Many would agree that a home theater system cannot be complete without its own sophisticated set of home audio components – a 2.1 speaker set, say, or a 5.1-channel surround sound system. But it’s also nice to have the luxury of an additional – also, simpler – home audio setup, with wireless speakers, capable headphones, and Bluetooth-enabled blasters as its possible components. After all, there’s no need for a 5.1 when all you’d like to do is spend the rest of the day in a more personal, intimate setting, just listening to your favorite music or Internet radio station.
If this sounds just the kind of thing you’re looking for, we have a treat: a list of new audio products (speakers and headphones) delivering the kind of audio performance that’ll bring sweet music to your ears.
Jawbone’s Big Jambox
Not too long ago we gave some shine to a bunch of speaker docks for your mobile devices. The list included Jawbone’s Jambox wireless speaker and speakerphone. Well, the original Jambox now has a big brother, and it’s literally called Big Jambox. ($299.99)
Designed to turn any mobile phone, tablet, or media player into a portable and easy-to-use hi-fi sound system, the Big Jambox is awesome for your living room parties and (powerful) easy listening weekends. And while it’s bigger than the original Jambox, Jawbone’s new offering is still very portable, and completely wireless, and it still has the handy speakerphone for your Skype, GoogleTalk, and FaceTime conversations. Precision-tuned drivers and dual passive bass radiators, meanwhile, work with exclusive LiveAudio technology to deliver rich, clear layers of sound.
Grado Labs Prestige Series SR80i Stereo Headphone
Music lovers, pay attention: these headphones are about to rock your world. With features like a vented diaphragm, a non-resonant air chamber, dynamic transducers, an upgraded driver design, and a 4-conductor connecting cable – plus an extremely affordable price tag of $99 – Grado’s wonderful new headphones are getting rave reviews everywhere. Apart from the fact that the SR80i’s new driver and plastic housing react to vibrations without any transient distortions, the headphones also deliver wide vocal range and truly impressive bass performance – an irresistible investment for audiophiles who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a stereo headphone.
SMS Audio SYNC by 50
Dr. Dre’s Beats series of high-performance headphones have been around for quite some time now. But if you prefer some other rapper – or a higher-end product (wireless, perhaps?) – then you might want to give 50 Cent’s SMS Audio SYNC a try. SYNC represents a new series of over-ear wireless headphones. At $399.99, they’re kind of pricey, but the headphones don’t fall short on features: professionally tuned digital EQ, 16-bit lossless sound, full onboard controls with bass boost, 50-ft. wireless range, passive noise cancellation technology, and custom 40 mm driver. The physical design is pretty sleek, too, so if you’re feeling like taking your music with you on a jog around the park or a walk to the office, you’ll certainly earn some cool points with these babies.
Eton Rukus Solar
The Rukus Solar Bluetooth speaker is getting a lot of buzz these days, and for good reason, too.Eton’s new speaker has its own high-efficiency solar panel, which powers the device and enables you to listen all day long – wherever you go. Its Bluetooth connectivity with AVRCP (one-touch pairing and control) and A2DP (high quality stereo streaming) support allows playback from any Bluetooth-enabled mobile device, phone, tablet, or computer. There’s also a sweet USB port for charging your mobile device, as well as an electronic-ink display for letting you take control of whatever you’re listening to. ($150.00)
