Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995" data-src-height="413" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/05/dsc05137-1368635269.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Bang & Olufsen has been known to occasionally lower the price floor on its line of A/V gear. Continuing in that direction, the company just unveiled its Beolab 14 surround sound speakers, an entry-level offering starting at $3,995 for a 4.1 setup. The rig centers around a petite cylindrical tower that houses a 280-watt amp for its eight-inch down-firing bass driver and connections for up to five individually powered (140 watts) and equalized 2.5-inch satellite speakers. The circular drivers can be wall-mounted or set on stands, and those aluminum enclosures act as heat sinks (in addition to looking dapper). While B&0 anticipates that the soundbars on its existing TVs will act as a center channel, a 5.1 setup will be available for $4,395 if you need an independent middle speaker instead. The Beolab 14 will come in black or white when it launches in June and additional grille clothes will be an extra $99 per set, should you want to change the colors. You can find more details in the press release after the break while you start saving up.</div><div class="pr_box open" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><div class="pr_box_button">Hide Press Release</div><div class="pr_text">Bang & Olufsen Launches New all-inclusive, Surround Sound Speaker System<br /> Combining compact aesthetics and outstanding acoustic innovation to deliver high-end surround performance in one simple package<br /> Struer, Denmark – Deerfield, IL, USA<br /> Bang & Olufsen, the global provider of high-end custom made audio and video products, today announces the launch of a cutting-edge, surround sound speaker system that presents an entirely new category of speakers to the Bang & Olufsen product portfolio. The BeoLab 14 surround speaker system will revolutionize the marketplace as it is a conveniently packaged, all-inclusive solution that delivers compact aesthetics, exceptional sound quality and a high-end surround sound performance. BeoLab 14 is available in a 4.1 or a 5.1 digital surround sound set up, with up to six individual active speakers, each with its own amplifier, resulting in an unprecedented level of sound quality despite the speakers' compact shape. BeoLab 14 can also be used with all other television brands, so it is non- exclusive to just Bang & Olufsen televisions.<br /> "With its competitive price point, convenient set up, multiple placement options, hallmark design, and robust sound performance, we believe BeoLab 14 will resonate with many music lovers and style seekers who may not yet own a pair of world renowned Bang & Olufsen speakers," states Zean Nielsen, President of Bang & Olufsen America, Inc. "With the introduction of BeoLab 14, it's never been easier for customers to enjoy home cinema without compromising ones interior décor."<br /> BeoLab 14 builds on Bang & Olufsen acoustic engineers' on-going achievements in packing stunning performance into surprisingly small volumes. The satellite speakers are diminutive circles of anodized aluminum with exchangeable fabric covers in a selection of colors, (white, black, silver, dark grey, red and petroleum blue) and integrate easily into even the most stringent interior design schemes. The sculptural subwoofer contains separate amplifiers for all speakers in the system, and delivers bone-bouncing bass from a beguilingly slender footprint. BeoLab 14 comes in a full array of placement options that includes wall and ceiling mounts as well as floor and shelf stands, BeoLab 14 is ready to fit in visually as it stands out acoustically.<br /> Sound matters<br />BeoLab 14 was designed for consumers who want to add quality surround sound to their home viewing experiences, but still have demanding expectations about their interior design. "The launch of an all-in-one surround speaker system is an important new step for Bang & Olufsen," states Bang & Olufsen CEO, Tue Mantoni. "It builds on our core approach that sound matters in everything that we do. Now we bring genuine Bang & Olufsen sound to anyone who wants the advantages of surround without having to hide away the subwoofer."<br /> BeoLab 14 connects seamlessly to all Bang & Olufsen televisions, but is also just one plug away from lifting any other TV or AV receiver into a new level of sound performance. "Providing easy integration for people who do not own a Bang & Olufsen TV, but still want to achieve a high-quality Bang & Olufsen sound experience, has been a particular focus for the team" adds Mantoni.<br /> Tuned with expert listening panel<br />The compact new speakers have been put through the same demanding development process as all other Bang & Olufsen products. "BeoLab 14 is the result of a lot of work with our Listening Panel," says Jens Rahbek, Senior Sound Engineer in the R&D department. "Even with the very best components, sound is a subjective experience. We tune our speakers in a process that includes hours of listening – by different people, in different room environments, at different stages of development – in order to achieve sound that is as close as possible to what the original artist intended."<br /> Up to 6 active speakers – each with separate amplifiers<br />BeoLab 14's strong sonic performance is due to its sculptural subwoofer, with 280 watts of dedicated power for its 8" downward-facing driver, the active sub delivers ample bass tones at the lowest frequencies – (down to 26 hz). The stylish sub also contains connections for five active satellite speakers (along with five individual 140 watt amplifiers with separate equalizers for each of them), a very capable Digital Signal Processor, Adaptive Bass Linearization (for cultivated bass, no matter what the peaks), room adaptation switch, line sense, Power Link connections for Bang & Olufsen components, and an A/V multi-connector for other components.<br />Bang & Olufsen separates the satellite speakers' active 2.5"treble and midrange drivers from their dedicated amplifiers, which results a rich, large sound experience that can fill an entire room, while occupying minimum physical space. Just under 16 cm in diameter, the satellite speakers are just as impressive to decorate with as they are to listen to. The closed cabinet construction is built around a milled aluminum frame – just like the systems Bang & Olufsen creates for Audi, BMW and Aston Martin – to eliminate resonance with style and precision.<br />BeoLab 14 is available in two versions: one with subwoofer and four satellite speakers (for Bang & Olufsen TVs, whose on-board speakers function as the center speaker in a surround setup), the other with subwoofer and five satellite speakers for all other brands.<br />The new BeoLab 14 surround sound speaker system is available at Bang & Olufsen stores worldwide in June 2013. Priced at $3995 (for 4.1 solution) and $4395 for the (5.1 solution).<br /> </div></div></div>

Bang & Olufsen intros Beolab 14 surround speakers, considered 'entry-level' at $3,995

Bang & Olufsen has been known to occasionally lower the price floor on its line of A/V gear. Continuing in that direction, the company ...

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Creative T3150 delivers stealthy, 2.1-channel Bluetooth audio on the cheap

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Creative T3150 delivers stealthy, 21channel Bluetooth speakers on the cheap" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/creative-t3150.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> Bluetooth speakers still tend to revolve around portable designs, but there's been a gradual shift toward traditional-looking speakers that just happen to have short-range wireless as an option. Creative's T3150 is proof positive: while it's an entry-level, 2.1-channel PC speaker on the outside, it stuffs in stereo Bluetooth audio to handle mobile devices in a pinch. Mind you, that's not the only thing Creative is stealthy about. Although the company is willing to say that the T3150 has an Image Focusing Plate to widen the listening sweet spot, there's no mention of the power output; we've reached out for more detail. At prices of £60 and <span>€70 (</span>around $100) for the planned May launch, though, we'd expect a modest amount of wireless audio power.</div></div>

Creative T3150 delivers stealthy, 2.1-channel Bluetooth audio on the cheap

Bluetooth speakers still tend to revolve around portable designs, but there's been a gradual shift toward traditional-looking speakers...

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3D printed speakers give you a custom light show to go with your tunes

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="For Michael" data-src-height="411" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/lightspeakersdsc08410.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;">3D printing is still in its relative infancy, but more and more folks are using machines like the MakerBot Replicator and Formlab's Form 1 to turn digital plans into physical reality. An Autodesk engineer named Evan Atherton has access to a much more capable (and expensive) 3D printer, an Objet Connex 500, and as a design exercise decided to use that printer to create a finished product. You see, a lot of 3D printers are used for rapid prototyping, as opposed to product manufacturing. Join us after the break for a video interview with Atherton explaining how he created these sonic beauties. </div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-8cfc5137" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/8cfc5137/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=53192048&disablebranding=0&view_secret=53192048" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">With the Objet Connex 500, Atherton is able to print single objects that seamlessly integrate two different materials, as opposed to the single materials used by less expensive printers. In this case, he combined a flexible rubber and a hard plastic to print out a pair of crystal orb speaker housings. From there he inserted strips of addressable RGB LED strips operated by a custom LumiGeek microcontroller to make the speakers glow in time with your tunes. LumiGeek also provided the companion app that allows users to fine tune the light show to their tastes. Alas, at well over $2,000 worth of printed material and almost 60 hours worth of man and machine labor to create them, there aren't any plans to sell the speakers. However, LumiGeek will be Kickstarting its mictroctontroller that allows users to dictate video output based on audio files sometime soon.</div></div>

3D printed speakers give you a custom light show to go with your tunes

3D printing is still in its relative infancy, but more and more folks are using machines like the MakerBot Replicator and Formlab's Form...

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Sony speakers combine NFC and WiFi / Bluetooth for minimal streaming effort

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" itemprop="text" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Sony speakers combine NFC and WiFi Bluetooth " data-src-height="282" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/cmt-bt80wb-head-on.png" /></div>The whole syncing thing proving too much effort for your music listening habits? Fear not -- two new streaming speakers from Sony are embracing the world of near field communication to take some of the trouble out of playback. The speakers come in two flavors -- the CMT-BT60B does Bluetooth streaming and the similarly alphanumeric CMT-BT80WB will stream via Bluetooth, WiFi or AirPlay. Both speakers feature aux inputs and USB for charging (and playback, in the case of the BT80WB). As for, you know, making sound, both feature Magnetic Fluid Speakers and S-Master amplifiers. They'll be hitting parts of Europe in May and the UK in June.<br /> </div></div>

Sony speakers combine NFC and WiFi / Bluetooth for minimal streaming effort

The whole syncing thing proving too much effort for your music listening habits? Fear not -- two new streaming speakers from Sony are embr...

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Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability" data-src-height="340" data-src-width="453" height="480" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/03/htb770kfrontlength1209-700-1363238147.jpg" width="640" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">pring is right around the corner, which means it's time for a new home theater system, or at least that's what Panasonic would have you believe. The electronics giant just unveiled pricing of four of its 2013 home theater systems, some of which were announced at CES 2013. They are the SC-HTB770, the SC-HTB370, the SC-HTB70 and the SC-HTB65, and are priced at $399.99, $299.99, $199.99 and $179.99 respectively. Both the SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 are standalone bar models while the decidedly more complicated SC-HTB770 and SC-HTB370 systems come complete with luxe stainless mesh speakers. All are equipped with wireless or built-in subwoofers and Bluetooth, are compatible with televisions 42 to 65 inches wide and can be wall-mounted or used with TV stands. Strangely, while we were able to find listings for the first three systems on Panasonic's US online store, we could only find the SC-HTB65 over on the UK side. They're all available for pre-order now with a promise of shipping in March, which happens to be, well, this month. Feel free to take a peek at the source links for more details or check out the press release below. Hide Press Release PANASONIC ANNOUNCES PRICING AND AVAILABILITY OF 2013 HOME THEATER LINEUP WITH NEW, ADVANCED DESIGNS AND MULTI-POSITIONAL SPEAKER LAYOUTS Secaucus, NJ (March 13, 2013) – Panasonic, today announced pricing and availability for the new 2013 lineup of Home Theater Systems. The new SC-HTB770, SC-HTB370, SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 Home Theater System models have been crafted with the consumer's needs in mind. Compatible with various TV sizes, the new lineup offers superior sound quality with stylish and flexible layouts. The 2013 Panasonic Home Theater Systems will be available in March 2013 with pricing as follows: SC-HTB770 SRP $399.99, SC-HTB370 SRP $299.99, SC-HTB70 SRP $199.99, SC-HTB65 SRP $179.99. The new 2013 SC-HTB series of Home Theater Systems offer options for the entire home. The latest lineup can be paired with screens ranging from 42-65 inches, allowing consumers to choose the ideal system based on the size of their televisions. Equipped with wireless or built-in* subwoofers and Bluetooth® capabilities, all four models promote an easy, customizable setup and eliminate messy wires in the living space. The SC-HTB70 and SC-HTB65 models offer a unique, sleek solid bar design for free and flexible layouts. The SC-HTB65 provides users with two-way placement- by rotating the bar 90 degrees, users can opt for a wall-mount setup or a TV-sized stand. Similarly, the SC-HTB70 allows for four-way, multi-angle positional placement enabling a user to set the speaker to the most suitable angle regardless if it is placed on a top or middle shelf. A built-in sensor automatically detects the bar direction and switches the directional characteristics to suit the layout. With an Anti-Vibration Integrated Subwoofer inside the speaker unit, the SC-HTB70 provides high-quality, clear sound playback in each of its four layouts. Both the SC-HTB770, which will be available in both black and silver, and SC-HTB370 models sport a luxurious, stainless mesh design that compliments the decor of any room in the home. With a versatile and stylish design, users can choose a modern horizontal layout for a wall-mount setup or TV-sized stand, or detach to create two separate freestanding vertical speakers for a classic tabletop style. In addition, while providing flexibility in layout, the SC-HTB770 features a 3.1-channel speaker for vivid sound localization and crisp and clear sound sensation. </div></div>

Panasonic reveals pricing for 2013 home theater systems, March availability

  pring is right around the corner, which means it's time for a new home theater system, or at least that's what Panasonic would hav...

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Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 speaker can weather the rain

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bowers & Wilkin" data-src-height="424" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/am-1-white-horizontal1.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We appreciate any product that lets us not only openly reference Lamb, but also blast that band's tracks in our backyard. Which is what Bowers & Wilkins weatherproof AM-1 (Architectural Monitor) was built to do: blare out the tunes no matter the weather while retaining a subdued, stylish look. The rustproof speaker, which comes in black or white, is made for easy mounting, can rotate 110-degrees from either landscape or portrait orientation and, according to the company's claims, should provide better sound when positioned high up (thanks to an inverted drive unit). Of course, you don't have to fasten this fella to your outdoor veranda -- it'll also be right at home from inside your... <i>home</i>, bar or even that meticulously maintained secret cellar. Look for the AM-1 to hit retail for $300 sometime next month, but buyer beware, you'll have to supply the trip hop tuneage yourself.</div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NnYYBM7caMs?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>

Bowers & Wilkins AM-1 speaker can weather the rain

We appreciate any product that lets us not only openly reference Lamb, but also blast that band's tracks in our backyard. Which is what ...

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Fujifilm's flexible Beat speaker diaphragm lets us roll up the rhythm

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Fujifilm Beat allows for bendable speakers, lets us roll up the rhythm" data-src-height="441" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/fujifilm-beat-rollable-speaker.jpg" /></div>While there's been no shortage of rollable displays, rollable speakers are rare -- the softness needed for a bendy design is the very thing that would usually neuter the sound. Fujifilm's new Beat diaphragm manages to reconcile those seemingly conflicting requirements. The surface depends on a polymer that stays soft when the surface is being curled or folded, but hardens when subjected to the 20Hz to 20kHz audio range we'd expect from a speaker. Piezoelectric ceramics, in turn, provide the sound itself. The Beat system doesn't have any known customers, but Fujifilm has already shown some creative possibilities such as a folding fan speaker or the portable, retractable unit shown above. If we ever see the day when we tuck a set of speakers into our pockets as neatly as we do our phones, we'll know who to thank.<br /> </div></div>

Fujifilm's flexible Beat speaker diaphragm lets us roll up the rhythm

While there's been no shortage of rollable displays, rollable speakers are rare -- the softness ne...

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