Speakers

What's better than the Jambox? How about a bigger, more powerful version of the portable Bluetooth speaker? That's right, Jawbone just announced plans for a Jambox on steroids and it's called the BigJambox.

Jawbone hasn't said how much more powerful this larger version of the Jambox is, but just based on size alone, it's clear that this version of the Jambox will probably be almost twice as loud, which should equate to an output level of over 160dB. Like its smaller version, the original Jambox, inside are a pair of proprietary acoustic drivers, dual passive bass radiators and a mic for taking calls via Bluetooth.

In terms of actual size, we're looking at a box that measures 10-inches long, 3.1-inches wide, 3.6-inches high and weighs 2.7lbs. For comparison's sake, the original Jambox weighs just 12oz. Aside from added sound to your music, the BigJambox boasts a 15-hour battery, which is 50% more than the original Jambox. Aside from that, the BigJambox largely remains the same, coming in a variety of colors (Graphite Hex, White Wave and Red Dot) and includes a micro USB port for charging, a 3.5mm input for a wired connection and the ability to pair two Bluetooth devices to the speaker.Read more

With splash-resistance as its selling point, design firm Boombang's latest creation, the G-Project $69 G-Go Bluetooth speaker has hit the market with a fury. It just became available in Target stores, and is available in three stunning colors. This little baby not only gives your portable hi-fi set-up some flair, but it also sound like a speaker that could be significantly more costly.

The G-Go also has an integrated handle for carrying it around. Absent is any built-in rechargeable battery like many portable Bluetooth speakers have on the market today, however, you do get up to 8-hours of on-the-go use with four AA batteries. Additionally, you can stream music to it from any Bluetooth-enabled device, which includes tablets, smartphones and the Apple line-up. And range tops out at around 30-feet.Read more

Last month iHome unveiled its second generation wireless AirPlay speaker system for iOS devices, the iW2. The company announced this week that it is now available.

iHome's iW2 is an AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, allowing you to listen to wireless audio anywhere in the home. It has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Sound is great too, thanks to SRS Trubass sound processing which is custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers.

iW2 features include:

• Wirelessly stream music from iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch via Wi-Fi
• Plays and charges iPad, iPhone, or iPod via USB port
• SRS Trubass sound processing custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers delivers exceptional audio
• Easy network configuration with free iHome Connect app
• Firmware updates via Wi-Fi
• Ethernet connectivity

The iW2 is available now at retail outlets and on iHomeAudio.com for $199.99.

Do you listen to music on your laptop? What's the sound quality like? Let's face it, most laptops don't even come close to delivering the sound quality you desire. Now you can pump up the volume with Pioneer Electronics new S-MM201 USB-powered computer speakers.

Offering a "fuller sound experience than built-in laptop speakers," the S-MM201 features 45mm full range drivers, built-in audio DACs and utilizes a bass-reflex enclosure with a small port in front for increased bass reproduction. The speakers are connected/powered via an included USB cable and include control buttons for volume up, volume down and mute.

The S-MM201 speakers are available in black or white and stand 4 inches tall, weigh only 23 ounces and feature see-through bottom casings with blue LED lights that light up when in use.

"The integrated speakers in most laptop computers are often too small to properly provide the full sound experience and volume people desire when listening to music, videos or movies on their computers," said Chris Walker, director AV marketing and product planning for the Home Electronics Division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "With the S-MM201, you can have an enhanced listening experience virtually anywhere because it can deliver more audio output, especially in the lower and mid frequencies, and all without the need to plug them into the wall for power."

The Pioneer S-MM201 computer speakers have an MSRP of $59.95.

Sure, you can find an iPod, iPad or so-called "universal" speaker dock anywhere you turn. But Grace Digital is coming out with the FireDock Speaker Dock, for…you guessed it…the Kindle Fire.

Available in July 2012, the FireDock was engineered especially for the Kindle Fire, accommodating the tablets' unique USB port, headphone jack and power button, all found on the bottom of the device. In addition, many universal 3.5mm speaker docks don't let you charge the device while in use or it's difficult to access the device's buttons. Not the FireDock…it not only charges the Kindle Fire while on AC power, but the optional (sold separately) lithium-ion battery-pack allows you to take it with you on the go. In addition, the rotating cradle securely holds the 7–inch tablet in either horizontal or vertical viewing angles.

Speaker and Amplifier Specs:

• 3" full-range x 2 front bass ported speaker system
• Built in 16 watt class D digital amplifier
• Frequency response: 60Hz - 18KHz +/-3dB
• Power: 16 watts average power (8w x 2)
• Speakers: 8 ohms 3W
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 89dB

This week Logitech unveiled the UE Air Speaker featuring AirPlay for wireless, uncompressed music streaming from an iOS device connected to your Wi-Fi network. The first speaker from Logitech Ultimate Ears, it delivers high-quality audio thanks to its dual tweeters and woofers and custom-tuned acoustics.

Simply dock your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, follow the on-screen instructions to download the Logitech UE Air app, enter your Wi-Fi network password and you're set! After the initial setup, any iPhone 4s, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation), iPad, iPad 2, or iPad (3rd generation) with iOS 4.2 or later, or any Mac or PC on your network with iTunes 10.1 or later is instantly connected. The UE Air Speaker also has an Apple Dock Connector, allowing you to charge your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch while you play music. Read more

MartinLogan is well known by audiophiles worldwide for their electrostatic loudspeakers. The company's latest, the new Motion 20 and Motion 40 tower speakers, are now available sporting a new cabinet design, larger drivers and MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter.

Designed for small to medium sized rooms, the Motion 20 is a floorstanding speaker featuring two 5-1/2" aluminum cone woofers paired with a rear-firing bass port and, as stated above, MartinLogan's advanced resolution Folded Motion tweeter. All work together to deliver solid low-frequency reinforcement, excellent sound dispersion and dynamic high frequencies. The Motion 20 is compact at 36.6" tall and has a recommended amplifier power of 20-200 watts per channel. The Motion 20 is available now for $749.95 each.

The larger Motion 40 (42.5-inches tall) packs in the Folded Motion tweeter, a 5-1/2" aluminum mid-bass, dual 6-1/2" oversized bass cones, and a rear-firing bass port, to deliver higher output and deeper bass performance. The addition of a dedicated midrange woofer also allows for a more open, authentic midrange. The Motion 40 is available now for $949.95 each.Read more

iHome on Wednesday announced a new wireless speaker system with Airplay – the iW2.

Available on April 1, the iW2 is an app-enhanced AirPlay wireless speaker system that uses your Wi-Fi network to connect and control your iTunes library, allowing you to listen to wireless audio anywhere in the home. The iW2 has a USB port for charging and music playback from your iPad, iPod and iPhone with any iPod USB sync cable and dock. Sound is great too, thanks to SRS Trubass sound processing which is custom tuned to two full-range speaker drivers.

"Many whole home audio systems require a significant investment from consumers and, until recently, a certain level of technical skill as well," said Evan Stein, Director of Marketing, iHome. "Easy to set-up, the iW2 offers a cost-effective entry into the world of wireless home entertainment without sacrificing quality or functionality."

The iHome iW2 will be available on April 1, 2012 at Best Buy, Crutchfield and select Target stores, and at iHomeAudio.com for $199.99.

One of Atlantic Technology's most popular subwoofers is the SB-900, a front-firing model. This week, the company announced a new down-firing version - the SB-900DF. Because the woofer and bass vent are located on the bottom of the cabinet, the subwoofer can be placed in tight spots behind furniture without you having to worry about hearing muffled sound.

Measuring 10-7/8 inches wide, 13-1/8 inches high and 13-1/16 inches deep, the SB-900DF is pretty small. But don't let it's size fool you. It packs in an 8-inch long-excursion woofer, a tuned bass port and 125-watt power amplifier, capable of delivering a peak output of 102 dB SPL in a 2000 cubic foot room and a frequency response for 32 to 200 Hz, ±3 dB.

Additional features include an adjustable crossover control, a built-in crossover bypass, proprietary distortion-detection circuitry and auto-on sensing which saves power.Read more

With a name like "Zooka", this wireless sound bar may seem strange to you, but don't let the name scare you off – this baby provides the killer sound your iPhone, iPad or any other smartphone, tablet or computer has been waiting for.

The speaker connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and features left and right side firing drivers for amazing stereo sound - much better than what the iPad's small speakers deliver.

Designed to function with your smart cover, it is made from medical-grade durable silicone and slides on and off without scratching your device. A cutout groove makes sure your camera lens isn't blocked and its 3.5mm audio input allows you to continue listening even when Bluetooth isn't available. Zooka runs on rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which offer a battery life of up to 8 hours of streaming music, movie audio, web and digital content.

Not available to the public yet, the Zooka speakers are part of another Kicktstarter campaign - a collective fundraising site that allows early adopters to fund projects for rewards. Zooka offers a limited edition glow-in-the-dark version specially made for contributors who give at least $149. A pledge of $89 gives you the chance to pick the Zooka of your choice in black, grey, blue, green, or orange.Read more