Project Gadget » Speakers

Joey Roth Ceramic Speakers

Michael Vorel — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:36:59 +0000

Are you interested in having not only fantastic sound but something truly industrial and well-designed?These unique ceramic speakers from designer Joey Roth are made from porcelain, birch plywood, core aluminum and cast iron. Not your typical design and I really respect Joey for designing these.

What will they work with?

Basically anything with an output as the device has an RCA or 1/8" Input for iPods, iPhone, iPads, Laptops, TV and Turntable (if you're using a phono preamp)

Industrial Design

Ceramic speakers have a built-in 15W/channel amplifier encased in sheet metal
Amplifier based on the Tripath 2024 T-Amp with gold-plated binding posts
Sensitivity: 89 dB & Frequency 70 Hz – 20 kHz
Cast Iron base
16 gauge oxygen-free copper speaker cables w/ banana plug termination
120-240V system

Use of Cork is Impressive!

Closeup View (see the cool slider?)

In summary, I have to say that I really admire Joey Roth's design and can't wait to get my hands on a pair of the speakers! The cost is $495 and have the link to the site below.

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iHome Studio Series iP1 iPhone Speaker System

Michael Vorel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:59:43 +0000

While I was writing the review on the $15 iHome portable speaker I went to the main iHome web site and saw something that just went onto my list for Santa (hear that big guy?). The iHome Studio Series iP1 is an amazing speaker system for your iPhone or iPod that was developed by Bongiovi Acoustics (not Bon Jovi!). The concept of studio quality music coupled with the iPhone is a growing niche and love flexibility of internet radio.

What makes it Cool?

Bongiovi Acoustics is a patented technology that constantly scans your audio to restore harmonics and clarity lost to compression in today's music. Now this is a really important point as MP3 is a compressed audio format so this must be a nice improvement!

What are the flaws?

The first flaw of the device is that although extremely sleek in appearance the company choose to include a large power brick that based on the reviews makes portability not a true option. Although may not be a big deal for many it is for me so have to downgrade the system just for that move. So if you don't plan on moving the device than non issue but wanted to address it. The second issue was discovered on another review that spoke about less than perfect picture quality using the video out function to HDTV. The picture quality is not a deal breaker for me so still like this unit.

About Bongiovi Acoustics DPS (Digital Power Station) (from site)
The processor was developed by a team of audio engineers that have over 40 years of experience in the music and motion picture recording industries. Audio is digitally restored in real time, adding missing harmonics, improving clarity, presence, and bass resonance. Your music comes alive in ways never before possible. (Sounds great guys!)

Back of the Unit

CloseUp Shot of Back

Note the Component Video (yes it solves the issue of bridging your iPhone/iPod content to your TV)

Line in (essential for integrating Sirius into this)

AC Jack (although would love a battery it is better w/o)

CloseUp of Front Panel

Technical Specs

Stereo, 2 way, bi-amped with digital crossover
(2) 4" wooferswith custom glass fiber diaphragms
(2) 1" tweeter
Digital Amp - class-D
100 Watt
45 - 20,000 frequency hz
Remote control

Overall a fun and useful portable speaker for personal and business use (not the portable unit you take on the road with you). With a great sound, iphone integration and ability to work with multiple devices via input I recommend it.

Places to Buy: (I receive credit if you purchase so thanks - feeds the addiction to gadgets)
- iHome.com - iPhone/iPod Home Audio, Computer Speakers, Accessories & More
- Also check out demo of Sonos Wireless Music System

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iPig iPod Docking Station

Michael Vorel — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:39:23 +0000

Heard of Speakal? Check out these cool iPod docking stations. The iPig Limited Edition in black is a speaker system that includes a 15W subwoofer, 5 speakers and a remote to control the iPig and iPod functions. Comes in 3 colors costs $119.99. Enjoy a 360 degree sound and with 3.5mm AUX input jack connect to TV, Gaming consoles, etc. Personally I have not tested the iPig but sounds interesting.

Other colors are available as well (Pink, Yellow & White iPigs)

If you would like to see more, check out the Speakal site

iPhone / Ipod Speaker – JBL On Stage IIIP

Michael Vorel — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:57:19 +0000

I have a portable JBL speaker and it has been fantastic, this is the upgraded model and thinking about buying it. The JBL portable dock is the ideal travel partner while on the road or to enjoy the sound on your desktop. Imagine pulling this out of your luggage and hearing your tunes while you relax. Uses 6 AA batteries for 12 hours of play or use AC cord.

The system is compatible with iPod, iPod Touch, iPod Classic, iPod Nano G3 and iPhone. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy MP3 players, computers, satellite radio and laptops. Remote Control is also Included!

Mackie Studio Speakers – HR824mk2 with Amplifier

Michael Vorel — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:45:54 +0000

Back when I was a product manager we would put on large Comdex booth displays with audio, video and cool speakers. There were always large Mackie Self Powered Speakers and the sound was terrific. The Mackie HR824mk2 is a small format high-resolution Active studio reference monitor that would be an amazing compliment to your in house video or audio production room. For consumers, I am imagining them to play with Sirius, ITunes, Rhapsody and Pandora! I want these!