I know we haven’t been covering reviews from other websites recently – that’s something I hope to change over the next few months or so as we expand our staff even further. To help change things up, here’s a review of the EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker by the folks at Audioholics. These speakers have apparently taken folks on the Internet by storm thanks in no small part to the incredible introductory pricing of $400 dollars a pair (the MSRP is $730 dollars a pair). However, what do the folks at Audioholics think? Here’s an excerpt from the conclusion:

“There is a part of me that is angry at EMP. Angry that they’ve opened my eyes to the true costs of speakers. Sure, the E5Ti Impression series speakers aren’t perfect but for $400, they are so far beyond what I expected that I actually have to change the bar. When you hear them, I’m betting you’ll be doing the same.”

Hm.. might have to check out these floorstanding beauties!

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: EMP Tek Impression Series E5TiR Floorstanding Loudspeaker, Audioholics Review

The new Bose SoundDock 10 digital music system is the latest iPod one-piece speaker system to come from Bose – joining the ranks of the SoundDock Series II and the SoundDock Portable system. Features of the SoundDock 10 include:

• Incorporates the latest version of Bose’s proprietary waveguide technology – developed specifically for the SoundDock 10
• New waveguide reduced from 75 inches to 52 inches without compromising audio performance
• Newly designed Bose woofer which delivers four times the efficiency of a conventional woofer
• Two proprietary Bose Twiddler transducers optimally positioned in front of the system to complete full range of music reproduction
• Proprietary digital signal processing algorithms improves sound reproduction
• Internal switching power supply eliminates the need for external transformer
• Proprietary vibration isolation structure used to maintain iPod and iPhone performance
• Made for iPod and Works with iPhone certified
• Compatible with any click-wheel iPod or iPod touch and iPhone 3GS, 3G and original iPhone
• Optional Bluetooth dock allows you to stream music wirelessly from a stereo Bluetooth music phone. New docks will be made available to support new devices over time
• Auxiliary input
• Video output
• Infrared remote control
• Measures 9 x 17 x 10 inches

The Bose SoundDock 10 is available from Bose for a suggested price of $599. The optional Bluetooth interchangeable dock is available for $149. Both products will be available starting on September 21st.

Technorati Tags: Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System

Klipschorn Floorstanding Loudspeaker:

• Highly efficient: 105 dB 1W / 1M
• Measures 1.28 meters high
• Weighs 80 kg
• 1 inch tweeter
• 2 inch midrange driver
• 15 inch Fibre-composite woofer
• Capable of extreme output levels with ultra low distortion and astonishing dynamic range
• Available in a high-quality Cherry, Walnut or Black Ash wood veneer finish
• Priced at £5999

La Scala II Floorstanding Loudspeaker:

• Fully horn-loaded, 3-way system with a folded-horn 15” woofer, 2” midrange and 1” tweeter compression drivers.
• Capable of extreme output levels with ultra low distortion and astonishing dynamic range
• Available in a high-quality Cherry, Walnut or Black Ash wood veneer finish
• Priced at £3399

Cornwall III Floorstanding Loudspeaker:

• A three-way design using horn-loaded Midrange and high frequency compression drivers for the midrange and treble.
• Direct-radiating 15-inch woofer for powerful low frequencies.
• Available in a high-quality Cherry, Walnut or Black Ash wood veneer finish
• Priced at £1699

Heresy III Floorstanding Loudspeaker:

• A three-way design using horn-loaded Titanium diaphragm midrange and high frequency compression drivers.
• Direct-radiating 12-inch woofer for powerful low frequencies.
• 99 dB sensitivity delivers Smooth, dynamic and low distortion sound
• Available in a high-quality Cherry, Walnut or Black Ash wood veneer finish
• Priced at £849

[Via Pocket-Lint]

Technorati Tags: Klipsch Heritage Floorstanding Loudspeakers, Klipschorn, La Scala II, Cornwall III, Heresy III

Fans of Speakal will be happy to hear that the company is increasing their distribution channels. They’ve struck a retail agreement with J&R Music and Computer World which means folks in NYC will soon be able to purchase those cute Speakal iPod docking stations at retail J&R stores. Not in NYC? No worries – you’ll also be able to purchase the iPig, iPanda, and iBoo from the J&R website too. How cute.. Now the real question is – does anyone actually have one of these guys?

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Speakal iPod docking stations, J&R music World

Sony HT-CT500 Home Theater Sound Bar:

• 3.1 channel system consisting of two pieces – a sound bar and a subwoofer – all connected by a single wire
• 400 watts (RMS) of total power
• A/V receiver built into the subwoofer
• Three 1080p HDMI inputs and one HDMI output
• Two component inputs and several audio inputs
• Slim speaker form factor designed to match the BRAVIA W5100 and XBR9 TV series
• Supports 1080/60p and 1080/24p video and Deep Color and x.v.Color
• Multi-room ready via S-AIR which can transmit wireless audio up to 164 feet
• Digital Media Port (DMP) for external audio sources
• Icon-based menu
• Faroudjas’ DCDi Cinema chip for upscaling of all video to HD qualities via HDMI
• Available in June for around $500 dollars

Sony HT-SS360 Component System:

• 5.1 channel system with component A/V receiver
• 1000 watts (RMS) of total power
• Three HDMI inputs and one output
• Supports 1080/24p and 60p video as well as LPCM audio
• Center console designed to match BDP-S360 and BDP-S560 Blu-ray Disc players.
• Digital Media Port
• DMPort Booster technology enhances sound quality of all audio and video
• Available in May for around $350

Sony DAV-HDX587WC home theater system

• 5.1 channel system
• Includes “easy setup” disc for step by step instructions on how to set up everything
• iPod cradle for audio/video playback via Digital Media Port
• DMPort Booster technology
• Sony S-AIR technology for wireless audio transmissions up to 164 feet
• Includes S-AIR multi-room listening station (model AIR-SA10)
• Upscale DVD video to near HD via HDMI
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Portable Audio Enhancer and Dialogue Enhancer technologies
• Available this month for around $430

Sony DAV-HDX589W home theater system:

• 5.1 channel system
• Includes “easy setup” disc for step by step instructions on how to set up everything
• iPod cradle for audio/video playback via Digital Media Port
• DMPort Booster technology
• Sony S-AIR technology for wireless audio transmissions up to 164 feet
• includes S-AIR wireless rear speakers (model WAHT-SA10)
• Upscale DVD video to near HD via HDMI
• Digital Cinema Auto Calibration, Portable Audio Enhancer and Dialogue Enhancer technologies
• Available this month for around $430

Sony DAV-HDX285 home theater system:

• 5.1 channel system
• iPod cradle, Digital Media Port, and DMPort Booster
• Movie/music mode automatically detects what is being listened to and optimizes audio accordingly
• Includes “Easy setup” disc
• Upscales DVD to near HD via HDMI port
• S-AIR ready – you just need to purchase additional S-AIR speakers
• Available this month for around $300

Technorati Tags: Sony, Sony HT-CT500 home theater sound bar, Sony HT-SS360 home theater system, Sony DAV-HDX285 DVD home theater system, Sony DAV-HDX587WC DVD home theater system, Sony DAV-HDX589W

If you’ve been desperately trying to locate a retailer who carries the Speakal iPod docking stations (come on.. you do remember that cute iBoo docking station from last month don’t ya?) then you’re in luck. The company announced today that their entire iPod docking station product lineup is available for sale on Amazon.com. Yes, I did say entire product lineup because there’s more than just the iBoo. There’s also the iPig and iPanda (but of course!).

These iPod docking stations have the following features:

• The “smiley” mouth hides a remote control sensor while the eyes are actually two mid- and high-range speakers. The subwoofer is hidden below and is downward firing. Each docking station comes with rubberized feet to prevent rattling while powered on.
• Patented humanized touch volume control and music navigation
• 4 speakers, a 4” subwoofer and 25 watts of sound
• Adjustable Bass Control with Bass Reflex Technology. 360° Sound Distribution. Onboard Hi-Fi amplifier, dynamic airflow optimizer, interior dynamic cooling exchange and high sound stabilization (some models feature varying audio features).
• iPod dock with numerous included cradles
• Standard auxiliary 3.5 mm input jack
• Includes remote control for managing audio controls and iPod menu functionality

The Speakal iPig and iPanda are both currently available at Amazon.com for $119.99. The Speakal iBoo is available for $89.99.

Technorati Tags: Speakal iBoo, Speakal iPig, Speakal iPanda, iPod docking station

Now here’s a novel concept. Instead of having traditional bookshelf speakers that sit on top of bookshelves.. why not build the speakers into the shelving units directly? That’s the idea behind these design concepts by Polish designers Witek Stefaniak and Anielka Zdanowicz over at designboom.com. Now of course.. if you’re blaring music, you might want to reconsider placing anything valuable or fragile on top of these shelves.. but hey, it’s still a great space saving idea!

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Automatically translated into Chinese

Technorati Tags: soundshelf, speakers, shelves

Bored of all those iPod docks out there?  How about a Ghost-shaped iPod dock? Yup – that’s what you get with the newly released iBoo iPod docking station released ahead of schedule by the folks at Speakal. Features of the iBoo include:

• Functions as both an audio player and decorative piece
• The mouth functions as a sensor for receiving remote control commands
• The eyes contain mid and high range speakers while a downward-firing subwoofer is hidden below for a total of 15 watts of power
• Rubberized feet to help prevent rattling
• “Humanized” touch volume control and music navigation
• iPod dock with several cradles
• 3.5 mm input jack
• Environmental friendly
• Mini-remote control for full control of iBoo and iPod functions

The iBoo is available now in white, red, and blue and retails for a mere $89.99. Come on.. you know you want one..

[Check it out via DVICE.com]

Technorati Tags: Speakal iBoo, iPod docking station

“What the hell…”

That was my first reaction when I saw a picture of these devices. For a second, I thought these were fancy looking mallets for air hockey tables or something. However, they are in fact the new mobiBlu UFO MP3 players.

No.. they do not fly, nor do they levitate (though Fox Mulder might like a pair of these for fun). They are in fact just portable MP3 players with built-in NXT flat panel speakers.

Measuring a mere 90 x 42 mm, the UFO MP3 player is available in storage sizes ranging from 512MB to 8GB. There’s a USB port allowing you to connect the player to your PC, a 3.5 mm audio jack for other devices, and built-in Bluetooth wireless for pairing with other devices. File format support include MP3, WMA, ASF, and OGG. Battery life is 6 hours in speaker mode and 15 hours in earphone mode.

mobiBlu also has a Bluetooth speaker only model of the UFO (without the built-in MP3 player).

[Check it out via DAPreview]

Technorati Tags: mobiBlu, UFO MP3 player, MP3 player

On the high end, there’s the HD Theater 1000 priced at $899.99. Specs include:

• Five identical speakers – each with dual 2.5 inch fiber composite woofers and a MicroTractrix Horn-loaded 0.75 inch aluminum dome tweeter
• Each speaker stands 8.6 inches tall and can be mounted or placed on a stand
• Subwoofer has 10 inch fiber composite driver and digital hybrid subwoofer amp

The mid-range HD Theater 500 goes for $599.99 and features:

• 2.5 inch IMG woofer and MicroTractrix Horn-loaded 0.75 inch aluminum dome tweeter for front and rear speakers
• Dual woofers for center speaker
• Class D subwoofer amp and down-firing 8 inch driver

Finally, there’s the affordable $499.99 HD Theater 300. Specs include:

• 2.5 inch IMG woofer and 0.75 inch MicroTractrix Horn-loaded textile tweeter in main and surround speakers
• Center channel is similar except it’s also magnetically shielded
• Class D subwoofer amp and down-firing 6 inch driver

The HD Theater 1000 is due in February, the HD Theater 500 in March, and the HD Theater 300 in April.

[Check it out via SlashGear]

Technorati Tags: Klipsch, HD Theater 1000, HD Theater 500, HD Theater 300, 5.1 channel speaker system

If you’re looking for a truly portable speaker solution for your iPod, iPhone, mobile phone, or MP3 player, then you should definitely check out the new Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 and Orbit M speakers. These tiny wonders can easily be stored away in your pocket, purse, or backpack and then brought out to provide a 360 degree sound field wherever you’re at. The units also come with an integrated cord storage system that allows you to wrap the cord around the speakers for storage and protection. As for the difference between the Orbit MP3 and Orbit M -  the M includes a 2.5 mm adapter for music-enabled mobile phones.

The Orbit speakers run off of three AAA batteries which provide up to 24 hours of power. You can further customize the Orbit speakers by skinning it with designs provided by Skinit.com. Pre-designed skins can be purchased for $14.95 while custom skins can be created for $19.95.  Here are some pictures of skinned Orbit speakers.

The Orbit MP3 and Orbit M can be purchased for $39.95.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Orbit MP3, Orbit M, portable speakers, iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

New for 2009 is the Octiv Air (pictured below) wireless speaker system. The system features an iPod dock that wirelessly connects to a speaker system that can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall. Better yet, this system scales. You can tack on another speaker for left and right channels OR you can add up to seven optional wireless speakers throughout the home. Each speaker comes with two 4 inch full range drivers and two 1 inch silk dome tweeters with a total power output of 80W RMS. The wireless dock communicates over 2.4GHz and has a range of 100 feet. The Octiv Air also features an integrated digital FM radio tuner with six presets, and a wireless remote.

Altec Lansing will offer two models – the M812 which includes one speaker, one remote, and one dock for $399.95 and the M812-2 which comes with two speaker units, two remotes, and one dock for $699.95.

Next up is the Altec Lansing T612 – their first iPhone and iPhone 3G certified speaker system. The T612 (pictured below) features two 3 inch full-range drivers and two 1 inch silk dome tweeters. It’s supposedly immune to mobile phone interference ( you know.. that annoying crackling sound from GSM phones), comes with LED lights for volume, treble, and bass, and features a wireless remote. Oh yes, if a call does come in while you’re listening to music, the T612 will automatically stop the music so you can hear the call. The T612 is available now for pre-order at $199.95.

If you’re looking for a portable speaker/dock solution for the iPhone and iPod, then you’ll want to check out the new inMotion Max. Powered either by AC or batteries, the inMotion Max features:

• Two custom engineered 2 inch full range drivers
• 16 watts of power
• Built-in digital FM radio tuner with four presets
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery for up to 5 hours of power
• Wireless remote
• XDB technology
• ESS sound widening technology

The inMotion Max is available for a price of $199.95.

Are you looking for something that sets the right mood in your living room or.. heck.. even your bedroom? If so, that’s where the Moondance Glow comes into play (pictured below). The Moondance Glow provides mood lighting thanks to a multi-color light on the back of the dock. Simply select a color and watch the dock shine light against the backdrop. Other features include:

• Built-in radio with 4 station presets
• Wire antenna
• Alarm – allows you to wake up to iPod, radio, or alarm
• Wireless snooze remote
• Enhanced remote control – controls speaker functions, FM radio, alarm, and playlist/song navigation
• Onboard controls
• Amber LCD with dimmer light
• Aux input

The Moondance Glow is available for $179.95.

Looking for a dock for the nightstand? That’s where the Moondance Home (pictured below) comes into play. This $99.95 device fits nicely on the nightstand and features;

• Dual alarms – allowing you to wake up to iPod, radio, or alarm
• Wireless remote
• compact design
• LCD display with dimmer light
• FM radio
• Onboard controls
• aux input

We have one more product to talk about – but we’ll save it for a separate posting.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Speaker Docks, iPod speaker docks, iPhone speaker docks, CES 2009

I’ll be honest. I’ve always thought of Altec Lansing products to be functionality solid yet a bit dull when it came to styling. Their 2009 product line however, certainly looks to change all of that. Here’s our review of the latest speaker products to come out from Altec Lansing this year.

First up, we have the Altec Lansing Expressionist Bass speakers. These twin desktop speakers have 4 inch subwoofers built right into the base of each of the units as well as 1.5 inch full range speaker drivers. Other features include built-in controls and an auxiliary input jack. The Expressionist Bass is available now in white or black for $129.95.

Looking for an inexpensive 2.1 channel speaker system for your computer system? Then you’ll be interested in the new BXR1221 (pictured below) which features impressive styling and an even more impressive price of $29.95.

Don’t need the subwoofer? You can go for the BXR1220 which has the two speakers minus the subwoofer for a price of $19.95. The speakers connect to your PC via the USB port.

Here we have another 2.0 speaker system in the form of the Expressionist Classic. The Classic features dual 3 inch full-range speakers, power and volume controls, and an auxiliary input jack. This classy looking speaker system can be yours for $79.95.

Altec Lansing has one other new Expressionist speaker system coming out (not pictured here) called the Expressionist Ultra. The Ultra is a 200 watt 2.1 speaker system with trapezoid shaped speakers and a powerful sub. Expect the system (model MX6021) to be available for a price of $199.95. Ubergizmo has a nice picture up of the Ultra here.

Looking for speakers on the go? Altec Lansing has a new full line of stylish inexpensive earphones called the Muzx Series. 

First up,are the MHP111, MHP116, and MHP126. The MHP116 and MHP126 (pictured left and center below) have crystal designs with SnugFit eartips and will be available for $19.95 each. The MHP111 (pictured right below) feature a CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski jeweled design and has a price of $19.95.

Next up, we have the Muzx 216 (below) noise-isolating earphones which has an MSRP of $29.95.

Finally, we have the natural wood earphones (yes wood) – the Muzx 136. These headphones feature a large acoustic chamber and a SnugFit noise-isolating design. Price for these earphones? $29.95.

Need something with a bit more oomph? Altec Lansing also has a new line of “streetwise earphones” called the BackBeat series. Here’s the product breakdown.

On the high end, there’s the BackBeat Titanium earphones (pictured below) with a price of $79.95. Features include:

• Titanium enhanced micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• soft-sided carry case
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Next up is the BackBeat Plus noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) with a price of $49.95. Features include:

• Neodymium micro-speakers with enhanced bass
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Moving down the list is the BackBeat Classic noise-isolating earphones (pictured below) for $29.95. Features include:

• Quality micro-speakers
• Noise-isolating earphones
• Tangle-free cloth cable
• For iPod/iPhone and MP3 players

Need some earphones with a built-in microphone? Check out the new BackBeat Plus Mobile and BackBeat Classic Mobile.

The BackBeat Plus Mobile earphones (pictured below) are noise-isolating earphones priced at $59.95 with features such as:

• Enhanced bass
• Balanced highs and mids
• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• Reduces background noise
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Supports iPod, MP3 players, and iPhone

Looking for something a tad bit cheaper? There’s the new BackBeat Classic Mobile for $39.95 which features:

• Discreet inline microphone
• Inline call answer end button
• 6 piece fit kit with multiple silicone ear tips
• Compatible with iPod, iPhone, MP3 players

OK..  so what if you’re looking to cut the cord altogether? Altec Lansing has you covered there too with the BackBeat 906 headphones with built-in microphone for $129.95 (pictured below). These headphones come with a Bluetooth adapter for devices lacking Bluetooth transmitters. Features include:

• Dual-mic AudioIQ technology helps separate voice from background noise
• Hear the outside world with a press of the OpenMic button
• Bass-boost feature

BackBeat 903 lacks the Bluetooth adapter and is priced lower at $99.95.

We have a few more Altec Lansing products to discuss but we’ll save that for the next few posts.

Technorati Tags: Altec Lansing, Expressionist Speakers, Computer Speakers, In-ear earphones, earphones, CES 2009

Sharp enters the 2.1 channel sound bar market with the announcement of the new HT-SB300 and HT-SB200 sound bars. Each of these units feature a left and right speaker as well as a built-in subwoofer. You can place the speakers below a TV set thanks to the included mounting plates and adjustable feet.

Other features include:

• 34 watts of power
• High Definition Sound Standard (HDSS) sound technology and SRS WOW HD Sound
• Adjustable Bass, Treble, and Sub-level options for a unique surround sound effect without rear channel speakers

The HT-SB300 adds digital audio decoding for DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Pro logic II as well as Dolby Virtual Speaker which simulates 5.1 channel surround sound.

Both sound bars feature dual audio inputs, right and left RCA jacks, a 3.5 mm sub mini jack, and a slim remote control. The HT-SB300 adds a subwoofer output jack into the mix.

The HT-SB300 will be coming out in April for a price of $299.99 while the HT-SB200 will be available this month for $249.99.

Technorati Tags: Sharp, 2.1 channel sound bar, HT-SB200, HT-SB300

Looking for rugged portable speakers for the Apple iPod? Then you’ll be interested in two new ION Audio products introduced at CES 2009 – the compact TAILGATER and a new black version of the BLOCK ROCKER.

The BLOCK ROCKER is essentially an all-in-one speaker system – combining speakers, an amp, audio inputs, and an iPod dock into a single box. The system comes with recessed wheels, a telescoping handle, a microphone, and a cable – everything you need to turn a gathering into one rockin party.

If the BLOCK ROCKER is a tad bit too large for your taste, then you’ll want to check out the TAILGATOR. This system is essentially a smaller version of the BLOCK ROCKER with the exception that the wheels and telescoping handle are replaced with a more conventional guitar amplifier-style grip.

The BLOCK ROCKER will be available in white or block for a price of $299.99 while the TAILGATOR will be priced at $199.99. Expect the two portable systems to come out in the second quarter.

Technorati Tags: ION Audio, BLOCK ROCKER, TAILGATOR, CES 2009, Apple iPod

Above is the new Ion ANYROOM wireless, multi-room speaker system designed for the Apple iPod and introduced at CES 2009. The system consists of two wireless stereoRX modules (with each module consisting of left and right speakers) and a single wireless microTX dongle for the iPod. The speakers can be placed in different locations and have a range of 600 feet from the location of the transmitter dongle. The package comes with a handheld, wireless remote control that allows the user to control the iPod, control the volume levels, and apply equalizer settings. You can expect the ANYROOM system from Ion Audio in the second quarter for a price of $199.99.

Technorati Tags: ION Audio, ANYROOM, Wireless Speakers, iPod, CES 2009

Designed by Philippe Starck, these are the new Parrot “Zikmu” wireless speakers as introduced at CES 2009. These speakers feature a built-in iPod/iPhone docking station, 360 degree NXT surround sound technology, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth wireless technologies.

Users can dock/charge their iPod/iPhone thanks to the built-in docking station on one of the Zikmu speakers, control the device with the included remote, and listen to music via the speakers.

Have music on your PC? No problem – users can stream music from a PC via Wi-Fi, or from a PC, Mac, mobile phone via Bluetooth Stereo. The speakers themselves communicate with one another via Bluetooth which gives you freedom in speaker placement.

Specs of the Zikmu include:

• Total power output of 100W RMS
• 3 channel Class D digital amplifier
• Frequency range of 50Hz to 20kHz
• Compatible with MP3, WMA, LPCM
• Settings for volume, R/L balance, equalizer with presets
• RF remote control
• RCA line-in input for all analog sources
• 70W power supply per speaker
• 802.11 b/g with SES/WPS
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Supports A2DP, AVRCP
• Measures 320 x 290 mm on the bottom and 130 x 35 mm on top with a height of 750 mm with a weight of 3.5 kg
• NXT flat membrane speakers

Want the Zikmu? Be prepared to pay a pretty penny. Parrot will release the Zikmu wireless speakers this Spring for a price of $1500.

Here are official press images:

Technorati Tags: Parrot, Zikmu, Philippe Starck, Wireless Speakers, CES 2009

TH-G31:

• HDMI output with 1080p upconversion
• Front aux input
• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding

TH-G41:

• HDMI output with 1080p upconversion
• HDMI input with repeater
• Front aux input
• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
• iPod/iPhone music and video playback via connected dock with control play, pause, and skip functions controlled through the home theater system’s remote. An on-screen display is also available via connected TV

TH-G51:

• HDMI output with 1080p upconversion
• HDMI input with repeater
• Front aux input
• Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
• iPod/iPhone music and video playback via connected dock with control play, pause, and skip functions controlled through the home theater system’s remote. An on-screen display is also available via connected TV
• Wireless rear speakers

All three systems feature a glossy black low-profile receiver with illuminated function keys. Here’s the price breakdown with availability dates. The TH-G51 will be available in June for $429.95. The TH-G41 will be available in May for $329.95 and the TH-G31 will be available in April for $249.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: JVC, 5.1 home theater system, TH-G31, TH-G41, TH-G51, iPod dock, CES 2009

If you’re looking for a compact multi-speaker integrated Blu-ray player/home theater solution, then you’ll also be interested in the new Samsung HT-BD7200 Blu-ray 2.1 channel home theater system. The system has the following features and specs:

• Delivers 400watts of output
• Simulated 5.1 channel surround sound with just two speakers
• Improved amplifier engine designed to minimize amplifier and power supply noise
• Speaker unit constructed from kelp
• Optional 802.11 b/g/n USB dongle
• Touch of Color design
• Support for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA decoding
• Includes iPod dock

Expect the HT-BD7200 in the first half of this year – no word on pricing.

Technorati Tags: Samsung HT-BD7200, Blu-ray player, CES 2009, Home Theater System

Looking for a way to add “boom” to that new HDTV set of yours? Check out the newly announced Z-Base 550 Home Theater System from ZVOX Audio. Designed to be used as the base platform for 32 inch to 47 inch flat panel HDTV sets, the Z-Base 550 encloses the entire home theater system (speakers. amplifier, virtual surround sound technology, and powered subwoofer) into a single slim cabinet. Simply park the cabinet wherever you’re going to put your TV, plug it in, and then place the TV set on top of the system.

The Z-Base 550 comes with hand-lacquered high gloss black end panels and a rugged scratch resistant black vinyl top designed to resist scratching from heavy HDTV sets. The system features the following:

• (5) 2″ full-range speakers and (1) 5.25″ subwoofer
• PhaseCue virtual surround sound
• Auto-on/auto-off circuit
• Remote control included
• (2) Analog stereo inputs (mixing inputs)
• Power: 60 watts
• Measures 28″w x 14.5″d x 3.5″h

The system is available now for an MSRP of $499.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: ZVOX, Z-Base 550 Low Profile Single Cabinet Surround Sound System