http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/pioneer-steez-prePioneer is betting that "serious" dancers won't be able to live without one of their new STEEZ portable music players. Equipped with dance-specific features like tempo control, 8-Beat skip control, manual cue setting, and an auto Dance Battle mode, what "serious" dancer could live without a STEEZ? Powered by either the mains or batteries, you can Bring It wherever you want, even to Beat Street. Now, you don't have to set a time and date for a dance-off; with STEEZ, you can get your groove on wherever you want. We just want you do to it a little farther from our lawn. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/pioneer-steez-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/paradigm-shift-earbud-preGiven the wide variety of offerings on the market, we might have expected Paradigm to lean on their name and fans to sell much higher priced offerings. Even at double the price, we could see the Paradigm SHIFT earbuds selling. At these price points, and with this level of performance, the Paradigm SHIFT earbuds are sure to be a hit. If you are looking for a pair of earbuds, you'd be crazy not to put these on your short list. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/paradigm-shift-earbud-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-a5-videoThe last time we touched an AudioEngine A5 speaker was back in 2006. Now 5-1/2 years ago we felt that the A5's had, and I quote "superb build quality, finish, and high-end sound quality". Well, a couple things are different - but mostly not much has changed. First of all, if you loved the AudioEngine A5 speakers, you can still get them - in fact, they're $50 less then they were when we reviewed them. The A5+ speakers, however are more or less a model that is designed for multimedia or active monitor use. They lack the odd top USB charger of the A5, instead moving it to the back. They also dropped the auxiliary power outlet, which was perfect for the popular Apple Airport adapter. What they added was a pair of RCA inputs - and they made the RCA outputs variable - so you can connect them up to a subwoofer and get extension well below 50Hz, which is about what you can expect from the A5+ speakers on their own. For multimedia speakers, the extension of the AudioEngine A5+'s is going to give you some excellent real-world low end not found on most other 2.0 systems. But like we said - add their S8 sub or a similar model and it gets even better.Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:02:59 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-a5-videoLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/velodyne-vpulse-preThe Velodyne vPulse In-Ear Headphones look to be a pretty interesting offering from the, traditionally, subwoofer company. With built-in iDevice and Android functionality, you won't have to remove them to answer your calls. Since they are so new, you can only pre-order them from the Velodyne website. But you will save $10 over the $89 asking price. Frankly, for less than $90, many headphone aficionados would consider these an impulse buy. We're going to have to reserve our final judgement until we can get a pair in our hands... or ears, rather.Sun, 27 Nov 2011 00:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/velodyne-vpulse-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/xtrememac-tango-bar-preWhile marketed for Apple products, the XtremeMac Tango Bar will work just fine with your PC. Powered and fed by USB, the sound bar features stereo channels and dual passive radiators. The key here, of course, is price. For a buck less than a C-note, the XtremeMac Tango Bar is pretty much an impulse buy for those purchasing a new computer from the Apple Store. While they haven't published any sort of performance data, the passive radiators alone guarantee that consumers are going to be impressed with the sound. With an additional input for your non-iDevice MP3 player, and headphone and subwoofer outputs, the XtremeMac Tango Bar, at the very least, is giving users options. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/xtrememac-tango-bar-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/onkyo-cs-345-preAt $300, the Onkyo CS-345 looks to be well priced and featured for the market. The integrated iPod/iPhone dock will appeal to many and the stereo input will appease the rest. Video output from your docked iDevice is a nice feature for students looking for an easy way to get new content in their dorms. The subwoofer output shows how Onkyo understands that this type of customer is likely to be looking for additional bass before they need additional inputs. The CS-345 may be limited, but it has just about everything a college dorm, bedroom, or office needs. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/onkyo-cs-345-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/nad-viso-1-preThe NAD VISO 1 has a lot of technology that lovers of NAD will absolutely care about. The high end DACs and proprietary amplifiers are sure to impress even neophytes. But where the VISO 1 falls flat is in overall connectivity and functionality. Sure, top-of-line Bluetooth and a direct digital connection to your iDevice is impressive, as is a component video output, but, with only a single additional connection, we're left wanting. For the $700 price tag, we would like to see, at the very least, some sort of wireless connectivity to the Internet for streaming content from connected computers or online services. We're hoping that the other entries into the VISO line from NAD feature a few more...well...features.Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:55:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/nad-viso-1-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/energy-power-em-2.1-preThe Energy Power EM-2.1 Multimedia Speaker System is going to sell on two features - the name and the price. At $99.99, the name of Energy behind the Power EM-2.1 is going to push this speaker system into the black. Simply because they are priced low enough that most of the rest of the competition is some no-name brand. Honestly, if we only had a C-note to spend, we'd take a hard look at these as well. At least we think they will listen to them before shipping while those no-name brands most likely just have the cheapest drivers shoved inside the cheapest enclosure with no thought at all to sound quality.Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/energy-power-em-2.1-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/libratone-live-lounge-preLibratone markets their new Live and Lounge AirPlay speakers as "Scandinavia in your living room." Well, apparently this isn't the Ikea Scandinavia but the more expensive, cashmere-wrapped Scandinavia. The speakers do boast not only the ability to stream from iDevices via Apple's AirPlay, but also tailor that sound via Libratone's dedicated app. Will it sound $700 worth of good for the portable Live speaker or $1300 worth of good for the larger, Lounge? We don't know. The real question in our minds is how much better will the $100 cashmere wrap make the speakers sound?Sun, 13 Nov 2011 11:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/libratone-live-lounge-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-5-powered-speakers-previewThere is no doubt that the Audioengine A5+ speakers are going to be a hit. At $400, you are getting a lot of speaker for not a lot of money. With other speakers available offering a fraction of the performance and convenience for near the same amount of money, we can't see why you wouldn't put these on your short list. Multiple connections, the ability to charge your USB powered devices, and a front mounted volume control makes the A5+ very attractive. Add to that 1" MDF construction, a 22mm soft-dome tweeter paired with a 5" Kevlar woofer, and a response down to 50Hz and the A5+ hits all the right notes. Including a threaded insert to connect them directly to stands for safety means desk space isn't even a concern any longer. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audioengine-5-powered-speakers-previewLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/klipsch-gallery-g-17-air-preHoused in a sleek, black case, the Apple AirPlay equipped G-17 Air sports two .75" (1.9 cm) aluminum diaphragm compression drivers mated to dual 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horn-loaded tweeters. This allows you to stream content from your iDevice (anything running iOS 4.2 or higher) or your iTunes from your computer (PC or Mac) over your home network. Not to leave out the other phones, any Android-base phone with the music player app can stream to the G-17 Air as well. Since even the most tech-unsavvy person has been able to figure out their iPhone, pressing a button to send it to the G-17 Air shouldn't present much of a problem. Add to that the portability of the system, and you have a whole-home system that you can take from room to room (or change locations for different events).Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/klipsch-gallery-g-17-air-preLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-iexecutive-audio-system-previewFrom the people that brought you iPig, iPanda, and miSoccer, introducing iExecutive - an iDevice dock that is, thankfully, not shaped like an executive. We, probably like you, have a hard time taking a company that put out an iPod dock in the shape of a pig seriously, but the iExecutive looks like a pretty solid offering. The "subwoofer" is down-firing and ported and the iExecutive is compatible with all iPhones and iPods with dock connectors. For other media players, there is a 3.5mm connector as well as a MMC and SD memory card slot and an USB port. Add to that the FM receiver and composite video output, and you've got a pretty intriguing product for around $230.Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-iexecutive-audio-system-previewLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/atlantic-technology-h-pas-powerbarAtlantic Technology revealed their new H-PAS PowerBar 235 which, like their H-PAS tower speakers debuted at last year's CEDIA Expo, is said to defy the laws of physics producing deep rich bass beyond conventional speakers in its size class. Using the company's patented H-PAS™ bass technology, Atlantic Technology is so confident in this product that they are marketing it as the world's first Soundbar that doesn't need an external powered subwoofer to provide satisfying bass output. The H-PAS PowerBar 235 is a two-channel powered sound bar with digital surround processing for 3 & 5 channel simulated output, all contained in a single 42- x 5¼- x 5¾-inch cabinet with stated frequency response down to 47 Hz at -3dB. The demo was most impressive and we are eager to conduct a full review.Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/atlantic-technology-h-pas-powerbarLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audio-technica-ath-anc23-flIf you are a frequent traveler, surely you've looked at a pair of noise-canceling headphones. With memory foam tips which should allow for long listening sessions without discomfort and an included airline adapter, the Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23s look to be a very attractive solution. Usable in active (with up to 90% of outside noise eliminated) or passive mode, these headphones should have everything you need for those long overseas trips. At under $100 MSRP with a street price of $20 less than that, they are practically an impulse buy compared to some of the over-hyped competition. Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:55:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audio-technica-ath-anc23-flLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/logitech-speaker-system-z906-flIs the Logitech Speaker System Z906 for everyone? Of course not. But if you are on a serious budget and are looking for a $400 5.1 system with a basic receiver, we're betting you could do a lot worse. The speakers are all wall mountable, the "sub" promises 165 watts of "pure" bass, and the remote is wireless. With up to six inputs on the control unit/receiver, you'll be hard pressed to use them all. We wish we had more information on the frequency response and drivers (not to mention construction) but, honestly, it doesn't matter. It has 500 watts. And that's, like, 70 cents a watt. You can't beat that right?Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/logitech-speaker-system-z906-flLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/corsair-sp2500-2-1-speakersI'm always on the lookout for good PC speakers. The challenge, of course, is that most manufacturers are looking to squeak out decent performance from plastic and paper, without a terrible amount of engineering and certainly without the benefit of much power or attention to the things that define good quality speakers. Corsair has bucked the trend in a number of ways with the SP2500 PC 2.1 Speakers. First of all, they have a subwoofer the size of a small refrigerator. Secondly, they put out a couple of Class-D powered 2-way speakers. Compare this to most anemic plastic sub enclosures and "full-range" speakers. The other thing they add is a wired remote control with an LCD-screen and discrete control over subwoofer and satellite speaker volume.Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/corsair-sp2500-2-1-speakersLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/antec-soundscience-rockus-3d-flThe Antec soundscience rockus 3D 2.1 speaker system’s satellites are made entirely from anodized aluminum which reduces distortion caused by enclosure vibration and rattling that plagues traditional PC speakers. Additionally, its subwoofer utilizes passive radiator technology to deliver, according to Antec, an expansive range of bass comparable to larger footprint subwoofers. So do we think you'll agree with all of Antec's adjectives about how the soundscience rockus 3D 2.1 speakers sound? No (especially not the 10Hz spec). But for the under $250 price we see it as a very attractive solution for your kid's computer/TV. Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/antec-soundscience-rockus-3d-flLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-sports-line-ipod-speakersSpeakal is a company that seems to be driven by its passion for intelligent technology and innovative designs. This week they expanded their lineup of advanced docking solutions to include lifelike replicas for the Football, Basketball, and Soccer enthusiast. Each of these powerful 2.1 companions for your iDevice boasts 360 degree sound distribution, a 15W subwoofer, and volume touch controls. Another product, the Speakal MiGolfball, tees up golf enthusiasts with a wireless stereo speaker set that wirelessly plays your favorite music from your Bluetooth device, MP3 player, or PC.Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:45:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-sports-line-ipod-speakersLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-BBC-dr-who-top-gear-speakersSpeakal is a company that seems to be driven by its passion for intelligent technology and innovative designs. This week they expanded their lineup of advanced docking solutions to include lifelike replicas for the Football, Basketball, and Soccer enthusiast. Each of these powerful 2.1 companions for your iDevice boasts 360 degree sound distribution, a 15W subwoofer, and volume touch controls. Another product, the Speakal MiGolfball, tees up golf enthusiasts with a wireless stereo speaker set that wirelessly plays your favorite music from your Bluetooth device, MP3 player, or PC.Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:45:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/speakal-BBC-dr-who-top-gear-speakersLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/bowers-wilkins-zeppelin-air-ipodBowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air is aiming to be the ultimate AirPlay wireless audio system with completely updated drive units and advanced Digital Signal Processing plus fully integrated AirPlay technology so users can easily stream music wirelessly from iTunes, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Three years ago the original multi-award winning Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin redefined what could be expected from an iPod speaker system. Now Zeppelin Air provides another seismic shift in audio performance, design and functionality with completely updated drive units, up-rated amplification and the latest in Digital Signal Processing to deliver improved sound quality. And while Zeppelin's iconic shape has been retained, subtly updated styling help modernize this design classic.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/bowers-wilkins-zeppelin-air-ipodLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/meridian-dsp3200-digital-active-speakers-and-audio-core-200-previewMeridian Audio has announced the introduction of two new products, the DSP3200 Compact Digital Active Loudspeaker and the Audio Core 200 Stereo Audio Controller. The DSP3200 Digital Active Loudspeakers are elegant products that echo the lines of Meridian's flagship DSP8000 and are the most compact Meridian loudspeakers designed to date. Meridian's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technologies deliver powerful, room-filling sound with the performance of a conventional system many times the size. Meridian SpeakerLink connectivity makes connecting the DSP3200 to the Audio Core 200 quick and easy. Featuring a wide-range driver that allows the DSP crossover frequency to be well outside the speech band, the DSP3200 delivers an effortless sound that remains clear, open and spacious, even at high listening levels. In addition to a perfect digital crossover system, the DSP3200's digital signal processing provides dynamic bass protection with accurate transients. DSP3200 loudspeakers always deliver quality sound – at high levels and for prolonged periods.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:58:10 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/meridian-dsp3200-digital-active-speakers-and-audio-core-200-previewLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/onkyo-cs-v645-flConsisting of a combination of iPod dock, DVD player, and 40 watt per channel receiver, the Onkyo CS-V645 looks to be a standalone solution for space and budget challenged customers. What we like best about the CS-V645 is the price. It will be available in early December with a suggested retail price of $399 just in time for the holiday season. This looks to be very nice starter system for students or people with little space. We could never get behind a system (two channel or no) without a subwoofer output especially one that was designed with video in mind. At less that $400, the CS-V645 has everything you need for a relatively compact system that can later be integrated into a more serious home theater. With 1080p upscaling, iPod integration, and ability to access USB content, the Onkyo CS-V645 should be everything your youngster needs to access their music and video. Tue, 09 Nov 2010 11:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/onkyo-cs-v645-flLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/zikmu-parrot-philippe-starck-wirelessSometimes I like chocolate in my peanut butter. Combining advanced applications of wireless technology coupled with artistic, sophisticated design is about the equivalent, and the Zikmu Parrot Speakers by Philippe Starke certainly combines aesthetics, technology and lifestyle. Designed to blend elegant minimalism with the latest technology, Parrot’s next generation Zikmu wireless speakers by Phillipe Starck certainly make an impression.Tue, 19 Oct 2010 08:30:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/zikmu-parrot-philippe-starck-wirelessLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/aperion-intimus-4tThe Aperion Audio Intimus 4T Summit Wireless System is the ultimate lifestyle system that looks great, sounds great, and is easy to setup. I look forward to reviewing this system and recommending it to those like my parents whom are fed up with complex bulky A/V gear. The beauty of this system is it eliminates the need for an A/V receiver. The Home Theater One wireless hub does all of your surround sound decoding of HD formats such as TrueHD, DTS HD, etc. Each speaker is bi-amped (center is tri-amped) with active crossovers to eliminate losses associated with passive components for the best possible sound. It's nice to know there is an intelligent alternative that doesn't compromise fidelity for convenience. Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:35:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/aperion-intimus-4tLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/ihome-ip3bzc-studio-series-iphone-ipodBased on the popular and aesthetically-appealing iP1, iHome's new iP3 Speaker System for iPod/iPhone is the newest addition to its acclaimed Studio Series collection. The iP3 utilizes many of the same features that made the iP1 a standout, including Bongiovi Acoustics' Digital Power Station (DPS) technology, a clean minimalist design, and component video output for playback of iPhone/iPod videos on TV.Wed, 22 Sep 2010 02:31:38 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/ihome-ip3bzc-studio-series-iphone-ipodLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audyssey-audio-dock-south-marketA decent quality Lifestyle iPod/iPhone dock isn't exactly new, but one that includes tons of mainstream technologies typically found in AV receivers and home theater in-a-box (HTiB) systems is. Designed to fit into your connected lifestyle, the Audio Dock: South of Market Edition from Audyssey perfectly complements your iPhone or iPod Touch. Its innovative design fits anywhere, sounds great, and streams music and calls wirelessly. This dock is full of technology from Audyssey and it’s coming to stores this November.Thu, 16 Sep 2010 19:59:08 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/audyssey-audio-dock-south-marketLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/b-w-mm-1-multimediaB&W sells speakers. And I don't mean for that to sound trite. I mean, they sell speakers. Lots of them. They are known for both high-end studio monitors as well as audiophile home audio. What more and more people are also finding out, however, is that B&W can make a mean small speaker as well. "Small" as in a multimedia, PC speaker. Last year we reviewed the B&W Zeppelin and found out that big things can come in small packages. Well when we cracked open the MM-1 speakers we were less skeptical. That's good for us, but for B&W it just meant that they needed to maintain their rapidly-rising reputation among our staff of listeners.Mon, 23 Aug 2010 10:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/b-w-mm-1-multimediaLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/a2-desktop-speakersSmall dimensions, a pretty finish, power to spare, and two accommodating inputs, you can be sure Audioengine’s Desktop A2 speaker system will augment your CD player, DVD player, computer, game console, portable music player, or any other product with a mini-jack or RCA output. The A2 is a two-way system with a 2.75” woofer that simply amazes you with the amount of bass it can produce. I am happy with the quality of this product especially when used with my Playstation 2. The 3-year warranty is automatic, and transferable, which means there is no need to register. Recommended! Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:15:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/a2-desktop-speakersLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/jvc-xs-sr-ipod-speaker-system-first-lookThe JVC XS-SR isn't your normal iPod/iPhone dock. Not only does it sport Dolby Virtual Surround but it can also hold your iPod/iPhone horizontally for widescreen viewing of video content. For just south of $150, it may be the perfect accessory for last year's stocking stuffer for your favorite college student. Plus, it gets you out of having to buy them a TV. Everyone (well you so that's all that's important) wins.Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:35:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/jvc-xs-sr-ipod-speaker-system-first-lookLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/mcintosh-mxa60-integrated-audio-system-first-lookMcIntosh has the answer. The MXA60 Integrated Audio System is a standalone tabletop system complete with a CD/SACD/MP3 player, 75-watts per channel amplifier, and speakers.This system is for the true connoisseur of high end audio. The preamplifier is tube powered (yeah!) and the speakers are two-way bass reflex.Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:10:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/mcintosh-mxa60-integrated-audio-system-first-lookLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/emp-tek-vt-40.2The EMP VT-40.2 hybrid tube amplifier and 41-SE/B Beryllium cone speaker system was truly a delight to review. Its ability to transform your PC desktop into a high end audiophile rig on a shoestring budget is without peer. The 41-SE/B speakers alone are worth the full price of admission of this system. The EMP sound continually seduces me to work longer at my desktop PC which is good for Audioholics but not so good when I am late to dinner. With my love of food equaling that of audio, that speaks volumes for just how good this system is. Considering their very liberal return policy, FREE 30 day home trial program and FREE shipping I can’t say anything else other than “hearty appetite” as this is the meal your PC has been waiting for you to feed it. Once you dine on this system, you won’t settle for fast food or crappy mediocre sound again. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 04:05:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/emp-tek-vt-40.2Lifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/altec-lansing-expressionist-plusThe Altec Lansing expressionist PLUS speakers are beautiful to look at. When it comes to desktop multimedia speakers I have to admit that I'm a sucker for good looks and put that as a high priority when selecting a pair of speakers. This 2.1 systems comes with a 5.25" subwoofer, whose diminutive size still allowed it to push quite a bit of audio and create a well-rounded sound that was, overall, very pleasing to both the eyes and ears.Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:58:04 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/altec-lansing-expressionist-plusLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/logitech-360-degree-speaker-systemsLogitech may just be one of the first speakers many people buy. Why? Because they are attached to their computer. The name is practically synonymous with computer peripherals and control devices. The three new speaker system offerings are the Z320, Z523, and the Z520. The claim to fame with these new speakers is an open back design which is supposed to provide a 360 degree sound experience. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/logitech-360-degree-speaker-systemsLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/krk-rokit-powered-6-10sWhile KRK may not be a well known name in the world of home theater, they do have a reputation in the studio market. One of the dangers of getting involved in home theater and high fidelity is that you become incapable (or at least unwilling) to tolerate poor sound - even in your office. I was extremely impressed with the overall performance of the KRK Systems Rokit 6's. Unfortunately, I wasn't as impressed with the system as a whole.Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:30:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/krk-rokit-powered-6-10sLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/altec-lansing-expressionist-plus-fx3021Marketing drivel aside, the Expressionist PLUS system looks to be a very interesting "add on" speaker system for your next desktop purchase. At only $99, no one is expecting the moon here. The looks alone will sell a lot of systems. Altec Lansing historically has made very decent speaker systems. TheExpressionist PLUS should prove to be no different.Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:25:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/altec-lansing-expressionist-plus-fx3021Lifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/yamaha-mcr-730-230Yamaha introduced two new micro component systems that focus on new technologies and lifestyle design elements. The new MCR-730 ($499.95 MSRP) includes an integrated DVD player and full HD 1080p support for a complete audio/video solution, while the MCR-230 ($349.95 MSRP) is a sophisticated audio system complete with a built-in iPod dock, USB input, and a high-quality CD player. Each system includes a pair of high-quality two-way speakers that provide excellent bass through a low-height, large depth cabinet design.Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:55:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/yamaha-mcr-730-230Lifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/samsung-ht-bd8200-blu-rayThe Samsung HT-BD8200 is a home theater sound bar equipped with a Blu-ray player and wireless subwoofer. This might be the best match I've seen for flat panel TVs in a long time. It's impressive since it features a fully integrated Blu-ray player with Full HD 1080p playback and a virtual 5.1-channel surround sound for a lifelike audio presence. And a wireless subwoofer! It is only 2.6 inches deep and accented with Samsung's Touch of Color design, for a classy, yet cutting-edge look. The included wireless subwoofer means that you can get fuller bass without having to worry about running cables from the sound bar to a corner of the room. It lets you maintain a clean and contemporary look.Fri, 09 Jan 2009 01:31:17 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/samsung-ht-bd8200-blu-rayLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/zvox-z-base-550-surroundIn this digital age we live in, sometimes we get locked into the "more-is-better" mode. How many formats can it decode, how many different inputs/outputs does it have, exactly how big is the birds nest of cables coming out of the back of the unit? Actually - that mode works most of the time, but thing is, sometimes you just need to shut up and listen before you pass judgment on it. If you are an old school guy (read - your VCR was always blinking 12:00) the Z-Base 550 does a decent job of creating surround effects by ignoring all the digital data available on a disk and manipulating the analog signal to reproduce what the digital signal contains.Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/zvox-z-base-550-surroundLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/ipod-portable-docking-speaker-systems-roundupI constantly have people asking me about speakers for their iPods. It seems everyone has an iPod these days, even those of us who prefer to listen to full-fidelity music on our big systems. And the reality is, more often than not we are in the kitchen, at the office, or traveling - which means we need a more portable audio solution. Is it any wonder the iPod is such a success? I decided to do a roundup of portable docking speaker systems for the iPod, to get a better idea of what the latest offerings are from several manufacturers. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:36:46 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/ipod-portable-docking-speaker-systems-roundupLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakershttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/cedia-lifestyle-choicesLifestyle products are always one of my favorite categories at CEDIA each year. Here you will find everything from the ridiculous to the genius. The 2008 Expo proved this to be true with an array of interesting products on the show floor. Need a tube amp docking station for your iPod? You have more than one choice. How about a flat panel display with a built-in iPod dock? Saw that too. What about a combo charger/speakers/dock for your nifty new iPhone? Oh yeah, it's out there. Keep reading for a few more things I found during my first two days at the 2008 CEDIA Expo.Sat, 06 Sep 2008 12:48:33 -0000/reviews/speakers/lifestyle-desktop-and-portable/cedia-lifestyle-choicesLifestyle, Desktop and PortableSpeakers