Category: Speakers

Speakers > Satellite Systems (no electronics)

Company: JBL
Product: CS6100
MSRP: $1199
www.jbl.com

The JBL Cinema Sound CS6100 compact 5.1-channel home theater loudspeaker package includes four wall-mountable satellite speakers (3/4-inch tweeter, dual 3-1/2-inch woofers), a wall-mountable center channel speaker and a 10-inch, 150-watt powered subwoofer. The system is supplied with wall-mount brackets for the satellites and center channel, in addition to cables. The system is ideal for use in any home entertainment system, especially those based around ultrathin rear-projection TVs and flat-panel displays. The satellites and center channel are supplied with both omnidirectional and fixed wall-mount brackets, and the satellites can be wall-, shelf- or stand-mounted for optimum positioning. The CS6100 utilizes high-quality drivers and components, such as titanium-laminate tweeters that operate in conjunction with JBL’s exclusive Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal™ (EOS) waveguide, and PolyPlas™ woofers.

Speakers > PC / Desktop

Company: Razer USA, Ltd.
Product: Mako THX Certified Multimedia System
MSRP: $399
www.razerzone.com

For those who don’t have room for a full 5.1 surround sound system, the Razer Mako 2.1 THX Certified Multimedia System is the next best thing with two 50W bi-amplified satellite speakers and one subwoofer. The system marks the first product to come out of THX’s Technology and Design program and Razer’s first foray into audio. The proprietary THX Ground Plane and Slot Speaker technologies allow for an unconventional, upside-down mushroom top design that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is advanced in technology and powerful in performance. The system features true, bi-amplified satellites with two channels of 50W with full digital DSP control. Overall system frequency range is 30-20,000 Hz with Axial Response Limits of +/- 2dB at 40-18,000 Hz (-6dB at 30 and 20,000Hz).

Finalist: AudioEngine 2 (A2) Desktop Speakers

Speakers > Bookshelves

Company: Emotiva
Product: ERM-1 Bookshelf Speakers
MSRP: $399
www.emotiva.com

The ERM-1 is a 2-way home theater speaker consisting of two 5.25" woofers and one 1" silk dome tweeter. Designed by the legendary Vance Dickerson, these LCR speakers are described as "articulate without the slightest hint of harshness". Having a matched polar response means these speakers can be used as either a Left or Right main speaker mounted vertically or as a Center channel mounted horizontally. Each speaker features a Boundary Effects control, Tweeter Level control and comes in a non-reflective black satin lacquer finish.

Finalist: RBH Sound TK-5C Speakers

Speakers > Floorstanders

Company: Snell Acoustics
Product: A7
MSRP: $35,000
www.snellacoustics.com

The Reference Tower A7 is the latest expression of Snell’s legacy, combining singular Snell build quality with the most sophisticated current-day technologies, expertise, and finite-systems analysis. The creation of the A7 was directed by legendary designer Joe D’Appolito and exploits the world’s finest transducers, and Snell’s matchless expertise in crossover design, in combination with an altogether new concept in enclosure design. Its subtle shape and imposing size conceal refinements that yield unprecedented freedom from resonance and spurious vibration. This in turn empowers the A7’s quite literally full-range and entirely uncolored reproduction to be heard with unimpeded clarity and unrestricted detail.

Finalist: Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) Signature Diamond Speakers

Speakers > Subwoofers

Company: Emotiva
Product: DRS-1 Dual 12" Subwoofers and Amp
MSRP: $999
www.emotiva.com

The DRS-1 is a high performance subwoofer system that consist of two 12" woofers each in sealed cabinets and one DSA-1 800 watt high-efficiency Class-D sub amplifier (completely DSP-controlled) with dual modes of operation and EMO-Q auto-room correction. This system offers a great deal of flexibility as well as enough displacement to fill any room with bass.

Finalist: Velodyne Acoustics MicroVee Subwoofer

Speakers > Wireless Subwoofer

Company: MTX Audio
Product: CT12SW
MSRP: $499.95
www.mtxhome.com

The MTX CT12SW is a 12” powered subwoofer front ported with stitched high density paper cones and rubber surrounds. It is internally amplified up to 100 Watts RMS and features 18dB/octave lowpass variable crossovers from 80-160Hz, enabling quality frequency response needed while maintaining tonal accuracy even at high volumes. The CT12SW connects to any source through either RCA or high level inputs. The optional external wireless feature allows the CT12SW to outperform subwoofers with built-in wireless receivers by maintaining the incredibly affordable price for a wired subwoofer with optional wireless capabilities. The wireless option for the CT12SW utilizes technologies from Soundolier®, one of the leading wireless audio brands and enables connectivity to AV source equipment from up to 300’ away.

Finalist: Infinity Systems PSW310 Wireless Subwoofer

Speakers > Lifestyle Systems

Company: Boston Acoustics
Product: TVee Model Two
MSRP: $399
www.bostonacoustics.com

The Boston Acoustics TVee (Television Entertainment Enhancement System) Model Two, is a simple TV accessory designed to enhance the enjoyment of TV watching. TVee Model Two gives the customer significantly enhanced sound with multiple drivers and a bass speaker to fill in the low end. The innovative system consists of a slim single “soundbar” that can be either placed or wall-mounted above or below a television, along with a matching wireless woofer that can be placed anywhere in the room to deliver added dynamic bass response. TVee’s soundbar features four 2.5-inch Mid Bass drivers and two 1/2-inch Dome Tweeters to deliver powerful room-filling audio, and the wireless woofer features a 6-inch Down Firing Bass Driver, and delivers a total system output of over 100 Watts RMS.

Finalist: Yamaha YSP-4000 Digital Sound Projector
Finalist: Meridian F80 Sound System

Speakers > Headphones / Earphones

Company: v-moda
Product: VIBE Duo
MSRP: $99.99
www.v-moda.com

V-MODA’s VIBE Duo is a noise-isolating dual-use headphone/headset designed to accessorize the Apple iPhone. It features control-playback functionality thanks to a discreet microphone with a call button, which allows the user to take calls and control the music functions of the iPhone with hands-free convenience. Hi-definition sound and superior comfort rounds out the mix of premium features. Perhaps most importantly, the microphone’s convenient call/music control button can easily switch between chatting on the phone and listening to your music library. Its ergonomic design is complemented by the comfortable and stable fit of three sizes of soft silicone fittings, making the earphone well-suited for any active lifestyle. It’s suitable for intense activity or calm relaxation.

Speakers > Headphones (wireless)

Company: ANYCOM
Product: BluNa: Bluetooth iPod Adapter
MSRP: $119.99
www.anycom.com

While not a wireless headphone in and of itself, the BluNa is a Bluetooth device that makes the iPod Nano wireless and ready for Stereo Bluetooth headphone use. This device fits on the end of your iPod and streams tunes straight from your iPod to Bluetooth-enabled headphones… wirelessly. BluNa can also allow you to stream music directly from your iPod to Bluetooth-capable speakers to allow you to play your iPod out loud. BluNa has no batteries and is powered by the iPod. The mechanical dimensions of the adapters fit to the iPod Nano dimensions (remove the slider and it can be used with almost any flavor iPod). The wireless range is 10 meters (~30 feet).

Speakers > In-wall Speakers

Company: RBH Sound
Product: SI-6100/R
MSRP: $3,150
www.rbhsound.com

The SI-6100/R is RBH Sound’s flagship Signature Reference In-wall home theater speaker. Featuring four proprietary 6.5-inch reference-grade aluminum cone woofers and three reference-grade 1-inch silk dome tweeters, the SI-6100/R delivers the sonic performance of RBH Sound’s award-winning T-1 modular freestanding speaker from an in-wall setting. The SI-6100/R’s enclosure is fundamental to its outstanding performance; it provides a perfectly-tuned environment for the multiple-driver complement and is hidden inside the wall for a trim and clean appearance. The unique aluminum cone woofer and silk dome tweeter array of the SI-6100/R provides excellent resolution, detail, pinpoint imaging and power handling for both multi-level and single-level seating arrangements.

Speakers > In-ceiling Speakers

Company: Sonance
Product: VP67R
MSRP: $900
www.sonance.com

Sonance Visual Performance Series speakers combine elegant, modern style with outstanding audio performance. New micro-flange grilles with only 0.20” of trim give Visual Performance speakers a clean, sleek appearance that seamlessly integrates into any designed space. The grilles attach via powerful magnets, for simple, quick installation. One step paint process saves time compared to traditional flanged speakers. On the technical side, the VP67R features a 6.5" coated carbon fiber woofer with an aluminum dome tweeter for outstanding audio performance. The VP67R can be retrofitted into any round Sonance Symphony cutouts without any modification, and the grill is designed to cover any paint edge from removing the older model. The new grill can be painted in one step, instead of having to separately paint the flange on a traditional in-ceiling speaker. It is also available in 4" and 8" models and in three different performance levels.

Finalist: Snell AMC 6030 In-ceiling Speakers

Speakers > In-wall / In-ceiling Subs

Company: Artison, LLC
Product: RCC 300 In-wall Subwoofer
MSRP: $1,200
www.artisonusa.com

The RCC 300 In-Wall Subwoofer is a compact and more affordable version of Artison’s award-winning RCC 600. The Reactance-Canceling Configuration technology combined with the long throw driver design allows the RCC 300 to provide dynamic, vibration-free, detailed bass from an enclosure that disappears into a customer’s environment. This provides interior flexibility unlike any other subwoofer, as the product matches any décor style without compromising performance or aesthetics. The subwoofer’s white finish can be painted to match any interior, which further enhances its visual appeal. Featuring bass performance equivalent to a 10-inch floor-standing subwoofer, the RCC 300’s accompanying amplifier measures a slim 1.5 Rack Units and is easily hidden. If displayed, its sleek black cabinet and blue backlighting are very attractive.