Tech Digest

Review: Philips SHN9500 noise cancelling headphones

The Propaganda

The SHN 9500 noise-cancelling headphones from Philips promise to cut out 85% of background noise, so are perfect for planes, trains and automobiles. They're premium range, so expect a lot of padding. Did you not know that's what premium means? How disappointing.

Noise cancellation headphones are always pretty chunky, especially when they've got technology integrates which actually takes into account the outside noise, rather than just attempting to muffle it. These create an opposite waveform to the outside noise, and in doing so, neutralises it.  There is also a set of neodynamic magnets in the speaker drivers to deliver accurate sound

The Good

Comfort-wise, they're probably the most comfortable I've tried. There is a serious amount of padding going on on the earpieces, and there's more padding on the top of the headband. I wore them on a train for 4 hours, and they were only mildly uncomfortable by the end of it. This was despite wearing glasses, which normally makes headphones sit pressed against that particular pressure point which gives you a blinding headache.

With premium headphones come a few bells and whistles that you don't get on budget models (although admittedly there's only  a limited amount you can do with headphones). On these, you've got a mute button which will allow you to listen to things like train announcements (handy for finding out you're on the wrong train) and oncoming lorries.  There's also an adaptor for the two prong airplane jacks and a carry case. A further adaptor means you can use them with things that have both a 3.5 or a 6.5 mm jack. 

The Bad

The bad news is the noise cancelling element, which might be a problem for Philips. It's quite ineffective, making me check several times if I'd turned the switch on. I had, and yet I still had a significant amount of the tube noise. At one point I could even hear the tinny innnc-innnnc-innnnc  from the headphones of the boy next to me. 

It's supposed to be the low frequency noise that is best cancelled, and Philips quote an improvement of 85%, which means that the tube shouldn't have been a problem. Voices and sudden loud noises don't count, since the technology isn't yet that fast at neutralising, but even so. The overall effect was better than listening through something such as in-ear phones, but I suspect that this was because of all the padding around the ears.

In our opinion

These headphones are really comfortable. And they come with lots of extras. But unfortunately, the noise cancelling element isn't really up to scratch. When you've got to check that they're on, you know there' s a problem... You can however, pick up a pair for £150 at Dixons

Logitech introduce X-540 matrix surround sound speaker system

Logitech have announced their X-540 speaker system, a very affordable system aimed primarily at gamers that is supposed to provide a decent surround sound experience even with stereo audio sources (which most are).

They say that most 5:1 speaker systems are wasted because the source audio on many games, CDs and TV programmes is in stereo. However, their Matrix Surround Sound system splits an audio signal out into five channels for sending to the individual speakers, without distorting the sound quality. It sounds as if it's a feature that can be turned on or off by a button on the control centre, which also houses the power button, volume controls and headphone jack.

The system features a clip-on centre channel speaker to cater for the rise in flat panel displays where a speaker can't be rested. The clip also doubles as a stand for those on CRT monitors or those who prefer to put the speaker on the desk.

The X-540 produces balanced surround sound by way of that central speaker and acoustically matched front and rear satellite speakers. Logitech's Frequency Directed Dual Driver technology helps the speakers produce richer sounds by having two drivers in each satellite speaker. It also overcomes high-frequency overlap that leads to uneven sound.

The system delivers 70 watts of RMS power through the 5 satellites and subwoofer. They feature a new industrial design that adds more angles and style to the five satellites, with durable metal grilles protecting the satellites and a down-firing design shielding the subwoofer driver.

And the price for all this lovely tech. A very tasty £69.99, which sounds not half bad at all. Available this month.

Logitech

Classical music lovers embrace downloads too

Last month the Royal Scottish National Orchestra launched an online music service and new research from Gramophone magazine suggests it could be quite popular.

Their new research suggests that one in three classical music lovers have digital music players, download music from the Internet, and listen to digital, streaming radio as well as ripping their classical CDs. One in five legally download music, averaging 12 downloads per person.

The big services provide a reasonable amount of classical music, including iTunes and eMusic, though more specialist services will still probably be the way to go for serious classical connoisseurs. Classical music tracks are usually longer and part of collections (symphonies, for example) and they often benefit more from being encoded at a higher rate due to their dynamic range. You'll still not really notice any quality loss when travelling in noisy environments though.

(Via m4music)

Bose release new Acoustic Wave music system

Bose has updated its Acoustic Wave system with the release of system II which it claims brings music even closer the sound of a live performance. The original won awards for being a breakthrough in audio reproduction, and this new model improves on the sound and functionality that Bose says makes it unique to the industry.

The Acoustic Wave system II is based on Dr Amar G Bose's waveguide speaker technology, but the 2.3 meter long waveguide folded inside is now combined with the latest Bose advancements in signal processing.

The system boasts clearer and more accurate reproduction of musical instruments and more natural human voice, even at higher volumes or outside.

The CD player plays back both audio and MP3 CDs, displaying track information when available. There's also an FM/AM radio tuner, and an audio input jack for connecting other equipment. The backlit remote control has powerful IR emitters so doesn't have to be pointed directly at the system. An optional 5-CD changer module can be added to the system. It runs from AC power or via optional power case and battery pack.

It comes in platinum white or graphite grey and will cost £885 for the system, £299 for the CD changer, and £35 for the remote (shame it's not bundled at this price). Available from their Regent Street store or direct from their website.

Bose

Who scooped gongs at the BT Digital Music Awards 2006?

Last night saw hundreds of musicians, celebs and music professionals descend on Camden's Roundhouse to find out who had won at the BT Digital Music Awards 2006.

Gong winners included Peter Gabriel who received a 'Pioneer Award' for his contribution to digital music over the years, Lily Allen for Best Pop Artist, McFly for Best Official Website, NME for Best Music Mag, MySpace for Best Innovation, and London Electricity for Best Podcast.

Best Unsigned Artist went to Brighton's 'The Wonderfuls'. Muse, and Thom Yorke of Radiohead each scooped two gongs.

All the results should be posted soon on the DMA06 web site, and the action's being televised on Channel 4 this coming Saturday (7th October) at midnight, and the 21st October also at midnight.

All very cool, but one thing that I noticed in the news release was the following statement: "As part of its partnership with the music industry, BT is restricting participation in the awards to sites and services that have licensed music from record companies, ensuring that artists are properly rewarded for their work."

OK, well BT:

1. you've been on slightly shaky ground with MySpace.
2. does this kill off the chance for totally independent artists who can't or refuse to use record companies any chance of getting a gong?

Now the statement might be meant to combat piracy and illegal downloads - fair enough - but it's vague enough to make me wonder how 'cool' these awards really are. Just a corporate excuse to promote the BT Home Hub? Surely not...

TEAC unveil latest thin hi-fi system: CD-X9

TEAC have released their latest CD and radio stereo system, the very flat CD-X9. It features NXT's flat panel loudspeakers, and very nice they look too, given our new fascination with thin technology (TVs, hi-fi, iPods). It can even be wall-mounted.

Though it doesn't feature the most up-to-date tech in other areas - for example, it sports an AM/FM radio not DAB - it's still a nice piece of kit at reasonable price. The only brick-like object that comes with it is the subwoofer which offers enhanced bass.

The 3.5 inch main unit is decked out in matt silver, features a vertical-loading CD which looks quite good, and supports all CD formats. The radio is 20-preset AM/FM. It has a multi-function LCD with backlight, digital clock with sleep/timer, and remote control.

It should be available now, priced £180.

Teac web site

Pioneer offer home network audio through power lines

Pioneer's MT-01 Power Line Sound System is a home audio system that links together up to 6 networked speakers throughout the home via regular power cabling.

The Sound Station control unit features two USB ports, 1 audio input and 2 analogue inputs and can play one or two audio sources around the connected speakers. It also features motion sensors which will turn the speakers on when someone enters the room, though I could imagine that becoming a little annoying after a while.

It also comes with a remote control that will interact with the speakers.

The standard MT-01 package includes a Sound Station main unit, one large 2 x 25W Network Speaker, a small 5W Network Speaker and a keyring-sized remote control. Both the large and small speakers will also be available separately, so you can build your system according to your own household requirements.

It's due to be available at the end of the month, price to be confirmed.

Pioneer MT-01 product page

iSymphony micro music system with iPod dock

I'm not sure if I'm taken by home stereo systems which hold your iPod aloft, but they're appearing in growing numbers, so maybe I'm in minority. The latest is iSymphony - which looks very much like a home micro system - except for that iPod growth on top.

Indeed, it does everything you'd expect of a home stereo system, with 50 watts output power, front loading CD player with CD/CD-R/RW compatibility, MP3 and Windows Media (WMA) playback, AM and FM radio with 40 station memory, equaliser and full remote control. And in addition, there's built-in Universal Dock for iPod, with charging whilst docked, USB connectivity for playback from USB devices, SD and MMC card slots and a clock radio, which can be set to play your favourite iPod-based tune in the morning.

Probably not the best-looking system around, but certainly worth a look for the functionality. It's available from October, price to be confirmed.

iSymphony website

Teac's slimline CD-X9 stereo system with NXT technology

Teac has used NXT technology to create a very stylish (and slimline) CD/stereo system - the CD-X9.

The standout feature at first glance is the NXT flat panel speakers. Slim, but according to Teac, they deliver "unparalleled, room-filling sound". The 3.5-inch main unit features a vertical CD drive unit with a motorised loading door, which supports CD-MP3/CD-R/RW playback. There's also a multi-function LCD display with backlight, an AM/FM stereo tuner with 20 preset-station memory, a digital clock with sleep and timer functions, an external FM antenna connector and a full-function remote control.

It's available now, priced around £180.

Teac website

Review: Parrot Wireless Speakers

According to Parrot, Bluetooth is the future. In fact, they're so confident in this that they deal exclusively in Bluetooth enabled devices - everything from picture frames to speakers.

Their wireless speakers, or SOUND SPEAKERS as they've rather shoutily dubbed them, incorporate two 60W speakers with integrated amplifier, which use Bluetooth to stream music from your mobile phone, MP3 player or computer, as long as they support the A2DP Bluetooth profile.

The Good

Setting up the speakers is simply a case of taking them out of the box, connecting each to a mains supply (it obviously comes with two leads for this purpose) and turning them on so that they're 'discoverable' by Bluetooth devices. There's an LED light on the front of each speaker which indicates it's status, depending on the red/blue combination.

The speakers support Bluetooth devices which have the A2DP profile, as well as those which you can adapt for that purpose. For instance, I used the Bluetooth dongle from the Plantronics Bluetooth headphones to connect my iPod, which worked perfectly.  And because life hasn't quite caught up with Parrot yet, they've supplied a line in connection and lead, so that non-Bluetooth players can be used with the speakers.

The speakers have a synch button on the front of each, as well as volume controls. However, you can control the volume from the player you're using. I've found many other speaker systems don't let you do this.

In terms of the sound you get from these speakers, 60W delivers you a decent amount of volume for a living room, and the bass is relatively clear. It won't compare to the quality you'd get from a speaker manufacturer, but that's not really the technology you're buying here.

The Bad

The speakers are wireless in as much as you don't have to have them connected to an audio source, but there is still the power to consider. Each speaker needs to be close enough to a power source for the lead, and the two supplied are about 3 metres each. This isn't something that any other manufacturer can remedy without a massive battery pack, but does need to be taken into consideration when you think "fantastic, completely wireless speakers" - it won't be easy to lug it into the garden without an extension lead.

The controls on the speakers are minimal - there's basically just an on switch and a volume control. Parrot obviously believe you're going to use the controls on your player or phone to control the volume, since there's no remote provided. This is fine, but in my case, since I use an iPod with a Bluetooth adaptor, means extra handling and grubbiness on the casing. The volume control is also slow to register - it's a case of trial and error in trying to get a decent volume level since it doesn't seem to adjust at the same speed you change it. This is similar when you're changing tracks. There's a definite lag.

The speakers support Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP), a 2 channel stereo audio stream. Gradually, phone manufacturers in particular are ensuring their phones support this (LG and Motorola can both generally be relied upon). However, I use a Nokia N72, and the N Series isn't compatible so I couldn't stream music from my phone. I also had problems streaming from my computer. Despite installing the driver supplied on a CD from Parrot, and despite my computer recognising and connecting with the speakers, I couldn't get it to play music through them.

The speakers only come in a lacquered white casing, although you have the option of keeping the black covers over the speakers themselves, or taking them off and displaying them. They snap back over the top using magnets, so it's no fuss either way. However, the white finish might not fit in all living rooms, cover or no cover.

Geek Sheet

- Digital two-channel Class-D amplifier
- 60 W RMS power output per speaker
- 7band digital graphic equaliser
- Frequency range: 50 Hz - 20 kHz
- MP3*, MP3* decoder: 192, 160, 128, 112 Kbps
- SBC decoder: 320, 275, 250 and 150 Kbps
- RCA line-in input for all audio sources
- Power supply: 100 V - 240 V, 50 Hz and 60 Hz

In Our Opinion

I love the idea of wireless speakers - the reason I don't have an overly complicated home stereo set up is because I'm fed up with the rats nest of wires I always seem to acquire every time I move house. The only detraction from these in the number of devices that actually work with these speakers. However, this is changing constantly as more and more manufacturers recognise the benefit, so buying these now will probably see them growing in use over the next year or so.  They should be in shops now, although I've had difficulty finding them online. When they are in stick, they'll retail for about £245.

Miglia introduce Diva 2.1 teeny computer speakers

Miglia have launched their Diva 2.1 speakers designed specially for PCs and portable music players. They feature an aluminium subwoofer tube which can be installed at the back of your computer, and then two regular speaker units which can be placed for stereo. It comes with a power supply to drive it.

Speakers are 3W per channel plus the 6W subwoofer, and comes with a 3.5mm mini jack for connecting to the computer or music player.

It comes in brushed aluminium and the satellite speakers look pretty good. It'll sit at the base of your monitor quite happily. Presumably the subwoofer takes more power than could be driven from a USB port, so it will tie up another power outlet, but it's worth it for the improved sound quality.

It's available now for £69.

Miglia web site

QDOS Genesis 4-way surround speaker system for iPod

QDOS have released their Genesis four-speaker surround sound unit for all iPods (except the Shuffle). It has four 3W speakers and provides a 360 degree sound field.

Its cylindrical shape concertinas so can be collapsed into a carry case and easily transported, and when in use is 115mm in diameter and 125mm in height, weighing 0.8kg. As per other docks, it will sync, dock and charge your iPod whilst in use.

It runs off 4 AA batteries, giving 8 hours play, or DC power. It also has an audio in for connecting other MP3 players and sound sources.

It comes in black and white and can also be customised with other skins.

"We believe that Genesis is the most chic portable sound system on the market, plus it produces the sound quality of a decent home audio system. We’ve managed to keep the price low so it really stands out as cost-effective in comparison to the competition.” said Yvan Lazareff, Director of QDOS.

It's available now for £89.99.

What do you think? Presumably it will sound best in the middle of a room.

QDOS website

iTunes Store offlined for 'showtime'

We're building towards Apple's 'Showtime' announcement in just under 4 hours time, in which Steve Jobs is rumoured to be announcing a new iTunes version, movies, new iPod Nano, Mac streaming to your TV, and the like. Take your pick amongst the many speculations and 'insider knowledge' floating around at present - we'll all know in a short while.

In preparation, the iTunes Store has been closed down for an update.

Whatever happens, be sure to read the latest from Steve, and our own brand of reflection and analysis, here at Tech Digest.

Update: The Apple Store is also down.

DJ Shortee goes digital with Denon DN-S3500 Professional DJ Player

Getting a DJ hooked on (let's face it) far superior vinyl is no easy task - getting the same tactile feel and sound from CDs and MP3s has been difficult, if not impossible. Yet some do make the transition.

Hip-hop DJ Shortee has long been a fan of vinyl but is seeing less and less music being released on it, even in his genre, and a dramatic rise in the use of MP3 files and CDs. He's tried a number of digital substitutes but hasn't found something that feels right.

However, he seems to be enjoying the Denon DN-S3500 Professional DJ Player pair he has. He says:

"The fact is that less and less music is being pressed on vinyl and I needed something that would make the transition to CD easily. I have tried various vinyl emulation devices but they just don’t have that feel.

"When I tested out the DN-S3500 it really stood out because of the powered platter, it’s so responsive it’s scary! I can use it just as if I’m playing records and if it does what I need then as far as I’m concerned, that’s it.

"The DN-S3500 is definitely good for the hip-hop DJ,
especially with the increasing amount of MP3’s. I use it for the loop
facility and can cut up two records as I do with vinyl. It’s comfortable
to work with and scratches good."

He's using them to pre-mix his KISS FM radio shows, and on future tour dates.

Highlights of the player include:
* Direct drive
* 2.5 kg-cm torque
* Full MP3 playback and file search support
* 33/45 rpm modes
* Built-in FX
* Deep pitch resolution (0.2%)
* Brake, Reverse and Dump platter modes
* Next Track function
* Hot Starts & Sampler facilities
* Seamless Loop to Sampler copy function
* Two-way CUE Search system
* Customisable slipmats
* Software upgradeable via CD
* Extensive preset menu

Full player details from Denon

Pure Digital DMX-60 DAB/FM/CD/MP3/SD/EPG - acronymtastic micro system

At least you can see from the title that Pure's latest audio offering - the DMX-60 micro system - has got a fair feature list. Oh yeah, USB too, but I'll get to that bit later.

The DMX-60 is an update to their successful DMX-50. They've bumped up the speakers - they're now 40 watts RMS per channel "of class-leading audio through custom-wound 5¼" woofers and 19mm Mylar-dome tweeters, housed in two-way rear ported enclosures with custom-tuned second order crossovers." So there you go.

There's both DAB and FM radio, each with 99 presets (if you can find that many stations to listen to), and fully supporting IntelliText or FM RDS scrolling text, plus a 7-day DAB EPG (Electronic Programme Guide), on its 8-line graphical LCD screen.

Additionally, there's support for SD cards which can be used to record live radio or playback stored audio files.

The CD will play CD, CD-R, CD-RW and MP3 CDs and supports CD Text and audio CD playlists.

There's a built-in alarm function with up to 20 alarms which can be used to play from any of the audio sources. It comes with a remote control and has USB so that audio files can be transferred between it and a PC, plus to keep it up-to-date with new features or DAB radio enhancements.

Available from October priced around £249.99

One Minute Video Review: Harmon Kardon/JBL Spyro Speakers

I took a look at the Creature II and Spyro speakers from JBL whilst I was in Berlin, including the limited edition shiny siver ones. The Creature II models are available now from £58 whilst the Spyro is yet to be released.

To subscribe to the Shiny Media YouTube channel click here.

Hard-Fi on the high street with Wharfedale's 40GB HDD Micro System

Regular readers might remember that we featured the Hard-Fi (not the band) system 12 months back, which was pitched as the first mass market device to allow the transfer of music directly from CD to MP3 format without a computer. Things have moved on a bit since then, with a version of Hard-Fi just launched under the Wharfedale brand - the Wharfedale 40GB HDD Micro System.

Hard-Fi technology essentially stores your record collection digitally in the same way as your PC - but a PC isn't involved. Insert your a CD into the Wharfedale system - while it's playing, it's getting compressed and stored - and available to transfer to your portable player if you so wish. The Wharfedale system has a built-in upgradable database with 1.9 million albums so that CD tracks are labelled as they are loaded. Used with its predictive text, you'll find your tracks in seconds. Just as well, as the 40GB drive can hold up to 8,000 tunes.

Other features of the Micro System include an FM/AM PLL digital tuner with 20 station presets, CD-R/CD-RW/MP3 playback, LCD display, USB connectivity, two way speakers and a remote control.

It's available now, initially from Argos, priced at £199.99.

More from the Argos website

Smelly radio courtesy of Aroma Geur

Smellivision never really took off, and there may be enough cultural differences to stop this Japanese invention being a big hit over here - then again stranger things have happened.

The "Aroma Guer" is a USB sphere loaded with six oil-based perfume compounds that can be mixed under instruction from the Internet radio station to create just the right smell - whatever the right smell is for any particular piece of music.

Not only that, but there's also random, shifting coloured lights to enhance the mood still further.

Whether the aromatic experience is pleasant or otherwise is presumably down to the control of the radio station. Imagine if hackers got hold of it...

As a final thought, I wonder what our Japanese food analyser would make of it?

(Via Digital-Lifestyles)

Denon D-F102DAB micro hi-fi: small, quality look and sound

I love Denon equipment - it just oozes great looks and sounds, so I am expecting the D-F102DAB to be a great little micro hi-fi system.

It contains a DAB and FM/AM radio, CD player with multi-compatibility (WMA, MP3, CD-Rs), iPod connection, and front-panel audio input. It's even got the retro line covered with inputs for a turntable and cassette player - so if you have those plug 'em in though I'm not sure if you should balance them on top...

Pumping out 35W per channel, it costs £500 with speakers, or £400 without, though I think I'd buy those speakers just because they look cool. OK that's silly, but it's a nice package all round.

Denon website

One Minute IFA Update: Philips WACS7000 wireless music system

Ashley looks at the Philips WACS7000 wireless music system, which was announced today at IFA. For further details, click here.

Houseparty iPod 'mood enhancer' speakers

I read the announcement for GEAR4's HouseParty 24/7, and was drawn in by the title: 'around-the-clock mood enhancer'. Wow, how's it going to do that? Invite Noel Edmonds round?

Well, no (thankfully) that's not part of the deal. What we've got is the usual iPod dock-and-speakers affair - not that you'd think it was ordinary by the way its features have been described.

Apparently this unit is better than a glass of Moët for lifting your mood, more versatile than a Swiss Army knife, and sexier than a supermodel. I'm not convinced - the one that maybe comes closest is 'bigger sound than Pavarotti singing in the shower'.

What they seem to want to extol is its portability. Move it to the bedroom and - well I won't go into details about how it performs in there, though it does have three LCD brightness settings so as not to keep you awake at night (yeah, 'cause I'm constantly awoken and blinded by my clock radio display), as well as an alarm clock to, err, wake you up.

The kitchen's the place for the built-in AM/FM radio, apparently. Or, you could let it receive admiring glances from your guests by putting it in your living room. It comes in (sexy) black or (cool) white.

Audio wise (I'll just stick to the specs now) it has 2x6W speakers plus a 12W subwoofer and ActiveBass 2.1 technology. It works with all iPods and anything else you can plug into its audio in port.

The radio has 5 presets (it's not digital, though) and there's a remote control with 16 functions.

I can't say I get over-excited by iPod speakers these days, but if you like the look and want to get it in your home, it'll cost you £99.99 - not half bad.

Denon D-F102DAB micro component system with DAB

A number of the big hi-fi names seemed to have cottoned on to the fact that we want a good home audio system, but often haven't got the space for the full stacking experience. The latest company to miniaturise their high-end technology is Denon, which has unveiled the D-F102DAB micro component system with DAB radio.

According to Denon, only the size has gone down, not the quality, with the D-F102DAB using audiophile components and technology from Denon's Advanced Evolution hi-fi. In addition, the speakers are specifically tuned for UK ears and combined with the hi-grade amplifiers, should offer a qulaity of sound you don't usually find in a system of this size/price bracket. But if I were you, I'd give it a showroom listen and make your own mind up on that.

The D-F102DAB features DAB and RDS FM Radio with 35 watts per channel, a 192kHz/24bit CD player with MP3/WMA playback, iPod integration via an optional dock, which shows track data on the system screen and allows iPod operation from your Denon remote, along with two additions for those of us with dusty old music collections - a phono input for record decks and an optional cassette deck. 

The D-F102DAB is available now, priced at £400 for the system and remote, an additional £100 for the speakers and a further £150 for the cassette deck.

Denon website

More home audio:
Onkyo CR-715DAB CD/DAB micro system
Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems

Onkyo Wireless USB Audio Transport system

The one problem with downloading tracks is that half of your favourites tunes reside on your PC - which is usually nowhere near your hi-fi system. Which is why audio streaming devices are popular, the latest of which is the Onkyo Wireless USB Audio Transport system.

Onkyo's Wireless USB Audio Transport system uses existing 2.4Ghz wireless technologies (the same sort that video senders use). The two components in the system are the UTX-1 (the USB transmitter) and the RX-1 Digital Wireless Audio Receiver. The transmitter plugs into a PC’s USB input, while the receiver is connected to the audio system, via either analogue or optical digital outputs. There's a power supply for the receiver, but if you use the system with Onkyo's CR-715DAB, it doesn't require one. Range is 30m and works with any audio format.

However, the one downside I can see, compared to similar systems, is a lack of a remote control. Available in September, it should cost around £79.95.

Onkyo website

More Onkyo:
Onkyo CR-715DAB CD/DAB micro system
Onkyo unveils CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system

Onkyo CR-715DAB CD/DAB micro system

Onkyo is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a glut of new products, including this rather neat CR-715DAB CD/DAB micro system, which packs in the technology you'd expect to find in the bigger separates systems.

Available in black or silver, the CR-715DAB CD packs an impressive 50w per channel, using the same hybrid digital amplification topology that’s used in Onkyo's highly-rated A-933 separates amplifier. You'll also find a relatively huge transformer on-board, plus a high-capacity 4700uf capacitor, which the company claims will help to deliver music "with the instantaneous snap and pace that it deserves".

The CD player, which also plays MP3-encoded CD-R/RW discs, uses a high-grade Wolfson 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter, usually found in standalone players. The radio offers DAB/AM/FM radio reception, with 40 presets available, along with sleep function. It also uses a new, more sensitive DAB tuner module, designed for better performance in weak signal areas. In terms of connectivity, there's four additional audio inputs (including one on the front panel for MP3 players), a subwoofer output plus two audio outputs. All are gold-plated for optimum signal transfer.

Available with remote control (but not speakers), the CR-715DAB is available from October, priced at £329.95.

Onkyo website

More home audio:
Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems
Teac introduces two NXT-enabled CD systems with iPod dock

Monday interview: Ex Bang & Olufsen chief Anders Knutsen on why 3D mobile audio is the future

It's fair to say Anders Knutsen's time as CEO and president of hi-fi firm Bang & Olufsen was a success. The figures speak for themselves - record-breaking profits and a soaring share price - but under his leadership B&O managed to turn round its slide into irrelevancy and become that rare thing: a truly cool technology brand. By which I mean that even if you couldn't afford to actually buy any of its hi-fis, you could at least dribble over the pictures of them in magazines.

Anyway, Knutsen doesn't have anything to prove after his time at B&O, so what's he doing joining the board of Brit startup Sonaptic, which makes 3D-audio technology for mobile phones? He spoke to Tech Digest on why he made the leap into the world of mobile surround-sound, how it will shift more high-end handsets, and whether mobiles could eventually displace the humble hi-fi from your living room.

Let's start with Sonaptic, which recently announced that its Sonaptic Sound technology is now inside more than 10 million mobile handsets through its partnership with Texas Instruments – even if many of those are in Japan. Over here, you might have seen (or rather heard) it in the Sharp 903, which came out on Vodafone last year (left).

Surround sound for mobile music and TV are the main draws, although it can also be used to make mobile games more immersive. So what hooked Knutsen?

“I didn't know the company before they contacted me, but they gave me a demo on a phone, and I was really impressed with how much better it was than listening to music with a normal headset,” he says. “It reminded me of when at Bang & Olufsen, we said instead of standing outside the concert hall, we were going to move into the concert hall and sit in the middle. That's how Sonaptic's technology sounded to me too the first time I heard it."

One of Knutsen's main jobs at Sonaptic will be to get the firm's technology installed in more handsets in Europe and North America. But do mobile users really want surround-sound in their phones? After all, decent stereo would be a start for many handsets if you're listening to music.

Knutsen is even-handed, admitting that mobile music has always been about convenience rather than quality. However, he believes that's beginning to change, albeit slowly. It's a sales problem more than anything though – how do people know they want 3D sound until they've heard it?

“Never ask consumers what they would like, as they really do not know!” says Knutsen. “They want what they have today, and are very seldom able to express what new features they would like. But there have been a few articles on headsets and mobiles, and how important sound is, on the  basis that 3D sound is better, so some customers will ask for it.”

Knutsen doesn't think people would buy handsets today solely because they offer 3D sound, but says it can become one of the expected features on top-end handsets, including those focusing on music. One intruiging question is whether mobiles will ever be used in the home to play music, as well as out and about. You can already plug some phones into your TV to watch video clips full-screen, so will the same thing happen with your hi-fi?

“Mobile playback devices are going to play a bigger and bigger role in the future,” says Knutsen. “You can imagine that one day you'll simply use your mobile device as your domestic playback device too. You can never have as good an experience as with fantastic loudspeakers, but you can get close to it.

But wait a second before chucking your B&O speakers in the bin. Knutsen says the focus of Sonaptic's business will continue to be mobility, rather than trying to kill off the hi-fi manufacturers' business.

“I don’t feel the target group is what you call the hi-fi nuts, the audiophiles who are really passionate about movies and sound,” says Knutsen. “You cannot get the same quality experience when you are running around as when you are sitting quiet in your room. But it’s about the convenience.”

Rather cheekily, I wonder whether Knutsen thinks there's a role in the mobile space for traditional hi-fi firms like B&O, maybe with super-high-end music handsets? Of course, that's a road B&O has already gone down with Serene, a concept handset announced last year together with Samsung (right). It promised to offer "the purest relationship between function and form" – with a £1,000-plus price tag to match.

“Well, I'm not that fond of it,” says Knutsen. “It has two names, Samsung and Bang & Olufsen. That would have never happened in my time. But it does show that design elements can be very important.”

Cygnett GrooveBase iPod speaker system

Yes, another speaker system to turn your iPod into a home audio system. This time it's from Cygnett with their GrooveBase battery and mains powered speaker system.

It should give you plenty of sound, offering an output of 2 x 20W and a hefty bass, courtesy of two 4-inch bass drivers. The unit features built-in iPod docking adaptors for the iPod video and iPod nano, with a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting other audio units. There's also video output if you've got one of the later iPods. An LED display on the front doubles as an alarm clock and there's a built-in AM/FM radio.

The GrooveBase comes with a remote ofr the unit's main functionality and as I mentioned earlier, it can run off batter or mains, so ideal for taking into the garden on a sunny day.

It's available now, priced around £149.

Find out more

More speaker systems:
Logitech AudioStation - a high-performance stereo system for your iPod
SpeckTone - the retro iPod docking system

DSG to stop selling analogue radios

They were one of the first UK retailers to stop selling video recorders, and now DSG (who own Currys and Dixons, amongst others) have announced that they will no longer sell analogue radios at Dixons online.

Dixons have said that sales of digital radios outnumber analogue by 30 to 1. I'm not sure if this is just for standalone radios, as I would think a number of hi-fi combos would still contain an analogue radio. Though this is just an online move at present, it probably won't be long before Currys.digital stores stop selling them as well.

PC Advisor suggests that Dixons may even go further and give the CD player the chop due to the rising popularity of iPods and other digital music players. I'm not sure this makes total sense - after all, people may still want to play the original CDs away from their computers (which they'll need to use to rip them, anyway). Maybe they think that everyone has a CD player now and won't want a new one.

The speed of obsolescence does seem to be increasing, though (thank goodness) Dixons isn't the be-all-and-end-all of consumer shopping.

What do you think? Is it time analogue radio faded away, or is DAB still too new?

Ministry of Sound DJ CD player/scratcher

So you want to be a DJ? Right, that'll be two decks, a mixer, a speaker system, some new headphones and a table big enough to fit them all on. Oh yes, and a box of vinyl records. If all that sounds like hard work, you could slim down the price and the volume of kit you need with this Ministry of Sound DJ CD player/scratcher.

It's aimed at DJs who have traded in their vinyl for CDs. Or more likely, wannabe DJs who have never bought a piece of vinyl in their lives. You can load your CD into the front CD slot, then do all those DJ tricks via the turntable and the controls on top. You can cue up your track (as you would on a vinyl deck), adjust pitch control  from 8% to 32%, do all the deck spinning moves with the large jog wheel, scratch via the touch sensitive panel, create seamless loops and play around with your music with the sound effect controls.

There's even a BPM counter and a CD Time remain/Time elapsed function so you know where you are with your track. Not the real thing, but very likely lots of fun. It's available now for around £250.

Find out more

More for DJs:
USB Mixing Kit - the bedroom DJ's dream
Numark's iDJ2 iPod DJ console

Logitech AudioStation - a high-performance stereo system for your iPod

Yet another new iPod speaker launch, this time from Logitech, which claims that the Logitech AudioStation is its "best-sounding, most powerful and most complete speaker system" to date.

It's a fairly compact design at 40.6cm long, 10.8cm deep and 18.4cm tall, but still manages to pack in the functionality. As well as playing back your iPod tunes, there's also a digital AM/FM tuner, so you can also blast out your favourite DJ through the 2.5cm high-definition, soft-dome tweeters and the 10cm long-throw woofers. Logitech claims its bi-amplified acoustic design delivers "unprecedented performance" for a system of its size.

It's also a decent looking system with a black finish and removable cloth grille covers. And there's no buttons or knobs - the controls on the front panel are all touch sensitive to maintain the minimalist look. When powered on, small LEDs illuminate the touch-sensitive controls. A touch of the finger turns the power on and off, adjusts volume, selects radio stations and switches the input from the iPod to other audio sources. The system also has a remote that has the same functionality as the control panel, along with a menu button, sleep timer and a switch to turn the system’s 3D stereo mode on or off. And of course, like any iPod speaker system worth its salt, it charges your portable while it plays.

The Logitech AudioStation will be available in Europe beginning in October for around £199.99.

Logitech website

More speaker systems:
The iWoofer - an alien-shaped iPod speaker system with radio
Altec Lansing releases M602 'high-end' iPod speaker system

Teac introduces two NXT-enabled CD systems with iPod dock

Teac has unveiled two attractive ultra-thin hi-fi systems - the CD-X10i and MC-DX22i - each featuring an iPod dock and each using NXT’s SurfaceSound technology to deliver a room-filling sound.

The CD-X10i features a detachable iPod dock, while the MC-DX22i has an integrated iPod dock - the docks are designed for use with all the latest iPod models, including the iPod nano and the video iPod. NXT’s SurfaceSound technology, operating through two wall-mountable flat panel stereo speakers, is claimed to deliver the full audio performance of a conventional loudspeaker - but without the bulk.

The head unit features a motorised vertical CD loading door, a multi-function LCD display with backlight and a digital clock with timer and sleep functions. There's also a remote for the system and the iPod functionality. Both systems are also equipped with a stereo mini jack to input music from other digital players and feature CD-MP3/CD-R/RW playback and an AM/FM tuner with preset memory. There's also a digital clock with timer and sleep functions. 

Both systems are available later this month in the US. We're still awaiting price and availability for the UK.

Teac wesbite

More home audio:
Morphy Richards' wall mounted CD micro system
Onkyo unveils CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system

Ferguson Hill FH007 transparent speaker system

I've seen some very stylish PC speaker systems of late, but I think the Ferguson Hill FH007 is just about ahead of the pack.

They're not the cheapest or the smallest (the main speakers are 43cm tall and the whole set-up might extend beyond most desks), but they should boost the level of cool in your office. If it's not obvious from the picture, these speakers are transparent, which (ironically, giving what I've just said) is supposed to give an illusion of space. What you get for your money is a pair of horn speakers, two bass speakers and the small square amplifier. Connection to your PC or portable music player is via the stereo phono jacks and a minijack.

Only 100 will be available when they go on sale next month, so if you're looking to add some style to your office, get saving up the £600 now.

Ferguson Hill website

More speaker systems:
GEAR4 SonicBoom compact 2.1 stereo speaker system for PSP
Philips stylish SBA1500 portable speaker system

Logitech Wireless DJ Music System - free your music from your PC

New from Logitech is the Wireless DJ Music System - the latest contender to stream digital music from your PC to any stereo system (or powered speakers) in their home - and maintain complete control. 

The Wireless DJ Music System uses Logitech’s Music Anywhere wireless technology. The system plays any PC audio format, including MP3, AAC (iTunes), WMA, net radio and podcasts, all controlled by the Wireless DJ remote, which allows you to navigate an entire music collection from anywhere in the home. The transmitter plugs into a USB port on the PC and the Music Receiver/Dock is connected to your chosen stereo system via standard RCA connectors or to powered multimedia speakers using the 3.5 mm headphone jack output. Once you are connected, the Wireless DJ Music System sends music streams directly to the receiver, at a range of up to 50 meters (about 150 feet). The multi-room remote automatically connects to the PC and offers the same wireless range.

The remote certainly makes the product stand out. It features a blue backlit LCD display and a scroll wheel to browse through an entire digital music collection, with selection details available on your screen. There's also DJ List - an active playlist feature, which allows you to add songs or albums to the queue without stopping the music. It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which should give up to one week of use.

Available from late September, you should be able to pick up the Wireless DJ Music System for around £180, with additional add-on receivers retailing for around £70.

Logitech website

More music streaming:
MBox wireless music network
Sonos ZonePlayer 80 music system

Tuesday Tunes: new music to download

A new feature this, rounding up some of the new tunes you can download this week - focusing on the exclusive / special stuff, rather than bog-standard releases. And it's a bumper day on iTunes, with a sack of songs worthy of your pennies, including the Kooks, McAlmont & Butler, The Sunshine Underground and Seth Lakeman.

Indie icons Bernard Butler and David McAlmont are back together with Speed, which is exactly what you'd expect - soaring vocals, screaming guitar, and lots of fringe shaking. Meanwhile, those pesky Kooks have released an EP, Live At The Astoria, notable mainly for 2,000 excitable gig-goers bellowing along throughout.

Psychedelic punk-funkers The Sunshine Underground are also on a live kick on iTunes, with a one-track single, Put You In Your Place, recorded live at the Amsterdam Paradiso. And last live exclusive of the day is folk artist Seth Lakeman's Lady Of The Sea, which will remind you of why fiddles are A Good Thing.

Stay tuned for more music picks next Tuesday - and don't worry non-iPod owners, we'll be expanding out to other digital download services too, and even mobile operators.

iPod drives on: more car manufacturers to fit connections

Apple has signed deals with three large car manufacturers, General Motors, Ford and Mazda, to allow the iPod to be easily used in new cars' stereo systems. In other words, no faffing about with FM transmitters or other third-party accessories.

Apple have said that by 2007, more that 70% of US vehicles will offer the iPod connection and controls. Some cars already have it, including Acura, Honda and DaimlerChrysler.

It looks like it will be an optional accessory that car buyers can purchase from dealerships. It will charge the device and make the tracks viewable on the dashboard display.

Whether this will make it over to the UK (I can imagine it on a big US Ford or Mazda, but not on one of our puny UK models...) remains to be seen, but the iPod drives on. (Hey, it's bad pun Friday!)

Review: Sony NC50 noise cancelling headphones

The Propaganda

Sony has three headphones currently in its noise cancellation range, and the NC50s sit at the top of that. Picking them up, you'll know they're heavy hitters from the top of the padded headband to the tips of the massive ear cups. They're specifically designed for in-flight use, whilst the others are for more generic traveling.

They're about £50 more than the other two in the range, so you'll want to be making sure you're a flyer before investing.

The Good

The sound that comes out of these headphones when you've got the noise cancellation activated (via a switch on the side of the right earcup) is fantastic. Proper bass occasionally feels like you're actually standing next a speaker, and vocals are clear and when necessary, growly. The difference is immediately noticeable between off and on.

The buttons are also easy to handle - the off/on switch is on the side of the ear cup and unlike the Logitech headphones I tried earlier, you don't need Cruella D'Evil nails to get to it. Far and away the most useful feature however is the Monitor button. This allows you to mute the music and noise canceling element so you can hear what's going on around you. It's silent for as long as you hold it down, rather than turning off and on. This is seriously invaluable when doing such mundane things as crossing a road, being accosted in the street, or being asked by an air hostess whether you'd like tea or coffee.

The design of the headphones is also typically Sony. The ear cups are covered with an almost slate-mirror like material surrounded by a silver ring, making them look pretty stylish. The headphones are padded heavily, as are the ear cups.  They pack into a zip up case which is supplied, also containing a airplane headphone.

The Bad

Without the noise cancellation on, the sound is very tinny. Should your battery run out, or you just fancy being able to hear what's going on around you, the sound quality isn't something that you'd want to put up with for any great length of time. It almost sounds like you're hearing it from a mobile phone speaker or the like. It's particularly noticeable because you have been spoiled by the battery powered sound.

As far as the noise cancellation element is concerned, I didn't actually notice a great deal of difference between off and on. Rather, the music was so much clearer when it was on, that you were more engrossed in the music. Difficult to explain, but definitely not the same thing as cancelling out the noise.

Although the design is great to look at, personally I found them uncomfortable to wear. Perhaps I have a freakishly small head, but the bottom of the ear cups pressed right on the top of my jaw bone. Try pressing that for 5 minutes - it gives you a headache, trust me.

Finally, I still suffered from the sickness I felt with the Logitech headphones. When there is no music, but you still have the noise cancellation element on, the noise it transmits to neutralise outside is strangely like having vertigo. This isn't something everyone experiences, but it'll always rule out the headphones for me.

In our opinion

£150 is a lot more expensive than many other models in the market. For the extra money, you get great sound but the noise cancellation element just isn't any better than you'd find on a cheaper model. If you've got a penchant for Sony (and I've heard those people are out there) you'll probably like the look and sound of them. But for the money, they're just not worth it.

Altec Lansing releases M602 'high-end' iPod speaker system

iPod speaker systems are pretty common these days, but Altec Lansing believe their M602 is a cut above the rest, announcing it as a 'high-end speaker system for the home'.

It features custom-designed drivers and patented bass enhancement technology that deliver 'crisp clear highs and room-thumping lows at loud volumes'. That's quite some claim. It's audio comes from two 3" full-range drivers and two 1" silk dome tweeters, and it features XdB bass enhancement technology which claims to give quality bass without a subwoofer.

It is 'Made for iPod' but you can plug pretty much any portable music player into it via its universal MP3 cradle. It also features a composite output so that you can play video through your TV. As per usual, it'll recharge your iPod when docked.

It's 'the size of a laptop' (we like specifics: that's 14" W x 5.4" D x 8.2" H, weight: 5 lbs) and can be wall mounted or left free-standing. Powered by an AC adapter, it delivers 60W total RMS.

According to their website, it's not yet available in the UK. It retails in the US for $199.

Altec Lansing web site

Sharp SD-SP10 magically provides single-speaker surround sound

Sharp explains in excruciating detail how the SD-SP10 surround sound single speaker works, but the gist of it is, it's one speaker, and it sounds like a whole lot of them, even in a big room. It is also small, especially as compared to the typical pile of speakers required to generate a similar effect, and at an MSRP of $349, a pretty good-sounding deal (ack, pardon me). CNet notes that it's not quite as good for people who are off to the side, but if your priorities are aesthetics and budget, you're probably not a Robert Fripp-grade audiophile to begin with. [GT]

SD-SP10 surround sound single speaker [via CNet]

Related stories: Sharp DV-SV97H DVD player with HDMI upscaling | Sharp introduces new range of Aquos HD-ready LCD TVs | Sharp unveils the XV-Z3000 high-definition projector

Morphy Richards' wall mounted CD micro system

Despite bringing out some interesting gadgets, including this Flipdown TV and the DAB boom box, I imagine Morphy Richards will always struggle to get away from the association with kettles and toasters. New from the company this week is a CD micro system, but with a slight twist - it's for wall mounting, aimed at those of us with a shortage of space in our living areas.

It's got a nice contemporary look and a decent set of features, including an FM/AM radio, CD player, digital clock with sleep function and remote control, along with a USB port and SD card slot so you can connect your MP3 player or stored tracks to save you swapping CDs. The one drawback with wall mounted systems is the speakers - the subwoofer isn't going to save you a lot of space (or look good on a wall), but the actual NXT 5W speaker units are very slim, and backed up by the 20W subwoofer, you should get a fairly strong sound to blast round the house.

It's available now for around £129.99.

Find out more

More home audio:
Onkyo unveils CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system
Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems

Philips introduces SPA9300 2.1 PC speaker system

Philips has launched several new PC speaker systems this week, the pick of which is this eye-catching SPA9300 2.1 system.

The SPA9300 2.1 system is the top end of Philips new speaker range, delivering 100W of music power from a 2.1 system - which should be good enough to give both your music and movies a boost from your computer. The speakers feature an inverted dome Mylar tweeter for a smooth, crisp and detailed top-end and use twin 50mm mid/bass drivers - reinforced with a six-layer voice coil - to deliver a balanced mid-band and significantly controlled low frequency response. Bass output is further enhanced by the subwoofer which features an 8-inch driver taking bass down to a low 35Hz. And if you want to use them without the PC, you can also connect external devices such as MP3, portable DVD or PVR players directly into the system via the 3.5mm stereo input.

And of course, they look good too - the slim columns should take up little desk space while the stainless steel cabinets are guaranteed to turn a few heads.

Available from September, they should cost you around £80.

Philips website

More speakers:
Boomtube H2O1 portable speaker system
Creative's G500W 5.1 wireless speaker system

Onkyo unveils CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system

Onkyo has unveiled its CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system, which the company claims is tuned "specifically for UK ears" through research of UK sonic preferences and analysis of CDs available in the UK.

The system comprises of a one-box DAB/CD receiver, with a CD player that's MP3-capable, spinning CD-Rs and CD-RWs. It uses a high-grade Wolfson 1-bit, 192kHz/24-bit D/A converter - usually seen in standalone quality CD players. And there's DAB radio reception as well as AM/FM frequencies, with a total of 59 presets available. Onkyo has replaced the DAB module used in their previous CR-505DAB model with a new design that offers greater sensitivity, improving reception in weak signal areas.

In terms of output, the system uses upmarket Discrete Output Stage Circuitry to help it deliver a more consistent sound and to help it better drive more difficult loudspeakers. In addition, VLSC (Vector Linear Shaping Circuitry) and WRAT (Wide Range Amplifier Technology) are both employed to smooth the sound and ensure a flat frequency response, respectively. In terms of connectivity, a subwoofer output plus two analogue audio outputs, In addition there’s a digital optical audio input on the rear panel that allows direct audio playback when using the digital output from the latest laptops/PCs. And there's D-N9BX 2-way, bass-reflex speakers in a cherrywood finish and featuring a 3cm tweeter, 13cm mid/bass driver cone and an Aero Acoustic Drive.

You can pick up the CS-515DAB CD/DAB micro system now, priced at £299.95 for the complete system with the speakers or £229.95 without.

Onkyo website

More home audio:
Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems
Denon's 700AE Advanced Evolution series hi-fi

Yay or nay: Transporter

Earlier this week we featured the Transporter from Slim Devices, a cool but pretty pricey piece of kit that seeks to do away with your CD player and stream your digital music plus Internet radio and online music libraries.

So, is it hot?

Can it really do away with the CD player (how are you going to rip your tunes in the first place). Will people remember and have enough disc space to encode their music in a lossless format?

Regardless, I'd like one. Would you?

Slim Devices Transporter: Advanced digital music player predicts death of CD player

Slim Devices have announced the Transporter, a high-end wi-fi digital audio player, and have hammer and nails ready for the CD player's coffin.

They claim their new player surpasses even the most exotic (expensive) compact disc players, thanks to their 'no compromise attitude to component selection and electronic design' - and that we just won't need CD players any more.

Networked with a PC, either wirelessly or over wired Ethernet, The Transporter plays digital music (preferably in uncompressed format) at very high quality. It also has access to 'always on' Internet Radio and Rhapsody's two-million track collection of online music.

It'll play a myriad of lossless, uncompressed and compressed audio formats, from Apple Lossless, FLAC and WMA lossless, through AIFF, WAV and PCM, to MP3, AAC, Ogg Vorbis, MP2, MusePack and WMA - in other words it'll handle pretty much any digital format you can throw at it.

The Transporter has a fanless, solid state architecture, so should be whisper quiet in operation and immune to external interference. It uses the AK4396 "Miracle DAC" which is described as follows (better Slim Devices explain it than I try to):

'The AK4396 "Miracle DAC" was chosen for its high dynamic range and low distortion. Its low out-of-band noise allows for the use of low-order output filters with higher cutoffs, resulting in preservation of phase and reduced distortion in the audible band. This extraordinary accuracy at higher frequencies allows Transporter to resolve the exact staging of instruments and the finest details of any recording. In addition, Transporter's digital inputs allow its built-in DAC to be used with other sources.'

And as for controlling it: there's a TransNav controller which uses tactile feedback to provide fast access to any song - quite how it does this I don't know but it's probably a step up from the iPod interface and Slim Devices themselves describe it as "a clever knob"

There's also a remote control, naturally.

The price? Just over £1000, plus the shipping costs. It won't be available until September 18th, so you'd better start saving up now - and ripping all your CDs to lossless formats.

Full specs on the Slim Devices web site.

Video and audio streaming around the home still a decade away?

It may not be what the likes of Philips - with their connected home concept - and other manufacturers want to hear, but a leading music technologist, John MacFarlane, CEO of Sonos, says that neither consumers nor technology is anywhere near ready for successfully streaming audio and video around a home network.

Ironic given that Sonos are one of the manufacturers of wi-fi music streaming systems. They, along with Apple and others are banking on the digital home coming soon - but maybe not as soon as the hype might suggest.

There's plenty of potential, it seems, now that MP3 and video players, music on computers and, err, dodgy downloads (not me guv) have gone mainstream. The time will come when these people want to stream that music and video to their hi-fi's and TVs.

Though the next generation of wireless technology is due for approval towards the end of next year, and manufacturers have pushed alternative wired solutions like the HomePlug system that sends data through standard electrical wiring, McFarlane still thinks the digital reality is at least ten years away - at least for the mass market and not just the early adopters.

According to Forrester research, only one in five people with a home network use it to stream music. Of those who don't have a home network, one in six don't even know what it is.

NTL Telewest believe that wireless networks will be in 'the majority of homes' by 2010, but quite how effectively those networks will be used is another matter.

What do you think? Is the digitally networked, streamed entertainment home close at hand, or years away? Are you an early adopter or are you quite happy with more traditional entertainment solutions?

Read

Grado Prestige Series headphones: £60-£650

Grado headphones have the old-school big-can styling but are lightweight enough - even in the SR60 model for £57.99 to spare your neck the aches and pains often associated with a trek into childhood musclature.  Depending on how much you love your ears more than you love your wallet, you can upgrade to the SR80 for £70, the SR125 for £115, the SR225 for  £160, the SR355i for £200... and el grande, the GS1000 for a whopping £650, with a wooden air chamber, and "layering of the music which is simply stunning."  "With larger wooden housing and much larger foam cushions, the headphones are as comfortable to wear as your favourite t-shirt."  Sign me up.  [GT]

Product page: Grado Prestige Series headphones

Related stories: Sennheiser sporty headphones | Skull Candy Proletariat NC 635 noise cancelling headphones | Sony's new line in noise cancelling headphones

Sony launches CMT-EH20DAB and CMT-SPZ90DAB DAB micro Hi-Fi systems

Sony has announced two new additions to its DAB range in the shape of the CMT-EH20DAB and the CMT-SPZ90DAB micro Hi-Fi systems.

The  EH20DAB is described as an entry-level DAB Hi-fi and features both an FM and DAB Band III tuner, a top loading CD player and cassette deck, along with MP3 playback functionality. There's also a rather smart wood finish to the speakers, which feature a full range bass reflex system for a deep, rich sound.

The SPZ90DAB is a replacement for Sony's current GPX9DAB system and as such, has a number of improvements, but without a price hike. These include enhanced speaker output, which is now increased to a total 100W, which when coupled with the newly included S-Master digital amplifier, results in much-improved sound from each speaker. A new 3CD changer is also included - when used in conjunction with the MP3 playback, means you need never worry about changing discs for quite some time. And like the EH20DAB, there's also an FM and DAB Band III tuner.

Both systems are available from August - no price is forthcoming as yet from Sony.

Sony website

More DAB:
Bug Too: Wayne Hemingway latest DAB Radio with EPG recording
Pure's EVOKE-1XT Prestige DAB radio

Denon's 700AE Advanced Evolution series hi-fi

Denon's been making hi-fi equipment for almost 100 years - and very much at the quality end of the market. That's still applicable to Denon's new 700AE Advanced Evolution series of hi-fi component units - even though it does't have the top-end price tag.

The 700AE units are well built with solid alloy fascias and heavyweight power supplies. The Denon DCD-700AE Stereo CD player includes the company's unique AL24 processing, has 'Pure Direct' mode and can play CDs with MP3 and WMA files. It even even has pitch control for music lessons and more.

The Denon PMA-700AE Stereo hi-fi amplifier is described as "fully discrete", with a High Current (HC) Single Push Pull Circuit, high-speed, large-capacity power supply, audiophile-grade capacitors and a clean, straight-path circuit design - all delivering an impressive musical performance.

The Denon PMA-700AE and the DCD-700AE are avaialble in a black of metallic silver finish, priced at £249.99 each.

Denon website

More home audio:
B&W XT Series speakers
Eclipse TD508II Time Domain speakers

Review: Gear4 Procontrol for iPods

Having announced the Gear4 Procontrol last month, we were given one of our very own, to turn our own lowly iPod into "a complete solution for the home". But don't get over-excited over the complete solution - you can't get your iPod to do your dishes, make your bed or even do a bit of light dusting. What it will do for you is synch it, charge it and link it with your home AV system.

Most of these things can be done straight out of the box - the AV components are included (SCART connector and RCA cable) making it easy to show photo slideshows on your TV as well as connect it to your home stereo.  The IR remote also means you can control your iPod without having to leave your sofa. Phew.

Not included in the box is a USB cable that would allow you to synch it with your computer. And be warned, the USB connector on the dock is USB B - the smaller, fatter one, so you might not have this kind of thing lying around.

The other problem with the Procontrol is the design. It's made of lightweight plastic, making it a bit, well, plasticky.  The lack of weight makes it easy to transport, but means when you dock your iPod you spend a few tense moments wondering if it's going to all be too much and it will topple. It  doesn't by the way.

For £49.99 it's £20 cheaper that Apple's AV kit, which doesn't include charging and synching cables. So, if you can deal with the tense docking moment, and the trip out to buy the USB cable, it's a pretty good deal.

Review: Logic3 i-Station8

We heard about the i-Station8 a week or so ago, and now have one of these super-shiny bits of kit in our decidedly grubby mits.

As they promised, it's got the eight specially calibrated, Vertical-Line-Array speakers combined with active subwoofer and bass radiator. This produces superb sound, even at the highest volume level. They've dealt with the problem many speakers suffer from - the prospect of having to deal with maximum volume on the iPod and on the speakers - by simply disengaging the iPod volume control whilst it's in the dock.

Uniquely, it also has an LCD panel which displays the song title. However, it only does so up to a limit of 30 characters, and you'd be surprised how many song titles exceed this (Morrissey is a big offender here). It also suffers from a bit of light confusion when you try to change the display, disconnecting the iPod on a whim.

The 3.5mm input allows you to use it with audio players other than iPods, such as CD players or Minidiscs, but in truth, it looks a bit odd with a gaping hole in the middle.

Overall, it's nice to look at, and there is a great satisfaction in being able to see the bass speaker vibrate when you've got it cranked up. The interface isn't the easiest in the world - you'll find yourself accidentally disconnecting, and you have to specify 'shuffle' every time you connect your iPod (despite it being set on the iPod itself) but for £99.99, it is worth a look.

B&W XT Series speakers

I'm a sucker for something stylish - but when it's also a top-notch piece of technology, like these B&W XT Series speakers, it's got to be worth a look.

The XT Series consists of four models - XT4 (three-way speaker), XT2 (two-way speaker), XTC (two-way centre channel speaker) and PV1 (subwoofer). All models in the XT Series feature leading edge acoustic engineering, in slimline, satin-polished aluminium cabinets.

The XT4 features a one-piece extruded aluminium enclosure which carries a top mounted Nautilus tube loaded 25mm aluminium dome tweeter, a 130mm Kevlar cone midrange driver, and twin Flowport loaded, composite paper/Kevlar cone bass drivers. The twin bass drivers also provide low frequency bandwidth and power handling - giving the XT4 a sense of scale and dynamics. The XT2 features a one-piece extruded aluminium enclosure carrying a top mounted Nautilus tube loaded 25mm aluminium dome tweeter and a Flowport loaded 130mm Kevlar cone bass/midrange driver.

The XTC’s two-way system incorporates twin Flowport loaded 130mm Kevlar cone bass/midrange drivers and a centrally mounted Nautilus tube loaded 25mm aluminium dome tweeter. The PV1’s twin 200mm (8-inch) drivers operate back-to-back, to minimise pressure differences throughout the internal volume, which increases its ability to withstand vibration and reduce coloration.

Available now, the XT4 costs £1699.00 per pair, the XT2 is £699, the XTC is £549 (sold singly) and the PV1 is £950 (also sold singly).

B&W website

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