AUDIO BRIEFS

By Editors of TWICE -- TWICE, 5/17/2010

Grace Adds Two Internet Radios

POWAY, CALIF. — Grace Digital added two new products to its selection of Internet radios. One is a portable AC/ DC model, and the other is a standalone tuner that connects to existing sound systems.

Both also stream music from networks PCs, and both come with free downloadable iPhone/iPod Touch app to deliver remote control from any room in a Wi-Fi-networked house.

The stand-alone tuner is the $124 Solo, which features built-in W-Fi and connects to sound systems via RCA outputs. It accesses more than 18,000 Internet radio stations and such music services as Pandora, Sirius Premium Internet Radio, Live365 and iheart. Solo also features a five-function alarm clock and handheld remote.

Solo is available at www.gracedigitalaudio. com and will be available in Best Buy, select Sears stores and regional consumer electronic stores starting in July.

The new portable is the $169 Allegro, equipped with Wi-Fi, up-firing stereo speakers, 8-watt Class D amp and AC/DC operation. For DC operation, it uses six AA alkaline batteries or NiMH batteries (not included) that can be recharged from the radio’s internal battery- recharging circuit. Other features include alarm clock.

Allegro accesses more than 17,000 radio stations as well as select music services. Allegro is available on the company’s Web site and retailers.

Gallo Adds Reference Speaker

CHATSWORTH, CALIF. — Anthony Gallo has begun shipping its new $5,999/pair Reference 3.5 speaker, which combines elements of the previous Reference 3.1 and the new Reference Strada.

It also adds OPT Level 2 technology, and an enhanced version of the company’s OPT (Optimized Pulse Technology) technology, to correct for electrical phase errors, not just for mechanical phase errors. In addition, the CDT 3 tweeter uses a new grille topology to improve vertical dispersion.