When is a monster really a monster? The cable/speaker company Monster (of course) may have just answered that question with the new Monster Blaster BoomBox. The Monster Blaster recalls the glory years of the classic 80s BoomBox, but with a modern design and the latest in Bluetooth technology. With deep bass, the Monster Blaster has […]
In an increasingly crowded world of portable Bluetooth devices, a few speakers manage to stand apart from the crowd—some for good reasons and some for bad. A company called Maqe (pronounced make) has come up with a unique way to set its new SoundJump speaker apart from the me-too crowd. Sure, it’s a gimmick, but
Maqe SoundJump wireless Bluetooth speaker review Read More
After reviewing their entire line of headphones, I always wondered why a renowned French speaker company such as Focal would make home speakers costing almost $200,000 (!) and yet make their headphones reasonably priced. Granted, the Focal Spirit Classic headphones are not cheap at $400, but comparatively speaking, that’s downright affordable. So it’s no surprise
Focal reaches for utopia with a new line of high end headphones Read More
Okay, let’s state an obvious fact: Father’s Day is around the corner and dads like stuff. And many dads (like me) like electronic stuff. If your dad—or husband who is also a dad—enjoys music, maybe this is the year to consider headphones for that Father’s Day gift. Headphones come in all varieties of type, looks,
Fathers like stuff. Master & Dynamic makes great stuff. Read More
A year ago, I reviewed the over-ear Pendulumic STANCE S1+ (their only headphone model) and came away quite impressed. Pendulumic has now introduced the on-ear TACH T1 headphone with upgraded battery management and better noise isolation. The headband is also more traditional looking and softer feeling.
Pendulumic TACH T1 has an unusual name for a serious headphone Read More
Hi, my name is Bill Henderson and I’m an addict. I confess, I am a coffee addict. Ironically, I don’t drink it for the caffeine kick. Caffeine has no effect on me. I drink it for the taste. I like coffee. Currently my household uses a Keurig style maker made by Cuisinart. It’s a basic
The Ninja Coffee Bar can turn you into a barista Read More
I’ve always been a fan of digital audio converters (DAC). They can make good headphones and earphones sound better by bringing out the best they have to offer. Audio listening is only as good as the weakest link, so if you’re wondering whether those expensive headphones can sound as good as advertised, upgrading the DAC
iFi Nano iDSD DAC and Headphone Amp review Read More
Is it me or does the name “Campfire Audio” sound a like bit like an oxymoron? High-end audio and the natural world of a camp fires don’t seem to go together—or do they? When you consider that nothing is more organic or natural as sound, then maybe comparing sound to fire isn’t much of a
Campfire Audio shoots for the stars Read More
I’ve reviewed my share of Braven speakers and have liked—or really liked—them all. I will soon review the MONSTER (caps mine) Braven BRV-XXL. That’s going to be fun. However, it’s 20 lbs! Not exactly sized for lugging around even though it’s made for outdoor use. Enter the much smaller (and lighter) Braven BRV-1M. At first
The Braven BRV-1 evolves into the BRV-1M Read More
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Audioengine. Their products—from the small A2+ to the larger A5+ speakers— are solidly built, affordable without being cheap, and sound terrific. What’s not to like? When I reviewed the A5+ speakers, I talked about how massive they were in both weight and sound. I used to think
Audioengine HD6 Powered speakers review Read More
Most travelers who are familiar with noise-canceling headphones usually think of Bose first because Bose is considered one of the best noise-canceling headphones available. However, there are many other players in this market with more coming every year. Paww is a new challenger with the Paww WaveSound 2 headphone. When looking at the box of the WaveSound 2,
Paww WaveSound 2 headphone review Read More
Phiaton is one of those audio companies that constantly and consistently releases new models of interesting earphones and headphones. Just when you’ve gotten used to one headphone, it’s been discontinued and another has taken its place. Their headphones and earphones are also some of the prettiest designs available, although the earphone’s beauty is mostly hidden
Phiaton PS 202 NC noise canceling earphones review Read More
Audio company Denon has gone after multi-room speaker maker Sonos in a big way with their revamped HEOS HS2 line of speakers. When I reviewed the original Heos 1 wireless speaker, one of my complaints about it was it lacked Bluetooth—unless you bought the Heos Go Pack, a $100 addition which also included a rechargeable
Denon takes a shot at Sonos with the revamped HEOS HS2 system Read More
Creative just won’t leave it alone. First they came out with the Sound Blaster Roar speaker which put almost all other Bluetooth speakers to shame. Then came the Sound Blaster Roar 2 which was 20% smaller, yet improved on the original Roar in almost every way. Now, they’ve dropped the Sound Blaster name entirely and
I roar, you roar, we all roar for iRoar Read More
Over a year ago, I reviewed the small, but tough and waterproof Fugoo Bluetooth speaker. It became my choice when I need to just grab a speaker and go. It’s not the best sounding portable speaker—that honor goes to the incredible and more expensive Bowers & Wilkins T7—but it does sound great and is one
Fugoo Sport XL Bluetooth speaker review Read More
If you thought the rugged Braven BRV-HD was big, think again. The new Braven BRV-XXL Bluetooth speaker is more: more bigger, more louder, more tougher and even more wetter. Yes, that’s bad english, but you get the picture. With the BRV-XXL, Braven has created an outdoor speaker that can be easily carried because of its
The Braven BRV-XXL is more of everything Read More
I’m an art director by trade, so I pay almost as much attention to the design of an item as how it performs. Maybe that’s why I’m an unapologetic Apple fan boy. I’m also obsessed with audio gear, so when a new speaker comes out and doesn’t look like anything else, I notice. Archt (pronounced
Archt tech builds One speaker system with unique audio and visual mission Read More
My father was in the US Air Force, so I grew up as a service brat living around the globe. Many service families residing in Europe (I lived in England), from the 50s to the 70s bought German audio products because they were beautiful, affordable and well built. Ours was a Telefunkin stereo with removable
The Germans are coming—with goodies! Read More
Although I’ve had my issues with portable Bluetooth speakers, I’ve grown to appreciate the convenience of having one around. It’s gotten to the point that I almost always have one playing either in the kitchen, bathroom or outdoors cooking. They’ve become indispensable to my daily life. And even though their audio quality can’t measure up to
Paww SoundBox 10 Bluetooth speaker review Read More
The Gadgeteer has reported and reviewed some of Edifier’s speakers and come away impressed—as much as by their design as their sound. One look at the Luna Eclipse or Spinnaker speakers tells you all you need to know. Now Edifier has taken a step back—and forward—by releasing the retro-inspired RAVE MP700 portable Bluetooth speaker. This
One step back and two steps forward with the Edifier RAVE MP700 Read More