Audio Visual Gear

iFrogz Tadpole is a Tiny Speaker for On-the-Go

The iFrogz Tadpole Bluetooth mini speaker does not put out big, bold, quality sound. It doesn’t get great battery life, it’s not waterproof, and it doesn’t double as a speakerphone. It doesn’t have Bluetooth 4.0 or NFC. So the tadpole isn’t worth your time or money, right? Actually no, in the right situation it’s a rather compelling device. Here’s why.


Speck CandyShell Amped for iPhone 5S Pumps Up the Volume

What if you could have all the good looks and great protection of a Speck CandyShell case for iPhone 5S and significantly improve the sound? That’s what the Speck CandyShell Amped for iPhone 5S promises — and delivers. Until you examine it a bit more closely, the case looks like any other CandyShell case. It, however, is hiding a secret.


Jabra Rox Wireless Headphones Are Wireless Wonders of Sound

Jabra’s Revo Wireless headphones have been a constant companion of mine for over a year. These on-ear headphones are tough, comfortable and sound impressive. Jabra’s latest product, the Jabra Rox Wireless headphones, shrink things down quite a bit. These small, in-ear headphones pack plenty of sound and have a few extra tricks you are going to love.


Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset Review

Consider yourself warned: Logitech has a highly qualified contender in the budget gaming headset arena with the Logitech G430 Surround Sound Gaming Headset. This 7.1 surround sound-wielding headset uses Advanced Dolby Technology to pump out music and effects that makes it sound like you’re inside the game. It also sports a folding noise-cancelling microphone. The G430 is priced at $79.99.


Work Out with BlueAnt Pump HD Sportbuds Bluetooth Headphones

If you want your sports headphones to be wireless, stay in place, be easy to control, put up with inclement weather, and sound good, then the BlueAnt Pump HD Sportbuds Bluetooth Headphones may well be the headphones for you. At $129 they won’t break the bank and, thanks to their design, they stay in place while you exercise.


UK’s Bayan Audio Invades North America with Sound

Bayan Audio, a British audio brand “dedicated to fusing unparalleled acoustic performance with superb design” is coming to North America. The company, first launched in 2011, has already been available in the UK, Germany and eight other markets. Now the British are coming as they arrive in the US and Canada with availability through Amazon and then independent retailers.


Even an Arachnophobe Will Love the Harman Sound Spider

I had a meeting at the Harman International flagship store in Manhattan yesterday. I arrived early, so I spent some time checking out the store. While there, I helped sell a pair of JBL S400BT wireless headphones, and I took a closer look at the Harman Sound Spider; it lets you listen to headphones before you buy.


V-MODA XS Headphones Let You “Mind the Gap”

V-MODA’s headphones have won us over in a big way. We reviewed and loved the V-MODA Remix-In-Ear, the V-MODA M-80 and the amazing V-MODA Crossfade M-100 over-the-ear headphones. Now the company has released their latest creation. The V-MODA XS offer a sleek, ergonomic and promise great V-MODA sound. They look, and we expect sound, fantastic.


$699 AKG K712 Pro Headphones Video First Look

  I’m a huge fan of AKG headphones. I reviewed the AKG K551 and continue to enjoy using them. When I saw the MSRP $699 AKG K712 Pro Headphones for just over $300 over on Massdrop, I jumped. They were still pricey, but you get what you pay for. These headphones are amazing. Here’s my first video look.


Harman Kardon Onyx Studio First Look

We posted news about the new harman kardon Onyx Studio Bluetooth wireless speaker last week. The Onyx Studio is available exclusively through Sprint for just under $400. It is an impressive speaker, and my first few days with it have already made me a fan. We’ll have a detailed review soon, but here is a first look video.


Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200 Integrated Wireless Speaker Review

Life is all about connection: connection to others, to oneself, and to the larger world. The same holds true for home audio. The more ways you can connect to one’s music the better. The Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200 offers big, awesome audio and more ways to get to your music than pretty much any other audio system.


Help Me Find the Best Universal Remote, Please

Okay, I’ve had it! We have too many remotes! Apple TV, Direct TV, TV, DVD, Roku, a Vizio sound bar, and I may even be forgetting one! Has anyone tried one of those smart remotes with a screen? I’m considering a Logitech Harmony remote, but I’m wondering if there is something even better out there?


Want Better Audio from Your iOS Device? Get the Zoom iQ5 and Get Recording

If you want to record better audio with your iOS device, or have better-sounding videos shot with an iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to check out the new Zoom iQ5. Designed specifically for iOS devices with a Lightning connector, it adds a great-quality microphone to your mobile device for under $100. Check out both our video demos of the iQ5.


SHHHH… ATH-ANC70 QuietPoint Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The rumble of the train as it rolls down the track or the roar of the plane’s engine is enough to give anyone a headache. The Audio-Technica ATH-ANC70 QuietPoint Active Noise-cancelling Headphones are designed to give you an island of quiet no matter where you are. Read on to see if they should they be your new traveling partner.




Get a Free Pink OrigAudio Rock-It for Valentine’s Day!

Shopping for Valentine’s Day is tough, especially when you aren’t sure that your Valentine will still be your Valentine on the 15th! The OrigAudio Rock-It in Pink is a gift that shows you are considerate without breaking the bank. To get yours, you’ll just pay a little bit of shipping. Supplies are limited, so hurry up and order!  


JBL Synchros S400BT Wireless Headphones First Look

The JBL Synchros S400BT Bluetooth wireless headphones are the latest addition to the Synchros lineup. Packed with Bluetooth, touch controls and JBL’s sound expertise the headphones are an impressive new offering. They are available for pre-order for $299.95 and ship next month. We have a pair in hand. Here’s a first video look.



Jabra Solemate Max Offers Big Sound with Lots of Sole

I was an immediate fan of the Jabra Solemate Bluetooth speaker and said so. I was impressed by the Jabra Solemate mini I reviewed last month, and I said so. And I am also a fan of the big brother of the aforementioned speakers. The Jabra Solemate Max is big … and impressive. Here’s our look at this larger Bluetooth speaker.


Apple Calls iPod Declining Business – What Do You Think?

Apple announced its earnings yesterday, which featured loads of record-setting device sales numbers and revenue and profit figures so high they are hard to fathom. Even Mac sales saw a significant boost while the rest of the PC industry marked another double-digit declines. The one area not even mentioned? iPod sales, which continue their decline in a no-update year.