Bowers & Wilkins 805 Maserati Edition Speakers
The product of British pro-speaker maker Bowers & Wilkins and Italian super-car builder Maserati, the 805 Maserati Edition Speakers ($TBA), are set to please audiophiles and motorsports enthusiasts alike. The first of the series, a loudspeaker, looks great in maple veneer and black Maserati leather, set on a stand adorned with the unmistakable Maserati Trident logo. But, they're not just easy on the eyes — the audio tech is recording-studio quality, and will suit your living room just fine. Look for them in specialty speaker stores this Fall.
Hsu Research Hybrid 3 Speakers
Every once in a while you come across a product that isn't just a good deal, but offers quality so far above and beyond what you'd expect for the price that you find yourself recommending it whenever you get the chance. That's the case with these Hsu Research Hybrid 3 Speakers ($920-$1,920). Available in 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, or 7.1 configurations, these packages pair the powerful 350W, double ported, 12-inch VTF-3 MK4 subwoofer with HB-1 MK2 horn bookshelf speakers and, in the larger packages, a HC-1 MK2 horn center speaker. We've been using the 7.1 setup in one of our test theaters for months now, and the only thing that's been more amazing than the sound is the looks on people's faces when we tell them what it costs. And while we've been testing out the handsome satin black set — they are in a theater, after all — if you're thinking about filling a more traditional living area with sound, you might also want to check out the rosenut option.
Bang & Olufsen Beolab 14 Sound System
Part speaker, part artwork, the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 14 Sound System ($TBA) is the company's latest gallery-worthy setup. It consists of four 140 watt satellite speakers with 2.5-inch drivers housed in aluminum casings with your choice of fabric grilles, and a white, freestanding 280 watt 8-inch subwoofer that features both a highly-engineered bassport and a position dial that ensures great sound whether it's set up against a wall, in the middle of the room, or in a corner somewhere. If you already have a B&O TV, you're ready to go, but otherwise you'll want to make sure you get yourself a receiver to help run the show.
Tailor Loudspeakers
Speakers don't have to be something you hide away. These Tailor Loudspeakers (£2,000; roughly $3,000) are designed to displayed proudly. Standing just a hair over three feet tall, these handsome speakers are built from English Walnut, and feature a balanced, natural sound with fast bass and a frequency response of 40Hz ~ 20Khz. But what really sets them apart is the front, which is upholstered in fabrics from Maharam suppliers to Paul Smith, giving them a unique look that you'll want to make part of your living area. Should looks not be of importance to you, you can still grab a pair with a plain black front for a few hundred pounds less.
An Impressive Interior: The Cadillac ATS
Not to be outdone by the stunning body and performance Cadillac is known for, prepare to revel in the luxury features you’ll find behind the doors of the all-new Cadillac ATS. From the sharp, sophisticated cut-and-sew look, to the available heated seats and steering wheel designed for colder days, to the concert hall quality of the Bose® Premium Audio System, to the available bolstered performance seats (equipped with thigh extenders for added comfort and support), spending hours in the car will be a delight, not a drag.
Further personalize the sumptuous, handcrafted interior to your liking and smart sense of style. Choose from a palette of rich colors—like Light Platinum or Morello Red—for the premium French-stitched leather seating surfaces, complimented by authentic, top-of-the-line wood, aluminum or carbon fiber trim. From exhilarating driving dynamics to modern design that challenges the status quo, the all-new Cadillac ATS is as eye-catching as it is breathtaking.
Learn more about the All-New Cadillac ATS here.
The Vamp
Have an unused speaker laying around? Put it back to good use with The Vamp (£35; roughly $55). This diminutive cube-shaped box gives your aging gear new life by providing a Bluetooth link to your phone or tablet and a 4 Watt single-channel amplifier that can drive even large speakers with surprising gusto. The whole thing is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts for over ten hours, and can connect with speakers that boast on-board terminals or a plain ol' wire coming out the back. Shipping in June in white, red, or black.
Bowers & Wilkins Z2 AirPlay Speaker System
Why choose between a wireless speaker or a docking system? With the Bowers & Wilkins Z2 AirPlay Speaker System ($400), you don't have to. A fresh take on the Zeppelin Mini, the Z2 features a top-mounted Lighting dock that fits iPhones and iPods, as well as built-in Wi-Fi for AirPlay support. Other features include class D amplifiers, custom 3.5-inch drivers with fiberglass cones, a glass-reinforced ABS enclosure, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and your choice of black or white bodies.
Scosche BoomBottle
No, it doesn't hold liquids — but it will fit in your bicycle water bottle cage. The Scosche BoomBottle ($150) is a compact weatherproof speaker that aims to make better use of your cup holders. It features two 40mm drivers and a passive subwoofer to produce surprisingly rich sound, Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, a 3.5mm input for other audio sources, a built-in microphone for speakerphone use, integrated music controls, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours. Available in five different colorways.
Audiowood Barky Turntable
You don't need to be rocking a rustic look in your home for the Audiowood Barky Turntable ($1,300) to fit in with your decor — but it surely wouldn't hurt. This precision piece of equipment is made from a Rega parts kit, featuring a glass platter, a RB303 arm, a Rega Bias cartridge, and a solid ash platform that's finished with polyurethane, wax, and boasts adjustable spike feet. A decent vinyl collection for it to play? That's up to you.
Sonos Playbar
Improve the sound coming from your TV and give yourself a wireless audio solution all at once with the Sonos Playbar ($700). Designed to complement most HDTVs, this single-box solution features nine individually amplified speakers — six mid-woofers and three tweeters — and a single optical input that lets you switch between sources using your current TV remote. Of course, this is a Sonos box, and as such offers built-in support for wireless audio streaming, as well as compatibility with the Sonos Sub and Play:3 speakers, which let the Playbar form a 5.1 surround system. Shipping in March.
Braven BRV-1 All-Weather Speaker
It's not exactly water proof — you'd do well to avoid throwing it in the river — but the Braven BRV-1 All-Weather Speaker ($180) is IPX5 water resistant, making it an ideal speaker to use poolside, by the campfire, or anywhere else outdoors. Apart from its rugged build, it also features 3W of output per channel, a built-in rechargeable battery good for up to 12 hours of playtime, Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming, a 3.5 mm auxiliary input, and a mic for speakerphone use. Available later this month in teal and a handsome black and gray.
Soul Party In A Box
We've heard the phrase "party in a box" applied to a lot of different things — boxed wine or 30-packs of Busch, anyone? — but never like this. The Soul Party In A Box ($1,000) is a self-contained, room-rattling speaker system. To get your music in, it features a dock for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, Bluetooth with AptX support, a USB port, and an auxiliary port. To blast it out to the world, it features side-firing dual 6.5" subs, 3" midrange drivers, and 1" tweeters, plus dual front firing 1.5" midrange speakers. Other features include an HDMI output, a karaoke mode with mic input, an included remote control, and a built-in handle for taking the party with you.
JBL OnBeat Rumble
Still convinced that you need a docking speaker for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch? The JBL OnBeat Rumble ($400) isn't a bad choice. In addition to the two tweeters, it features a 4.5-inch down-firing subwoofer for deep bass. Other features include a two-tone, orange and black paint scheme, an auxiliary input for legacy devices, and Bluetooth - so as it turns out, you don't really need that Lightning dock anyway.
