sound-system
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Altec Lansing's Octiv Stage iPad speaker dock is delightfully understated
Better late than never, right? That's the mantra that Altec Lansing is following with the introduction of the Octiv Stage. It's certainly not the first iPad-specific sound system on the market, but it's definitely one of the least invasive. Color us crazy, but we're thinking this subtle guy could actually sneak away in a rear corner of your home without drawing unnecessary amounts of attention to it, and we get the feeling that's exactly what Altec's after. Designed to operate in both portrait and landscape modes (courtesy of a rotating connection arm), this here dock can also tilt back and forward to give you lots of viewing angles. It's out today for a somewhat understandable $149.95, and just in case your long lost cousin busts out a Zune, the 3.5mm auxiliary jack will ensure that no one's made to feel ashamed. No promises on that last one, though. %Gallery-107493%
Soundfreaq's SFQ-01 Bluetooth audio system exemplifies gorgeous
Can't say we've ever heard of Soundfreaq, but it's safe to say said company has our attention now. The newly introduced SFQ-01 Bluetooth audio system is easily one of the most stunning we've seen, and since it accepts BT commands, it'll play nice with just about any mobile phone and / or PMP in the modern era. As for aural qualifications, you're looking at Kevlar-reinforced balanced drivers (2.75-inch), an acoustically tuned dual-port chamber and a UQ3 spatial enhancement processor, all of which presumably combine to deliver pure nirvana straight to your ear canal. Doubly so if listening to Cobain. You'll also find an inbuilt FM radio tuner as well as a 3.5 millimeter auxiliary input, but you won't spot the unit itself anywhere other than Target; it'll ship there later this month for $199. %Gallery-106202%
Onkyo's CS-V645 and CS-445 mini stereos offer iPod dock, a pinch of retro
Onkyo's got a knack for dishing out new kit with a semblance of yesteryear in the design, and we've got to say -- we dig it. The company's latest are designed for minuscule offices, studio apartments and your everyday bedroom, with the CS-V645 DVD / CD mini system leading the way. This guy's got an iPod / iPhone docking station on the top, a USB port on the front, built-in FM radio tuner and support for MP3, WMA, JPEG, and DivX file formats. It'll also upscale content to 1080p over the HDMI output, and in case you were worried about getting up each time to alter the station, a remote is bundled in for good measure. The CD-only CS-445 is practically identical save for its incompatibility with DVD and the removal of its USB socket, but as with its older brother, it boasts a 40-watt amplifier and a pair of two-way loudspeakers. The CS-V645 is expected to crash in early December for $399, while the CS-445 reaches retailers this month for $329. %Gallery-106827%
JBL brings the twist to On Stage IV and On Stage Micro III iPod sound docks
We're guessing that we'll be seeing these iPod sound systems at the bottom of our Lucky Charms boxes next year, but JBL's trying to milk things while it still can. The company has just unleashed a new pair of iPod / iPhone-compatible sound systems, the On Stage IV and On Stage Micro III. Strangely enough, they look fairly identical, but the latter just so happens to be the more portable of the two (shocker!). The new duo sports a unique twisted base, with the On Stage IV housing four Odyssey transducers and having the ability to operate on a six-pack of AA batteries; the smaller Micro III uses just two Odyssey transducers, but it can pump out the jams for 24 hours on just four AAA batteries. Each one ships with an IR remote, touch volume controls and a built-in stereo mini-jack input for connecting those other PMPs you've got sitting around. The On Stage IV is expected to ship soon for $179.95, while the little guy goes for $119.95.%Gallery-104937%
iLuv's iMM747 iPad speaker dock keeps it classy, classic
iLuv has a long history of cranking out too many iDevice speaker docks to count, so we can't say we're shocked to see 'em pushing out an option that's suitable for the iPad. It's tough to make one of these actually look respectable when it's hoisting a 9.7-inch tablet in place of a pocket-friendly PMP, but the iMM747 actually looks fairly decent. There's a triple driver speaker network, a radiator subwoofer, an auxiliary line input (3.5mm) and a 30-pin Dock Connector that'll also play nice with your iPhone and / or iPod. If you're in the market, it'll be splashing down in the next few days for $149.99.
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%
Onkyo's HT-S7300 and HT-S6300 HTIB bundles are totally ready for 3D, man
Shocker of shockers -- Onkyo has outed a pair of home-theater-in-box bundles, and both of 'em are 3D ready. Crazy, ain't it? The HT-S6300 and HT-S7300 both have 3D-ready HDMI-1.4a inputs, 1080p video upscaling, lossless Dolby and DTS high definition audio, Dolby height processing, Audyssey automatic room equalization and seven total loudspeakers (plus a subwoofer). The primary difference between the two is the pair of 41-inch tall floorstanders that come with the S7300, as both systems ship with a 7 x 130W amplifier and a 290W subbie. As expected, there's also an outboard dock for iPod and iPhone, and the Faroudja DCDi Cinema processor should keep upscaled content looking its very best. The duo is available now for $749 and $899, respectively, and the full presser awaits just past the break should you find yourself interested.
iPod nano modded to play inside 8-track player, blow minds with ease (video)
Oh, sure -- they've a place in history, but the 8-track ain't got nothing on the record player when it comes to retro audio sources. This, however, is no vanilla 8-track deck. The Mad Hacker decided to add a little 2-oh-oh-to-the-dime to his Channel Master by modding a Beach Boys deck to connect to his iPod nano. He even threw a headphone socket and USB port on the front for listening on the go and charging (respectively), but the real amazement comes when you plug the thing in. Somehow or another, he hacked the 8-track to transfer iPod signals into the antediluvian source, providing a bona find plug-and-play solution that's (way) more awesome than practical. Seriously, it needs to be seen to be believed -- lucky for you, the video demonstration is just a click away.
Eton Soulra iPod sound system is rugged, splash-proof and solar-powered
Solar-powered sound systems are certainly nothing new, but Etón has taken things a bit further than most with its new Soulra system, which not only adds an iPhone / iPod dock to the equation, but wraps it in a rugged, splash-proof enclosure. That obviously makes it better suited for the beach or pool-side than some other options, but you'll also naturally get an AC adapter and line-in to use it at home and connect other audio devices. Not much else in the way of technical specs just yet, unfortunately, but it looks like it should be available in the coming days for $199 -- Etón actually says "now," but most retailers seem to be saying otherwise. Full press release is after the break.
Bose simplifies surround sound setup with Lifestyle systems, charges dearly for it
So, you've got a few options here. Do a little research and piece together your own surround system, hire a voyeur from Geek Squad to do it for you, or just hire a live-in technician to handle both present and future issues. Whatever you settle on, you can pretty much rest assured that it'll be cheaper than forking out for one of Bose's hilariously overpriced Lifestyle systems. In typical Bose fashion, the company is introducing a new trio of 5.1 rigs (the V35, V25 and T20), each of which utilize a new "Unify" technology that is said to make "connecting speakers and sources, programming remotes, and accessing content easier and faster than ever before." And by that, they mean "we'll show you pictures of the connectors on your television screen." Each setup comes with a handful of tiny, cube-like speakers and a surely unimpressive Acoustimass bass module, and if you're hoping to find detailed specifications -- you know, things like RMS, impedance, frequency response range and other vital audio statistics -- we wish you the best of luck. Oh, but here's a few figures that are being handed down: $3,299, $2,499 and $1,999. Yeah, those are the MSRPs in order of mention, and amazingly, we aren't kidding.
Sony magically adds third dimension to new soundbars, 5.1 sound system
The 3.1 channel HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 soundbars a) don't require special glasses to use and b) look fairly flat to us, but -- along with the 1,000 watt HT-SF470 5.1 surround system -- but the magic is in their HDMI repeaters (three inputs, one output) capable of 3D and standby passthrough just like Sony's latest higher end equipment. The 400 watt HT-CT350 steps it up by shipping with a mounting bracket that affixes it to bottom of select 40-inch (and up) 2010 BRAVIA HDTVs, while the 340 watt HT-CT150 attaches to select 32-inch sets. You'll also find LPCM support via HDMI and BRAVIA Sync compatibility, and if you're drinking the Kool-Aid, you can find the 40-inch CT350 on sale next month for $400, the 32-inch CT150 retailing for around $300 and the 5.1 SF470 hitting shops in June for $550. %Gallery-91405%
Philips breathes new life into home stereos with SoundSphere
Philips has been on somewhat of a roll with new releases overseas, and the outfit's new SoundSphere might just be the most intriguing yet. Generally speaking, home stereos don't do much for us, but the minty fresh MCi900 and MCD900 definitely add a fresh touch on an age-old concept. Both systems are equipped with a pair of speakers, 100 watts of amplification and "free floating" tweeters that are outside of the enclosure. The shells themselves are molded from a single piece of aluminum, and there's also an integrated CD player and USB socket on the both of 'em. The former gets a Streamium logo and a 160GB hard drive, support for internet radio and wireless streaming with networked PCs or Macs. There's no mention of a price just yet, and potentially more disheartening, no indication that we unimportant Americans will ever see it on our soil. %Gallery-86405%
Mr. Ed-approved My Pet Speaker lets your stable rock softly, safely
File this one in the "you've got to be kidding me" category. Just in case you're terrified of your dog, cat, horse or Russian grizzly bear getting "put on alert" by the "jarring volumes and piercing sounds" that are generally emitted from your boombox, there's now a solution to your specific quandary. Pet Acoustics has just introduced the My Pet Speaker, an omni-directional sound system that contains a 4-inch driver, reduced bass levels and the extraordinary ability to "disburse music in 360 degrees recreating how animals hear in nature." Not good enough? The buttons are even positioned in the rear to keep your animals from skipping the awful tracks in your chosen playlist, and the "stable case design prevents easy knock down by pets." If you're a particular type of sucker (or you just enjoy hearing music with no bottom end whatsoever), you can claim your own in secret next month for $249.95. Rock on, Rosie.
Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini impressions
Bowers & Wilkins isn't a name that's generally associated with "mere mortals." Sure, you'll find B&W gear within palatial mansions and the drool-worthy motorcars, but by and large, these guys stick to the high-end and never bother coming down to the level of the layperson. Thanks to Apple, it seems that even this company couldn't resist the temptation of pumping out its own iPod sound system, with the Zeppelin Mini being the second that it has sold. At $399.99 (MSRP), this one is positioned alongside more pricey options like Bose's SoundDock, JBL's On Stage 400P, Altec Lansing's Mix iMT800, iHome's iP1 and Boston Acoustics' i-DS3. As is typical with B&W gear, the Zeppelin Mini is nothing short of beautiful, but do the acoustics really match the design? Read on for a few of our impressions. %Gallery-80388%
JVC gets tubular with XS-SR3 iPod speaker dock
Not that we haven't seen an elongated iPod sound system before, but we've definitely yet to see one as totally bodacious as this. JVC has just slung out its XS-SR3 iPod speaker dock, which -- like B&W's Zeppelin Mini -- can hold your iPhone / iPod vertically or horizontally. JVC claims this little trick better enables users to view videos in widescreen form, while the 5-watts of power are sure to blow your skin back when cranked to 11. Other specs include a bundled remote and two audio inputs (one analog, one digital), and if you're even mildly interested, you can check it out later this month for $149.95. %Gallery-80419%
Sonos ZonePlayer S5 all-in-one speaker system now available
We managed to get a early hands-on look at Sonos' new S5 all-in-one speaker system last month, and if that got you intrigued you'll no doubt be pleased to know that the rig is now available in the US for the slightly premium price of $399. That will get you all the usual wireless connectivity you'd expect from a Sonos ZonePlayer (minus the need to purchase additional speakers), plus support for the Sonos Controller iPhone app (but no actual iPhone / iPod dock), and of course some "room-filling" sound, which we found did actually live up to its promise. Still confused about the whole thing? Head on past the break for a video.
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.
Yamaha's PDX-60 wireless iPod / iPhone dock adds yAired to the lexicon
Sony's got its S-AIR, Yamaha has its yAired -- so, what of it? The outfit famous for making just about everything from ATVs to wicked soundbars has today introduced a classy addition to the oversaturated iPod / iPhone sound system market: the PDX-60. Apple loyalists simply dock their media player in the wireless base and watch as the tunes are streamed effortlessly into the magical box on the other side. There's also remote control capability for keeping tabs on that playlist whilst planted on the sofa, and the dock can even power on and off automatically with "yAired-enabled iPhones / iPods." The music maker itself boasts a pair of 3.25-inch speakers and a digital amplifier of undisclosed wattage, and it's available in black, gray, blue or pink for $299.95. So, any takers, or are you stickin' with Bose?
LG's 5.1 HB954SP Blu-ray HTIB system makes room for your iPod or iPhone
If you've somehow managed to hold out from joining into the HTIB revolution, the time for caving is upon you. LG has just tapped Sir Mark Levinson to engineer the acoustics behind its latest bundle, the HB954SP. Packing a 5.1-channel sound system that includes 1,000 total watts of power, a quintet of oval drivers and a ported subwoofer, the system gets direction from a BD-Live-enabled Blu-ray player that's actually a fair bit more stylish than the tried-and-true black rectangle. You'll also find a pair of HDMI inputs, an iDock function for charging and controlling your iPod / iPhone right from the BD deck, 1080p upscaling of traditional DVDs, touch sensitive controls, a USB port for loading up external media and an optical audio input. There's nary a mention of price, but it should splash down this November for a hefty premium.
WoW Rookie: A computer to love WoW with
New around here? WoW Rookie points WoW's newest players to the basics of a good start in the World of Warcraft. Send us a note to suggest a WoW Rookie topic, and be sure to visit WoW.com's WoW Rookie Guide for links to all our tips, tricks and how-to's.WoW Rookie has already answered the first question asked by so many new players when they realize "You know, I think I'd like to have my own characters and my own account -- but will my computer run WoW?" This week, we'll burrow into the next level: "We've been engaged for months now. I'm in love, I'm committed, I'm of legal age (level 80, baby!) and I'm ready to drop some cash. What should I be looking for in a computer system to settle down in?" If you're not into PvP, you may have missed PvP specialist Zach Yonzon's excellent series this summer on gearing up for PvP. But wait -- this is no in-game gear guide. Surprise! It's a look at the best hardware for running World of Warcraft. Whether you enjoy PvP or PvE content, here's a look at the gear that'll deliver the eye-popping, mind-blowing, mouse-clicking madness you crave for endgame WoW performance.