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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.
XtremeMac Tango TRX iPod dock hopes you'll prefer Bluetooth to AirPlay
When you consider that there are probably loads of AirPlay-equipped speaker docks waiting in the wings, it's hard to get all giddy about XtremeMac's Tango TRX. Although the dock has... well, a dock and a line-in jack, it also packs Bluetooth 2.1. On the sound quality end, it boasts a 2.1 digital audio system along with midrange drivers, two dome tweeters and a subwoofer. We got a look at it yesterday, and its orange LED status lights and patterned sides make it fairly handsome, but we couldn't really get a handle on the acoustics as it was being demoed in a space with lots of loud and rowdy technology journalists. There's no physical remote included, but XtremeMac is offering a Tango TRX app. Of course, if you're streaming that music over Bluetooth you could just control it from the device itself, but the app does let you adjust the various EQ settings. The basic model will hit for about $180, but Apple will be carrying an exclusive TRX D version with a separate charging dock for $200. Hit the break for the full PR and the gallery below for a closer look. %Gallery-102465% %Gallery-102373%
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.
JVC unveils a wide array of ominous iPod docks
For those about to dock, JVC has plenty iPod / iPhone sound systems coming out this year. First off, the company has unloaded a pair of shelf systems with dual iPod docks that each sport a USB port for mass storage playback and the requisite audio input, video output, CD player, and AM/FM receiver. Either get the UX-F3 (60 watts) for $200 when it comes out in May, or drop $400 for the 230 watt NX-D2 with Sound Turbo for "wall-shaking, bone shattering, low frequency performance." (Woah!) For nano fans, the SP-A130 is a compact powered speaker available in the four iPod nano 5G colors. Get yours in March for $29.95. If you spend a lot of time in bed (or wakin' up), the new RD-N1 ($130) CD player/tuner/iPod dock is one-piece tuner / CD player /clock radio with front facing audio input. Available in April. If you want to save a few bucks, the RA-P1 eschews the CD player and is priced for $60. Available in April. Last but certainly not least, the JVC Kaboom! is an iPod dock / boombox with USB for external media playback, CD player (with WMA and MP3 playback), FM tuner, and front audio input. Available this month for $300. PR after the break.
Sharp announces HT-SB500 soundbar at CEDIA, some iPod docks too
Sharp mostly re-announced stuff we're already seen at CEDIA today, but it did have a new soundbar for us -- the $349 3.1-channel HT-SB500, which adds a center speaker to the usual stereo setup. Sharp says the bar can use Dolby Virtual Speaker to simulate 5.1 audio from DTS, Dolby Digital, and Pro Logic II sources, which is almost but not quite extremely interesting. There are also two new iPod docks, the $189 DK-AP8P and the $129 DK-AP7P, both of which should do a fine job of providing adequate audio on the go, with batteries that last up to six hours at a clip -- and the cheaper one apparently folds up into itself, so that's very fancy.P.S.- That's a picture of the older HT-SB300 up there -- the SB500 has a redesigned control panel, but Sharp hasn't released images yet.
Philips debuts Soundbar with Blu-ray, Home Theaters galore
If there's one thing we've always maintained here at Engadget, it's that "HD people are good people." Hell, we have a whole website devoted to HD, home entertainment, and the whole "HD lifestyle," only because you warm our hearts so much. And the folks at Philips are obviously on the same tip -- as proven not only by all the wonderful products of theirs that grace these pages regularly, but by all the surround sound gear they've schlepped to IFA this year, including: a new SoundBar with Ambisound, featuring a Blu-ray disc player, optional iPod dock, 7.1 surround sound, and DoubleBASS. Available in black (HTS8160B) or white (HTS8161B). Just the thing for those of you who think that a single speaker could somehow replace seven (plus one) in the surround sound stakes. Also on hand for the less credulous, the company is unveiling a number of home theater systems with the now-mandatory Blu-ray playback, including: three separate 5.1 surround affairs for folks with on varying budgets, and a two speaker / one sub combo for those of you who want to try out "Dolby Virtual Speaker" technology after all. If all this appeals to you, you have two options -- check out the PR (after the break) or hit the read link to sift through a wild'n'wooly PDF.
Retro Cassette Stereo Mini Speaker gives a (tinny) voice to iPods
Those poor, poor speakerless iPod Nanos, Minis and the like -- how long have they had to suffer without a set of ultra-awesome speakers to give life to their music? Sure, there've been plenty of pretenders for the crown, but nothing quite as elaborately detailed as this Retro Cassette Stereo Mini Speaker. You read that right folks, stereo -- that means two, count 'em, two sweetly ornate sources of utterly unimpressive sound. Has the iPhone 3GS got an app for that? 'Course not. Read link details the full features, such as blister packaging (always good to know), and provides you with the means to acquire one in exchange for $32. Most righteous, no? [Via Gear Diary]
Video: Panasonic SC-HC3 iPod stereo system hands-on
Panasonic had its slim SC-HC3 iPod / CD dock on display in its booth at CES so we made the long trek to LVCC's central hall from our sweet double-wide HQ. For some reason, they didn't have a single iPod available for us to test it with (go figure), but the thing wasn't lacking in the looks department. If you're interested, Panasonic's estimating availability for March at around $200. Still images of the system in action are available below, or peep some video of the sliding mechanism after the break.%Gallery-41396%
iHome debuts iP1 iPod / iPhone speaker system
iHome certainly isn't starved for iPod docks or speaker systems these days, but it looks like the company just couldn't pass up the opportunity of expanding its line-up at CES, and this new so-called iP1 system looks to be leading the way. At first glance, this one sure seems to hit most of the right marks, with it packing 100W of power, two four-inch woofers, two one-inch tweeters, and Bongiovi Acoustic's proprietary Digital Power Station processor, which iHome says helps make this the most advanced speaker system they've ever developed. You'll also get a standard AUX input to accommodate your other devices, plus an A/V output and, of course, a remote control. Unfortunately, there's no word of a price or release date just yet, but we're guessing iHome won't be holding onto those details for too much longer.[Via iLounge]
Speaker mod turns iPods into shells of their former selves
There's certainly plenty of reasons not to turn a pair of iPods into some portable speakers -- difficulty, inevitably poor sound quality, pains of regret -- but we're guessing that the sight of the creation above will prompt at least a few folks to start scavenging for parts. Apparently taking some lessons learned from previous Altoids tin speaker mods, Jordan Horwich crafted these for a total cost of $100, which includes the cost of some front and back iPod panels and some rather extravagant shipping rates. As you might expect, the entire project is a tad tricky, and involves a good bit of soldering, plus some Dremel work to make everything fit just right. Hit up the link below for the complete details and parts list.
Parrot intros Philippe Starck-designed Zikmu wireless speakers
We're not sure if he's been taking notes from fellow countryman Jean-Michel Jarre or not, but it looks like prolific designer Philippe Starck now has a tower-style speaker system to call his own. Considering that Starck has paired up with the wireless-minded folks at Parrot, however, there's a few more surprises in store with these Zikmu speakers -- namely, built-in WiFi and Bluetooth to accommodate your laptop or cellphone of choice. You will still get an iPod / iPhone dock, of course, along with a remote control (also designed by Starck), and some newfangled NXT technology that apparently "revolutionizes traditional acoustic design." All that comes at an expectedly premium price, however, with the speakers set to run $1,500 when they're released sometime in the spring. [Via Phone Arena]
Jean-Michel Jarre designed iPod speakers hit France
There's certainly no shortage of eye-catching iPod docks / speaker systems to choose from, but this new so-called AeroSystem is the only one to get Jean-Michel Jarre's stamp of approval, and that's enough to get at least a few folks to take notice (though we'll personally stick with our Joy Division Zune). In addition to being a conversation starter, the speaker unit also look to be capable enough audio-wise, with it packing two 20W RMS speakers and a 45W RMS subwoofer into its retro-inspired enclosure, plus a USB port and a 3.5mm jack to complement the requisite iPod dock connector. As far as these things go, it's also not too ridiculously expensive, with it running €450 (or close to $580), though you'll likely spend a bit more than that if you hope to get one of these out of France.[Via Gadget Lab]
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
Sony's latest boombox treats your iPod like a mixtape
We've seen the iPod-as-cassette-tape design in older speaker docks like Altec Lansing's inMotion iM7 bazooka tube before, but Sony's bringing it back with its new ZS-S4iP boombox, which appears designed for only iPhone and iPod touch owners. Apart from the novelty of hitting eject to insert and remove your player, it's pretty much the generically boring CD boombox it looks like, although you do get MP3 CD playback. It's preordering in black and white in Australia for about AU$179 ($142), should make it Stateside in October.
Philips intros the CinemaOne iPod / DVD soundbar
We suppose it was just a matter of time before iPod docks and HTIBs achieved some sort of unholy union, and their demonic lovechild has appeared at IFA -- say hello to the Philips CinemaOne. Essentially a mashup of an iPod speaker system, a DVD player, and a soundbar, it's designed to plug in to your flatscreen via HDMI and provide surround audio through five DSP-driven speakers and 4-inch sub, all in a package about the size of a football. The DivX-compatible DVD player seems decent, with 1080p scaling and Dolby Digital and DTS support, but even though the speakers use the same soundbar tech found in Philips' Ambisound line, we've got our doubts that this thing sounds any good -- most soundbars we've heard require a separate large sub to be effective. No pricing or release date yet, but we'd wait to actually hear this thing in person before we started to set aside spare change. Action shot after the break.
iLuv intros the iMM173 dual-dock iPod / iPhone alarm clock
Putting two iPhone / iPod docks in an alarm clock is a simple and clever idea that's so far only shown up in the JVC NX-PN7 (which we have and love), but it looks like iLuv's getting in the game as well with the new iMM173. Apart from the two shielded iPhone 3G-compatible docks up top, it's the usual iLuv kit with 5 watt jAura sound, an aux input, and dual alarms -- not a bad deal for an MSRP of $129 that'll almost certainly be lower at retail when this hits in September.
iPod building block speakers keep your dock connector company
Too busy to bother with external speakers for your iPod? Still can't shake that fascination with colored blocks after all these decades? Take heart, young buck, as the iPod building block speakers can keep that kid in you alive for a good bit longer -- though we aren't sure the audiophile in you will be too pleased. These non-powered "drivers" get amped after being plugged into an iPod's dock connector (sorry, iPhone users), but curiously enough, they only arrive in a single 2.5- x 1- x .75-inch form, which doesn't exactly fit flush against the last-gen nano. Nevertheless, those giddy about the notion of claiming a few as their own can pick 'em up in yellow, white, red, black, blue and green for $24.99 apiece.[Via BoingBoing]
Canton unveils DSS 303 iPod sound system
While there's a logjam of iPod speaker systems muddling up the $100 - $200 price range, Canton's looking to catch the eyes of those who prefer the somewhat finer things in life. The DSS 303 Digital Soundstation -- which is available in both black and white -- includes a pair of 4-inch aluminum cone woofers that handle frequencies from 38Hz to 25kHz, an AM / FM radio, clock, remote control, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary input and the obligatory iPod dock. There's also twin 1-inch fabric dome tweeters mounted on-axis with the woofers, and the internal amplifier is good for up to 50-watts per channel. Look for this one to land real soon for $499. %Gallery-19271%
iHome's iH69 computer / iPod speakers
We've seen a number of iPod speakers with pass-through dock connectors, but we've never really understood the point -- why would we listen to music on our iPod when we're already sitting at the computer, which has better speakers? iHome's latest rig, the iH69, tries to bring it all together, though, with an iPod dock integrated directly into a set of upright computer speakers. We're not sold on the idea until we actually hear 'em -- or we get a sub in the deal -- but those of you looking to save on some cable clutter should look for these bad boys to drop sometime in June.Update: iHome pinged to let us know that this thing is still in concept / prototype phase, and isn't a final design or even assured to be produced (so you can bet that the iH69 name isn't solid either).
