http://www.electronichouse.com/topic/tag/Speaker en feeds@ehpub.com Copyright 2010 2013-05-08T13:47:37+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/wilson_audio_delivers_revamped_duette_series_2/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/wilson_audio_delivers_revamped_duette_series_2/#When:13:47:37Z New cabinet, dedicated stand add to striking compact speaker’s design.

Wilson Audio might be more known for its imposing tower speakers, but the Utah-based manufacturer can delve into the bookshelf speaker world with the same vigor. Case in point is the newly announced Duette Series 2 model, a striking update on the compact Duette speaker that the company originally made in 2006. The Duette 2 hasn’t even made its way to Wilson Audio’s website yet, with an expected launch in June and more details still to come (here’s a look at the predecessor). But the company provided some words about the Duette Series 2 while teasing it through a social media announcement, and it certainly looks to have the unique Wilson design stamp for this speaker category. Wilson says that the cabinet is new, with a front baffle angled at around 10 degrees to align the tweeter and woofer, as “the primary goal was to greatly enhance the time-domain performance of Duette.” In terms of construction, Wilson Audio notes that the cabinet, including the internal bracing, is made from the company’s composite X-material, while the baffle features its latest S-material. Tweeter technology in the Duette Series 2 includes some trickle-down work from Wilson’s Alexia loudspeaker. According to the company: “The Duette Series 2’s tweeter performance is enhanced by the inclusion of the rear wave chamber from Wilson’s Convergent Synergy Tweeter. The rear tweeter baffle is borrowed from the Alexia version of Wilson’s CST design. The wave chamber substantially reduces chamber-born diffraction. Reducing these artifacts greatly lowers the noise floor, and results in higher treble resolution. Detail naturally emerges from a grainless, black background.” Part of the gorgeous design is the dedicated stand that Wilson paid close attention to so it could optimize the speaker’s placement, it says. The speaker itself is bolted to the stand. “The new Series 2 Dedicated Stand seamlessly integrates the separate Novel crossover, and provides captive dressing for the umbilical. Greater attention has been paid to the draining of resonances away from the Duette,” Wilson says.   Here’s a nice little introductory video that Wilson Audio put together for the announcement: See Also: Three Great Audiophile Listening Rooms Wilson Audio Speakers Throughout Award-Winning Home Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter. Speakers, Product News 2013-05-08T13:47:37+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hands_on_audioxperts_4k_2112_audio_entertainment_console/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hands_on_audioxperts_4k_2112_audio_entertainment_console/#When:14:58:45Z The industrial design of the 2112 4TV Audio Entertainment Console complements flat-panel TVs.

AudioXperts is a new company, but it is led by an executive team headed up by Eli Harary, who has decades of experience. One of the first products the company showed last fall at CEDIA Expo 2012 was its 4TV 2112 Audio Entertainment Console. This product is designed to place a TV on top of the unit’s cabinet to serve as an all-in-one speaker solution that doesn’t need wall-mounting accessories. With an external appearance that is highlighted by smoked glass, aluminum and a gloss-black finish, the 2112’s industrial design intends to complement flat-panel TVs. Internally, the 2.1 speaker system incorporates an amplifier section that delivers 200 watts of RMS power and 350 watts of peak power. The 2112’s multidriver array includes dual 20mm tweeters with four of AudioXperts’ HART midrange drivers and four 4.5-inch long-throw woofers. The unit’s rear panel features one optical and one digital coax input; a single set of analog inputs, as well as a single USB input and 1/8-inch mini-stereo input. The 2112 also offers DTS and Dolby processing options, and the company’s own Enhanced Dialog processing. Other features include Bluetooth streaming that’s bolstered by the aptX codec, touch-sensitive user interface and a learning remote control. The 2112 is a big product. Weighing about 55 pounds, the system measures more than 40 inches wide and 17 inches deep, just over 2 inches tall, and because of its girth, the 2112 can be awkward for a single person to unpack and install. After setting the speaker on my bedroom stand, I placed my 26-inch LCD TV on top of it and ran a coax cable from my cable box into the coax input, and I attempted to run an optical cable from my Blu-ray player to the unit. I finished up by plugging in my Apple USB charging cable for my iPhone and I plugged in the unit and powered it up. After trying out the cable and Blu-ray player, I noticed my Sony Blu-ray player’s image was skipping and erratic. I figured out that for some reason the player didn’t like the optical output, so I swapped the optical cable for a set of Transparent RCA cables and reconfigured its audio output for analog audio. I am not certain why this glitch occurred, but using the analog inputs solved the problem. Next, I installed the lazy Susan feature by placing the option underneath the speaker and tightening a couple of screws. This feature allows users to angle their TVs into better viewing position. With the connections set, I fine-tuned the setup by adjusting the unit’s equalization (EQ) curves and bass level by choosing the TV/Movie setting, and I set the bass level at the 2 o’clock position. I will admit that I am always skeptical of these products because I believe that the only way to get surround sound is to use multiple speakers. But watching movies like “Tinkerbell: Secret of the Wings” with my wife and kids, I felt the 2112 brought an enhanced audio experience to movie watching in my bedroom. This was further confirmed while watching a broadcast of Sunday Night Football. Listening to the game at a lower volume level persuaded me to use the speaker’s enhanced dialog option, which better focuses vocals at the expense of surround immersion. Getting into some music listening, I used the USB input to play back music stored on my iPhone. Feeling compelled to play Rush’s “2112” album to honor the name of the AudioXperts product, I heard lots of midrange clarity and detail. I did detect a slight bit of upper bass emphasis and a touch of top-end tinny-ness. I can’t say conclusively that the upper bass emphasis was the speaker; what I was hearing could have been due to the speaker system’s placement within the room. My only word of caution is that it is not a replacement for a traditional multichannel system, and it will not fill medium and large rooms with sound. Some users may also complain about the touch-sensitive interface. Once I got used to the interface, I didn’t have a problem, but it will take users some time to adjust to the way it reacts in normal usage situations. With all of that said, it is a solution a great many homes could happily use to solve their sound dilemmas. Specs All-in-one speaker system Produces 200 watts RMS power, peaks of 350 watts Incorporates multiple midrange drivers and woofers, dual tweeters Decodes Dolby Digital and DTS bitstreams Supports aptX Bluetooth standard wireless audio MSRP $2,000 Pros Slick industrial design Solid sound quality Ability to accompany variety of TVs makes versatile Cons Another digital output would be nice Bulkiness can be tough for single-person install Here’s a video about the product: Related reviews: Sonos PLAYBAR Soundbar Atlantic Technology PowerBar 235 H-PAS Soundbar B&W A7 AirPlay Wireless Music System Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.   Speakers, Entertainment, Review 2013-03-29T14:58:45+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/beem_wireless_provides_sound_for_every_plug/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/beem_wireless_provides_sound_for_every_plug/#When:15:45:33Z The new outlet speaker is available now.

Apparently, there are a lot of music lovers that don’t want to rely on rechargeable power for an on-the-go fix. Now, manufacturers are trying to come up with a portable speaker that also needs its power source. Firmly following in the footsteps of JBL’s SoundFly, bēm wireless has started shipping its Outlet Speaker. That’s actually the product’s official name, which makes perfect sense since it works in conjunction with any standard outlet. It also works with Bluetooth, wirelessly accepting music from any smartphone, tablet or other compatible source. According to bēm wireless, the speaker is about the size of a juice box. Just plug it in at the home or office, and start streaming. It boasts a range up to 25 feet. Because it has a built-in power adapter, it never needs to be charged. Other features include a USB port, aux in and aux out options, and a soft touch finish. “Our thought behind the outlet speaker is to enhance the consumer’s everyday life.  We believe big sound doesn’t necessarily need to come from a big speaker,” says Bryan Katzel, bēm’s director of marketing and product development. “The beauty behind the outlet speaker is in its simplicity.  Plug it in while cooking dinner without taking up any counter space, stick it in an outlet behind your desk at work to hear your favorite tunes to spark your creativity, or tuck it behind the living room couch to fill your home with great music.” Available in black or white, the Outlet Speaker is shipping now with an MSRP of $99.99. Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter. Speakers, Entertainment, Home Theater, Product News 2013-02-14T15:45:33+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/westinghouse_debuts_unplug_bluetooth_speaker/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/westinghouse_debuts_unplug_bluetooth_speaker/#When:15:28:29Z The wireless option is designed for music, movies, phone and conference calls.

Westinghouse Digital is the latest to add a wireless speaker to its lineup. The Unplug has Bluetooth built-in, so users can stream audio from any compatible device—including a smartphone or tablet. However, the Unplug isn’t just another Bluetooth speaker; it’s a Bluetooth speaker that can fit in the palm of your hand. Featuring proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) and Ultra Bass Boost circuitry, the Unplug is designed for playtime anywhere. It also doubles as a speakerphone for standard calls, Skype or another calling service, with a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone. Other features include a frequency response that extends down to 60HZ and a 3.5mm stereo audio connection. Promising up to 10 hours of playtime, the Unplug boasts a fingerprint and scratch-resistant rubberized surface. It also has its own carrying case. “We did a tremendous amount of work developing improved audio technologies for our TV line, and were able to achieve genuinely impressive reproduction in miniaturized form,” says Rey Roque, senior VP of marketing at Westinghouse Digital. “The results were so successful that we were able to extend them to dedicated audio products like our new wireless Bluetooth sound system. You simply have to hear it first hand to believe what’s possible from a compact and affordable component.” Westinghouse says that the Unplug will be come in black, white, red and silver. The company has yet to announce when the speaker will be available, but says it will sell with an MSRP of $99.99. Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter. Speakers, Entertainment, Product News 2013-02-06T15:28:29+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/dealer_event_wilson_audio_audio_research_at_audio_concepts/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/dealer_event_wilson_audio_audio_research_at_audio_concepts/#When:15:57:48Z If you’re in the Dallas area, you can be in audiophile bliss tonight by visiting Audio Concepts.

We recently shared with you a very cool video made by high-performance manufacturer Wilson Audio about how one music fan went from MP3s to audiophile, with a bit of help from the Utah-based speaker company as well as custom electronics pro Definitive Audio. If you want to experience the sound of Wilsons for yourself—and specifically the company’s aforementioned recent addition, the Alexias—you’re in luck if you live in the Dallas area. Custom A/V shop Audio Concepts at 11661 Preston Road in Dallas is holding an event from 5 to 8 p.m. tonight (Wednesday, Jan. 30) local time that will showcase the stellar combination of the Alexias combined with gear from similarly well-respected components manufacturer Audio Research. Judging by its Facebook page, Audio Concepts just got the Wilson Alexias in last month (nice Christmas present!) and the Audio Research equipment just days ago (more un-boxing nirvana). Audio Concepts notes that John Giolas from Wilson Audio and Dave Gordon from Audio Research will be on hand during the demo event, and that the AR gear includes the REF10 two-chassis tube preamp and REF CD9 CD player / DAC. Oh, and if you’re into vinyl—and chances are if you’re attending the event you might be—you’ll likely hear some glorious analog through the system via the AMG Viella turntable pictured in the shop’s rack (image credit: Audio Concepts). Contact Audio Concepts at (214) 360-9520 for more details on the event. Here’s Wilson’s YouTube clip announcing the Alexias, for a teaser on those: Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter. AV Components, Speakers, Home Theater, Info & Answers 2013-01-30T15:57:48+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/bang_olusfen_on-wall_speakers_tilt_automatically/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/bang_olusfen_on-wall_speakers_tilt_automatically/#When:04:04:25Z Motorized tilt speaker and sub lets you directs sound where you want it.

Bang & Olufsen today at the International Consumer Electronic Show showcased a unique in-wall subwoofer and speaker design that’ll have your guests guessing about their true identities. The integrated speaker solution is comprised of two-way active speakers (BeoLab 15), an active subwoofer (BeoLab 16) and a rack-ready amplifier (Amplifier 1)-all created specifically for in-wall or in-ceiling placement. The design of the BeoLab 15 speaker is distinct but discreet, with a motorized tilt function that directs audio where you want it. Turn on the system, and the speaker automatically tilts out to pre-set angles (up to 45 degrees from the original flush position) to direct the sound for optimal listening. Turn off the system, and BeoLab 15 tilts back to flush position. BeoLab 15 is a closed-cabinet, two-way active speaker with a ¾” tweeter and a 3” midrange. Each driver in the system’s active speakers is powered by its own amplifier. “This active built-in sound solution was conceived for installations where people want great sound without having to find room for freestanding speakers,” explains Bang & Olufsen product manager, Michael Jensen. “The combination of two speakers and a subwoofer – all built-in, all with drivers powered by separate amps – deliver a premium sound experience throughout the room. Additionally, the motorized tilt adds a touch of practical magic to enhance the listening experience.” The BeoLab 16 active subwoofer is designed in the same circular shape as the speakers, and comprises two pairs of 4” woofers separate sealed cabinets. Rounding out the system is Amplifier 1, which contains six separate amplifiers. Two Class D units rated at 2 x 150 watts power up the subwoofer. Each BeoLab 15 gets 150 watts for the midrange, and 45 watts for the tweeter. The new BeoLab 15, BeoLab 16 and Amplifier 1 sound solution is available at selected Bang & Olufsen stores from January 2013. Priced at $4595 for the entire solution – pair of BeoLab 15 speakers, BeoLab 16 and the Amplifier 1. Follow Electronic House on Facebook and Twitter.   Speakers, CES, Home Theater, Product News 2013-01-09T04:04:25+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/sonos_play3_system_giveaway/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/sonos_play3_system_giveaway/#When:13:16:21Z Make the holidays more musical with a Sonos Wireless system

You’ve heard us rave about Sonos products before. If not, you can check out our reviews here, here and here. Now we’ve got a great way for you to experience Sonos for yourself (or someone else). Electronic House and Sonos are offering a Sonos PLAY:3 system sweepstakes. The system includes a Sonos PLAY:3 wireless speaker and a Sonos Bridge. When you enter the contest please answer the short survey questions so we can learn more about how our readers use and interact with music and movies. Enter the contest here. Learn more about Sonos here. Good Luck. Networking, Speakers, Entertainment, Enhancements, Press Release 2012-11-21T13:16:21+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hot_deal_infinity_pc351_primus_center-channel_speaker_189.99/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/hot_deal_infinity_pc351_primus_center-channel_speaker_189.99/#When:14:47:09Z World Wide Stereo is slashing $110 off the price of Infinity’s three-way speaker.

Having a good center-channel speaker is essential in any type of audio setup. It can deliver great special effects, but is really about making that dialogue and those song lyrics all crystal clear. If all of that audio currently sounds a bit muddy to you, it may be time for an upgrade. Today would be a good day for that. We found the Infinity PC351 Primus Center-Channel Speaker on sale at World Wide Stereo. The company is offering to sell this speaker for just $189.99, which is $110 off the list price. Just know that to get the absolute lowest price possible, you will need to add in the coupon code DAILYDEAL. Infinity’s Primus PC351 center channel can deliver a lot of power for that price. It has a 3/4-inch tweeter, two 3-inch midranges, and two 5.25-inch woofers, all packed in a low-resonance enclosure. All five of those drivers also have Metal Matrix Diaphragm driver technology. That combination boasts a lot of good high frequencies and detailed midrange, at almost any volume level. Able to handle 150 watts, other features on the speaker include a frequency response of 80-20,000 Hz (±3dB), a sensitivity rating of 91dB, five-way binding posts, and a black woodgrain vinyl finish. Of course, Infinity recommends pairing the PC351 with the company’s P363 floor-standing speaker or P163 bookshelf speaker, as well as the PS38 subwoofer. However, those aren’t on sale—at least not today. For now, though, you can snag a nice center-channel speaker at a nice price. Just make sure to use the coupon code DAILYDEAL during checkout to get the absolute lowest price. Also, because this is World Wide Stereo’s Daily Deal, the offer is only good through today (Monday, June 14, 2012) or whenever the retailer runs out of stock. Electronic House Hot Deals are offered as an editorial service to readers. EH is not paid to promote Hot Deals and makes no guarantee on the accuracy of the product descriptions we find at the dealers’ sites, nor does EH verify that the site/dealer is an authorized reseller of the product or brand. Speakers, Entertainment, Home Theater, Product News 2012-06-18T14:47:09+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/klipsch_airplay_breaks_speaker_moldCES2012/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/klipsch_airplay_breaks_speaker_moldCES2012/#When:23:41:35Z nNew speaker lineup features airplay; functions as a piece of furniture

Klipsch today at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas introduced a prototype 2.1 speaker system that can be used also as a stand for a flat-panel TV or a piece of artwork. The console, slated for availability next winter, Hand built in Hope, Ark. where the brand was originally founded, the Klipsch Console provides plug n’ play functionality for music, movies and television, in addition to Airplay capabilities. Inputs include HDMI, optical and USB. Although the Console looks more like a piece of furniture than a speaker setup, it’s a high-performing audio piece. It utilizes dual 90° x 60° Tractrix Horns with 1.75-inch titanium dome, high-compression drivers featuring Linear Travel Suspension (LTS),10-inch machine-spun Cerametallic woofers with folded cones and huge motor structures, and 12-inch non-resonant, woven fiberglass subwoofer drivers with large, four-layer, aluminum-wound voice coils. It is expected to output 120 decibels. “It’s akin to sitting front row center at a live concert,” says Mark Casavant, Klipsch vice president of product development. It’s also a very sturdy and functional table, he continues. “It will have automotive-grade finishing and you can place anything on top of it and it won’t vibrate.” It measures 50 inches wide, about 30 inches tall and 18 inches deep. For added impact, the Klipsch Console can also be used as a center channel and subwoofer solution for more extensive home theater setups. It is expected to retail for around $6,000. The Console’s AirPlay capabilities make it a relevant for today’s music listeners, says Casavant, and it’s not the only new product in Klipsch’s line to have it. In addition to the Console, Klipsch also introduced “Reliance on Apple smart devices for day-to-day activity is at an all-time high and will only continue to grow as their capabilities become more novel,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO of Klipsch. Employing dual 1-inch tweeters with Round Tractrix horns and 2.5-inch woofers, the smaller Klipsch RoomGroove Air stereo music system ($500) was designed to deliver a lot of sound from a compact product. Housing a tuned port enclosure, the RoomGroove Air couples sonic clarity with unrivalled bass output to make the most of beloved music libraries. The Klipsch Stadium ($1,750) was created to ensure the convenience of portable music storage is accompanied by high-performance audio. The 2.1 tabletop sound solution features dual 1-inch, horn-loaded tweeters and 3-inch midrange woofers. In addition, these components are combined with dual 5.25-inch, built-in subwoofers to ensure premier bass output and sound quality. Showcasing brushed aluminum cabinetry with soft-touch accents, the high-design Klipsch Stadium harmonizes with any size and style living arrangement. The Groove and Stadium will be available in the fall.   Speakers, Energy Management, Product News 2012-01-09T23:41:35+00:00 http://www.electronichouse.com/article/soundfreaq_targets_audiophiles_with_sound_stack_bluetooth_speaker/Speaker http://www.electronichouse.com/article/soundfreaq_targets_audiophiles_with_sound_stack_bluetooth_speaker/#When:18:20:09Z Soundfreaq’s latest, largest speaker is compatible with the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry.

Audiophiles: Get ready to Freaq out. Soundfreaq just announced the new Soundfreaq Sound Stack, a speaker that accepts wireless audio streams from any Bluetooth-compatible device. With this latest announcement and the company’s own DubSub technology, Soundfreaq is hoping to interest the audiophile market. “After two years in development, we’re extremely proud of the acoustic bar that Sound Stack sets. It delivers power with detail, bringing instruments and voices closer to the listener than on any home system we’ve heard,” said Matthew Paprocki, Soundfreaq’s co-founder and creative director. “Throughout our testing, enthusiasts and artists alike have commented that they ‘can see the music being played.’ Combined with our industry-leading feature set and value, it’s a no-compromise product.” Soundfreaq says that this is the company’s largest speaker to date, featuring engineered Kevlar-reinforced drivers, a tuned triple-ported housing, and proprietary UQ3 spatial sound enhancement. It’s also got the aforementioned DubSub, which is a 2.2 speaker configuration that pairs two full-range drivers with two active subwoofers. The Sound Stack works with all Bluetooth-compatible devices including the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Blackberry. It also features docking and charging for those iOS products, as well as a universal USB-charging port. Besides your personal music, the Sound Stack can add a nice boost to services such as Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, HBO GO, Pandora, Spotify, and much more. Available now, Soundfreaq’s Sound Stack has a free compatible app for both Apple and Android devices. It retails for $399. AV Components, Gadgets, Entertainment, Product News 2011-11-03T18:20:09+00:00