Teac NS-X1 AirPlay speaker dock arrives on UK market

Quite a few months have passed since i first heard word about the Teac NS-X1 slimline Airplay speaker dock, but it has taken until now for the system to make a proper entry into the UK market, getting presence with well known electronics retail chain Dixons.

The Teac NS-X1 features 2 x 10W speakers, has a slimline shape, with a physical docking station sitting at the top of the unit as an alternative for those that does not have an Apple device with AirPlay capabilities. The system can also be mounted on the wall as it has support for that at the back of the unit.

Overall the Teac NS-X1 is targeting the lower end of the Airplay speaker market, with a price point at £199.99, making it amongst the more affordable AirPlay solutions on the UK market at the moment. Based on reports through other review sites and tech blogs the strength of the system is AirPlay at that price point, but at the same time they report that audio and build quality does not quite live up to the price point. As soon as i have had a chance to review one myself i will let you know what my verdict is.

[source: TrustedReviews]

iTeufel Air - a bookshelf AirPlay speaker from Teufel

Teufel is a leading audio solution manufacturer out of Germany selling direct to market, including their latest solution; the iTeufel Air AirPlay speaker.

iTeufel Air is a bookshelf style wireless speaker that allows streaming over Apple AirPlay technology. It does not feature a physical docking station, but for those wanting to connect other devices, there is the Aux-in connection.

Design wise the iTeufel Air looks quite stylish with the black finished housing sitting on a metal stand. Inside Teufel has packed two independent 20w two-way speakers and a 30cm 40w subwoofer, creating what should be a fairly powerful bookshelf AirPlay speaker with Panorama DSP for a more room-filling audio experience.

The iTeufel Air is available direct from Teufel online at £429.99.

Philips Fidelio SoundAvia and Primo AirPlay speakers announced

Philips is extending their already strong Fidelio range of speakers with two new AirPlay speakers in the Philips Fidelio AD7050W SoundAvia and Philips Fidelio DS9100W Primo at CES.

There is not a lot of details around the two new systems yet, but it is believe that the AD7050w will feature a similar design and features as the already launched Philips AD7000W.

As far as the DS9100W Primo goes, it comes with a wooden finish and backfiring passive radiators, not unlike the Fidelio DS9/10 and Fidelio DS9000W speaker docks. It also features the Philips Soundcurve technology for clearer sound.

Both systems are expected out around April time this year. I will be back with more details and price for each system when available.

[source: Techradar]

Griffin Twenty - a new and amplified AirPlay solution

Griffin is present at CES in Las Vegas armed with amongst other an AirPlay amplifier that can turn any speaker into an airplay speaker, the Griffin Twenty.

So what exactly is the Griffin Twenty you ask? In short it is an AirPlay enabled amplifier that allows you to connect any non-powered speaker for wireless sound. It uses a docked Airport Express to support the AirPlay streaming, but unlike using only an Airport Express, which requires powered speakers set up, the Griffin Twenty does the 'powering' for you.

The Griffin Twenty comes with a Toslink for connecting to the Airports optical port, and a power pass through to ensure the Airport Express has the necessary power input as well.

Griffin is yet to confirm price of the Twenty and a release date, but I will update with information as soon as available. It is also worth noting that you have to buy the Airport Express adapter separately, unless Griffin decides to bundle it with the Twenty.

Acoustic Research ARAP50 AirPlay speaker announced

The Acoustic Research ARAP50 AirPlay speaker is a new entrant in the AirPlay market from Voxx International (former Audiovoxx), announced at CES this week.

Not much is known about the ARAP50 other than its ability to stream over Apple AirPlay technology, and that it will retail at around $200 (likely around £150 or so for the UK) when it is released, likely sometime this spring. Design wise it is reminiscent of the iHome iW1 and the more classic box-style iPod speaker docks of past.

We welcome Acoustic Research and their ARAP50 AirPlay speaker to the AirPlay family.

SOUL Party in a Box AirPlay speaker dock

SOUL Electronics is at CES to promote their Soul by Ludacris range of headphones, but this year they have also thrown a speaker dock into the midst, and not just any speaker dock. Meet the SOUL Party in a Box AirPlay speaker.

In fact, the SOUL Party in a Box does not only support streaming over AirPlay. There is also built in Bluetooth as well as a 5.8GHz two-way transceiver that offers CD quality lossless streaming and multi-speaker set up.

Inside the SOUL AirPlay speaker there is a party going on for sure, as this omni-directional hybrid system features dual 6.5-inch subwoofers, 3-inch midrange drivers, and four 1-inch tweeters. The central docking station is reported to support all iOS devices, including the iPad.

There is no word on pricing and availability of the SOUL Party in a Box speaker dock as of yet, but I will keep you posted.

[source: slashgear]

More details revealed in B&O Beolit 12 AirPlay speaker

Bang & Olufsen have revealed a bit more information about their upcoming AirPlay speaker, the B&O Beolit 12 compact speaker that forms part of the company's new PLAY line of products.

The design of the Beolit 12 resembles older transistor radios, it is portable thanks to a carry handle and the built in rechargeable battery, wireless streaming is done over Airplay, and the amp is a rather powerful 120W Class D amplifier, which is pretty good for what is ment to be a portable speaker. The speaker set up consist of two 2-inch tweeters and a 4-inch woofer.

Release date for the Beolit 12 is expected to be out in Europe at end of January 2012, but don't expect a product from Bang & Olufsen to come without a premium price tag, as the Beolit 12 will set you back around £699 when released. Time will tell whether or not it will be worth it.



[source: Electricpig]

Panasonic brings AirPlay speaker docks to CES 2012

There is no doubt that the wireless audio category is busy at CES this year, including Panasonic that is delivering a range of Apple friendly systems, including two AirPlay enabled systems in the Panasonic SC-AP01 soundbar and the Panasonic SC-HC57 Compact Stereo System.

First out is their style oriented SC-AP01 soundbar, a slimline metal-clad speaker with built-in Airplay support for wireless streaming of audio. Inside it features an Aero Stream port for enhanced bass reproduction and Direct-Vocal Surround, said to help create a more "music hall-like listening experience".  There is no physical docking station, but a USB port ensures that you can connect and charge your iOS device with the AirPlay speaker.

The second AirPlay enabled speaker dock is the SC-HC57, a more classic looking compact sound system, not unlike the recently announced Sharp DK-KP95P Airplay speaker actually when it comes to looks. In addition to AirPlay streaming, it features a docking station for iPod/iPhone, CD player, FM radio, and Internet radio using the vTuner app on their iOS device.

Panasonic SC-HC57 is finished in high quality metal net with a solid sliding door, which when opened brings out the docking station automatically. Inside the system you will find lightweight, nanosized bamboo coned speakers for a more reponsive sound stage.

Both Panasonic AirPlay enabled sound systems are expected out in April 2012. I will come back with more detail and prices when available.

[source: Engadget & PRNewswire]

Sony with two Homeshare AirPlay speakers and two new AirPlay speaker docks

Sony presented their Homeshare streaming solution (uses DLNA) last year, but in competition with AirPlay and bluetooth streaming it failed to take off. This year Sony has returned with added Airplay support for their Homeshare speakers + two new iOS speaker docks with Airplay support.

The two new Homeshare speakers that now also have AirPlay streaming support are the Sony SA-NS310 and Sony SA-NS410. These new Homeshare speakers follow in the footsteps of the Sony SA-NS500 which was released last year with support for both streaming options. The main difference between the two new speakers is the size, with the larger SA-NS410 also featuring a built-in subwoofer for improved bass performance. Built in wifi ensures that you can stream to the speakers via Airplay or Homeshare, and there is also the option to pairing more than one system together for improved sound.

Sony Homeshare Airplay speakers will be available sometime in the summer, and i will return with more information as soon as available, including pricing.

In addition to bringing Airplay to their Homeshare speakers, Sony also reveals some new iOS speaker docks, including two models that support Airplay streaming; Sony RDP-XA900iP and Sony RDP-XA700iP.

Both system features Sony's S-Master digital amplifier and DMC technology for a "room filling sound", and have docking stations that support iOS devices, including the iPad. Both systems are so called single-box 2.1 systems, a two-way speaker system without integrated subwoofer, relying on dual passive radiators for that powerful bass sound.

The RDP-XA900iP is the top model and comes with 200W (RMS) output power, so quite a powerful speaker dock. The RDP-XA700iP is less powerful with its 60W power output. Both systems are expected out in May 2012, and i will be back with more details and prices as available.

[sources: CNET & Pocket-lint]

Sharp joins the Airplay family with Sharp DK-KP95P speaker dock

Sharp is bringing a range of new speaker docks to CES this year, including their first AirPlay enabled speaker dock in the Sharp DK-KP95P.

The Sharp DK-KP95P with Airplay technology also features a physical docking station located at the top of the speaker dock that supports docking of all iOS devices, including the iPad, and for those old schoolers out there, a cd player that supports MP3 and WMA playback. This is a true multipurpose speaker dock / home audio that combines a classic design with the latest technology.

In addition to AirPlay streaming this system also supports audio streaming over DLNA. In terms of audio, it features 2 midrange speaker drivers delivering 25W of power output. The system is listed as available in the U.S with a retail price at $329.99. I'm trying to find a UK release date / price, and will update as soon as i find it.

[source: theverge]

iHome makes AirPlay range 5 with iW5

Last week i wrote about the latest addition to the iHome AirPlay family, the iHome iW4 bedside alarm clock dock. Today however iHome has announced a fifth member to their iHome iW AirPlay range in smaller iHome iW5.

Last year at CES iHome present 3 AirPlay models of which one has made it to the market as per today, whilst the iW2 and iW3 has been hovering around in the twilight zone, until now. The two models have resurfaced with some improvements at CES 2012. The iHome iW2 is a smaller version of the iHome iW1, and comes without the rechargeable battery. The iHome iW3 has been re-engineered to house a rechargeable battery as well.

The iHome iW1 is also getting an upgrade in terms of availability in a white and silver chrome version. The iW2, iW3 and iW4 are also available on the two different finishes.

iHome iW5 as mentioned is the latest addition, and is a smaller and simpler Airplay speaker with interchangeable front speaker covers, giving you the ability to add some color to it. I will be back with more information on the iHome iW5 when available.

Hopefully we will see all these new iHome Airplay speakers in the market real soon.

[source: iLounge]

Klipsch brings 3 new AirPlay speakers to CES

The Klipsch Gallery G-17 AirPlay speaker has barely made it onto the UK market as the company is set to reveal their future airplay plans at CES, including 3 new AirPlay models that will come out during 2012.

The three new Klipsch AirPlay speakers are the Klipsch Console, Klipsch Stadium, and Klipsch RoomGroove Air. All of them can stream through AirPlay, but also feature direct USB connection for charging your iOS device or play using different audio sources.

Klipsch RoomGroove Air comes with dual 1-inch tweeters and 2.5-inch woofers, and is the smallest of the new Klipsch Airplay speakers.

For those looking for high-end performance, the Klipsch Stadium provides dual 1-inch horn-loaded tweeters and 3-inch midrange woofers. Add in the 5.25-inch subwoofer and you have a powerful system on your hands.

The Klipsch Console acts as a multifunctional 2.1 audio system, featuring plug n' play for television, music and movies. In addition to AirPlay streaming it comes with HDMI optical and USB. This bad boy is for the home theatre enthusiast as it features dual 90" x 60" Tractrix Horns with 1.75-inch titanium dome, high compression drivers, 10-inch woofers, and a 12-inch non-resonant woven fibreglass subwoofer.

The Klipsch RoomGroove Air and Stadium are expected out in fall 2012, with the premium Console sometime during the winter.

[source: theverge]

Ferrari by logic3 with two AirPlay speakers - does super cars equalsuper speakers?

One of the big Apple related stories yesterday at CES was the partnership between premier supercar brand Ferrari and speaker dock / headphone manufacturer Logic3, resulting in a line of Ferrari by Logic3 products.

Whilst the two Cavallino and Scuderia collections feature 9 headphone models and 4 speaker docks, it is the two premiere AirPlay speaker docks that caught my attention.

The top model Cavallino GT1 Air draws inspiration from the classic GT cars, where quality and style reigns supreme. The speaker dock looks great with its black and silver finish, and of course the prancing horse logo. Inside there is plenty to get excited about as well with a class HD amp with 250W RMS power fueling the speaker set up that includes a 6.5-inch subwoofer. In addition to AirPlay streaming this Ferrari comes with a retractable docking station for iOS devices and Bluetooth streaming for those non-Apple gadgets. Expected release date is around April with a retail price for the Cavallino GT1 Air AT&T £599 (£100 less for the version without AirPlay).

The second of the Ferrari by Logic3 AirPlay speakers is the Scuderia FS1 Air, taking a more F1 inspired approach featuring the famous yellow Ferrari badge and a red line running through it. It remains stylish, but in my opinion has more of an edge to it.

Inside the 2.1 speaker set up you will find passive bass radiators and a 120W class HD amp. It is not quite as powerful as the other model, but otherwise it has more or less the same features, including docking station for iOS devices and Bluetooth streaming to go along with AirPlay.

The Scuderia FS1 Air is also expected out in April time with a retail price around £499.

Now let's just hope that the sound from these speakers can live up to the humming of a Ferrari engine.

[source: pocket-lint]

Pure goes AirPlay with Contour 200i Air

Fans of Pure Contour speaker docks will be happy to hear that the company is ready with their first ever AirPlay speaker dock; the Pure Contour 200i Air.

The Contour 200i Air is however not all about AirPlay streaming as it also comes with docking station that supports docking and charging of all iOS devices, including the iPad.

With DSP audio amplifiers, dual 3.5-inch full range drivers, 35w power output (RMS), dedicated app, and a suggested retail price around £199 this could become a popular option in a growing AirPlay speaker market.

Hoping to be back with more information on the Pure Contour 200i Air, including UK release date soon.

[source: Pocket-lint]

iHome iW4 is the first Airplay enabled alarm dock

CES 2012 is just a few days away, but already we are starting to see companies releasing information about the new products they are displaying, including iHome with their latest AirPlay speaker dock; the iHome iW4 alarm dock with AirPlay technology.

Last year it was all about the iHome iW1 AirPlay speaker, with a couple of extra side distractions in form of iHome iW2 and iW3, which are yet to hit the market and there are doubts they ever will. This year the company is bringing their latest Airplay device in the iW4, which forms part of 3 new alarm speaker docks that will be shown off at CES.

Besides being AirPlay enabled, the iHome iW4 is a bedside unit that supports docking of all iOS devices, has dual alarm settings, FM radio, SRS TruBass sound enhancement, and packs about 20W of power, which should be plenty enough for the bedroom (or at least a normal size bedroom).

U.S retail price for the iHome iW4 is expected at around $270 and i'm waiting to hear back about UK price, but would expect it to be around £200, so on the pricey side for a bedroom alarm dock. I will be back with more details as soon as available, including expected retail release dates.

[source: iLounge]

Pioneer brings out two new AirPlay enabled network audio players

Pioneer has long been in the forefront when it comes to adopting Apple Airplay technology in their suite of audio visuel products, and the two latest models are the network enabled audio players Pioneer Elite N-30 and N-50.

Both the N-50 and N-30 Pioneer network audio players feature support for lossless audio streaming through Airplay as well as DLNA 1.5. The systems use ethernet connection to your home network, or you can alternatively buy a compatible wireless adapter (AS-WL300). A bluetooth adapter can also be purchased separately to enable streaming over bluetooth.

While the main features of both systems are its wireless streaming capabilities over Airplay and DLNA, both systems also have built in support for vTuner internet radio, giving you access to over 16,000 radio stations. The top model Pioneer N-50 comes with an armoured chassis for improved noise resistance, gold RCA jacks, Advanced Sound Retriever and Sound Retriever AIR for better quality compressed audio. You will also find that it has twin EL transformers and a 32-bit conversion processor that further improves  audio performance.

I will be back with more information on UK prices and availability, which on the other side of the atlantic is set at $499 (N-30) and $699 (N-50) respectively.

[source: iLounge]

Samsung delivering two AirPlay Audio Docks at CES 2012

Samsung will be revealing two new Audio Docks at CES 2012, both featuring docking support for both iOS and Galaxy devices, as well as streaming through Airplay, AllShare, and bluetooth.

The top model is the Samsung DA-E750 that comes with Samsung's own hybrid vacuum tube amplifier technology, combining the sharpness of a digital amplifier with the vacuum tubes audiophile rich and warm sound. This 2.1 speaker with a built-in subwoofer comes with some great expectations and 100w power output, all packed in a great looking polished wood finish.

Less features and power, but still the same good looking design, is the little brother in the Samsung DA-E670 Audio Dock. You still get the same streaming support across Airplay, AllShare and bluetooth, as well as docking support for a multitude of devices. Power output for the DA-E670 is 40W.

Pricing and availability is yet to be revealed for both systems, but i will be back with more information as soon as available.

[source: Marketwatch via Airplayspeakers]