Engadget

Sing hello to the iRig PRE, turns iOS devices into on-the-fly mic preamps

Edgar Alvarez — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:45:00 EST

IK Multimedia's never fallen short of giving you some of the better tools for all your on-the-go music-making utilizing your beloved iOS device as the main rig. Now, the peripheral connoisseur's taking the wraps off its iRig PRE, which aims to help you digitally process those glorious vocal chords by allowing you to plug in any XLR mic into it without the need for other adapters or cables. Furthermore, the dongle features a 3.5mm jack for audio monitoring, gain control and can squeeze a runtime of up to 40 hours (dynamic microphones) or 15 hours (phantom powered condenser mics) from a standard 9V battery. The PRE amp will also come included with two of iRig's usual suspect apps (iRig Recorder and VocaLive) to help you get started in your quest to be the next idol. We know you can't wait to get your singing on, but you'll have to wait until "early Q2" to do so, for a moderate price of $39.99 -- perhaps the iRig Mic can get you through the days in the meantime.

Continue reading Sing hello to the iRig PRE, turns iOS devices into on-the-fly mic preamps

Sing hello to the iRig PRE, turns iOS devices into on-the-fly mic preamps originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wilson Electronics debuts the AWS 70 signal booster to bring life to your office's T-Mobile dead zone

Brad Molen — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:07:00 EST

See that beauty up above? That, dear friends, is the Wilson Electronics AWS 70 signal booster. We know, it doesn't look like the standard-issue 50-cent sticker that you slap underneath your battery, right? This beefy guy is meant to be a thousand times more effective, aiming to amplify your office's poor AWS signal -- most notably T-Mobile, but any 1700 / 2100 AWS connection can benefit -- by a total gain of 70dB. The booster offers the ability to manually adjust the amount of gain for uplink and downlink separately, so you can optimize it however you deem fit. With a MSRP of $360, it's not for the weak-walleted -- you'll likely want to put it on the company tab. If you're interested in how this all goes down, check out the presser below.

Continue reading Wilson Electronics debuts the AWS 70 signal booster to bring life to your office's T-Mobile dead zone

Wilson Electronics debuts the AWS 70 signal booster to bring life to your office's T-Mobile dead zone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line 6 Mobile In app turns your iPad or iPhone into a multi-effect amp -- party on, Wayne

Lydia Leavitt — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:42:00 EST

No word yet on if the volume peaks at 11, but what Line 6's new Mobile In offerings will do is turn your iPad or iPhone into a pro modeling amp, with a sick range of amplifiers, guitar cabinets, stompboxes, tones and rack effects. The setup comes in two separate parts: the free mobile Pod app and the Mobile In adaptor, which lets aspiring metalheads (or Fleeting Foxes) connect their guitars to an iOS device using the 30-pin connector. Line 6 says this connection blows similar jack-based apps out of the water, and it's throwing in 24-bit/48kHz digital sound for good measure. Although you'll get a killer 110dB of dynamic range for guitar, you can still achieve 98dBs when you plug in another mono or stereo-line level -- that old keytar, perhaps? With that kind of combo you'll be thankful to know that it records and works with other CoreAudio apps like GarageBand -- perfect for jamming out with your keyboard toutin' buddies without the back-breaking work of carrying a heavy amp. Have your lighters ready for when the $79.99 adaptor ships this fall, but until then, check out the video and full PR after the break.

Continue reading Line 6 Mobile In app turns your iPad or iPhone into a multi-effect amp -- party on, Wayne

Line 6 Mobile In app turns your iPad or iPhone into a multi-effect amp -- party on, Wayne originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST

Remember that Griffin-made StompBox we showed you back in January? Well, it's finally hit the market, so you can free up those virtuoso hands and get to pedal-pounding wicked sound effects. The four button foot controller works with Frontier Design's iShred LIVE app for iOS, connecting your instrument via an included GuitarConnect cable to a 1/4-inch jack. The device is "designed to work with... a guitar, bass guitar, electric violin and keyboard," so your virtual jam band session is all but guaranteed. This musical f/x dongle is available to order now for $99.99 online, or you can just head to one of Apple's boutiques to snag it. Sadly, the effects switcher doesn't come bundled with a copycat of Slash's hat, but that shouldn't stop your credit card from indulging in this latest bout of Gear Acquisition Syndrome.

Continue reading Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go

Griffin's StompBox available to order, virtual guitar shredding now a go originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fiskar's '88' headphone amplifier concept touts bombastic knobs, oodles of style

Darren Murph — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:46:00 EST

There are headphone amplifiers, and then there's Fiskar's 88. Designer Edouard Urcadez took the liberty of utilizing the Fiskar brand on this here concoction, which features an unorthodox form factor, larger-than-life volume / tone knobs, an array of rear outputs and a Made in Finland badge. There's no theoretical specifications to simmer on, but the inclusion of speaker outputs leads us to believe that we're looking at a dual-stage amp or one with far more power than most headphone pushers. We've never actually seen an inanimate object cry for production, but we're going to stare at the image above a bit longer just in case. There's a first time for everything, right?

Fiskar's '88' headphone amplifier concept touts bombastic knobs, oodles of style originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 06:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Griffin StompBox pedal board brings authenticity to iPad rocking

Christopher Trout — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:41:00 EST

Users of the iShred Live iOS app (no relation to this thing) now have a pedal board to do the job of, well, a pedal board. Up until recently, the app allowed players to connect their electric guitars to an iPhone or iPad, and use said device as an amplifier, with a near endless array of pedal effects at their fingertips. Looking for a way to make the experience more authentic, Griffin teamed with the folks at Frontier Design Group to create the StompBox, which, according to Griffin's website, "effectively recreates the experience of an actual pedal board." It features four separate foot switches, which can be assigned particular effects by the user, and connects to the iPad or iPhone with a 1-meter-long dock connector cable -- guitar connection cables are sold separately. Now the future Peter Framptons of the world can scale back on setup time and concentrate on making their guitars talk.

Griffin StompBox pedal board brings authenticity to iPad rocking originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Schiit Audio reveals gorgeous six-watt Lyr headphone amplifier, dares you to touch 11

Darren Murph — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 06:42:00 EST

Just kidding. In fact, Schiit Audio won't be responsible if you do wind it to 11 and blow the ear tips right off of your favorite canalphones. The drop-dead sexy box that you're peering at above is the Lyr, a hybrid (tube-MOSFET) headphone amplifier that claims to have zero feedback and more power than most headphones will ever have use for. This guy's pumping out six solid watts into 32 ohms, while loads of rivals are dabbling in milliwatts. It's relying on JJ ECC88 tubes for the input stage and touts less than 0.1 percent THD, and it'll be produced in the US of A using components that were also primarily sourced from American suppliers. It's expected to start shipping in March of 2011, but those already sold on it can commit $449 to a pre-order. And before you ask -- yes, the company name is hilarious. Ha. Ha.

Continue reading Schiit Audio reveals gorgeous six-watt Lyr headphone amplifier, dares you to touch 11

Schiit Audio reveals gorgeous six-watt Lyr headphone amplifier, dares you to touch 11 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crapgadget: Animal House redux edition

Joseph L. Flatley — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST

College: four (or five, or six) years of crackin' brews, listening to tunes, trippin' out to light shows, and snugglin' up to coeds at bonfires on the beach. Just in time for homecoming, we have an assemblage of crapgadets that should put you in good stead, including: iBottleopener (turns your iPhone into, well, a bottle opener, for a mere $20), the BONE iPhone portable amplifier (a large, ugly horn that essentially turns your handset into a Victor Talking Machine for $25), Glow In The Dark USB memory sticks (capacities up to 16GB for $90), and an honest-to-goodness lighter that does double duty as an 8GB flash drive ($37). Which one of these "party favors" isn't doing anybody any favors? Cast your vote below.

Read - iBottleOpener
Read - BONE iPhone Case Series
Read - Zip Zip Glow
Read - USB Flash Drive Lighter (8GB Edition)

View Poll

Crapgadget: Animal House redux edition originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles

Ben Bowers — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:46:00 EST

Pioneer has announced its new, suave-looking Elite G-Clef line, consisting of two integrated stereo amplifiers dubbed the SX-A6MK2 ($700) and SX-A9MK2 ($1,600), along with a pair of CD/SACD players, the PD-D9MK2-K ($1,500) and PD-D6MK2-K ($700). Despite retailing above the brand's new lower-priced receivers also bearing the Elite moniker, the inclusion 192kHz / 24-Bit Burr Brown and Wolfson D / A converters along with twin Mono Symmetrical construction in the amplifiers still positions the G-Clef components as a good value. That's intriguing considering features like SACD playback, Honeycomb Chassis design, Toroidal Transformers, and recreating digitally lost ultra-high harmonics are normally only the things notoriously picky, price-ignoring audiophiles drool over. So we can only surmise Pioneer is trying to breed an entirely new generation of future High-Fi addicts using the G-Clef line as shiny new lure, before iPods packed with 128kbps AAC files become the new sound dungeon the general population will never escape, let alone even notice.

Continue reading New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles

New Pioneer Elite G-Clef line tempts new would be crop of audiophiles originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 20:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orange Music puts PC into guitar amp -- ours is not to reason why

Ross Miller — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:21:00 EST

Now this is an interesting one. Classic British amp maker Orange Music had a bit of a surprise behind its booth at the 2010 Musikmesse show. The O PC is, well, a guitar amp and a PC rolled into one convenient package. We didn't catch the processor, but there will be an option to use either the NVIDIA GeForce 9300 or ramp up to the 512MB ATI Radeon 5670. Standard fare is there, USB ports and WiFi, but no clue as to processor / memory. On the aural side of things, there's a stereo option for plugging in an extension speaker, a 1/4-inch guitar jack, basic EQ knobs, and yet-to-be-finalized modeling software -- nothing trial, everything full version, assures the Orange rep. Once that's sorted, the estimated ship time is two to four months, with price unmentioned. Video presentation after the break.

[Thanks, Hessel]

Continue reading Orange Music puts PC into guitar amp -- ours is not to reason why

Filed under: Desktops

Orange Music puts PC into guitar amp -- ours is not to reason why originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audio Technica AT-HA35i melds headphone amp and iPod dock

Donald Melanson — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:36:00 EST

Headphone amps may not be a necessity for the average user with a pair of off-the-shelf 'phones or iPod buds, but they're definitely a must-have for a particular subset of users, and Audio Technica is looking to make their lives a bit easier with its new AT-HA35i amp. From the looks of it, it this one doesn't skimp too much where it counts, and includes a D/A converter that supports 192 kHz/24bit audio, along with a max output of 440mWx2, 20-20kHz frequency response and support for 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz sampling. Unlike other amps, however, this one also packs a built-in iPod dock, plus some RCA, S-Video, and digital audio outputs 'round back to connect it to your other audio / video gear. Of course, Audio Technica headphone amps tend not to come cheap, and this is no exception -- look for it to set you back ¥50,400 (or about $560) when it rolls out in Japan next month.

Audio Technica AT-HA35i melds headphone amp and iPod dock originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NTT DoCoMo throws together 8-band amp for phones, global 3G / 4G in sight?

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:07:00 EST

The utter lack of true global 3G devices has nothing to do with hard-headed resistance to manufacturing them -- in reality, it's pretty fricking difficult to create hardware capable of efficiently supporting more than a few bands simultaneously, which is why triple-band 3G phones are just now coming to market in large quantities. The problem, of course, is that the world's governments are approving different slivers of spectrum for mobile use faster than manufacturers can support them, leading to an abundance of regional phones that only work on 2G (if that) when taken outside their intended markets. We're still a while off from handsets that can operate at peak speeds anywhere they go, but NTT DoCoMo is slaving away on a major piece of the puzzle: a mighty 8-band (yes, eight) amplifier that works through some innovative circuitry that we won't even pretend to fully understand. The carrier is presenting its work this week at the IEEE's Radio and Wireless Symposium; let's hope it's just a short jump to production shortly thereafter.

NTT DoCoMo throws together 8-band amp for phones, global 3G / 4G in sight? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iVictrola amplifies your iPhone or iPod touch's awesomeness (video)

Vlad Savov — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:01:00 EST

Just to throw in a bit of old school flavor to this week's gorge of high-tech news, here's an entirely acoustic, zero-electronics amplifier for the iPhone and iPod touch. Designed by Matt Richmond, this retro device channels sound through the walnut stand, via the vintage Magnavox horn, and into your appreciative ears. Not much else to it -- no wires, hookups, or batteries to worry about, and you can see how well it works in the video after the break. Now if you want one, just scrape together $400 and head on over to the source link.

Continue reading iVictrola amplifies your iPhone or iPod touch's awesomeness (video)

iVictrola amplifies your iPhone or iPod touch's awesomeness (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC intros cord-free TH-BA3 and TH-BS7 soundbar audio systems

Darren Murph — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:24:00 EST

JVC's never been much on using wires to hook up its home theater systems, and for those not looking for mind-blowing 7.1 surround, these soon-available wireless soundbar setups might just satisfy your aural cravings without forcing you to run ungodly lengths of cabling around your den. The TS-BA3 ($549.95) is a dual wireless soundbar system that consists of a 280-watt amplifier, 5.1-channel surround rig (including a soundbar, wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speaker kit) and built-in surround decoding. You'll also find a single analog input, two optical digital inputs and support for Dolby Digital, DTS and Dolby ProLogic II surround signals. The TH-BS7 ($599.95) is engineered to mount alongside flat-panel HDTVs, with a 1.4-inch tall, ultrathin soundbar, an even slimmer wall-mountable amplifier / control unit and a wireless subwoofer. This one's packing 180-watts of teeth-rattling oomph and promises 4.1 sound with minimal consumption of floor space. Hop on past the break for the full release and detailed specifications.

Gallery: JVC intros cord-free TH-BA3 and TH-BS7 soundbar audio systems

Continue reading JVC intros cord-free TH-BA3 and TH-BS7 soundbar audio systems

JVC intros cord-free TH-BA3 and TH-BS7 soundbar audio systems originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST

You know the problem with most iPod docks? They're too compact, too convenient. Luckily the wild men at Brothers in Drottninggatan, Stockholm, have the cure to tinny sounds that come in small packages. Hopefully a nod to the sound generated by "the bruddas" from Forest Hills, Queens (and not that of a certain homicidal record producer), the Wall of Sound is a handcrafted, 4 x 3 foot, 125 watt tube amplified behemoth. Intrigued? We bet you are. Sadly, the company has sold out of its first run, but you'll need time to save up your lunch money for one of these anyways: the asking price is $4,495 (plus shipping). Hit that read link to get started.

Continue reading Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Wall of Sound is loud, prohibitively expensive, and somewhat defeats the purpose originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC SP-FT is a drool-inducing, 31mm thin home theater speaker system

Vladislav Savov — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:13:00 EST

We know, life's tough. You want to buy the latest ultraslim HDTV, but find that your home theater speakers will look monstrously bulky sitting alongside it. JVC wouldn't want to cause you such headaches, which is why it's trotted out the above pair of 31mm thin speaker satelittes -- known as the SP-FT1 in black and SP-FT2 in their white garb -- and the AX-FT amplifier squeezed in between them. While you should probably not expect Telos 5000-like output, the amp will deliver 80W of total output over 4 independent channels, and has support for Dolby Digital, DTS and AAC formats. Prices are expected to be around ¥24,000 ($267) for the amp and ¥20,000 ($223) for the speakers when their black iterations hit Japan later this month, with the willowy white option showing up in November.

Gallery: JVC SP-FT and AX-FT

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Speakers, JVC

JVC SP-FT is a drool-inducing, 31mm thin home theater speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JVC SP-FT is a drool-inducing, 31mm thin home theater speaker system

Vlad Savov — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:13:00 EST

Gallery: JVC SP-FT and AX-FT

[Via Akihabara News]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

JVC SP-FT is a drool-inducing, 31mm thin home theater speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bryston goes Class D for its Hybrid Zone amps

Steven Kim — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:18:00 EST

After you're done pulling all the wires for whole-home audio, you probably want some peace of mind that the system will just work with no fuss, like, forever. If your setups are of the high-end variety, Bryston's new Hybrid Zone amplifiers might be just the way to complete the job -- the marque has legendary performance and reliability. Bryston has built its own linear power supply to go along with the Class D amps, so you can be sure the D-130Z and D-250Z aren't just knock-off reference designs, and the per-channel power (90-Watts for the D-130Z, 150-Watts in the D-250Z) can be divvied up a number of ways to suit your needs. Sounds great, but sadly this is some more Bryston gear that's out of our tax bracket -- $4,395 for the D-130Z, $5,695 for the D-250Z -- and these only get a five-year warranty to boot, a far cry from Bryston's standard 20-year promise. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Bryston goes Class D for its Hybrid Zone amps

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Bryston goes Class D for its Hybrid Zone amps originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 21:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iHome's iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system

Darren Murph — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:33:00 EST

It's a dilemma that even your mother has likely faced. You'd like a new set of headphones, but you'd also like to fill your dorm room with sound should a few friends stop by. In a beautiful effort to solve said quandary, iHome has introduced a 2-in-1 stereo speaker / headphone system dubbed the iHMP5. For those unaware, these are the first over-the-ear cans produced by the company, and unlike most other alternatives, these boast an inline pre-amp that flip 'em "from private to party" mode on a moment's notice. In other words, these headphones double as a portable speaker system, and they're available in a trio of colors right now for $59.99. Don't you love it when a plan comes together?

Continue reading iHome's iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system

Filed under: Home Entertainment

iHome's iHMP5 headphones double as lackluster portable speaker system originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harman Specialty Group shows off new gear to bust your wallet

Steven Kim — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:37:00 EST

When most people with sub-seven figure incomes hear "Harman," they think "Kardon." High-enders with more... advantageous... economic situations might think of names like Mark Levinson, Revel and Lexicon. For them, the Harman Specialty Group is rolling out some appropriately over-the-top gear to go along with the Lexicon BD-30 Blu-ray deck. The Mark Levinson No. 500H-series amplifiers continue with the familiar tower design, but tout new circuit topology -- we're assuming Class H -- into the various multichannel models, with the top-dog 535H punching out 1,000-Watts. On the speaker side of the house, Revel is bringing the Ultima Rhythm2 and Performa B150 powered subwoofers to the party. Revel considerately throws in amplifiers (2,400-Watts for the Ultima and 1,200 for the Performa) rather than forcing you to pick up another Mark Levinson amp. Pricing undetermined, but you can look to other offerings from these brands for suitably stratospheric guidance.

Filed under: Blu-ray, Other hardware, Players, Speakers, Others

Harman Specialty Group shows off new gear to bust your wallet originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neuhaus T-2 vacuum tube amplifier turns heretic, offers USB input

Vlad Savov — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:33:00 EST

We're more used to seeing vacuum tubes on iPod speaker docks, but the Neuhaus T-2 brings some of that analog action to your computer by serving as a USB amplifier. Those among us who think MP3 compression is just a-okay will find this new device boils down to a handsome-looking external sound card, with perhaps a bit of extra oomph. For the audiophiles, already cringing in distress at the preceding sentence, we have specs: the T-2 pumps out 20W each to two channels, with a signal-to-noise ratio of 85dB and a frequency response between 10Hz and 30KHz. If you find any of that attractive, hold your racing heart in check, as the asking price is $795. We suppose it's more affordable than the Magma, but then again so is a new car.

[Via Switched]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Neuhaus T-2 vacuum tube amplifier turns heretic, offers USB input originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Krell recalls select amplifiers to cool off the sound

Steven Kim — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:33:00 EST

Deep-pocketed audiophiles sporting Krell gear in their equipment racks love to gloat about the sound pouring from their amplifiers biased towards Class A, but that sonic bliss comes with a huge thermal pricetag. So much so, that Krell has issued a recall for its KAV-250a, KAV-250a/3, KAV-500i and KAV-1500 amps due to overheating concerns. For their trouble, affected owners will get certification of a fuse replacement and a $100 check. Mere mortals like us who aren't in the Krell club might chortle about money and sense, but on the other hand, we can't remember the last time our more mass-market receivers were ever offered this kind of service -- and some of them have run awfully hot; we're looking at you, Onkyo.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Krell recalls select amplifiers to cool off the sound originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch

Richard Lawler — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:00 EST

We questioned the strategy of Marantz delivering a nearly $800 Bonus View Blu-ray player last fall, but it appears ready to settle things with customers who believe in its superior construction and components and want a few newer features (though access to streaming movie services is still missing) with two BD-Live compatible players on the way in August. Both support AVCHD, DivX, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD bitstreaming and more, with the BD7004 adding 7.1 analog outs, internal TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding, an Anchor Bay Reference Series video processor and additional reinforcement against vibrations. Look for the BD5004 (pictured above) for $549 and the BD7004 at $799. In the interests of matching equipment, announced along with the BD7004 in Japan is the 7.1 channel NR1501 amplifier due this month, supporting the latest HD audio formats in a 105mm x 367mm deep resin and fiber reinforced design for ¥60,000 ($635), check for additional pictures after the break.

Continue reading Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch

Filed under: Blu-ray, Players, Others

Marantz preps BD5004, BD7004 Blu-ray players, NR1501 amplifier for launch originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio

Steven Kim — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST

While our typical hotel coverage involves HDTVs and/or special programming, we'll make an exception for the Marantz/DALI audio setup getting dropped into the Empire Suite of Manhattan's Carlyle hotel. We won't make any guesses about what the rack rate is for the duplex suite in the swank hotel, but it's got to be cheaper than the audio system, which combines four MA-9S2 mono amps, an SC-7S2 preamp and SA-7S1 SACD deck from Marantz's Reference lineup with a pair of DALI MEGALINE III speakers. All told, that's about $47,000 of Marantz gear and another cool $60,000 for the speakers, all to deliver good old two-channel. Might we suggest staying in and ordering room service?

Filed under: Other hardware, Speakers, Others

Marantz Reference gear in the Carlyle hotel spoils you for clock radio originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone

Darren Murph — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:39:00 EST

Apple's closing out the new application talk today at WWDC with a demo from Line 6 and Planet Waves, who have joined the Cupertino-based company in order to give your iPhone the ability to control your guitar and amplifier. Sadly, the wireless communication between the Line 6 Variax guitar and the iPhone on stage had some issues, though the folks assured us we could see more later on at Line 6's website. If this thing manages to function, it will also let you re-tune your six-string and change models on the fly. No word on price or availability just yet, but we'll let you know if either of those factoids appear.

Gallery: Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone

Filed under: Cellphones, Portable Audio

Line 6 and Planet Waves brings guitar and amp control to iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Emotiva sets the UMC-1 processor for next month, more goodies to come

Steven Kim — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:24:00 EST

The long (really long for some) wait for Emotiva's UMC-1 AV processor looks like it will be coming to a close soon. A lucky few will get in on a small pilot run of UMC-1s later this month, and mass shipments starting in July will start whittling down the preorder list. It sounds like the UMC-1 has been put through the wringer, with the latest bug fixes centered on some pesky HDMI handshake issues (and you wonder why some folks are iffy on HDMI 1.4). Also getting mention was the company's new $399 USP-1 stereo preamp with a HT bypass, also due in July. If you're a fan of being on wait-lists, though, how about the XSP preamp with balanced connections due for sometime before the year is out, or the Class H, 7x400Watt XPR-7 amplifier that's penned in for the top of Emotiva's amplifier lineup whenever it's ready? Well done, Emotiva -- give us something and keep us wanting more in one announcement!

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Emotiva sets the UMC-1 processor for next month, more goodies to come originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 06 Jun 2009 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NAD jumps into Class D with its new M2 Direct Digital Amp

Steven Kim — Sun, 24 May 2009 10:19:00 EST

Even though Class D switching amplifiers are relatively new to consumer electronics, they are receiving attention; thankfully at least some of it from the engineering (as opposed to marketing) departments. NAD has decided to enter into the fray with its Masters Series M2 Direct Digital Amplifier, a ~~200~~ 250-Watt stereo offering that can accept a PCM signal directly and run it through a digital volume control before making the transition to analog current to drive your speakers. Don't worry -- it plays nicely with your other components -- there's also an ADC stage so that the unit can accept analog inputs from traditional preamplifiers. The press release touts NAD's work on the feedback stage, and there's nary a mention of ICEpower modules, so it's a good bet that the M2 is NAD's own design and not a repackaged reference kit. Sounds great, but the $6,000 price leaves us sobbing -- thankfully, this is NAD, so you can expect the tech to move down the line in the future. Hit the link for the full details.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

NAD jumps into Class D with its new M2 Direct Digital Amp originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 May 2009 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adcom powers up with the GFA-555SE amplifier

Steven Kim — Sat, 23 May 2009 22:35:00 EST

Back in the day, Adcom earned itself a solid reputation by delivering audio components that offered champagne-level performance at beer budget pricing; kind of like a brawny NAD. The company is coming back to the market after reorganization with a fitting return to its roots -- the GFA-555SE (Special Edition) amplifier. The outside of the 200-Watt stereo amplifier is a dead ringer for the now classic GFA-555mkII model, but Adcom has updated the circuitry to current-day standards -- you know, for safety's sake -- and the performance has been improved as well. As much nostalgia as we have for the brand and appreciate the utilitarian design, this isn't a great time to be coming into the market, and this $1,299 amplifier is going to have a tough time grabbing hold with companies like Emotiva on the prowl.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Adcom powers up with the GFA-555SE amplifier originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 23 May 2009 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC

Tim Stevens — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST

For some there's nothing better than the warm glow of indicator lights coming from a huge stack of home theater equipment. Others, though, prefer consolidation, and that's what Okoro Media Systems's upcoming OMS-AX100 will offer: an HTPC with an integrated 5.1 channel amplifier from D2Audio (a 7.1 version also avail). With 100 watts per channel you can plug your non-powered speakers right into the unit and, through HDMI and component inputs, connect other sources, too. However, with only one of each, you're going to have to choose favorites among gaming systems. Orders can be placed now to ship in June, and a base Windows Vista-equipped machine with 500GB of storage, 4GB of memory, and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e 2.6GHz processor will set you back $1,650. A Blu-ray drive bumps the price another $190, which seems like a worthy upgrade -- if only because you might have a hard time finding an empty input for an external one.

[Via eCoustics]

Filed under: Blu-ray, Media PCs, Receivers, Others

Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC

Tim Stevens — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST

For some there's nothing better than the warm glow of indicator lights coming from a huge stack of home theater equipment. Others, though, prefer consolidation, and that's what Okoro Media Systems's upcoming OMS-AX100 will offer: an HTPC with an integrated 5.1 channel amplifier from D2Audio (a 7.1 version is also avail). With 100 watts per channel you can plug your non-powered speakers right into the unit and, through HDMI and component inputs, connect other sources, too. However, with only one of each, you're going to have to choose favorites among gaming systems. Orders can be placed now to ship in June, and a base Windows Vista-equipped machine with 500GB of storage, 4GB of memory, and an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e 2.6GHz processor will set you back $1,650. A Blu-ray drive bumps the price another $190, which seems like a worthy upgrade -- if only because you might have a hard time finding an empty input for an external one.

[Via eCoustics]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Okoro Media Systems's OMS-AX100 amps up your boring HTPC originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATC's P1 amplifier gives its passive speakers some teeth

Steven Kim — Fri, 15 May 2009 11:03:00 EST

We tend to associate the ATC (Acoustic Transducer Company) brand with active speaker systems, but the British firm has a number of passive speakers in its lineup as well. You just know with its powered speaker heritage, the company has some definite opinions about what kind of amp to partner up with those passive loudspeakers, and it's a safe bet that ATC's own P1 amp would come highly recommended, indeed. The dual mono, Class A/B juicebox boasts 150-Watts (into 8-Ohms) and specs out at better than 110dB signal to noise ratio with distortion way down at -95dB. Definitely a piece for the well-heeled, the $3,700 P1 also packs the XLR inputs that will keep your British audiophile cred intact.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

ATC's P1 amplifier gives its passive speakers some teeth originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 May 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Klipsch says goodbye to Aragon and Acurus amplifiers

Steven Kim — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:26:00 EST

Apparently, Klipsch has decided it's had enough of the notched design motif on Acurus and Aragon amplifiers and has decided to break off the two brands and sell them to Indy Audio Labs. We're hoping for a brighter future for the two lines under their new ownership; it certainly can't get a whole lot worse, as Klipsch ceased production of products wearing the Aragon badge 4 years after buying it from Mondial Designs in 2001. Both no-holds-barred Aragon and the more cost-conscious (but not cheap) Acurus names seem to be in capable hands -- Indy Audio Labs has two former Klipsch employees as its founders who plan to deliver products under the same brand names familiar to crusty audio nuts. Press release after the break.

Continue reading Klipsch says goodbye to Aragon and Acurus amplifiers

Filed under: Industry, Other hardware, Others

Klipsch says goodbye to Aragon and Acurus amplifiers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 May 2009 13:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rotel's new 15-series components show stereo some love

Steven Kim — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:19:00 EST

Not everyone has jumped into the multi-channel audio arms race, and the last time we checked, the majority of music was available in two-channel stereo format. Rotel has introduced a new set of 15-series components for just such stereo lovers. At the head of the stream is the RCD-1520 slot-loading CD player with a toroidal transformer and segmented power supply that promise not to gum up the Wolfson DACs with noise. The RC-1550 (pictured) and RC-1580 stereo preamplifiers do their level best (pun intended) to embody the "straight wire with gain" ideal; pair them up with the 2x200-Watt RB-1582 or the 2x120-Watt RB-1552 amplifier. Finally, if you're after all-in-one convenience -- or not into expensive interconnects -- there's the RA-1520 integrated amplifier that wraps a preamp and a 2x60-Watt amplifier in one tidy package. This is Rotel gear, so you know prices aren't cheap; but then again, if you're still chasing after stereo gear, you probably are used to that. Full details -- including an "Engadget-effect" macro shot -- after the break.

Continue reading Rotel's new 15-series components show stereo some love

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Rotel's new 15-series components show stereo some love originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 20:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audioholics peels back the lids on the current crop of ICEpower-based amplifiers

Steven Kim — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:29:00 EST

Typically devoid of fancy lights, knobs, and switches, amplifiers typically don't get a lot of marketing hype; heck, most people who own a receiver aren't even aware of the amplifier section. Bang & Olfusen's Class D ICEpower switching amplifiers wrinkle that a bit -- the compact footprint, light weight, energy efficiency and impressive specs are enough to make the newer technology marketable as, well, new. Sadly, from Audioholics' examination of many samples, it also looks like the newness stopped there and several manufacturers have slapped crazy price tags on an essentially "reference design" implementation. There's plenty of good technical info about the test bench performance of these amps in the link, but with several happy ICEpower users it's hard to say that the subjective performance is unsatisfactory; the wide price range for essentially the same amp is what's troubling. If nothing else, let it serve as a cautionary tale of not falling for the latest thing just because it's the latest thing -- when you're shopping for an amp, take your ears along with your wallet.

Filed under: Industry, Other hardware, Others

Audioholics peels back the lids on the current crop of ICEpower-based amplifiers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Goldmund asks "What recession?," releases Telos 5000 amplifier

Steven Kim — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:35:00 EST

Way to flaunt it, Goldmund -- while people are losing their homes, the company has introduced its flagship amplifier that costs as much as a house: the $189,600 Telos 5000. Look, we're sure the stereo (yeah, only two channels) sound coming out of this 5,000-Watt, 650-pound testament to a bloated ego sounds just great, but this kind of gear is what gives audiophiles who want something better than a HTIB a bad name and makes just about everybody else mutter "more money than sense." If you're just curious and hit the link, that's cool; but if you've got this kind of money, might we suggest paying for live musicians to follow you around instead?

[Via BoingBoing]

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Goldmund asks "What recession?," releases Telos 5000 amplifier originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ion Audio's Tailgater is the iPod dock that salutes those who rock

Tim Stevens — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:51:00 EST

Those who live rock and roll lifestyles need accessories that look the part, accessories like the Ion Audio Tailgater. It's a $199 iPod dock that, with a few scuffs and scratches and stickers, wouldn't look too out of place getting kicked around on-stage at the club. It works with any iPod (first- and second-gen users will have to made do with playback via the headphone jack) including the iPhone and Touch, has inputs for mics or other instruments, and even has an integrated battery for up to eight hours of rocking out when you're way out. Now all you need is a gaggle of roadies to carry it there for you.

[Via iLounge]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Portable Audio

Ion Audio's Tailgater is the iPod dock that salutes those who rock originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McIntosh celebrates 60 years, reissues classic stereo gear from its 1960s golden years

Steven Kim — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:12:00 EST

If your idea of a perfect evening involves taking in some classic two-channel stereo recordings while basking in the glow of tubes, get ready for a blast from the past courtesy McIntosh. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the company is releasing limited edition bundle of its classic C22 preamp and a pair of MC75 monoblock amps. The reissues feature updated circuitry -- in the case of the MC75, reliability is improved while the sonics remain faithful to the original, and the new C22 has been brought up to modern performance standards and an IR remote has been added (because getting up out of your chair is so 1960s). To top it all off, each of the 120 bundles will include a signed copy of McIntosh's For the Love of Music, and in case you were wondering, "McIntosh limited" means pricey -- $15,000. Lucky owners are encouraged to supply their own scotch and smoking jacket.

[Via Switched]

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

McIntosh celebrates 60 years, reissues classic stereo gear from its 1960s golden years originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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McCormack Audio debuts new amplifier, preamplifier for two-channel holdouts

Steven Kim — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:34:00 EST

We don't spill too much ink on 2-channel audio, but it's a mainstay of any music lover's diet. An old name from stereo audio that we had lost track of, McCormack, has recently popped back up with a new LD-2 preamp and DNA-250 and DNA-750 amplifiers. The brand has come a long way since its Mod Squad beginnings and now operates under the Conrad-Johnson banner, but the design (inside and out) sound like pure McCormack -- "Line Drive" architecture on the $2495 RLD-1 and "Distributed-Node" topology on the both the DNA-250 ($3995, 2x250-Watts) and DNA-750 (1000-Watt monoblock) amplifiers. For those not in the know, the McCormack name always delivered great sound (right on par with, Bryston, for example), and we expect nothing less from these components when they ship this month.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

McCormack Audio debuts new amplifier, preamplifier for two-channel holdouts originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NAD introduces 7.1-channel T 737 / T 747 AV receivers

Darren Murph — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:14:00 EST

The goods keep flowing from the doors at NAD, and now we've got two new multi-channel AV receivers to swoon over. The lower-end T 737 checks in with 40-watts of power per channel, a trio of surround modes, AM / FM tuner, XM / DAB compatibility and iPod support. The T 747 steps it up with a 60-watt per channel amp, internal decoding of the latest lossless audio codecs from Dolby and DTS and an auto-calibration function to ensure your setup is, um, set up correctly. Expect 'em to hit retail outlets in February / January (respectively) for $799 and $1,299 (also respectively).

Filed under: Receivers, Others

NAD introduces 7.1-channel T 737 / T 747 AV receivers originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 22:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pragmatic's HideAway amplifier brings zero-footprint audio one step closer

Steven Kim — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:57:00 EST

If you've gone through the trouble and expense of putting audiophile-approved speakers in-wall, there's a good chance you're a "separates, no receivers" kind of purist. Carrying out your streamlined install to the next level will require you to put the amplifiers in wall, too, so you might be a candidate for Pragmatic's HideAway Stereo Audio Amplifier 248. Your audiophile side will like the promise of dual monoblock amplifiers in the little 2x3.5x3-inch box, but while you might typically associate monoblocks with triple-digit power, this $550, 15V-powered unit pumps out 48-Watts continuous and 60-Watts peak and Pragmatic specs flat performance from 10Hz to 50kHz. Like all things custom install, you can accessorize here -- volume controls, rack mounts and even a junction box install await your pocketbook.

Filed under: Other hardware, Others

Pragmatic's HideAway amplifier brings zero-footprint audio one step closer originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 23:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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