Mac|Life speakers RSS Feed

Chill Pill

Susie Ochs — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:54:19 -0500

Pill popper: Pop the top for heavier bass, yo.

The built-in speaker on the iPhone and second-gen iPod touch is good for about 1.3 people to listen to, sonically filling an area the size of a Volkswagen trunk with tinny audio that’s OK in a pinch but won’t blow back anyone’s hairpiece. But what if you have 1.4 or more people in a larger area, say a conversion van? You need some compact speakers!

The Chill Pill collapses to a 2-by-4-inch capsule, the left and right speaker held together with magnets. Each speaker has a wee plastic door you pry open to get to a retractable cord: One cord holds the 3.5mm plug for attaching to your audio source (anything with a headphone jack will work). The other cord is topped with a mini USB plug that you use to connect the two speakers to each other, and to charge the unit (a mini-USB-to-USB adapter is included).

You can place the speakers up to 17 inches apart, which is a lot more stereo separation than we’re used to with iPod speakers this small. The top of each speaker pops up when you twist it, expanding the amount of space inside and providing more bass--not enough to rattle your fillings, but we noticed big improvements in our hip-hop and electronic tracks with the tops up. Our classical music and spoken-word podcasts sounded best with the tops down (better detail, no buzz or echo under the speaking), rock tracks a little better with the tops up, and twangy country-fried tunes could go either way. The Chill Pill sounded awesome playing videos from our iPhone and MacBook—a big step up from laptop speakers.

You gotta charge these suckers via USB unless you spring for the optional AC Adapter ($12), but if you already have the Apple USB Power Adapter that came with your iPhone--or another USB-to-AC adapter that outputs 5 volts--you can use that too. In our testing, one of the cables didn’t want to retract back into the speaker occasionally, forcing us to yank on it over and over until it finally obeyed. Charging over USB took around 3 hours, for 6 hours of bumpity-bumpity tunes.

Eos Wireless iPod Speakers

Roberto Baldwin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:57:49 -0500

Move one speaker around the house, or use up to four at once.

A speaker in every room has been many a homeowner’s dream. Alas, this usually means hiring professionals to run speaker wires through your house—or doing it yourself and inadvertently creating softball-size holes that start off the size of a pea. The Eos Wireless iPod Speakers bring the dream of a home filled with music without your having to hang large pictures to cover up any DIY attempts.

Unlike other wireless speaker systems on the market that only have a detachable left and right speaker, each Eos wireless satellite speaker is a self-contained audio system with a left and right channel and mini-subwoofer. Plug in a satellite speaker, connect an iPod or other audio device to the base station, and you’re ready to rock and/or roll.

The base station has an iPod dock and an auxiliary audio-in port for other audio sources. The included IR remote lets you control the volume on the iPod and base station, but not the satellite speakers, which have their own volume knobs. The base station also has input and satellite connection controls—you can easily mute the base station and sever the connection between it and the satellite speakers when the police show up.

The satellite speakers can be plugged and hung directly into a wall socket, which is surprisingly stable, without covering up both power sockets. If you’d rather put the speakers on a table or shelf, the power brick can be detached, although the cable is pretty short, so you’ll probably need an extension cord. The satellite speakers can be placed up to 150 feet from the base station indoors and up to 300 feet outdoors, and they utilize a 2.4GHz digital signal that, in our testing, created no interference from multiple, mixed Wi-Fi networks, and cordless phones.

Sound quality on the high end was better then average, but the low end was muddy and bottomed out, especially when we listened to anything with deep bass. The system utilizes SRS WOW! to improve the audio by simulating a surround-sound system. Even so, bass hits seem to tax the system and can lead to rattle on long, low-frequency notes.

Maximo IP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset

Roberto Baldwin — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:37:36 -0500

The isolation headset embodies form and function.

Like the iPod before it, the iPhone has created a cottage industry of cases, add-ons, and headsets. Maximo is hoping that its latest foray into the headset market will get you to drop Apple’s standard white headset. Right out of the box the iMetal headset came equipped with something all manufacturers should include: an extension cable. Too many times we’ve had to reconsider which pocket to stash our iPhone in because of too-short headset cables.

The iP-HS2 iMetal Isolation Headset for iPhone is a cleanly designed low-profile set of earbuds. The ’buds deliver nice bass and midrange tones without protruding from your ears like many other sets on the market. The high end seemed slightly muted, but cymbal crashes were still crisp for the most part. The headset is equipped with a soft-touch answer button that can be used to play and pause music, just like on the stock Apple headset. Call quality was solid—the earbuds were extremely comfortable and did an excellent job of blocking out background sound.

The bottom line. The Isolation Headset’s design enhanced the iPhone’s audio delivery and stayed firmly in our ears.

COMPANY: Maximo

CONTACT: www.maximoproducts.com

PRICE: $69.99

REQUIREMENTS: iPhone

Great sound quality for a sub-$100 headset. Low-profile design is classy.

High-end range is slightly muted.

Portable Sound Laboratories iMainGo 2

Susie Ochs — Tue, 27 May 2008 11:52:52 -0500

Perfect for camping, hotel rooms, or anywhere you need a tiny speaker.

We’ve seen hundreds of iPod cases, scores of speakers, and even a few novelty products like bags and coolers that pack built-in speakers with iPod connections. But the iMainGo 2 combination case and speaker is one of the most useful and decent-sounding products we’ve tested—especially for its $40 price.

Measuring 5.7 by 3.8 by 2.4 inches and weighing 9 ounces, the case has a clear plastic window on one side that keeps your player totally covered but still lets you use the clickwheel or touchscreen controls. The other side of the case holds two 2.5-watt titanium speakers behind an attractive black metal guard. Unzip the case to install your iPod, iPhone, or other MP3 player—the player goes up against the window, and it’s held in place by a piece of memory foam that conforms to the player’s shape, a plastic shield in back, and an adjustable Velcro strap to hold it steady. A 3.5mm gold-tipped stereo plug sends music from the player’s headphone jack to the iMainGo 2’s speakers. The other side of the case holds the speaker assembly, an on/off/Alarm switch, and the battery bay (4 AAA batteries are included).

The Alarm feature was our favorite. To use it, set the wake-up alarm on your iPod (Extras > Alarm Clock), hook it up to the iMainGo 2, and set the iMainGo’s switch to ALM. The speaker will go to sleep and then wake up, along with your iPod, to play the song at the appointed time. It’s a great way to greet the day when traveling. We were pleasantly surprised by the sound. It’s strong and full for a speaker of this size, and can fill a medium-size room with undistorted music. The batteries kept chugging nearly forever, too—we got 27 hours of play from a fresh set of Duracell alkalines.

The bottom line. Between the powerful output and the way the case completely covers the iPod and protects it from bumps, the iMainGo 2 is ideal for backpacking trips, the beach, or rental cars with crappy stock stereos.

COMPANY: Portable Sound Laboratories

CONTACT: www.imaingo.com

PRICE: $39.99

REQUIREMENTS: iPod, iPhone, or other device with a headphone jack

Protects iPod while allowing access to clickwheel or touchscreen. Great battery life. Decent sound. Alarm function.

Nothing, really.

Xtrememac Tango X

Zack Stern — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:17:07 -0500

It looks great, but the Tango X2’s sound won’t make you feel like dancing.

At first blush, the Tango X2 iPod speaker dock gets plenty of points for design. The smooth, black box takes the space of a couple of encyclopedias, and its elegant silver trim works dressed up for a dining room or down for a bedroom. But the Tango X2 has two left feet where it really counts, blasting out shrill, distorted sound.

The X2 is compatible with fourth-gen and later dock-connector iPods, so we shoved in a fifth-gen video iPod and began playing. But no matter how we adjusted the volume, bass, and treble with the included IR remote, the songs always echoed. We minimized this cave-simulation effect with careful adjustment of bass and treble, and by moving the unit off the desk and to the corner of the room. But we never felt satisfied with the audio quality—the built-in subwoofer crackled at louder levels and produced mashed-together sound at all volumes.

With such mediocre quality, the X2’s main value lies in its sleek design, audio input, and built-in AM/FM radio. A blue LED status panel glows briefly behind the front fabric after each adjustment, and the curved edges make the Tango X2 look inviting. Alas, that counts for little in the grand scheme of things.

The bottom line. While striking in appearance, weak sound means the Tango X2 won’t get a second dance.

COMPANY: XtremeMac

CONTACT: www.xtrememac.com

PRICE: $149.95

REQUIREMENTS: Fourth-generation or later docking iPod

Looks great. Input works with iPod shuffle or other audio source. Includes AM/FM radio tuner.

Without adjustment, shrill treble overpowers and bass sounds garbled. With adjustment, audio is mediocre at best.

Vestalife Ladybug: This Speaker's Gone Buggy

Michael Murphey — Wed, 21 May 2008 16:02:24 -0500

This is one bug that won’t spoil your picnic.

Standing out is important in the crowded iPod-speaker market, and Vestalife manages to do that with its first entry into the field, the Ladybug.

At first glance, you might not even think it’s a sound system at all. It just looks like a 5.4-by-5.6-inch ball that resembles an overgrown ladybug with closed wings. When you open it up, the speakers fan out, exposing the docking area, and the device looks ready to fly off your shelf. Parents will appreciate the unique rubberized coat of paint that gives the sub-2-pound speaker an original feel and makes it simple for kids to grip without dropping.

The unit has a full, robust sound thanks to a built-in subwoofer and digital amp, but the lack of treble and bass controls keep the audio quality from being truly extraordinary. Full video-out is also a plus, and there’s an audio-in jack to connect other devices, as well as a USB port for syncing your iPod with your Mac. For on-the-go power, you can use four AA batteries instead of the AC connection.

Design is really where this product stands out. The compact size is not only cute, but it also makes portability a breeze. In addition to the standard colors of silver and red, the Ladybug is also available with Element Skateboard artist–designed prints, which will appeal to fans of insects that have been decorated with urban and graffiti-styled art.

The bottom line. The Vestalife Ladybug’s decent sound and standout design make it an appealing iPod entertainment system for users of any age.

COMPANY: Vestalife

CONTACT: www.vesta-life.com

PRICE: $109.95 standard, $124.95 limited edition

REQUIREMENTS: Dockable iPod

Great design. Easily portable. Remote control. Battery option. Works with iPhone.

No treble or bass adjustment. Annoyingly clunky battery cover.

I have desktop speakers for my Mac, but when I put my iPhone in its cradle on the desk, the speakers buzz. What gives?

The Mac|Life Staff — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:38:04 -0500

Sure, move the speakers off of your desktop. Barring that possibility, it’s always good to get speakers with magnetic shielding (or radio frequency shielding). Why? Well, magnetic shielding will work wonders in limiting the flow of electromagnetic fields between your phone and your speakers, usually by separating them with a barrier made of conductive material. In this instance, though, it’s a little like closing the barn door after the iPhones have run off. The tinkerer in us believes we could jury-rig some sort of home-grown magnetic shielding out of beer cans or something, but that is, as of yet, untried.

Griffin Technology Amplifi

Roman Loyola — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:01:48 -0500

Remember to put your iPhone in Airplane Mode when using it with an iPod speaker like the Amplifi.

It’s getting harder and harder to find a simple iPod speaker: one that doesn’t have a clock, a radio receiver, a CD player, or a space-age design. But we found one in the Amplifi, and for $150, we like what it has to offer: great sound for your iPod tunes, and not much else.

The Amplifi measures 14 by 5.5 by 8.5 inches, making it a nice size for a bookshelf, a desk corner, or maybe even nestled inside your entertainment center. The iPod dock doesn’t conform to the Universal Dock specifications, but it still works fine; it just means you use the supplied rubber pads to ensure a good iPod fit. Griffin says the Amplifi’s front volume dial was inspired by the company’s PowerMate USB knob controller, but the Amplifi’s knob-adorned front grill reminded us of Logitech’s portable AudioStation Express (4 out of 5 stars, May/07, p48). Unfortunately, the Amplifi doesn’t have a USB port so you can’t connect to your Mac and sync your iPod, nor does it have a video-out port for watching your iPod videos on a TV. The Amplifi does have a line-in jack for connecting other devices or a dockless iPod.

Behind the grill is a pair of 2.75-inch neodymium drivers. There’s also a 5-inch downward-firing woofer. These three components combine to produce sound that’s rich and full - you don’t feel like you’re missing anything. We thought that the downward-firing subwoofer might be a problem, since it’s aimed at the surface it’s resting on, possibly causing unwanted vibration. But this didn’t happen. Still, the Amplifi produces heavy-sounding bass that’ll please hip-hop fans, but might not suit others. Bass and treble controls would’ve been nice, but the Amplifi doesn’t have ’em.

The bottom line. Sometimes you just want an iPod speaker that simply works. The Amplifi is such a speaker. Not only does it work, it satisfies.

COMPANY: Griffin Technology

CONTACT: www.griffintechnology.com

PRICE: $149.99

REQUIREMENTS: iPod with dock connector

Compact design. Excellent sound.

No USB port for iPod syncs. No video out. No bass or treble controls.