a built-in battery (up to five hours for this model), and now with the addition of a multifunctional handle as well. But is it really worth the $149 tag? Read on to find out.
Logitech introduces new Pure-Fi docks and Z-5 speakers
Looks like the 70s are back -- Altec Lansing just shifted its entire branding to black / brown, and now Logitech's going with a similar retro look on two new Pure-Fi docks and the Z-5 speakers. The battery-powered Pure-Fi Express Plus portable system features an omnidirectional sound field that's supposed to provide stereo sound in all directions, while the tabletop Pure-Fi Anytime alarm clock (pictured) features motion-activated backlit controls -- including wave-to-snooze, which sounds incredibly dangerous. Both docks will retail for $100 when they hit in October. The X-5 speakers are USB-powered computer speakers enhanced with the same omnidirectional sound tech in the Pure-Fi Express Plus, they'll be out later this month for $100 as well. Pics of the Pure-Fi Express Plus and the Z-5s after the break.[Via iPodNN]Read - Pure-Fi AnytimeRead - Pure-Fi Express PlusRead - Z-5
