Zikmu Parrot by Philippe Starck Wireless Speakers Preview

Sometimes 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.

The Zikmu Parrot by Philippe Starck wireless speakers are certainly works of art with their aerial curves and intense colors. The speakers feature a dedicated iPod/ iPhone docking station and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The two speakers communicate wirelessly with each other allowing them to be positioned anywhere in the room. This allows you to dock your iPhone, iPod, or iPod Touch and recharge it while controlling the music through a remote.  Additionally, you can stream audio wirelessly from your Mac, iPhone, smartphone, PC or MP3 players via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Finally, an analogue Hi-fi input enables you to connect your CD players or TV set.

The Zikmu concept is based on a unique combination of various acoustic technologies, made possible by means of sophisticated signal processing (DSP). Flat panel, NXT technology uses a different principle from a conventional loudspeaker. According to Zikmu, a honeycomb membrane structure is vibrated by a set of exciters located in carefully defined positions resulting in uniform energy distribution through the room. The bottom part of the loudspeaker contains a  woofer placed in the downfiring position. The unit is essentially a bass-reflex system. Bass reproduction is amplified by placing the housing as close as possible to the floor and the driver is equipped with a neodymium magnet for maximum power in minimum space.

Now, the bad news is that these speakers are going to set you back $1600, and for most people that's going to cause you to write these off as excessively priced pieces of artwork. Given the likelihood that these speakers are going to sound no better than the best wireless speakers we've heard to date - $1600/pair seems a bit excessive, so the target market is going to be interior decorators and those who place the aesthetic appeal of an avante garde speaker above a more robust system that may not look as enticing. Certainly that's a valid market and we wouldn't want to stifle creativity by insisting all speakers be veneered front-firing boxes with rounded front and rear edges.

For more information please visit zikmu.parrot.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.