Audio & Visual Gear

IUI Design is Launching the Bass Jumper Water Resistant Speaker at CES 2014

While CES is taking place in the warmth of Las Vegas, much of the nation is gripped by record-breaking cold, snow, and wind. IUI Design is launching the Bass Jumper water resistant speaker at CES to let you rock on despite the elements! It is ready for anything with IPX5 water resistance, carabineer for portability, and a 10 hour battery! Here is what they say: “With an emphasis on portability, the Bass Jumper is packaged with a carabiner clip so users can bring along and share their music on any adventure,” commented Al Fortino, Director of Business Development, iUi Design….


JBL Authentic Speaker Line Is the Real Deal in Sound

JBL’s new JBL Authentic L8 and JBL Authentic L16 wireless speakers bring classic speaker design together with superior wireless technology to create an authentic and impressive sound experience. Each features premium materials, optimized low-frequency and high-frequency JBL transducers and meticulous acoustic design. With AirPlay, DLNA and Bluetooth connectivity they cut the cord but not the audio quality.




Happy Plugs 18K Solid Gold In-Ear Earphones, Because You Can?

I’m the first to throw down for a bit of every day luxury, but I was still taken aback by the $14,500 hand-crafted Happy Plugs 18K gold deluxe edition earbuds. Granted, earphones can last much longer than the average mobile phone, but how long and how often would you have to keep using these to justify the price?


QAK ThumpBlu Headphones Review, Freedom From Wires

Speakers, watches, headphones … my phone seems to keep losing wires, yet it continues to communicate with more devices. Being free from wires is an awesome feeling. It’s like getting shackles taken off, and being able to roam about freely. I recently had the opportunity to test out the $99 Thump Case Pack and go wireless; let’s take a look.


TouchTone BlueTooth Speaker Review

Lately I have found myself listening to audio from my phone. Wether it be music or podcasts, I have come to prefer audio over television. Portable, wireless audio options with superior sound are important to me. I was recently able to try out the TouchTone from id America which promises big sound in a small package for &79.95.


Felt Audio’s Pulse Bluetooth Speaker Review – a Tiny, Capable Speaker

Felt Audio’s Pulse mobile Bluetooth speaker is a fine example of the old adage “Good things come in small packages.”  The adaptable wireless speaker is about the size of a business card, a little thicker than an iPhone, and weighs only 2.5 ounces.  The Pulse can serve many functions, all while fitting in your pocket.  The Pulse retails for $79.99.


IK Multimedia Launches iRig Keys Pro with Full Sized Keys!

Just over a year ago I reviewed iRig Keys, the 37-note multiplatform mini-key controller. It remains in constant use by either myself or my son! Now IK Multimedia is introducing iRig Keys Pro, featuring 37 full-size velocity sensitive keys, Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables, for universal compatibility with all models of iPhone, iPad, and Mac/PC. iRig KEYS PRO is a true “plug and play” professional-quality programmable MIDI controller designed specifically for making music on the go with an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. It features 37 velocity-sensitive full-size keys for 3 full octaves plus one note — allowing…


SuperTooth Freedom Bluetooth Stereo Headset Review – Great Sound at an Even Better Price

If you’re looking for a pair of competitively priced over-the-ear Bluetooth headphones with great sound quality and excellent battery life, you should look no further than the SuperTooth Freedom.  This comfortable headset connects to your phone, tablet, laptop, or PC using Bluetooth 4.0 technology and even has NFC connectivity if your device supports it.  The SuperTooth Freedom retails for $149.


G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox Review – Rugged Boombox can Follow you Anywhere

The G-Boom Wireless Bluetooth Boombox by G-Project is a rugged speaker system that, despite it’s lower-end price tag, actually sounds pretty good.  The G-Boom has a rechargeable battery for when you want to take the boombox into the woods, audio line-in jack, and volume, play, and forward/backward control buttons on the top.  The G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox retails for $99.99.


Korus Premium, Portable Wireless System Review – Part 2

In part one of this two-part review, we looked at the philosophy behind and technology within the new Korus line of wireless speakers. In part 2 we’ll be looking at the two speakers that were part of the initial launch of the line, as well as my thoughts on the speakers in specific and the line in general.


Korus Premium, Portable Wireless System Review – Part 1

There’s a new player in the home audio market and they’re making some big-sounding moves. Korussound has released two speaker systems that allow you to stream music from a variety of devices using what they referred to as “SKAA”. SKAA allows the audio stream to be more consistent and of higher quality than either Bluetooth or AirPlay.


SteelSeries Impresses Again with the Siberia Elite Gaming Headphones

SteelSeries, the leading gaming headphone manufacturer, recently introduced a set of headphones that will really turn heads.  The SteelSeries Siberia Elite  pack some serious specs including Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound and Dolby ProLogic IIx for an even more immersive soundscape.  The Siberia Elite cans also feature a retractable noise-cancelling microphone; they retail for $199.99.



MeCam Wearable HD Camera Review

MeCam is a wearable 720p video camera that can also record video and has Infrared LED lights to be able to shoot in low light and dark conditions.  The small camera comes with a pin and a lanyard so it can be pinned to fabric or worn as a necklace.  The MeCam starts at $49.99 with 4GB of memory.


Boomerang NFC Speaker Is a Home Theater On the Go

The Boomerang NFC Speaker is a crescent-shaped wireless audio dock that “offers a portable home-theater for your mobile device or tablet”. NFC technology makes pairing simple and the unique “Expansion Sleeve Design” lets it work with numerous devices. Available in two sizes, the large Boomerang ($79.99) has two 6W speakers, while the mini Boomerang ($59.99) has two 4W speakers; both arrive in mid-December.



My Five Favorite Things About IK Multimedia iLoud!

I have already posted the launch announcement and my first impressions, so it is time to close things out. And I really thought that the best way to do it was to highlight the five things I like best, that have kept iLoud at my side since it arrived. I have included a new hands-on video as well.



Griffin WoodTones Headphones – Real Wood and Really Good

I didn’t know what to expect from a pair of headphones coming from Griffin. After all, we love their great accessories but never really thought of them as a source for headphones or speakers. Add in the fact that the Griffin WoodTones headphones are under $100 and you can understand my initial skepticism. Thankfully, I was delightfully surprised.