Audio

I.dear Speakers

I.dear Speakers

Made of wood, this mini cube-shaped speaker designed by Sang-bum Kim, includes a USB connector for charging and a standard jack to connect to audio sources. Generally I find most accessories of this type to be largely gimmicky and cheap looking. Perhaps its the wood or the fact that it's supposed to produce rich sound but I like these. My phones are loud enough but a great add on for listening to podcasts with devices that lack convincing external audio.

I.dear Speakers

Koichi Futatsumata's Tube Amplifier

Elekit vacuum tube amplifier prototype

Design of a new generation vacuum tube amplifier for EK Japan Co., Ltd.(Fukuoka, Japan) who develops numerous electronic kits/ gadgets targeted at both children and adults.

The prototype, as shown in the photo, is an embodiment of the concept which symbolically gives an accent on vacuum tubes on the top, supported by aluminum dials on the front integrating all controls thereinto and by the sides made of cast steel. So that a vacuum tube light stands out, the mechanical structure and parts (which usually exposed outside to radiate heat) are kept inside and the top aluminum plate functions as a heat sink instead.

The circuitry a hybrid configuration, and, on the right side is a mini- jack for portable music players like iPod.

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LG Bluetooth Speaker

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LG’s red dot “Best of the Best” winning product is a easy-to-use portable speaker with a swivel hinge and free-form design. The unit can be easily connected to music devices and mobile phones via a Bluetooth wireless connection. Users can twist the stick-like speaker into a variety of positions to either stand up straight on a flat surface or be hung on a wall. In addition, LED lights on the unit blink in a unique rhythm, bringing a visual element to the listening experience.

LG Press Releases

iPig iPod Dock

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If the Simple Dock wasn't up your alley than maybe this cute limited edition iPig might do the trick. It's available fromAmazon for $120

iPig 2.1 Stereo iPod Docking Station with 5 Speakers - Limited Edition

Yorozu Audio Sound Revolution kit

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This looks like loads of fun. Quirky gift.

The Yorozu Audio kit lets you use just about anything as a speaker! Starting with the included paper milk carton “speaker”, all you do is place the vibrating extension onto a surface with the included adhesive sheets, plug in your audio source, and have an instant audio speaker. Perfect for having portable audio when you need it.



Create instant speakers out of paper, posters, boxes, white boards, suitcases...you name it!

See it at the Japan Trend Shop

Nokia Travel Speakers

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The Nokia Travel Speakers are an innovatively designed pocket-sized portable speaker system which provide great sound from a compact form. A 30 inch-long cable is included and neatly stores in the base. Should work with most audio devices that sport an audio out port.

MoMA Store - Travel Speakers

Hidden Radio

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John Van Den Nieuwenhuizen's HiddenRadio has either no user interface...or...is all user interface.

Lifting the cap on top increases the volume while rotating the cap tunes it. Love it.

hidden radio. Via kottke and Monoscope

Wooden Radios

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Singgih Kartono chooses wood for his radios not just based on aesthetics but on his appreciation of wood's simplicity and organic vitality. The Magno radio combines the most current mp3 player compatible electronics with sustainably grown woods.

Magno Wooden Radios. Via Swissmiss.

Hand-crafted sound system for iPod

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This looks like a real space saver for those of us worried about clutter in our work and home spaces. The Vers 2x is one of the first compact sound systems for iPod which is priced within my meagre monetary means [$149.00US] and doesn't look like it belongs in the Bed Supper Club. Sorry Apple but this looks better than your effort. The Vers 2x is made with hand-crafted cherry veneer - displacing 80% of what would have been plastic - and requires over a week to build. Obviously you need more than a great cabinet to create wonderful sounding speakers and to this end this system uses a clean class D amplifier driving 2 3" 15 watt speakers which feature a dual port design for richer bass. This Vers 2x includes a 14 function remote with 25' range, compatibility with most iPods, and a 3.5mm stereo input which allows compatibility with other mp3 players.
More information here. Purchase it here. More pictures after the jump.

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iPod DIY Recycling Speaker

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Feel good about recycling some plastic and build yourself the iPod Recycling Speaker. It's not going to replace your larger set but it's likely just fine for podcasts and the like. The dimensions of this DIY speaker allow it to fit the packaging for the Pod Nano (1st & 2nd Gen.) and the iPod Shuffle (2nd & 3rd Gen.). Simply just place the speaker panel on top of the open box, and plug it into the iPod and play. No power source required.$40.00 at AudioCubes.com

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