Audio Briefs

By TWICE Staff On Oct 3 2011 - 4:01am

HK Launches High-End iPod Music System

STAMFORD, CONN. – Harman Kardon launched its first AC-only iPod/iPhone-docking tabletop speaker system to complement its selection of portable AC/ DC docking-speaker systems.

The high-end single-chassis MS 150 retails for a suggested $689 and includes RDS-equipped FM tuner, slot-load CD player and subwoofer output. It will join the brand’s Go & Play AC/DC iPod/iPhone-docking speaker systems, which currently retail for $299 and $349 on the company’s website.

The MS 150 packs two 30-watt bass-reflex speakers into its 9.3- by 19.25- by 7.63-inch chassis, which is oval-shaped and features polished black surfaces. The device has a frequency response of 65Hz-20kHz at +/-3dB and a 75dB signal-to-noise ratio.

Other features include composite and S-Video outputs for displaying photos and videos on a connected display, analog audio inputs, digital audio input, MP3/ WMA-CD playback and six presents for the RDS FM tuner.

Denon Electronics Debuts Network Audio Player

MAHWAH, N.J. — Denon Electronics launched its first component-style networked music player, the $499-suggested DNP-720AE.

With Apple’s AirPlay technology, DLNA certification, and Internet radio, the player is billed as a standalone music streaming component.

With AirPlay, it uses Wi-Fi to stream music from a PC’s iTunes library and from an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch. With DLNA certification, it streams music from other DLNA-certified sources, such as PCs, that lack iTunes.

Users can also stream Internet radio stations and the Rhapsody, Napster and Pandora Internet music services.

Other features include a USB connector, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), three-line OLED display, an iPhone/iPod Touch app for remote Wi-Fi control, Control 4 certification and Ethernet port.

Meridian Adds Media Drive 600 For Sooloos Systems

NEW YORK — Meridian Audio launched the rackmount Media Drive 600, designed to house a pair of front-load RAID 1 hard disk drives for use in Meridian Sooloos Digital Media Systems. It retails for a suggested $5,000, excluding HDDs.

Media Drive 600 incorporates a switch-mode power supply and automatically regulated cooling system, both of which make rack-mounting and operation easier and more reliable, Meridian said.

Through its DHCP-enabled network connection, Media Drive 600 connects to a host network allowing integration with the rest of a Meridian Sooloos system and integrated control from any of the Meridian Sooloos control devices or apps.