Sony Europe introduces two new compact home audio systems – the NAS-Z200iR and the CMT-Z100iR – both of which feature a built-in iPod dock, a slot-loading CD player, a USB port, and PC streaming capabilities. Here’s the low down on the two new compact, minimalistic systems.

NAS-Z200iR:

• DLNA certified
• Wi-Fi networking
• Access your music library on your PC
• Internet Radio support
• Remote control with 3.5 inch LCD color display, friendly user interface, and rechargeable battery
• Integrated CD player with support for audio CD and CD-R/RW discs with MP3 tracks
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• Audio-in port
• AM/FM tuner
• Two independent speaker enclosures rated at 20 watts apiece
• Wall mountable

CMT-Z100iR:

• Available in glossy black or white
• iPod dock
• Integrated CD player
• USB connectivity for digital music player
• AM/FM tuner
• Audio-in port
• Two speakers rated at 20 watts apiece
• Remote control
• Large display which shows the time and selected function
• Wall mountable

The CMT-Z100iR will be available in Europe starting in July while the NAS-Z200iR will be available in mid-September. No word on pricing.

[Check it out via Ubergizmo]

Technorati Tags: Sony, CMT-Z100iR, NAS-Z200iR, Audio System, iPod docking station

Yes apparently people still make CD players. Koetsu USA is announcing a new CD player for CES 2009 in the form of the Stibbert Tube CD Player – the world’s only CD player isolated from vibration through the use of spring suspension. The Stibbert Tube CD Player uses a double chassis “completely isolated by four conical springs.” The chassis is made of a high density steel allow treated with a diamagnetic black polyvinyl paint. Other features found on the Stibbert Tube CD Player include:

• Dual Speed technology “enables the transport to achieve the best sonic performance by reducing its voltage and speed to the lowest possible levels”
• Zero Clock eliminates jitter and clock errors and includes a digital output filter
• Electro Power voltage supply “improves audio performance through an innovative current generator that cleans up the signal going to the analog stage”
• Analog output stage based on two 6922 tubes

The Stibbert CD Player is available for a mere $5030 – cheap huh? Stay tuned for additional pics and info from CES 2009.

Technorati Tags: Stibbert CD Player, Koetsu USA

Sony has aspiring DJ’s in mind with the introduction of the new XROSS FADE system (model LBT-DJ2i)- a DJ-style 450 watt system designed to allow users the ability to mix and play music from a variety of audio sources including Apple iPods. The XROSS FADE includes DJ-style features including a cross-fader with monitor cue, and a built-in two-channel mixer. Users can check upcoming tracks via headphones to make sure the tracks are cued properly before playing them aloud. Other features include:

• Record mixing sessions to USB devices in MP3 format
• iPod-like interface and scroll wheels (two of them) allow for easy menu navigation on the iPods without the need to touch the iPods
• MP3 Booster+ improves audio quality by restoring sound lost during compression. Beat blend adds a layer of pre-programmed percussion drum sounds and drum loops over the mix
• Includes CD player, AM/FM tuner, and line-in jack for external audio sources
• Converts CDs and AM/FM radio to MP3 files
• Two-way bass reflex speakers and a dual 7 inch subwoofer enclosure

The XROSS FADE LBT-DJ2i will be available in September for around $500 dollars direct. Pre-orders are now available at SonyStyle.com.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, XROSS FADE, LBT-DJ2i

While it’s certainly “cool” to have your video collection on an iPod touch or a Microsoft Zune, there’s still something cool about having a portable DVD player. Perhaps it’s because you get a larger display than watching a movie on an iPod.. or perhaps it’s simply because it’s easier to pop a DVD into a portable DVD player than it is to connect to the net and purchase a movie rental via iTunes (or ripping and converting a DVD into an MP4 file). With that said, it’s nice to see companies continue to develop and manufacture portable players such as the new Sony DVP-FX720. This clamshell system comes with a nice large 7 inch display featuring a true 16:9 aspect ratio. Features include:

• USB port for JPEG and MP3 file playback
• 5 hour rechargeable battery
• Supports audio CDs and CD-R/RW with audio, MP3, or JPEG files
• Supports DVD-R/-RW/-R DL/+R/+RW and CD-R/-RW with DivX
• 12 bit/108 MHz video and 96kHZ/24 bit audio DAC
• Dual headphone jacks with volume control
• Integrated speakers
• Remote control and car adapter
• Available in glamour pink, blazing red, indigo blue, and white finish

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Sony, DVP-FX720 Portable DVD player

Sony is looking to make wireless multi-room listening a breeze with the introduction of four new home theater systems featuring support for their new S-AIR technology. S-AIR technology allows Sony to deliver on a simple wireless multi-room audio transmission solution as well as provide wireless audio to rear surround sound speakers. Audio can be transmitted up to 164 feet away with receivers coming in the form of Sony S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker units which can be plugged directly into a power outlet.

The four new systems featuring S-AIR technology include the DAV-HDX576WF, DAV-HDX277WC, DAV-HDX279W and the DAV-HDX275. Common features of these four home theater solutions include:

• Five disc DVD/CD player
• Video upscaling to 1080p via HDMI
• Sony Digital Media Port
• Included cradle for iPod players (model TDM-iP10)
• Supports the Network Walkman player audio cradle, PC client device, and a Bluetooth adapter
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration (DCAC)
• Dialogue Audio Enhancer with night mode
• Updated Portable Audio Enhancer

DAV-HDX576WF

• Includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker
• Includes wireless rear speaker kit
• Height adjustable floor standing speakers designed to match BRAVIA television sets
• Available in March for $500 dollars

DAV-HDX277WC

• Includes one S-AIR Air Station receiver/speaker
• Option to add a rear wireless speaker kit
• Available in March for $400 dollars

DAV-HDX279W

• Includes the rear wireless speaker kit
• Option to add S-AIR AIr Station receiver/speaker
• Available in March for $400 dollars

DAV-HDX275

• S-AIR Ready
• Option to add rear wireless speaker kit
• Option to add S-AIR transmitter with S-AIR Air Stations
• Available in March for $300 dollars

The WAHT-SA10 wireless speaker kit will be available in March for around $149 dollars. The AIR-SA10 Air Station receiver/speaker featuring eight watts of power, and an alarm clock function will be available in March for around $120 dollars.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: DAV-HDX576WF, DAV-HDX277WC, DAV-HDX279W, DAV-HDX275

Denon announced two new S-Series Networked Audio Systems called the S-52 and the S-32. Both systems feature Wi-Fi connectivity and allows consumers a convenient and easy way to enjoy music from other networked devices and directly from the Rhapsody digital music service. With the S-32 and S-52, consumers can listen to unlimited music from Rhapsody, exclusive content from MTV, VH1, and CMT, and professionally programmed Rhapsody Channels thanks to support for both Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking.

Common features to both the S-32 and the S-52 include the following:

• Built-in iPod dock for easy drop-in functionality
• Powerful bass response thanks to Audyssey Bass-XT and Dynamic EQ software
• Ability to stream music wirelessly from Internet Radio sources and other network attached storage devices as well as PC or Macs on the network
• Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC formats
• Multi-function scroll wheel on the top of the unit for easy control of long lists of artists, albums, or playlists stored on the iPod or sourced from Internet Radio stations.

In addition, the S-52 features:

• Built-in HD Radio tuner with multicasting functionality
• Slot loading CD player with support for MP3, WMA, AAC, WAV, and FLAC
• XM Satellite Radio ready via mini-tuner and optional subscription
• USB port allowing users to connect USB mass storage devices including flash drives, MP3 players, or USB hard drives

The S-32 and S-52 come with a 30 day, no credit card required, free trial subscription to Rhapsody. Following this, if you want Rhapsody, you’ll need to subscribe at a rate of $12.99 per month.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Denon, Networked Audio Systems, S-32, S-52

KEF has launched two new products for their KEF Instant Theater (KIT) line called the KIT120 and the KIT140. The new KITs come in four components – two loudspeakers, a subwoofer with integrated power amplifier, and a matching CD/DVD player. The units are available in silver or black and feature:

• NXT panels
• KEF’s proprietary Uni-Q devices for wider dispersion
• HDMI port for single cable connectivity

The KIT140 will cost you £1,200 while the KIT120 will cost you £1,500.

[Check it out via Born Rich]

Technorati Tags: KEF, KIT120, KIT140

Onkyo Japan released two new products today – a small form factor CD player/FM tuner/amplifier called the CR-D1LTD and a two way speaker system called the D-112ELTD. Here’s what you need to know about both products.

For the CR-D1LTD:

• 40 watts per channel
• 0.08% distortion
• 100dB signal to noise ratio
• Measures 205 x 117 x 338mm and weighs 5.5 kg
• Half the size of a full audio component
• Features Onkyo’s VL Digital support
• Aluminum construction
• 192kHz/24 bit DAC
• CD-R/RW playback support

For the D-112ELTD:

• Frequency response of 50Hz to 100kHz
• 120W power output
• Measures 162 x 263 x 243 mm and weighs 5 kg

[Check it out via Akihabara News]

Technorati Tags: Onkyo, CR-D1LTD, D-112ELTD

Now this is an ingenious design. The Dual Music Player (DMP) can play MP3s like any normal player, but also unfolds to play music CDs (like the ones you bought some ten years ago for $20 a piece).

This is an awesome design for a CD player, but unfortunately it may well be glossed over in today’s flash player market.

More at YankoDesign.

Technorati Tags: Yanko MP3 CD Dual Music Player, DMP