iHome iW1 – $299 “Perfect iPhone Match, No wires, no hassle, portable goodness.”

The iHome iW1 speaker offers quality sound easy with iPhone/iPad compatibility and is extremely portable. Get multiple iW1s for each room in your house and use Airplay to stream music to every room. While the sound from the iW1 can get lost in bigger rooms, it sounds wonderful in kitchens, studies, bathrooms.  Pushed to play at higher volumes and it doesn’t distort.  The iW1′s rich bass will pump out jams at your next BBQ and won’t sound tinny or thin.  Great for background music but can’t replace your main system.

Specifications: Airplay & WIFi Battery powered for cordless portability Control from you iPhone/iPad Bongiovi DSP for enhanced audio 5-6hrs of battery life

Yamaha NS-AW570 – $150 “Affordable Outdoor Speakers That can handle real weather.”

One of the best and least expensive patio or eave mounted outdoor speaker on the market. The unique dual tweeter design of the NS-AW570 allows for a wide distribution of frequencies and helps enlarge the ‘sweet spot’. The 6.5-inch woofer pumps out a fair amount of mid-bass but if you are looking for some real thump while outside you might want to check out the larger Klipsch AW-650. While these are ‘all weather’ speakers one should mount them with a slight downward tilt to reduce the amount of water that can creep inside.

Specifications: Power Rating 40-120W Impedance 6 ohms Frequency Response 60Hz-30kHz Sensitivity 87 dB Tweeter 1″ (25mm)PEI Dome Tweeter Woofer 6.5″ (16.5cm) x 2 All Weather Design

Acoustic Research AW 825 – $450 “Wireless garden speakers, solid sounding, great bass, looks great!”

Free your self of wires. Sounds like a dream. But with the 150ft range of the AW825 speakers, that work inside, outside, in the rain and wind, you’ll be able to live that reality. The base unit does have to be plugged into a wall outlet and a source via the 1/8th adapter, so your MacBook, your iPod, iPad, iPhone, laptop, or stereo, but the actual speakers run on AA batteries and can be moved anywhere. Each speaker is sold separately, but you can add as many as you like. Users with 4 have experienced no issues. Each speaker can be set to mono, left channel, right channel. You can place them through out your home, garden, or pool area. The speakers themselves run at 5W and are a two way design. A 2-inch tweeter and 3-inch woofer. With a 40Hz-15kHz frequencies range.

Specifications: Innovative circuit design Provide TWO sets of switchable audio inputs Besides the normal audio output in the back panel Compact design (mini-size & light weight) All audiophile-graded parts and components

Polk Audio Atrium 5 – $299 “Blizzards, salt, baking heat, Quality sound that can handle the extremes.”

The Polk Audio Atrium 5 is by far one of the most rugged outdoor speakers on the market that still manages to sound like a quality speaker. Though the audio quality is only just above average, even on the newer Atrium 5, it is far from being subpar. Typically folks tend to knock it for laking the ability to produce extreme highs and deep lows. Given its size there will be natural inabilities to produce significant dump in the low end, but mounting the Atrium 5 close to a wall or under and eave can help. The mid-range of the Atrium 5 offers the classic Polk sound and the speakers high sensitivity allows for loud and dynamic playing without pops and crackle. Though if you don’t live in a place where the weather can be very extreme, there are outdoor speakers that offer better sonics but don’t offer the same year of year reliability of the Atrium 5. If you are willing to spend a bit more money the Atrium 6 and 8SDI offer larger woofers that can get the party started.

Specifications: Overall Frequency Response: 60Hz-25kHz Mid/Woofer: 1 – 5″ Diameter Dynamic Balance Mineral Filled Polymer Cone with rubber surround Tweeter: 1 – 3/4″ Diameter Anodized Aluminum Dome Tweeter with Neodymium motor structure Nominal Impedance: 8Ohms Recommended Amplifier Power: 10-100 w/channel Efficiency: 90dB

Jawbone JamBox – $200 “Throw it in your beach bag, Take it to your office. Ultimate in Portable.”

The Jawbone JameBox isn’t one of the best rated wireless speakers on Amazon and the Apple Store for no reason. This little guy is extremely portable, sounds very good, and is stupid simple to use. The cherry part is that it actually sounds good too! No matter if you are on the go or just hate messy speakers wires at your desk. The JamBox is very office friendly – hold a conference call on your iPhone or add music to your presentations. Fits in your purse or laptop bag no problems. The only real knock of the Jambox is the bass output. Lets face it, at that size, there isn’t much. Which is why Jawbone made the BigJambox. With a better feature set and more BASS!

Specifications: Wireless portable speaker connects to any Bluetooth device Stream music, movies, games, phone, and conference calls Built-in Microphone Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz Up to 10 hours of power from internal rechargeable battery Very good BlueTooth extension

Bose 251 Environmental – $358 “Bose inside, Bose on the Outside. Big sound from easy to hide speakers.”

The Bose 251 speakers are the perfect outdoor speakers for Bose lovers. For those that haven’t heard Bose speakers before, these 251 offer crystal clear highs, deep bass, and a very wide sound stage. Some users on AudioReview have had their 251 for 14 years and they still sounds great. Bose stands by its product testing in extreme environments. With the 5 year warranty, you can feel safe that if the weather around you home is that extreme, your speakers are covered.

Specifications: Extremely wide sound field for larger outdoor areas Outside speaker cabinet designed to reproduce low frequencies with minimal audio distortion Tested to withstand snow, rain, salt and extreme temperatures Five-year limited warranty from Bose

Klipsch AW-650 – $550 “Audiophile? You’ll want these.”

Yes the AW-650 are a bit pricer than your average outdoor speaker, but if you are into high quality audio than these are what you need. A significant step up from almost all over outdoor speakers, the AW-650 offer clear highs, significant bass, and a rich and full mid-range that makes your outside system sound as good as your main system. The audiophile’s outdoor speaker. Now, some might note that the AW-650 are rated to put out between 70-20k Hz. And 70Hz isn’t that low. The fact is bass isn’t always about the end point, but how the speaker gets there. Since the AW-650 is such a well tuned speaker, offering loads of detail, it fills in the lower mid-range so well one can’t help but be fooled into thinking these go lower than they really do. The AW-650 is a bit larger than some folks might like, and thus hiding them away might take bit more creativity on your part, but it is well worth it.

Specifications: Enclosure Bass Reflex Tweeter Type Dome Woofer Size 6-1/2 ower Range (watts) 10-85 Sensitivity 95 dB Impedance (ohms) 8 Frequency Response 70-20k Hz

Klipsch AWR-650-SM – $299 “Most likely, the best sounding rock speakers on the market.”

There are ample companies making OK sounding rock speakers, but if you really want speakers that will fade into the back ground without fading the musical vibes, you’ll want to check out the AWR-650-SM. In three different shade, granite, sandstone, lava rock, you should find these easy to blend into your garden. Some have said the bass from the AWR-650-SM could be a little better, but with some positioning near a wall you won’t typically have any issue. There are outdoor subs you could pair with the AWR-650-SM. But just like the AW-650, the AWR-650-SM offers exceptional detail and sonic performance, which makes them a must have for any outdoor garden music system.

Specifications: Rock bass reflex (ported) design frequency response 66-20,000 Hz (±3dB) True two-way design Dual voice coil polymer woofer Dual polymer dome tweeters Durable UV-resistant enclosure

Tips for Getting Better Sound from Your Outdoor Speakers:

• For wireless speakers that do not use Wifi, Bluetooth or Airplay, make sure the speaker frequency is different than your wireless phone and baby monitors.
• Line of sight between the transmitter and speaker helps but isn’t 100% necessary.
• For better bass performance place speakers near a wall or corner or between the eaves and walls.
• Speakers near the ground will also have better base performance, but highs could suffer if the speakers aren’t tilting up.
• Remember, just because a speaker says it is all weather doesn’t really mean it is.  If you live where you get all four seasons, do your speakers a favor and cover them during winter and heavy rains.  You’ll find they last much longer.
• Use electrical tape to cover any exposed copper from the speaker wire.

Typically at this point we’d say, “This is by no means a definitive list”, but unfortunately, the reality is there really aren’t a lot of ‘decent’ sounding outdoor speakers on the market.  But if by chance we have left something off, please help others out and comment below with which outdoor speakers you like.

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New KEF X300A Powered Speaker Offers High-Resolution Sound from any Smartphone, Tablet or Computer

New powered loudspeaker series delivers unequalled sound performance from devices such as iPod^®, iPhone^® iPad^®, Android^® and Kindle Fire^® via distortion-free USB input 

Marlboro, N.J. – September 5, 2012 - KEF, the renowned manufacturer of innovative, reference-quality loudspeakers, enters into an entirely new product category with the launch of the X300A digital hi-fi desktop speaker system. The X300A is a premium loudspeaker system that was developed to offer the highest sound reproduction possible from the listener’s computer and all of today’s popular smartphones and tablets, including Apple^® iPod^®, iPhone^® iPad^®, Android^® and Kindle Fire^® devices, via distortion-free USB input.

“Innovation has been the guiding force behind KEF’s success for over five decades,” said Alec Chanin, president of KEF America. “The X300A continues that tradition. The X300A addresses the challenges of reproducing today’s modern music formats, and delivers them in the highest possible quality. Additionally, this new loudspeaker represents all of the characteristics that make KEF products legendary: superior engineering, premium sound performance and stylish aesthetic design.”

Unlike typical powered computer speaker designs, each X300A speaker utilizes two Class AB audiophile-grade amplifiers – one dedicated for HF and one for LF/MF – complete with a toroidal transformer, which significantly reduces the normal “hum” heard while playing most powered speakers. The X300A was designed to mirror the performance of the best in professional studio monitors with an impressive output of 150W of power per channel at 1kHz.

To get the very best from the twin class AB amplifiers, the X300A features KEF’s patented Uni-Q driver array, adapted from KEF’s flagship Blade speaker. KEF’s Uni-Q array places the tweeter in the acoustic center of the woofer. This allows both the woofer and tweeter to act as a single, focused source of sound that is dispersed widely and evenly throughout a room or setting—a feature not found on any other loudspeaker brand.

The 5.25” driver array is neatly housed within a die-cast aluminum chassis to help prevent resonances and creates a more accurate sound. With other innovations such as the Z-flex surround for a smooth transition between cone and cabinet, and large neodymium magnets with copper caps to reduce inductance and distortion, the Uni-Q driver array provides a wide, clean and detailed sound field, whatever source your music is coming from.

The X300A’s USB connection provides lossless, high-resolution sound from any computer, smartphone or tablet courtesy of a 96kHz/24-bit digital input featuring an integrated audiophile-quality digital/analog converter (DAC). This assures that when a listener connects to the X300A, they will bypass the source’s internal DAC resulting in accurate, high resolution playback from whatever source is connected, whether it’s a phone, tablet or computer.

In addition to the USB connection for smartphones, tablets and computers, the X300A offers wireless playback via  an optional Bluetooth® receiver (dongle) or can be used with Apple Airport Express^®. A backup 3.5mm analogue connection is included with the X300A to offer an even greater level of functionality with the use of alternative hi-fi components. The speaker’s adjustable EQ modes compliment a “Desk”, “Stand” and “Desk/Wall” mode allowing the speaker to be optimized specifically for any application. To maximize sound performance, the listener simply selects the “Desk” or “Stand” mode by a switch on the rear panel of the master speaker, or chooses the “Desk/Wall” by inserting the included foam plugs to the rear mounted reflex port on each speaker.

The X300A comes in a brushed gun metal finish and will be available Fall 2012 with a price of $799.99/pair. For more information on KEF, please visit http://www.kef.com.

About KEF

KEF’s ethos has always been based on the continuing quest to find new and better ways of reproducing sound. Since the company’s establishment in Maidstone, Kent in 1961 by Raymond Cooke O.B.E., KEF has maintained a flair for unusual and controversial speaker engineering, design and material use. KEF has always driven innovation in sound with examples including its iconic ‘egg’, Muon and Blade speakers. KEF is part of Gold Peak Group and its products are available in more than 60 countries. In 2011 KEF celebrated its 50th anniversary and is still committed to building on its strong heritage. www.kef.com

The Korners Speakers integrate seamlessly into living spaces and deliver

extraordinary audio performance

BOSTON, Mass. – September 5, 2012 – AudioXperts, the new luxury audio brand committed to delivering unique audio solutions, introduces an entirely new approach to loudspeaker room integration with the launch of its Korners collection.

Perfect for design-minded homeowners who demand that their speakers blend into the surrounding décor without sacrificing performance, Korners offers professional integrators an innovative solution to traditional, in-wall, and ceiling speakers. The initial Korners lineup includes the Korners Speaker, a 2-way L/C/R loudspeaker with the unique ability to fit perfectly into any corner or anywhere a wall meets the ceiling or floor. To compliment the Korners Speaker, the Korners Kompact Sub, a wireless-ready 100-watt powered subwoofer, can be positioned in corner or against a wall. An optional wireless transmitter is available to make for easier placement and installation. A more powerful Korners Sub (MSRP TBD) will be introduced at a later this fall.

“The Korners collection delivers a difficult to achieve concept: unobtrusive ultra-slim form factor and wide dispersion high performance audio reproduction.” said Eli Harary, president of AudioXperts. “Korners is truly a one-of-a-kind range of high performance audio solutions that uniquely blends into any living space.”

The versatile Korners Speaker’s impressive driver compliment includes a 1-1/4″ soft dome tweeter, six 2″ fiber cone woofers, and eight 2″ passive radiators ­– all enclosed in an extruded aluminum cabinet only 3″ wide.

There are two grille size choices available for the Korners Speaker. The 68” grille is designed for Left/Right vertical positioning and raises the tweeter to the optimal height for improved stereo imaging, and the 55” Center Channel grille is specifically designed for horizontal placement below or above a TV or video screen. Integrated wall brackets, wire channel, and 5-way binding posts make for easy mounting and installation. There is also an optional floor stand if wall or corner installation not applicable.

The Korners Speaker features three designer-friendly grille finishes including Black, Silver, and a paint-ready Satin White. The Korners Kompact Sub is available in Black and Silver finishes.

The Korners collection includes:

Korners Speaker

• ·         1” wide bandwidth tweeter
• ·         Six 2” fiber cone woofers
• ·         Eight 50mm passive radiators
• ·         Two grille lengths options and three grille finish options
• ·         90Hz-25kHz frequency response
• ·         5-Way binding posts
• ·         Optional floor stand for placement flexibility
• ·         Dimensions with LCR Grille (H x W x D): 66-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 2-1/4″ (1691 x 91 x 57mm)
• ·         Dimensions with Center Channel Grille (H x W x D): 3-1/2 x 56-1/8″ x 2-1/4″ (91 x 1426 x 57mm)

Korners Kompact Sub

• ·         100-watt amplifier
• ·         8” long throw poly cone woofer
• ·         30Hz-300Hz frequency response
• ·         Position in corner or against wall
• ·         RCA Line Level input
• ·         Dimensions (H x W x D): 12-3/4 x 18-1/16 x 12-3/4″ (325 x 460 x 325mm)

Korners models include a five-year, parts and labor warranty as well as an impressive two-year, over-the-counter exchange policy, assuring customers that when they purchase an AudioXperts product, they can feel confident that they are receiving the best in product reliability.

Korners from AudioXperts will make its official debut at CEDIA EXPO 2012, held September 6-8 in Indianapolis, Ind. Korners will be available through authorized dealers, select retailers and directly through AudioXperts in Late Fall of 2012 (Pricing TBD). For more information, visit http://www.audioxperts.com.

About AudioXperts

AudioXperts is dedicated to delivering unique audio solutions, with best in category/class design, incorporating only the highest quality materials, while delivering exceptional sound quality and performance. The AudioXperts Team brings over 100 years of combined expertise and passion in order to provide consumers with products that exceed expectations. By incorporating the finest materials and applying the latest technologies, in sophisticated, flexible and intuitive designs, AudioXperts ensures an extraordinary user experience and unparalleled pride of ownership.

V stands for value as Pro Audio Technology unveils its most affordable full-range speakers to date, designed for small to mid-sized rooms.

Indianapolis, IN – CEDIA Expo 2012 – September 5-8 – Sound Room 5 - Pro Audio Technology (PRO), the leader in professional-grade loudspeaker and digital amplifier technology, today announced the new V-Series loudspeakers, designed to deliver the high-impact dynamics for which PRO is known, but at a more affordable price than ever before. Both new models, the SCRS-210v full-range loudspeaker and LFC-12v subwoofer, feature enclosures only 6-inch deep, making deployment of high-output systems in small rooms possible.

The two professional 10″ woofers employed in the SCRS-210v create an astonishingly high sound pressure of 102dB with one watt of input and combined, can handle 300W of continuous power. Offering even higher sensitivity, the 1″ annular-diaphragm compression driver produces 110dB-per-watt and delivers highs that are both detailed and extended, resulting in an effortless presentation that is both dynamic and life-like in scale. Striking the perfect balance of power and accuracy, the SCRS-210v fills nearly any space with cinema quality sound and concert caliber music without industrial-grade pricing or space requirements.

For added low frequency support, the companion LFC-12v subwoofer features a high-output 12″ professional-grade woofer with huge 4″ voice coil. With sensitivity rated at 96dB driven with one watt, and power handling up to 700W, the LFC-12v has no problem producing the bone-jarring explosions or visceral slam found in today’s high quality recordings, all from an enclosure only 6″ deep.

“For every large theater brought to us, there are at least six to eight small theater projects with smaller budgets but with the same high levels of expectation,” said Paul Hales, Pro Audio Technology founder. “Using intelligent engineering and careful selection of components, we designed the V-Series to deliver the maximum quantity of high resolution sound for the minimum dollar spent.”

At only 14″ wide and 6″ deep, the SCRS-210v and LFC-12v have been designed for placement inside a 2×6 stud wall or behind the viewing screen for a clean and unobtrusive installation.

As with all PRO products, DSP processing is a must. When paired with the companionPMA amplifier / processor, advanced digital EQ can be applied to compensate for speaker positions near boundaries or for the effects of placement behind viewing screens or fabric. As a system, the PRO V-Series loudspeakers and PMA amplifiers provide a level of sonic accuracy unparalleled at the price.

“Dealers now have an option for price-conscious applications without having to sacrifice the commercial cinema caliber dynamics and output levels we built our business on,” Hales said.

For more information about pricing and products, dealers can contact an authorized PRO distributor or reach Pro Audio Technology directly atwww.proaudiotechnology.com.

The Bose® Companion® 5 multimedia speaker system offers the classic Bose sound in a small and modern package that is specifically tailored to movies and games audio. The 2.1 system connects to the computer via a single USB connection, and the control module allows you to easily adjust volume. The control module also has 1 headphone jack and 1 auxiliary audio 1/8-inch jack.

The Companion® 5 offers exceptionally wide sound that envelops the user in the environment of the movie or game they are playing. This greatly enhances the media experience. But there is a downside. With stereo tracks vocals can end up sounding thin and with acoustic music on can hear smearing and distortions in tone and timber. While these issues are less apparent on electronic or pop music, they can drive one a bit over the edge with most other genera.

The Palo Alto Audio Design’s Musik speaker packs quality sound into an affordable and small desktop speaker.  Even better these speakers use your computers USB cable for both power and audio. Less messy cables on your desk is always a bonus.  Their streamline design is elegant and will look fantastic next to your Mac.  They are easy to control from the volume buttons and power on the right-hand side of the powered speaker.

Just like any other speaker, these will perform best in the right environment and under the correct set of expectations.  So lets point those out.  First off, these aren’t powerful speakers.  They are limited in power from the USB connection.  So they aren’t that loud.  And when pushed they do show this weakness with crackling and distortion in the bass.    Plus the speaker to speaker cable is on the short side.  The max distance one can space between each speaker is perfect for placing around a laptop or a medium sized monitor, but trying to place each speaker on either side of a dual monitor system is neigh impossible.

But these little issues can be over looked by the fantastic sound that these little guys will produce.  And while the gain must retain a moderate level, and getting them against a back wall or corners will increase the bass, their overall sound is quiet pleasing for such an affordable price point.

If you are looking for an affordable speaker that is several steps above the speakers in your laptop and don’t plan to push the volume, than these maybe just for you.  If not, you will want to up your budget and look else where.

With dual 15-inch, 1400W woofers and a maximum output of >130dB; what started as an exercise to push loudspeaker performance limits is now a reality for audio and home theater enthusiasts.
Huntington Beach, CA – July 24, 2012 - Pro Audio Technology (PRO), the leader in loudspeakers and DSP-programmable amplifier systems for residential properties, today announced the SCR-3215sm loudspeaker, a seven foot tall, 350 pound four-way reference speaker designed for placement behind acoustically transparent screens. The culmination of more than 25 years in high-performance loudspeaker design by lifelong loudspeaker designer and PRO founder Paul Hales, the 3215 is truly a statement product.

Starting with the drivers, Pro Audio Technology went big, opting for dual 15-inch, 1400W woofers which offer a low frequency sensitivity of 102dB with one watt of input power. With over 350 square inches of surface area supported by a massive 30 pound motor system, the 3215 moves a lot of air to produce highly impactful bass. With four-inch voice coils, thermal power handling is maximized, allowing the SCR-3215sm to play at live concert sound pressure levels for extended periods of time without fear of driver failure.

At the heart of the SCR-3215sm’s mid/high frequency assembly is a 41-pound ultra high-output (114dB / 1 watt) compression driver. Its seven-inch carbon fiber diaphragm provides pistonic motion over three and one half octaves, resulting in the most effortless, coherent, and dynamically correct rendering of vocals and instrumentation possible. Dispersion and acoustic power transfer are controlled via a constant directivity horn with over 800 square inches of effective radiating surface – more than 40 times the radiating area of a typical cone midrange.

Upper-mid and high frequencies for the SCR-3215sm are supplied via a state-of-the-art coaxial compression driver utilizing an annular polymer diaphragm for silky smooth midrange and treble and uncolored harmonics to beyond 30 kHz. Mated to a large format 18″ x 22″ horn, the high frequency system provides 396 square inches of radiating surface to drive the air; or the equivalent of more than 500 one-inch dome tweeters per speaker. As in commercial cinema systems, the SCR-3215sm mid/high frequency assembly employs tri-amplification to maximize the performance of each driver in the system.

When paired with companion PMA Amplifiers the SCR-3215sm speakers are part of a sophisticated digital cinema system employing advanced DSP to redefine the industry’s concept of “accuracy” and sonic realism. Maximum output is >130 dB, making the SCR-3215 the definitive loudspeaker of choice for large to very large room applications, and those who desire a visceral concert experience in their home. Because they are designed to perform behind transparent screens at “Reference Levels” from more than 12 meters away, the 3215′s are also ideal for home theater installations.

“I designed my first loudspeaker when I was 16 and have never stopped looking for ways to improve speaker technology,” said Paul Hales, founder of Pro Audio Technology. “The 3215 loudspeaker started as a laboratory experiment to see how far we could push the limits of audio performance, and now it’s a reality with orders already in place. Our dealers can’t wait to let customers hear them in person.”

For more information about Pro Audio Technology products, visitwww.proaudiotechnology.com.

About Pro Audio Technology
Through thoughtful combination of consumer and professional engineering technologies, Pro Audio Technology designs and manufactures a complete range of high-power loudspeakers and DSP-programmable amplifiers for high-end residential installations. PRO products unite lively dynamics, high maximum output level, and rugged durability with the refined acoustic performance you’ve come to expect from contemporary home audio equipment. The sound system of choice for discerning music and home theater enthusiasts, Pro Audio Technology products are available globally through an elite group of high-end residential custom installers. Pro Audio Technology is the brand name of Professional Home Cinema, LLC.

Monster Inspiration Noise Canceling Over the Ear Headphones:

Monster, a world leader in fashionable personal audio gear, is releasing the Inspiration™, Monster’s first over-ear, advanced noise-canceling headphone. Noel Lee, the CEO of Monster has designed the Inspiration headphones. He is sound and engineering innovator behind Beats™ by Dr. Dre,™. Monster Inspiration headphones feature unique and interchangeable headbands. Now available at Apple® stores around the world and coming to Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and other locations. The Inspirations come with three different cable options: audio mini-to-mini, Universal ControlTalk™ and ControlTalk for Apple devices.

Monster Limited Edition iSport Earphones:

This week Monster is also announcing a limited-edition red, white & blue iSportâ„¢ USA in-ear headphone. Activity friendly innovations include an improved version of “OMNITIP” that ensures that the sweatproof and washable model delivers superior audio performance while not falling out of the ear during strenuous workouts. Monster’s iSport USA joins the blue iSport model (SRP: $149.95), in the company’s line and will carry an SRP of $179.95. Read AudioReview’s review of the iSport headphones.

Monster ClarityHD Micro:

In addition to these two new headphones, Monster is also releasing a new wireless speaker, the ClarityHD Micro. A Bluetooth wireless speaker/speakerphone that should, since it is made by Monster, offer a significant amount of bass. This maybe the solution for those who want a Jambox but also crave bass. Fully operational by Voice Command and Control function lets users make and answer calls, play music, perform Bluetooth pairing and many other functions. Users can change their ClarityHDâ„¢ Micro’s voice anytime they want by selecting from multiple voices available on the Monster website. Also included is a 3.5 mm headphone port for devices that don’t use Bluetooth. The Lithium Ion batteries provide up to 5 hours on a single charge.

The Bose Computer MusicMonitor desktop speakers hold true to the big Bose sound while having one of the smallest speaker foot prints on the market.  The Computer MusicMonitor speakers excel at mid and upper range frequencies.  Their naturally small size limits there bass output and Bose seems to have chosen the more linear path and does not unnaturally boost the low end.  If you enjoy the sound of other Boss speakers in your home you should consider the Computer MusicMonitor’s for your desktop.  You won’t be disappointed.

The MusicMonitor’s transducers are very thin and have a powerful magnet, this allows the speakers to play fast and for you to enjoy dynamic music.  This also means there is very little smearing of the sound.   See a slow speaker will physically smear the sound because it is not able to keep up with the change in the electrical wave that pushes the speaker.  The result is smearing and slow transients.  Sometimes the sound stage will be effected as well and you’ll not be able to hear the space the music was recorded in.

The Bose Computer MusicMonitors may not be very everybody.  First off, they are expensive.  Even with their newer price, $100.00 less, they are still $299.  Also if you crave bass you’ll be dissatisfied.  You may want to consider a 3-way system like Klipsh’s ProMedia 2.1 speaker or the Audioengine’s A2 speakers which are very similar to the Bose Computer MusicMonitor’s but with significantly more bass.  If you like open and natural sound you may also consider the Serene Audio Talisman speakers.

With so many desktop speakers on the market, consumers have ample combinations of sonic performances, visual designs, and price points, to choose from. Usually there are trade offs. Sonic performance normally takes the biggest hit. Rarely does a small desktop speaker capture the trifecta of great looks, reasonable price, and great sonic performance. But the Serene Audio’s Talisman desktop speakers do.

Hand built in Canada, the speakers are the brain child of tinkerer and engineer Siavash Rezaei. Who, after buying, auditioning, testing, so on and so forth, speakers for his home recording studio, couldn’t find any that met his needs of tonal balance, dynamics, and hours of non fatiguing listening. Siavash decided that low non-linear distortion in speakers was the key to hours of listening. Not being able to find this in the speakers he bought and tested, he set out to build his own.

Serene Audio uses none toxic and environmentally friendly materials, when possible, to construct both powered and passive desktop speakers. The focus, or “mission”, of Serene Audio is to create speakers that are tonally balanced (no frequencies outliers), create a wide sonic dispersion (a big sweet spot), low non-linear distortion (clear sound), with the added bonus of aesthetically creative and pleasing looks. We here at AudioReview believe the Serene Audio Talisman live up to these standards.

The Talisman speakers arrived in a well-packed, none descript cardboard box. Taking them out of the box we were surprised by how good they looked. Even though they looked great in the online photos, they are even more stunning in person. Over the review period the Talisman speakers were driven by; the Glow One 5W EL84 tube amplifier, the Mystere ia11 35W EL34 tube amplifier, and the Peachtree Nova 80W hybrid tube amplifier. Each time we used WyWires speaker cables. Sources ranged from an iPhone to an Audio Note DAC One Sig with WyWires digital cable and Hagman USB/S/PDIF converter with a PC or Mac laptop playing everything from streaming Pandora to 24-bit 192Khz audio files.

The Talisman speakers have bamboo fronts and rear panels with MDF side panels that are wrapped in cow leather. This creates a very unique and good-looking speaker. The leather can be ordered in white or black while the bamboo comes in caramel or natural colors. Keeping in line with Serene Audio’s environmental conscience mind set, the leather also complies with new (and I’m assuming Canadian) standards for leather processing and the leather is not from cows raised in the Amazon rainforest. The unique and creative designs of the speakers are not just for visual effects. The asymmetrical and ‘none-square’ shape reduces the effects of standing waves and minimizes the effects of diffraction from the front panel. The 3-inch, long throw, full range driver offers 70 Hz – 20 kHz ±3 dB and harmonic distortion at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th order (200Hz – 20kHz) < 0.5% and (100Hz – 20kHz) < 1%. The driver itself is a high quality off the shelf driver that is modified by Serene Audio to fit particular sonic needs. The driver uses and under-hung motor structure, which reduces the weight of the driver allowing the speaker to have a very fast transient response. The magnet used in this design has to be very strong to cover the longer magnetic gap. The driver uses a rare, and expensive, earth magnet to achieve this.

Our obvious fear, or assumption, was that the Talisman speakers would be great looking but sound under whelming. Thankfully we were totally wrong. In fact, we were flat out dumb founded by how good these little speakers sounded. The Talisman were beyond many of the other leading desktop speakers in terms of tonal balance, articulation, sound stage size, mid-range openness, over all sonic clarity, and offered hour after hour of none fatiguing listening.

Dick Hyman, Gershwin, classical piano sounded full bodied, detailed, and captivating. Notes were articulated well and held what sounded like a natural sustain and didn’t smear. On the initial rush to hear these beauties the Talisman speakers were not even carefully positioned, but it was impossible to not be in the sweet spot. The wide distribution of the driver is without question. Everyone in the office popped over and asked us to turn them up. Next we moved on to some BB King and Tom Waits. Without fail the Talisman presented clear, but not crystal edged clean distinction, between instruments and singer. Older Muddy Waters and Howlin Wolf recordings stayed turn to their recorded sound. The typically slight tin, the lack of umph in the mid-range, and almost no bass, was an obvious sign that the Talisman weren’t imposing very much of their own interpretation on how the music should sound.

After this initial acoustic break-in we moved on to harder rock; Slayer, Metallica Tool, and electronica music from Aphex Twin and Autechre, with a splash of hip hop from The Coup. Here the Talisman continued to sound good, but they did seem a bit out of their comfort zone. Their smaller stature naturally limits their low-end performance, and since Serene Audio chooses not to fake the bass, these styles of music can end up lacking the oomph this music demands.

We hooked the Talisman speakers up to the Peachtree Nova to test out its chops in the A/V department. When streaming Netflix over a Mac laptop we were impressed with how clear and easy to understand the dialog was on episodes of The Guild and Bob’s Burgers. Yes we admit, not the most dynamic of TV audio recordings, but none the less in a 12x16x9ft room, the Talisman did a fantastic job of clearly presenting the dialog and background music/sounds, at hand.

Speaking of room size, the Talisman speakers do sound better in either a smaller room or a near field listening. Our office is huge, but right on my desk the Talisman sounded like headphones at lower to moderate volumes. But walk 10-15ft away, and even at a greater volume, the diminutive size of the Talisman means they just can’t offer the same sound stage and presence that bookshelf or floorstanding speakers do at that distance.

Overall we would absolutely recommend the Talisman to anyone looking for a unique desktop speaker that excels at natural and mid-range acoustics, has stunning good looks and a large sweet spot. Trust me, put these on your desk and people will take notice.

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www.sereneaudio.com

More Speakers from Serene Audio

Price: $395.00

[photos credit to Serene Audio]