andPOP » speakers

Review: Focal XS Computer Speakers

Max Whiteside — Fri, 01 May 2009 03:40:33 +0000

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For as long as I can remember, any new computer I bought, I stuck with the built-in speaker system. Last month I had a chance to try Focal’s new consumer 2.1 speaker system and boy was I impressed – and not just by the sound quality.

The speakers are beautifully designed. The weighted base and angled brushed metal stand that hold up the black, glossy speaker, easily compliment any one of Apple’s computers or monitors. Very few speaker systems will look as if Apple developed them, but this is one of them. FOCAL’s attention to design has already caught the attention of Apple as these speakers are routinely setup in Apple stores with their computer display models.

The Focal XS speakers will even help you reduce desk clutter with the built in iPod/iPhone dock and remote on the right speaker. The universal dock connector includes eight adapters so you can attach just about any iPod or iPhone. We tested the dock with the 3G iPhone and did not experience any type of audio interference.

Setup of the Focal XS speaker system takes about 5 minutes. After connecting a few wires and finally plugging the USB connection into the back of your computer, just open the sound control panel and choose the FOCAL XS option. By using a USB connection, the speakers also serve as a charger and data sync connector for your iPod. A button on the back of the right speaker allows you to switch between synchronization and the audio source. While the button would serve its purpose better on the front of the speaker base, it’s a handy feature to have.

In addition, the speaker includes a power button, volume buttons, a stereo mini jack and a remote control that sticks to the neck of the speaker with a built in magnet. There is also no switch or button needed to change between the three possible audio sources, allowing them to play simultaneously.

The included remote control is extremely handy to have. However, we found the infrared signal to be weak at best and require a direct line of site to the base. Furthermore, there is no volume meter display, so you’ll need to adjust the sound by ear.

When you finally hit the play button in iTunes, you’ll be mesmerized by the clear and crisp sound. Each speaker includes a 3/4” tweeter and 3” paper cone, while the subwoofer boasts a 6 1/2” paper cone and a single knob at the back to adjust the bass setting.

With a listing price of US$599, it may be difficult to justify spending that kind of money on a computer speaker system, but with it’s complimentary design and built-in iPod/iPhone dock, we think it’s worth every penny.

For more information visit the official Focal XS web site.

JBL Duet II and III Speaker Systems Now Available

Daniel Levine — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:05:25 +0000

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JBL Duet II Speakers

We took a look at the impressive JBL Duet II at Macworld 2009 in January and are happy to announce that you can finally get them for yourself.

The Duets are desktop speaker systems for a computer, laptop, MP3 player or anything that uses a 3.5mm audio jack. The speakers feature convenient volume and power controls, a small footprint and great sound.

The Duet II feature: Phoenix SE Driver Technology, 6 Watts per satellite speaker, 80Hz-20kHz frequency response and cost $99.95.

The Duet III feature: Warrior Driver Technology, 10 Watts per satellite speaker, 70Hz-20kHz frequency response and cost $149.95.

The speakers are currently available at Amazon and will be at other retailers soon.

Jamo Announces Upcoming A 804 Speakers

andPOP Staff — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:17:09 +0000

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Last week, Jamo, a company specializing in audio components, announced the upcoming release the new A 804 speakers. The speakers are housed in a black leather/high-gloss black enclosure that combines aluminum, steel and high density polymer. The speakers are only 3.9 inches deep and are designed to match with flat-panel televisions. The speakers can be mounted horizontally and vertically.

The speakers also feature Jamo’s WaveGuide technology, which delivers clean, clear highs, and also have 4.5-inch midrange and two 4.5-inch woofers that provide the midrange and bass sounds.

The speakers are priced at approximately $450 US.

Review: LaCie USB Speakers

Daniel Levine — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:26:44 +0000

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Seemingly inspired by a PVC tube corner-connector, LaCie’s latest diversion from the world of hard-drive comes in speaker form. Design by Neil Poulton out of France, the LaCie USB Speakers are a modern, lightweight and welcomed addition to the realm of desktop speakers.

The $59.99 (USD) speakers are completely plug and play for both PC and Mac, requiring no drivers. They work over USB which means no need for a power adaptor (they’re bus-powered).

The last time I was impressed by the design of a set of desktop speakers was the harman/kardon Soundsticks (they went great with my iMac G4). Since I stopped using those a few years ago, I haven’t actually used a pair of desktop speakers.

The minimalistic and modern design of the LaCie USB speakers make them an easy addition to any design conscious user. They look great next to a white MacBook or a current generation aluminum MacBook or MacBook Pro.

If there’s one complaint for Apple’s line of notebooks it’s their horrendously low speaker internal speaker volume. When I use my laptop at my desk, the $59.99 the LaCie speakers are an affordable and appreciated addition.

The sound volume of the speakers is considerably good for an office or working space, but don’t expect to wake the neighbours with them. As an audiophile, you may notice some deficiencies on the lows but considering their small physical footprint and overall great quality, this isn’t a huge issue.

While intuitively designed to hide cables and even allow the input of an iPod or other audio device (through a 3.5mm jack), the speakers give no ability for volume control, or volume level feedback on the unit themselves. The audio input has been great, allowing me to connect both my desktop (through the 3.5mm jack) and my laptop (through the USB) to the speakers and use them for both computers while at my desk.

Being USB powered has its obvious costs/benefits. On the plus, the direct digital USB connection provides for a better quality signal to the speakers, while at the same time it means sacrificing an important USB port.

The setup is extremely simple and completely plug and play. Just take the speakers out of the box and insert the USB. You’re ready to go. If for some reason they don’t start to work, just launch System Preferences (or Control Panel on a PC), go to your sound preferences and select the USB Audio Device as your sound output.

These speakers are a great addition and have earned a permanent spot on my desk. There are no alarming trade-offs between form and function, and the apparent focus on both has created a great product at a great price.

mStation Orb Delivers Round Sound

andPOP Staff — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:29:08 +0000

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Product: mStation Orb 2.1
Price: $129.99(USD)
Link:www.mstation.com
Rating: 3/5

When it comes to dockable iPod speaker systems, I’ve seen no shortage. Likely, neither have you. They come in all shapes, all sizes, and all prices. The $129.95(USD) mStation 2.1 Orb fits in the category of original shape.

The 2.1 Orb (2.1 for left and right audio and a subwoofer) comes in seven colours: White, Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Red, and Silver (matching the colours of the old, 2nd generation iPod Nanos). The Orb is about 8 inches in diameter and fits nicely on a small office desk, taking up minimal room.

The Orb’s docking station allows pass-throughsyncing with iTunes but connecting the included USB cable into the back of the device and into your computer, as well as a stereo mini cable for pass through sound for your computer or other devices.

The Orb also includes 6 docking cradles for a snug fit, depending on which iPod you want to use in the device as well as a 10 Key IR remote, with the following functions: power, volume up, volume down, next song, previous song, play/pause, treble up/down and bass up/down. The remote features pretty much everything you would want in a remote for a device like this, but I found at times had minimal range when not pointed directly at the IR sensor.

The sound on the Orb is fairly good when in the middle volume range, but lacked greatly for low-volume and distorted (expectedly) at very high volumes. While the high-volume distortion was not a huge deal, considering I would rarely use the device at the volumes that resulted in distortion, I was disappointed with the low-volume output from the Orb. Unlike other high-end audio systems like the Bose Sounddock, the Orb emits a low sounding hiss when some audio devices are plugged in, such as older generation iPods.

The only other disappointing factor was that the Orb cannot share inputs with its stereo input and dock input. So don’t expect to listen to your iPod while hearing systems sounds off your computer. Or don’t expect to simply have the convenience of watching a DVD on your computer through the Orb and then switch on your iPod. While not a huge issue, this is an inconvenience and takes away from the usefulness of the device.

For $129.99, the Orb is a pretty good value for its price. Its stylish, takes up little space and generally sounds very good. The bass and treble controls help greatly when listening to different styles of music. Most live music requires the bass be brought all the way down just to make the music audible. The bass and treble controls are a great feature and simple one that has been overlooked in many devices, including the much more expensive offerings by Harmon/Kardon or Bose.

Take a closer look at the mStation Orb 2.1 and see if you can find a colour thats right for you.