Speakers – The Gadgeteer https://the-gadgeteer.com Gadget news and reviews since 1997! Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:08:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-wp-icon-gadgeteer-logo-32x32.jpg Speakers – The Gadgeteer https://the-gadgeteer.com 32 32 Ultimea Poseidon D60 surround sound system review – Upgrade your television experience https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/10/10/ultimea-poseidon-d60-surround-sound-system-review-upgrade-your-television-experience/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/10/10/ultimea-poseidon-d60-surround-sound-system-review-upgrade-your-television-experience/#respond Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:34 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=408071 REVIEW – I don’t know what happened along the way in television design but it feels like all the manufacturers forgot that sound is important when you’re watching a show.  I have one television in particular that no matter how high I increase the volume, speech is still very mumbly.  I have solved that problem …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/10/10/ultimea-poseidon-d60-surround-sound-system-review-upgrade-your-television-experience/feed/ 0 Platin Monaco 5.1.2 wireless surround sound wireless speaker system review – even more immersive than the Monaco 5.1 https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/01/20/platin-monaco-5-1-2-wireless-surround-sound-wireless-speaker-system-review-even-more-immersive-than-the-monaco-5-1/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/01/20/platin-monaco-5-1-2-wireless-surround-sound-wireless-speaker-system-review-even-more-immersive-than-the-monaco-5-1/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2023 13:15:12 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=379117 REVIEW – 6 months ago, I packed up my wonderful Bowers & Wilkins 607 speakers I used for music and TV sound ( along with a subwoofer and two Audioengine speakers for surround) and replaced them with the Platin Monaco 5.1 wireless surround sound speaker system. The Monaco 5.1 is a complete surround sound system—in …

Platin Monaco 5.1.2 wireless surround sound wireless speaker system review – even more immersive than the Monaco 5.1 Read More

]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2023/01/20/platin-monaco-5-1-2-wireless-surround-sound-wireless-speaker-system-review-even-more-immersive-than-the-monaco-5-1/feed/ 3 Platin Monaco 5.1 wireless surround sound speaker review – A speaker system that thinks outside the box https://the-gadgeteer.com/2022/07/09/platin-monaco-5-1-wireless-surround-sound-speaker-review-a-speaker-system-that-thinks-outside-the-box/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2022/07/09/platin-monaco-5-1-wireless-surround-sound-speaker-review-a-speaker-system-that-thinks-outside-the-box/#comments Sat, 09 Jul 2022 13:00:15 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=359397 REVIEW – Here’s a scenario for you: For years, I’ve had a DIY surround speaker setup connected to our smart TV through a good receiver. The two front left/right speakers are really good quality and the left/right surround speakers are also good. Then there’s that large 10 in. subwoofer we keep behind the TV cabinet …

Platin Monaco 5.1 wireless surround sound speaker review – A speaker system that thinks outside the box Read More

]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2022/07/09/platin-monaco-5-1-wireless-surround-sound-speaker-review-a-speaker-system-that-thinks-outside-the-box/feed/ 1 OXS S3 soundbar review – adds an audio kick to your anemic TV speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/11/27/oxs-s3-soundbar-review-adds-an-audio-kick-to-your-anemic-tv-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/11/27/oxs-s3-soundbar-review-adds-an-audio-kick-to-your-anemic-tv-speakers/#comments Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:00:54 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=340290 REVIEW – A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Asakuki Avigator 455W video projector. Since its speaker was a bit lackluster, I wanted to see how the OXS S3 soundbar can fill the void. Let’s find out. What is it? The OXS model S3 soundbar is a self-contained audio amplifier and speaker system with optical, …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/11/27/oxs-s3-soundbar-review-adds-an-audio-kick-to-your-anemic-tv-speakers/feed/ 1 Celia & Perah M2 Portable Hi-Fi Speaker review – Can a small speaker be called hi-fi? https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/09/20/celia-perah-m2-portable-hi-fi-speaker-review-can-a-small-speaker-be-called-hi-fi/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/09/20/celia-perah-m2-portable-hi-fi-speaker-review-can-a-small-speaker-be-called-hi-fi/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:01:47 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=334677 REVIEW – At the beginning of the pandemic lockdown in the spring of 2020, I reviewed two DIY speakers—the R1 and R2—from a boutique audio company called Celia & Perah. I stated that building these speakers was perfect for doing something together as a family and having something useful to show for it—a decent-sounding speaker/radio. …

Celia & Perah M2 Portable Hi-Fi Speaker review – Can a small speaker be called hi-fi? Read More

]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/09/20/celia-perah-m2-portable-hi-fi-speaker-review-can-a-small-speaker-be-called-hi-fi/feed/ 3 Audioengine HD4 Home Music System speakers review – just right in both size and sound https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/19/audioengine-hd4-home-music-system-speakers-review-just-right-in-both-size-and-sound/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/19/audioengine-hd4-home-music-system-speakers-review-just-right-in-both-size-and-sound/#comments Fri, 19 Mar 2021 12:19:49 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=319388 REVIEW – Four years ago (has it been 4 years?), I reviewed the Audioengine HD3 speakers. In that review, I said that the HD3 speakers were better than Audioengine’s much more expensive HD6 speakers when placed on a computer desk. I noted that the Audioengie HD6 speakers were overkill for what is termed “near-field listening”. …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/19/audioengine-hd4-home-music-system-speakers-review-just-right-in-both-size-and-sound/feed/ 9 Creative Stage V2 speaker system review – Small but packs a punch https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/07/creative-stage-v2-speaker-system-review-small-but-packs-a-punch/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/07/creative-stage-v2-speaker-system-review-small-but-packs-a-punch/#comments Sun, 07 Mar 2021 13:41:13 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=317751 REVIEW – The Creative Stage V2 speaker system packs a powerful punch in a sleek, two-piece design with several connectivity options. What is it? The Creative Stage V2 is a speaker system with a soundbar, subwoofer, and remote control. It has an impressive sound quality and attractive design for the $110 price tag. What’s in …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2021/03/07/creative-stage-v2-speaker-system-review-small-but-packs-a-punch/feed/ 2 Audioengine A1 Home Music System Review – Small speakers equals big sound https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/11/04/audioengine-a1-home-music-system-review-small-speakers-equals-big-sound/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/11/04/audioengine-a1-home-music-system-review-small-speakers-equals-big-sound/#comments Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:00:31 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=308945 REVIEW – I’ve said it before that one of the more fun pleasures in reviewing products is finding that true bargain—something that is way better than the price would indicate. This time around, it’s the Audioengine A1 Home Music System. Along with the Tribit Stormbox micro speaker, the A1 speaker could be another bargain of …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/11/04/audioengine-a1-home-music-system-review-small-speakers-equals-big-sound/feed/ 5 Mackie CR-X Creative Reference Multimedia monitors review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/10/02/mackie-cr-x-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/10/02/mackie-cr-x-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors-review/#comments Fri, 02 Oct 2020 12:00:40 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=306346 REVIEW – Speakers can vary wildly in terms of sound profiles and quality.  While I’m no audiophile (speaker snob), I do appreciate a nice set of monitors.  I’ve owned a ridiculous amount of different computer and studio speaker sets through the years (my partner would say I might have a problem with buying too many …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/10/02/mackie-cr-x-creative-reference-multimedia-monitors-review/feed/ 1 Creative T100 2.0 Desktop Speakers review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/05/31/creative-t100-2-0-desktop-speakers-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/05/31/creative-t100-2-0-desktop-speakers-review/#comments Sun, 31 May 2020 12:07:23 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=298453 REVIEW – I have a home-built PC on which I do my gaming.  Most of my competitive games are multiplayer games that I play online, and my audio is through a headset.  Some of my casual games, however, are single-player, and for them I prefer to run my audio through speakers.  Unfortunately, I never bought …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/05/31/creative-t100-2-0-desktop-speakers-review/feed/ 2 Airplay 2 support comes to Bose speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/02/24/airplay-2-support-comes-to-bose-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/02/24/airplay-2-support-comes-to-bose-speakers/#respond Mon, 24 Feb 2020 15:00:25 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=293231 NEWS – Wireless speakers are all the rage these days. Bluetooth is probably the most popular wireless audio standard but there are better options. Bose has added Airplay 2 capabilities to their SoundTouch and Lifestyle speakers in their most recent firmware update, making it possible to stream high quality audio from Mac and iOS devices. Airplay …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2020/02/24/airplay-2-support-comes-to-bose-speakers/feed/ 0 Thonet & Vander Kugel speakers review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/12/07/thonet-vander-kugel-speakers-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/12/07/thonet-vander-kugel-speakers-review/#comments Sat, 07 Dec 2019 16:00:23 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=288092 REVIEW – One of the fun aspects of reviewing audio is getting to play with and write about different kinds of speaker gear—from earphones to Bluetooth to “real” speakers. Because there are more choices today than ever, everyone benefits. In 2015, I reviewed one of those “real” speakers from a German audio company new to …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/12/07/thonet-vander-kugel-speakers-review/feed/ 2 Logitech Z606 5.1 Surround Speaker System Review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/04/06/logitech-z606-5-1-surround-speaker-system-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/04/06/logitech-z606-5-1-surround-speaker-system-review/#comments Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:00:16 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=267082 REVIEW – The Z606 is Logitech’s latest entry into the surround sound speaker market. This low-cost system has five wired speakers and a bass unit containing an amplifier, speaker connections, and RCA inputs. AV connections are sparse and while the power won’t rattle your windows, it should prove to be more than enough for most listening …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2019/04/06/logitech-z606-5-1-surround-speaker-system-review/feed/ 4 Bowers & Wilkins 607 speaker review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/10/06/bowers-wilkins-607-speaker-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/10/06/bowers-wilkins-607-speaker-review/#comments Sat, 06 Oct 2018 13:00:31 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=252642 REVIEW – When I’m sticking to a budget and needing to buy something, I sometimes look at the least expensive model from a high-end company rather than the top model from a more middle-range company. That way, I figure I’m getting a better made product at a similar price. That’s the theory I would apply …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/10/06/bowers-wilkins-607-speaker-review/feed/ 7 Fluance raises the affordable bar with their new Ai40 speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/08/14/fluance-raises-the-affordable-bar-with-their-new-ai40-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/08/14/fluance-raises-the-affordable-bar-with-their-new-ai40-speakers/#respond Tue, 14 Aug 2018 12:00:01 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=248694 NEWS – Here’s a question for you: At what point does the price of a set of speakers matter less and less? In other words, at what price do you stop hearing major differences in audio quality as the cost creeps up? It’s an interesting question that I’ve grappled with for years. Here’s my take: …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/08/14/fluance-raises-the-affordable-bar-with-their-new-ai40-speakers/feed/ 0 Shinola goes Barefoot and produces a new speaker https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/07/12/shinola-goes-barefoot-and-produces-a-new-speaker/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/07/12/shinola-goes-barefoot-and-produces-a-new-speaker/#respond Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:00:37 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=246217 NEWS – Shinola as an unapologetic Detroit based lifestyle company. Their American made products are considered some of the highest quality products available and their audio line has garnered praise from the press and customers alike. For the first time, Shinola has partnered with Barefoot Sound to offer the new wireless Shinola Bookshelf Speakers.  Barefoot …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/07/12/shinola-goes-barefoot-and-produces-a-new-speaker/feed/ 0 Audioengine A5+ Wireless speaker review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/06/06/audioengine-a5-wireless-speaker-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/06/06/audioengine-a5-wireless-speaker-review/#comments Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:00:37 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=242729 I’m fortunate to have been able to review each version of Audioengine’s A5 speaker series. The original was (and still is) a powerhouse of a speaker that sounds much better than its cost. Heck, all of Audioengine’s speakers fall into that category. Later, their A5+ speaker improved on a good thing—a larger, more efficient heat …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/06/06/audioengine-a5-wireless-speaker-review/feed/ 2 Creative Pebble desktop speakers review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/04/16/creative-pebble-desktop-speakers-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/04/16/creative-pebble-desktop-speakers-review/#comments Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:21:54 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=237874 At my home office, I’m trying to consolidate my speaker set up. I’ve been into trying to become more minimalist, and although I love my Logitech 2.1 speaker system with subwoofer, it’s big, clunky, and not very necessary at the moment. Lately, I’ve just been using headphones on my computer or a Google Home to …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/04/16/creative-pebble-desktop-speakers-review/feed/ 1 Be part of the movie with Edifiers uniquely luxurious e255 5.1 Home Theater System https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/27/be-part-of-the-movie-with-edifiers-uniquely-luxurious-e255-5-1-home-theater-system/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/27/be-part-of-the-movie-with-edifiers-uniquely-luxurious-e255-5-1-home-theater-system/#respond Tue, 27 Mar 2018 14:00:57 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=238115 Product design doesn’t always have to be boring. The Edifier e255 Luna E 5.1 Home theater system is a prime example of this. Its unique shapes and striking red color make it look like it came straight out of a Japanese Anime. But, the e255 is more than just another pretty face. Looks aren’t everything The 385-watt e255 has …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/27/be-part-of-the-movie-with-edifiers-uniquely-luxurious-e255-5-1-home-theater-system/feed/ 0 The Audioengine A5+ speakers are now A5++ with added wireless https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/04/the-audioengine-a5-speakers-are-now-a5-with-added-wireless/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/04/the-audioengine-a5-speakers-are-now-a5-with-added-wireless/#respond Sun, 04 Mar 2018 15:00:43 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=236454 Audioengine has a history of making affordable speakers that happen to sound like they cost much more. Their A5+ speakers look good and are solidly crafted. However, up until now, the A5+ speakers lacked any wireless capabilities. Not any more. The new A5+ Wireless speakers are bookshelf speakers that can be placed anywhere in a …

The Audioengine A5+ speakers are now A5++ with added wireless Read More

]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2018/03/04/the-audioengine-a5-speakers-are-now-a5-with-added-wireless/feed/ 0 A Brutalist approach to speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/12/13/a-brutalist-approach-to-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/12/13/a-brutalist-approach-to-speakers/#respond Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:00:55 +0000 https://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=231909 When you ask someone what speakers are made of, most younger people would say plastic or metal (portable Bluetooth speakers) while older people might say wood (think your father’s stereo system). I can guarantee you that no one would say concrete. That kind of thinking might change if Brutalist-Lab has anything to do with it. …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/12/13/a-brutalist-approach-to-speakers/feed/ 0 Focal focuses on Dolby Atmos with its newest line of Sib Evo home theater speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/07/13/focal-focuses-on-dolby-atmos-with-its-newest-line-of-sib-evo-home-theater-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/07/13/focal-focuses-on-dolby-atmos-with-its-newest-line-of-sib-evo-home-theater-speakers/#respond Thu, 13 Jul 2017 10:53:14 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=221892 As I’ve said in my reviews of Focal’s excellent headphones and earphones, French speaker maker Focal is primarily known for their expensive (but also excellent) speaker line. However the audio news coming out of Focal this week is not about their crazily expensive speakers, but a more reasonable line of home theater speakers. Focal’s new …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/07/13/focal-focuses-on-dolby-atmos-with-its-newest-line-of-sib-evo-home-theater-speakers/feed/ 0 Creative Sound BlasterX Kratos S5 2.1 gaming speakers review https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/05/11/creative-sound-blasterx-kratos-s5-2-1-gaming-speakers-review/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/05/11/creative-sound-blasterx-kratos-s5-2-1-gaming-speakers-review/#respond Thu, 11 May 2017 14:43:26 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=218075 I’ve been playing games for years, yet I’ve always used a pair of cheap Dell speakers for my PC. I never thought much of PC speakers for gaming, instead always using headsets, but when Creative offered their Sound BlasterX Kratos S5 gaming speakers to be reviewed, it piqued my curiosity, and I had to try them …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/05/11/creative-sound-blasterx-kratos-s5-2-1-gaming-speakers-review/feed/ 0 Creative gets creative with gaming speakers https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/03/29/creative-gets-creative-with-gaming-speakers/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/03/29/creative-gets-creative-with-gaming-speakers/#respond Wed, 29 Mar 2017 12:53:35 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=215052 Creative is known mainly for SoundBlaster sound cards and speakers. I’ve reviewed their wonderful Roar wireless speaker series. Creative’s newest speaker is the BlasterX Kratos S5 is a 2.1 gaming speaker system with Aurora Reactive lighting system. It comes with powerful 4” satellite drivers and a 6.5” subwoofer in wooden enclosures, delivering clear highs, detailed …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/03/29/creative-gets-creative-with-gaming-speakers/feed/ 0 Audioengine expands its HD series with the HD3 Wireless Music System https://the-gadgeteer.com/2016/11/13/audioengine-expands-its-hd-series-with-the-hd3-wireless-music-system/ https://the-gadgeteer.com/2016/11/13/audioengine-expands-its-hd-series-with-the-hd3-wireless-music-system/#respond Sun, 13 Nov 2016 13:47:40 +0000 http://the-gadgeteer.com/?p=207411 It’s easy to make great speakers—at a cost. And it’s easy to make affordable speakers—at the expense of audio quality. Yet, Audioengine manages to achieve both of these objectives repeatedly. And they’ve done it again with the new HD3 Wireless Music System. “Classic speaker design with no plastic, full stereo sound, whole-house wireless and no …

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]]> https://the-gadgeteer.com/2016/11/13/audioengine-expands-its-hd-series-with-the-hd3-wireless-music-system/feed/ 0