Compact Audio Systems

Harman Kardon has a new, four-piece sound system - the MAS 102. Consisting of an amplifier, a CD player and loudspeakers, the system is not only nice to look at, it delivers the powerful, high-quality sound you expect with the Harman Kardon name.

The compact MAS 102 also includes an FM radio, and has a host of analog and digital inputs - 8 to be exact - to playback music from external devices including turntables and iPod/iPhones (via The Bridge III dock sold separately).

Features:

• Complete integration using the performance of separate components with the ease of use of a single integrated system
• Fully compatible with iPod/iPhone, MP3 and WMA, CD-R and CD-RW discs
• Advanced loudspeakers feature custom 5-inch (130mm) mid-bass drivers and 1-inch (25mm ) MMD dome tweeters
• Clock includes a sleep timer and dual alarms
• Includes full navigation IR remote control
• Phono input allows connection to turntables
• Elegant and pristine design and compact in size

The Harman Kardon MAS 102 audio system is available now for $999 at www.harmankardon.com/MAS102

Panasonic on Tuesday announced the pricing of four new compact stereo systems, unveiled earlier this year at CES. The four new models are the SC-HC55, SC-HC05, SC-HC35 and SC-HC25, and all (except the SC-HC05) are equipped with a CD player and AM/FM radio. An iPod/iPhone can also be connected to the systems.

The two higher-end models, SC-HC55 and SC-HC05, feature Internet radio and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming from Bluetooth audio sources, such as an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. They also include Bluetooth Re-Master circuitry, along with Pure Direct Sound System digital signal processing to enhance the quality of digital music.

In addition, the SC-HC55 (which happens to be the recipient of this year's Innovations Award for Design & Engineering) boasts a Hands Free function, allowing you to talk on a docked iPhone using the systems' speakers and built-in microphone. It also has a motorized, Touch-Free Sensor door which has a motion sensor, allowing it to open and close by simply passing a hand over it.Read more

It may just look like your standard bookshelf music system, but the new Grace Digital Wi-Fi Bookshelf Music System is the first ever Internet radio system to incorporate 802.11n connectivity.

Grace Digital's micro-system includes two bookshelf speakers featuring 3.5-inch full range drivers, 1-inch tweeters, and a 16 watt RMS Class D digital amplifier. It provides access to over 17,000 radio stations, 20,000 plus on-demand programs, over 35,000 podcasts, and is compatible with Pandora, Sirius XM Internet Radio, CBS Radio, iheartradio, Live365.com, MP3Tunes, NPR, National Weather Service, and (new for 2011) WeatherBug and Rhapsody. In addition, it has RCA inputs and a USB connection, allowing you to connect your iPod, CD player, PC or other audio source.

The Wi-Fi Bookshelf Music System displays song and artist information and features 10 station presets with the ability to save up to 100 favorites. It can also function as an alarm clock radio. It comes with a remote control (with Pandora controls) as well. Read more

Meridian, a definite leader when it comes to high-end audio, today announced the new M80 compact entertainment system. Not just "any" compact system, if the name Meridian is on the product, you know to expect the best.

And Meridian delivers the best. Hand-assembled, each M80 system takes four hours to create and features over 800 individual components. The cabinet is constructed of custom mineral composite, with the outer casing made from some of the finest British leather. Taking absolutely no shortcuts, the leather is also stitched by hand.

The M80 is not only a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. It offers high performance sound and boasts the same engineering which made the F80 (its predecessor), one of the company's best selling models. The M80 comes complete with a 80-watt 2.1 Digital Signal Processing (DSP) stereo system, rear-mounted subwoofer, slot-loading CD/DVD drive and AM/FM Digital Radio...all in a compact unit. It also features an i80 dock for the iPod and a magnetic-backed remote control. The M80's OLED display also features automatic brightness control which adapts to the ambient light levels in the room. Read more

iHome has a new portable and rechargeable stereo sound bar speaker system that just hit the marketplace, the iP46. Available now, the system includes four speakers in Reson8 speaker chambers, SRS WOW sound enhancement and a rechargeable lithium ion battery.

Great for taking to the pool, park, or wherever life takes you, the iP46 features a pivoting retractable dock for iPhone and docking iPod models. It also has and a line-in jack to play MP3's or music from your CD player.

"The iP46 is for the music lover on the move who wants a portable solution without sacrificing superior sound," said Evan Stein, Vice President of Marketing, iHome. "The rechargeable battery and streamlined design really enhances the overall portability of the unit."

SANYO has two new audio systems for your iPod, the DMP-P1 Cube Alarm Clock Radio with an iPod docking station, and the DMP-692 Dual Dock Music System.

The DMP-P1 Cube Alarm Clock features AM/FM PLL digital tuning with programmable alarm and iPod dock for recharging and playing. Wake up from either a song on your iPod's playlist, radio station or a buzzer mode. The radio also has sleep and snooze modes.

The DMP-692 Dual Dock Music System features AM/FM digital stereo tuners with dual programmable alarms. Just like the Cube Alarm Clock, you can wake up from either a playlist on your iPod or iPhone, radio station or a buzzer mode. It also has sleep and snooze modes. With this model, you can charge two iPods or an iPod and iPhone simultaneously. It also includes an integrated, rear-mounted, passive subwoofer for additional bass response and is a fully functional sound system in addition to a standard alarm clock. A remote controls the iPod/iPhone or AM/FM radio.

Both models are available through the SANYOStore.com website as well as retailers, with a suggested retail price starting at $39.99 for the Cube Alarm Clock Radio and $89.99 for the Dual Dock Music System.

What does the Alfred Dunhill Ltd. name mean to you? Quality, maybe? What about the Meridian Audio name? Maybe, exclusivity? In bringing the two together someone’s vision has been fulfilled with two well known brands in the Alfred Dunhill AD88 Entertainment System. This nine-layer Finnish birch wood, piano lacquer, matte-alloy system will make you pause for a further listen.

The Meridian technology brings the audiophile CD player in with an AM/FM tuner, iPod docking system, and LED display for a one-suite package. This AD88 plays DVD’s as well, as you can easily connect to any display. There are three 80 watt amps that push the two front speakers and subwoofer. I could not find an exact price for an MSRP quote, but expect to spend over $3,500. You might use this machine in your downtown apartment, or buy it for the person who has distinct taste in quality.

For more information visit www.meridian-audio.com  or www.dunhill.com.