TURNTABLE LAB

Alesis
M1 Active 320 USB Monitors (Pair)

compact speakers with built-in interface

OVERVIEW
The Alesis M1Active 320USBs are the first monitor spearkers with a built-in interface. This means you can play and record audio coming in thru your speakers (via 1/4", RCA + 1/8" inch inputs located on the back of the speakers) into the computer - no special drivers required. This is the most affordable way to get a pair of powered speakers (no amp or receiver required) AND a digital interface into your studio.


FEATURES
The M1Active 320 USB's are powered speakers (no amp or receiver required) with a USB 1.1 audio interface built in. They feature two 1/4" inputs, stereo RCA inputs, and 1/8" TRS mini-jack input which allow you to plug in your mixers output, turntables, keyboards, guitars, mics, or CD player into the M1Active and record and play directly into your computer at 16 bit/44.1-48kHz via USB. No special drivers required! The speakers also feature a helpful bass boost feature, switchable power supply, and magnetic shielding for placement near TV or computer monitors. Their lightweight and portable design which makes them very easy take along with you on the road.


OUR OPINION
If you are a dj or producer in the market for desktop monitors and an interface, you can't really beat the M1Active 320 USBs. The price is about as much as desktop monitors alone, but with the inclusion of a digital interface the value is incredible.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers / alesis store

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Alesis
M1 Active 520 Monitors (Pair)

OVERVIEW
Alesis has redesigned their famous M1 series of monitors, and introduced the 520 and 620 versions, featuring the same outstanding mix of performance and price point that has made the M1s a home & project studio mainstay for years.


New improvements over the old Monitor Ones include three rear-mounted eq switches for controlling high, mid and bass response. There is also a new "acoustic space" switch which allows you to tailor the sound to the size of your control room. Other than that, these monitors continue the M1 tradition of unparalleled accuracy for this price range. They boast a very loud output with a bass response which is specifically tailored for artists working in bass-heavy situations (hip hop, house, techno, almost any dance music).


Studio monitors are mainly used as a gauge for mixing recorded tracks, and the first thing people will tell you to look for when shopping for monitors is a flat response. The less "color" or distortion a monitor adds to your mix, the better a gauge it will be for how your tracks will actually sound outside of the studio. The main reason that the M1's have been so popular over the years is for their professional grade sound reproduction, heralded by nearly everyone as the flattest, best sounding monitors you can find anywhere near this price point.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers / alesis store

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Alesis
M1 Active 520 USB Monitors (Pair)

speakers and interface in one

OVERVIEW
Alesis' M1 Active 520 USB's are professional studio monitors with a built-in digital audio interface. The speakers themselves are active (no need for amplifier), bi-amplified, two way reference monitors with full sonic range and with the integrated USB interface, you can connect to your MAC or PC and record/play straight from your computer with professional sound quality all at an attractive price.

FEATURES
The M1 Active 520 USB's are 2-way, active, bi-amplified pair of reference studio-monitor loudspeakers with 30 watts per speaker, 5-inch lightweight polypropylene woofer for smooth responsive low end, 1-inch silk-dome tweeter for super clear highs, and a low resonance cabinet with tuned bass port. The integrated USB interface allows for 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz recording and playback from your computer with no special drivers or installation - simply plug and play! In addition the speakers feature 2x 1/4" inputs, stereo 1/4" headphone out, bi-color signal/clip indicator, and are magnetically shielded for placement near TV and computer monitors. Switchable power supply ensures worldwide operation.

OUR OPINION
These are a great deal for anyone looking for decent speakers AND an audio interface in one. If you are just starting to set up your production studio or just want to stream line, you really can't beat the features for the price of the M1 Active 520 USBs. The smaller version (M1 Active 320) have been consistent sellers, and now with the 520's you have a louder, more powerful speaker/interface combo. Recommended.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers / alesis store

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Chill Pill
Chill Pill Mobile Speakers - Black

smartly designed portable speakers

Wired's "Best Mobile Gizmo" of 2008. Chill Pill speakers are highly portable, pocket-sized speakers that can be transported in "pill" form (ingeniously held together by magnets). When you want to play music, simply pull apart the pill and untwist the tops to release the mini-subwoofers. In addition, all the needed cords (stereo plug, USB input) are built into the speakers with their own coil system.

For its size, the Chill Pill offers loud and clear sound. I plugged in my iPhone and the sound filled a medium sized room. The manufacturer boasts that the quality of the sound is better than standard desktop computer speakers. The Chill Pill also expands to reveal mini-subwoofers for enhanced bass.

The Chill Pill is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can recharge them either by plugging them into your computer's USB port or the power adaptor (sold separately).

- enclosed in rugged matte black case
- works with all portable devices that have stereo out including iPods, iPhones, etc.
- when in "pill" mode, measures 2" x 4"
- built-in 1/8" stereo plug input cord
- built-in USB recharging cord
- volume control
- rechargeable lithium battery provides up to six hours of playing time
- can be charge via USB port of your computer or power plug (sold separately)
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Chill Pill
Chill Pill Mobile Speakers - Red

smartly designed portable speakers

Now in red!

Winner of Wired's "Best Mobile Gizmo" award. Chill Pill speakers are highly portable, pocket-sized speakers that can be transported in "pill" form (ingeniously held together by magnets). When you want to play music, simply pull apart the pill and untwist the tops to release the mini-subwoofers. In addition, all the needed cords (stereo plug, USB input) are built into the speakers with their own coil system.

For its size, the Chill Pill offers loud and clear sound. I plugged in my iPhone and the sound filled a medium sized room. The manufacturer boasts that the quality of the sound is better than standard desktop computer speakers. The Chill Pill also expands to reveal mini-subwoofers for enhanced bass.

The Chill Pill is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can recharge them either by plugging them into your computer's USB port or the power adaptor (sold separately).

- enclosed in rugged matte black case
- works with all portable devices that have stereo out including iPods, iPhones, etc.
- when in "pill" mode, measures 2" x 4"
- built-in 1/8" stereo plug input cord
- built-in USB recharging cord
- volume control
- rechargeable lithium battery provides up to six hours of playing time
- can be charge via USB port of your computer or power plug (sold separately)
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Chill Pill
Chill Pill Mobile Speakers - White

smartly designed portable speakers

Now in white.

Winner of Wired's "Best Mobile Gizmo" award. Chill Pill speakers are highly portable, pocket-sized speakers that can be transported in "pill" form (ingeniously held together by magnets). When you want to play music, simply pull apart the pill and untwist the tops to release the mini-subwoofers. In addition, all the needed cords (stereo plug, USB input) are built into the speakers with their own coil system.

For its size, the Chill Pill offers loud and clear sound. I plugged in my iPhone and the sound filled a medium sized room. The manufacturer boasts that the quality of the sound is better than standard desktop computer speakers. The Chill Pill also expands to reveal mini-subwoofers for enhanced bass.

The Chill Pill is powered by a rechargeable battery. You can recharge them either by plugging them into your computer's USB port or the power adaptor (sold separately).

- enclosed in rugged matte black case
- works with all portable devices that have stereo out including iPods, iPhones, etc.
- when in "pill" mode, measures 2" x 4"
- built-in 1/8" stereo plug input cord
- built-in USB recharging cord
- volume control
- rechargeable lithium battery provides up to six hours of playing time
- can be charge via USB port of your computer or power plug (sold separately)
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Joey Roth
Ceramic Speakers + Amplifier

highly recommended speaker + amp set

"A seamless marriage of drool-worthy design and audiophile-worthy sound." -Wired

Simple Materials
The Ceramic Speakers are made from porcelain, cork, and Baltic birch. Each material is minimally finished, left to add its natural beauty to the design. The included amplifier is made from stainless steel sheet metal, with a cast iron base and paulownia volume slider. Aside from the electronic components, plastic is completely avoided in the system's construction.

Intense detail
Typical speakers are designed to play even the most compressed or poorly recorded track. They gloss over the details that give high-resolution music its depth. The Ceramic Speakers' custom-made drivers, porcelain and cork enclosures, and Tripath amplifier reveal every nuance. They will show the difference between lossless and mp3 files, and will unlock vinyl's richness.

Never Proprietary
Binding posts, 1/8" jacks, and banana plugs have been perfected through years of electronic design. It would be arrogant to replace these simple, effective standards with proprietary connectors. Due to their open design, the Ceramic Speakers work with nearly all high-quality components. The terminals also have a utilitarian beauty that the design emphasizes rather than hides.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
various objects / monitors + speakers

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Kanto
iPair 5 iPod Speaker System - Black

robust speakers for iPod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- deep bass and clear highs with 25 watts per channel
- RCA and 3.5mm mini jack auxiliary inputs
- hand-built, special acoustic wood cabinets
- video out to view videos on your tv and listen on the iPairs
- 21 function remote control
- includes 20' pro audio connect cable


MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW
The iPair 5 is our signature product and it ain't your daddy’s hi-fi. All our systems are hand-crafted but with the iPair 5 we go a step further. We hand-tune them to produce perfect sound imagery.

We use the very best materials to make them: hand-built, special acoustic wood cabinets, bulletproof kevlar woofers, natural silk tweeters, but the most important thing we put into these was love. Yeah! I know what you’re thinking. It's true though! We really put a lot of time and effort getting these just right. The result â€" truly exceptional sound quality.

iPod Universal Dock
Charge your iPod while it's playing and control the iPair 5 from across the room with sleek remote control unit.

Video output
If you have music videos on your iPod you can play them onto your big flat panel TV while you listen to the "uncommonly robust sound" on your iPair 5.

Hand crafted wood cabinets
The iPair 5 design utilizes a acoustically designed wood cabinets, delivering awe-inspiring sound.

20' Professional audio interconnect cable
This is a great quality cable. You don't need to go out and buy a better cable once you get it out the box.

reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Kanto
iPair 5 iPod Speaker System - White

robust speakers for iPod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- deep bass and clear highs with 25 watts per channel
- RCA and 3.5mm mini jack auxiliary inputs
- hand-built, special acoustic wood cabinets
- video out to view videos on your tv and listen on the iPairs
- 21 function remote control
- includes 20' pro audio connect cable


MANUFACTURER'S REVIEW
The iPair 5 is our signature product and it ain't your daddy’s hi-fi. All our systems are hand-crafted but with the iPair 5 we go a step further. We hand-tune them to produce perfect sound imagery.

We use the very best materials to make them: hand-built, special acoustic wood cabinets, bulletproof kevlar woofers, natural silk tweeters, but the most important thing we put into these was love. Yeah! I know what you’re thinking. It's true though! We really put a lot of time and effort getting these just right. The result â€" truly exceptional sound quality.

iPod Universal Dock
Charge your iPod while it's playing and control the iPair 5 from across the room with sleek remote control unit.

Video output
If you have music videos on your iPod you can play them onto your big flat panel TV while you listen to the "uncommonly robust sound" on your iPair 5.

Hand crafted wood cabinets
The iPair 5 design utilizes a acoustically designed wood cabinets, delivering awe-inspiring sound.

20' Professional audio interconnect cable
This is a great quality cable. You don't need to go out and buy a better cable once you get it out the box.
reviewed by snackmaster

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - Black

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power
- S-Video output to view video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award.
reviewed by the mgmnt

file under:
monitors + speakers

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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - Blue

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power for big sound
- S-Video output to view video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - Green

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power for big sound
- S-Video output to view video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - Red

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power for big sound
- S-Video output to view video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award. Works with all iPods thanks to the universal iPod dock.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - Silver

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power for big sound
- S-Video output to view video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award.

reviewed by the mgmnt


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Kanto
SYD 5 iPod Speaker System - White

hi-fi sound system for ipod

LAB POINTS
- universal iPod dock w/ integrated charger
- 80 watts of power for big sound
- S-Video output â€" View video and photos on your TV
- 21 function remote controls iPod click wheel functionality, power, volume, input select, treble, bass, mute, repeat, etc.
- auxiliary AC power to connect an Apple Airport Express and stream music
- bass reflex port enhances bass response
- acoustically designed wood cabinet, delivering a unique, rich finish with superior sound


LAB REVIEW
Give the music on your iPod the big sound it deserves with Kanto's Syd 5. This impressive sound system not only looks good with it's sleek, minimalist frame, it also sounds great thanks to 80 watts of power running through powerful low and high drivers. The SYD 5 also features a bass reflex port for enhanced bass response, S-video out so you can view videos and photos on your TV, 21 function remote for control across the room, and an auxiliary AC power to connect an Airport Express and stream music. It's easy to see why this iPod dockable speaker system won the MacLife Gear of the Year award.
reviewed by the mgmnt


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Nixon
The Block Mobile Stereo Speaker System - White

well designed, compact, portable speakers

LAB POINTS
- stereo configuration designed ideally for desktop use
- unique magnetic closure for easy, compact storage
- rotary volume control allows for quick and precise amplification
- custom travel pouch for secure portability
- output power: 1.5 w rms x 2

LAB REVIEW
The Block from nixon is a well designed, highly portable speaker system. Featuring a 45mm dynamic driver and a usb audio interface that integrates audio and power into a single cable, the Block's rechargeable lithium-ion battery privies up to 6 hours of playtime with full charge. It's a great companion for your mobile phone/music devices.
reviewed by NI

file under:
monitors + speakers / nixon headphones / nixon

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