TheTechLounge - Recent Reviews: Multimedia: Speakers

Meridian F80 Audio System

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:58:28 -0500

If you've never heard of Meridian, well, I hate to say it, but it's probably because you're just like me and can't afford to spend your entire annual income on a pair of loudspeakers. While I think it's safe to say that the F80 won't set you back that much, it's definitely not a cheap audio solution either. Let's take a closer look and see what kind of value the unit has to offer...

Razer Mako 2.1 Speaker System

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 11:47:35 -0500

Razer's entrance into the gaming sound arena was impressive and simple, following the path they�d cut for input devices. Their audio lineup includes a superb sound card, a headset, and a 2.1 speaker system. Their sleek style stands out first, and, priced as they are--$400--quality is expected. Re-thinking the very shape of a speaker seems appropriate. Not only for Razer, but also for THX, their partner in this matte-finish affair. The center of the re-design is simple: point the drivers down, bounce the sound out in every direction. And now every spot is the sweet spot. But their combined forces multiply marketing, add to the technical BS, and I say there are faults to find.

Audioengine A2 Computer Speakers

Fri, 16 May 2008 11:32:31 -0500

When I reviewed their luscious A5s, my own music, music that I leave playing all the time, music that I can play in my head sans stereo, I... it mesmerized me. There was so much I didn't know I was missing, so much that I didn't expect to be able to hear without some studio phones. I will test these smaller, "desktop" speakers against a high standard. I will test them on an Audioengine standard.

Audioengine W1 Wireless Audio Adapter

Fri, 2 May 2008 15:15:33 -0500

Audioengine's stellar A5 "bookshelf" speakers knocked me flat with perfect sound. The fact that this company would trust invisible air tubes over good ol' copper to not screw up their performance is a compelling sign that their new Audioengine W1 is dyed-in-the-wool wireless solution, but I'm hella skeptical. While I certainly don't believe that Monster's onto something with their oxygen-free copper and gold lies, I'm not positive that I won't be able to tell the difference between wires and nothingness.

Audioengine A5 Bookshelf Speakers

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:09:53 -0600

On the floor, with my head between the speakers, I listened to my library for hours. I heard things I�d never heard before: spittle hitting the mic, catching on its wires; each of the conductors� deep, concerto-bracing breaths, the taps of the baton, the misplaced stabs at the high-hats, the time-keeping footwork too close to the bass� pickup, and heavy pick-scrapes across steel. I rocked out on my back, staring at the careful brush-strokes on my wooden ceiling, under the new coat covering the old, nicotine-stained lead paint. I couldn�t get enough�the amp sizzled under its own electrical weight, scalding-hot to the touch, and I was enchanted.

Logitech X-540 5.1 Speakers

Thu, 3 May 2007 15:53:40 -0500

With prices for speakers as low as they are, and with all the competition and variety, it's difficult to pick a good set of speakers... Especially if you aren't an audiophile. No matter what price bracket speakers are in, there's a certain degree of mystery as to how they'll perform. Sure, if you drop a fistful of C-notes, you're probably going to get good audio, but even then, the only way to know is to listen. Which is why we've got this 5.1 set from Logitech on our hands. Because our hands, have good, er, ears.

Altec Lansing inMotion iM500 Ultra-Portable iPod nano Speakers

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:54:59 -0500

Today I'll be taking a look at a set of ultra-portable iPod nano speakers from Altec Lansing, the inMotion iM500. And I really mean ultra-portable; this thing fits in my pocket (looks quite strange there, but it does fit). Some say size doesn't matter, but in the back of my mind I'm already concerned that Altec Lansing may have gone with form over function with this little "fella.

Kensington SX 3000R Flat Panel iPod Speakers

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 23:51:52 -0500

iPod here, iPod there, iPod iPod everywhere! Unless you live in a cave (how are you reading this?) or you've just come out of a coma (congratulations), you've certainly witnessed the veritable onslaught of iPod accessories at your favorite electro-geekery store. Today I'll be looking at one such iPod accessory from Kensington: the SX 3000R flat panel iPod speakers with FM radio. The SX 3000R is designed around NXT's patented Distributed Mode Loudspeaker (DML, commonly referred to as flat panel speakers), which promises to offer room-filling sound while requiring less space than traditional cone drivers. We'll see just how good NXT's DML really is and whether Kensington has done a good job of designing a viable product around it.

Altec Lansing iM510 Portable Sansa Speakers

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 18:46:51 -0500

Portable external speakers have become a hot seller in the portable media player arena. Altec Lansing was at the forefront of the personal media player aftermarket and introduced several products for the iPod. Now they've seen it fit to customize a speaker set for the Sansa c200 and e200 lines. And rightly so. These little players are challenging the market share of the iPod Nano and Shuffle and deserve a little respect. Maybe glossy black will make a comeback just as pearly white has become an iconic symbol?

Altec Lansing FX4021 2.1 Speakers

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 20:37:28 -0600

The demand for 2.1 speakers such as Altec Lansing's FX4021 is quite high. Available for as little as $100 this speaker set is very appealing to anyone who wants sound to kick a little harder than when it eeks out of their earbuds.

Logitech Z-10 2.0 USB Speakers

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 15:31:44 -0600

I love music. It helps me focus, fuels creativity, and breaks the dull silence in my isolated working environment. A long time ago I reviewed Logitech's Z-680 5.1 Computer Speakers. I quite liked them, and they served me well for a while. However, since I work from my home office, the acclaimed speakers' boomy subwoofer annoyed my family after only a short period of time. Eventually, I just unplugged the speakers and put them in a closet, because if I couldn't have the full Z-680 experience (bass included), I didn't want any Z-680 experience at all. With that said, I've been music-less for over a year in my office! until now. On the surface, Logitech's Z-10 2.0 USB Computer Speakers appear to be a great match for somebody in my situation. I don't want to sacrifice on quality, I want something that looks nice, and as much as I love deep, thumping bass, unfortunately that's an area where I'm going to have to sacrifice for the benefit of working from home. I've been using these speakers for one month now, so the time has come for me to give you the skinny on these glossy black pretties.

iHome iH5 iPod Clock Radio

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 15:03:07 -0500

Not long ago we took a look at the JBL OnTime, an all-in-one iPod docking station, alarm clock, and radio. While the OnTime is a competent product, there are some quirks and design flaws that, when combined with its relatively high price, open the door for competition. One of the companies competing in the same market as JBL is iHome. While the company may not be quite as well known as JBL is to most of us, they've found a nice little niche by offering numerous iPod-dockable devices that include alarm clocks, boom boxes, and under-the-counter players. The product we'll be looking at today is their iH5 clock radio which competes directly with products like the JBL OnTime. Let's see if the iH5 has what it takes to hang with the big boys.

JBL On Time - Time Machine Dock for iPod

Wed, 24 May 2006 20:39:55 -0500

There are hundreds of accessories for the various iPod models, ranging from carrying cases and arm bands to attachable FM tuners and boom-boxes (and that's barely scratching the surface)! If you are one of the millions of consumers who've purchased an iPod and feel the urge to accessorize then you'll want to read on for our review of the JBL On Time - it could be just what you're looking for. The JBL On Time acts as a docking station, charger, and speaker system for your iPod. It also functions as an alarm clock and a radio. As you can see, the JBL On Time combines a number of different features into one unique device, but how well does it perform these functions?

Altec Lansing MX5021 2.1 Speaker System

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 16:52:36 -0500

After weeks of testing, I can say this is a great set of 2.1 speakers. I was highly impressed with the sound quality whether I was listening to music, watching movies, or playing PC games. Having an Audio-In additionally allows you to hook up your Xbox, MP3 player, etc. which of course is a good thing.

JBL Encounter 2.1 Speaker System

Wed, 3 Aug 2005 23:54:43 -0500

The design department over at JBL must be working double shifts. The new look of JBL's computer audio screams two things: iPod and alien invasion; perhaps none more so than the Encounter 2.1 speaker system. These 2.1 computer speakers may look out of this world but how will they perform down here on Earth?