Designed by Singgih Kartono, I found this wooden radio to be quite the eye catcher. His previous design was also quite impressive, but not available in the US. This very cool looking retro radio is made from sustainably grown woods and includes the “most current mp3 player compatible electronics”… hmmm, not exactly sure what the latter means. It also has FM, AM, and even two short wave band receivers.

While I think aesthetically Singgih Kartono has really hit something here, it may be missing something in the technology department. I’m assuming their “mp3 player electronics” is simply a line in jack on the back, but i haven’t seen any photos of the rear to confirm this. I also didn’t notice any mention of HD radio. However, I suspect this was designed for Japanese domestic market sale, and I guess that they can’t be faulted as I’m not aware that the Japanese have implemented the same digital radio format. I haven’t had a chance to hear or play with this device, but I hope it at least has a very nice radio receiver. I love the focus on design, but as an audio nut, I’d hope it performs on par with it’s looks.

I’d also like to hear more details about where/how the electronics are made. It’s nice that the wood is sustainably grown, but it would also be nice if the electronics were made with thought into reducing certain hazardous substances.

Overall though, it is a pretty radio.

[source: TreeHugger]
[source: areaware]

Filed under: Art | Design,Gadgets | Technology,Green | Sustainable,Home Audio,Portable Audio — Santi @ 10:10 am

Imagine you happen to be a multi-millionare, and you’re looking for that next purchase to really spruce up your listening room, and impress everybody who comes over. Also imagine that you have a budget of nearly a quarter million dollars to spend on speakers (this is a good dream, no?).

Anyhow, if that sounds like a description of your situation, then you should really consider the MBL 101X-Treme – Statement Radialstrahler Loudspeaker.

These amazing speakers have been seen on a couple places on the ‘net, and you can imagine how happy I was to have a listen here at CES. But first let’s talk about how these things look. I dare say these are the most impressive looking pieces of audio equipment I’ve ever seen. It’s as though I’ve been transported into some steampunk alternate universe, and the crazy scientist in the castle has developed the new way to listen to music. The combination of metal, wood, and piano black finishes really makes these speakers look as though they belong in a museum. They are so large and unusual, that they are almost scary. But then you hear their sweet sound, and can’t stop the temptation to sit down for a listen.

The main towers have mirror imaged bass, midrange and tweeter omnidirectional arrays that MBL have developed. They whole speaker set weighs 3600 pounds, take thirty days to build, and require 4 separate amplifiers to operate.

How, do they sound you ask. Well, I think they sound simply astonishing. Extremely clear and detailed, with great bass extension (due to the massive bass towers). Close your eyes, and the instruments are there in the room with you. They really do a convincing job of recreating music. “You guys mind if I turn it up loud,” asks the man running the rig. All of sitting in the room smile, and the demonstration proceeds. These amazing towers just seemed to get better as the volume went up. I think if I were to ever own these, I’d end up with hearing loss. A lot of fancy speakers sound good. Few have really convincing reproduction of real instruments. Really this was a far jump above the other high-end speakers I saw at the show. Of course with a $199,000 price tag, you’d expect to get something for your money. I can’t say if these speakers are worth their price tag. However, I am sure that I was very, very impressed.

Filed under: Gadgets | Technology,Home Audio — Santi @ 9:09 pm

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
[image from Axiom Audio]

The Canadian speaker company Axion Audio has released their first set of computer speakers. While they claim to be introducing the “first luxury hi-hi computer speaker system” I think the Soundruid Audio Fury 2.1 system beat them to that. Nevertheless, these are some nice looking speakers…

Continue reading Axiom Audio releases new Audiobyte Computer Speakers

Filed under: Gadgets | Technology,Home Audio — Santi @ 9:31 am

In preparation for some upcoming headphone reviews, I’ve decided to put together this little guide on what is what in headphone land for our readers who might not be versed in the lingo.

Continue reading An in-ear-what now? Quick guide to headphones types

Filed under: Gadgets | Technology,Home Audio,Portable Audio,Reviews | Guides — Santi @ 9:20 am