Digital Signature Launches the Mint 220 Digital Music Station

Yesterday, Digital Signature announced a sleek new multimedia speaker system called the Mint 220. According to the press release:

"The Mint 220 doesn't just deliver higher quality sound for the iPod -- laptop users want premium sound without the hassle of plugging in cables, once you plug in the transmitter you are ready to listen, and that's where the Mint 220's wireless capabilities really shine," according to Joyce Ahn, VP of Product Marketing for Digital Signature. "Now everyone can have high fidelity audio not just for music, but for all of their digital entertainment -- the Mint 220 truly delivers the best all-around value in its class."

So what's under the hood?

The Mint 220 features Texas Instrument's PurePath Digital™ audio technology, with wireless transmission via Digital Signature's proprietary 2.4 GHz USB transmitter, which is completely lossless over ranges of up to 45'. A remote control offers the final component of complete wireless freedom. With the ability to control all of the user's music, the Mint 220 is as easy to use as it is to set up.

The Mint 220 Digital Music Station features an integrated amplifier, iPod dock/charger, and two 3.5-inch Peerless speakers in the sealed design preferred by many audiophiles for tight control of mid- and high-range sound fidelity in bookshelf systems.

We've got a unit on the way so we'll give you more details then it gets here.

Mint 220 Product Page

SoundCast OutCast Wireless Speaker System - Rocking a Pool Near You!

"Wow, those are some cool jams crankin' out of your Air Purifier". At least that we imagine what folks will say when they see the SoundCast OutCast Wireless Speaker System. The Outcast is a mobile speaker system that connects up with your iPod. I4U has a small review of the Outcast that starts:

The SoundCast OutCast speaker system includes two pieces, the OutCast speaker and the iCast transmitter. The iCast transmitter connects to your iPod and sends the music streaming wirelessly to the large outdoor speaker. The speaker is powered by an internal NiMH battery pack and the speaker has an AC port that can recharge the battery and run the speaker at the same time.

The speaker is large and has a downward firing 8-inch woofer and four 3-inch high frequency drivers in an omni-directional array that assures no matter what side of the SoundCast OutCast you are on you get good sound. The speaker is powered by a 100W digital amp and is built out of water resistant plastic. The battery life is good for a claimed 10 hours of playback. The transmitter and speaker communicate on a 2.4GHz frequency band and automatically jumps channels until a clear channel is found.

As far as quality, the review states:

The SoundCast OutCast is large and rather ugly. I have seen air purifiers that look better than it does, but it delivers the goods when it comes to sound quality. The large 8-inch sub makes for deep bass that sounds great with minimal distortion. The omni-directional array speakers make for great mid and high sounds at any position around the system. I found that it sounds best when not placed against a wall on one side or in a corner.

Besides the look, the biggest issue I4U had was the $699 price tag. We're working on getting a review unit so we'll let you know what we think about the look and the price point. So if you need a strong speaker system by the pool this summer, the Outcast may be the answer.

At I4U

SoundCast OutCast Wireless Speaker System at Amazon.com

Orb Audio: Perfect Speakers for your Entertainment System

We always have our eyes open for new audio gear for our home setup. We definitely don't have the most high tech audio system which makes us very jealous when we come across cool new gear that isn't ours yet. Well we just came across these amazing looking speakers from a company called Orb Audio. These are very small speakers, about the size of a baseball, that can fit in with any decor you may have. As we have learned, the size of the speaker no longer defines its quality. Sure you can go out and spend tens of thousands of dollars on crazy audiophile speakers, but for most of us that is total overkill. These little guys are well within the price range of anyone that is moderately into music. They have a bunch of different options available for pricing from $239 up to $1500. They are a small company that hand makes all their own speakers and you can tell the passion they have for them by glancing over their site. Here is a choice quote from their press release that you can read in full after the jump:

The heart of the Orb speaker system is the spherical Mod1 satellite speaker, which is a little bigger than a baseball and is made from high carbon steel. The Mod1 uses advanced technologies like rare earth magnets, Santoprene, Nomex and CCAD voice coils to produce big, full sound from the smallest possible package.

Continue reading: "Orb Audio: Perfect Speakers for your Entertainment System"