MARLBORO, NJ — September 25, 2007 — KEF, renowned British manufacturer of audiophile-quality speakers, announces the release of the all new PicoForte™ Series, two extraordinarily compact iPod solutions, each featuring a docking station, amplification module, and a pair of award-winning KHT Series speakers. Designed as a high-quality, no-compromise alternative to the low fidelity speakers and headphones through which iPods are all-too-frequently played, the PicoForte systems combine the advantages of the iPod source with the superb sound quality for which KEF is so widely admired.The PicoForte systems consist of a docking and amplifier module and two separate speakers to enhance performance and flexibility. Two systems are available: the PicoForte 1 and the PicoForte 3. The PicoForte 1 includes a pair of KEF’s new KHT1005.2 speakers that, while remarkably compact, are nonetheless capable of full-range frequency response and room-filling sound. The PicoForte 3 includes a pair of the award-winning KEF KHT3005 speakers, which although still modestly sized and easy to accommodate, provide even deeper bass response and the ability to fill the largest living spaces with breathtaking music. And of course, both the KHT1005.2 and KHT3005 speakers produce the full, rich, detailed sound and superb dispersion and imaging characteristics for which KEF is renowned. Both the PicoForte1 and PicoForte3 are complete, simple-to-set-up stereo systems that give users everything they need to experience true, lush digital sound. Featuring KEF’s Uni-Q® “sit-anywhere” technology, allowing listeners to enjoy the same rich stereo image from anywhere in the room, the PicoForte systems are compatible with every currently available iPod as well as include a 3.5mm audio jack for use with all non-Apple MP3 players. Both systems also include a connection for an optional subwoofer as well as an S-Video connection for displaying song titles (in a wide range of supported languages) or even playing movies when connected to video capable iPods. KEF PicoForte™ – Key Features
• Die-cast metal loudspeaker enclosures not only have a superb, high quality feel, but are also acoustically inert resulting in superior performance
• Powerful, audiophile quality, class D amplifiers
• Uni-Q “sit-anywhere” speaker technology
• Compatible with all iPods and all other MP3 players
• Supplied with 'credit card' style remote control, which fully controls the iPod.
• Robust die-cast zinc docking/amplifier enclosures
• Full TV screen display
• Compact size
• Output for optional subwoofer
• iPod adaptors included
• Plays music, photos and videos
• Multiple language support .
i TEMPO IDS-03 DOCK AND SPEAKER SYSTEM:
The latest dock and speaker system in the Intempo range is the iDS-03, a "powerful but compact" system compatible with iPods, MP3 players and other audio devices.
Available in white, black or silver this system is designed for use in the bedroom, kitchen or home office and comes complete with a remote control.
The iDS-03 is a 2.1 system that will pump out your tunes with two 7.5 watt stereo speakers and a 15 watt subwoofer.
Sticking your 'Pod in the iDS-03's dock means it will play, charge and synchronise, but if you connect it to your computer via the mini-USB you can also download and constantly update your music collection.
The interchangeable dock adaptors included mean that the iDS-03 is compatible with the iPod family (apart from the wee Shuffle) and the 3.5mm line-in jack with stereo cable will connect with other audio devices.
AUDICA MPS-1:DOCKING STATION/MUSIC PLAYER
Designed for use with a personal music player, whether it be portable CD, MD player, iPod, MP3 Player or computer system (PC or Mac), the Audica MPS1 will deliver pure music or game sounds in a way that no other stylish system has before - with sound quality that would not embarrass a high end system costing considerably more.
The Audica MPS1 follows the style and construction of the rest of the acclaimed Audica range of speakers,, and sounds as good as they look. Each speaker is constructed from polished extruded high grade aluminium, with the feel of pewter. The speaker section is shaped in such a way as to cancel rearward firing waves from the high tech 50mm drivers, thus increasing driver efficiency and decreasing cabinet resonance.
The Audica MPS1 is complimented by the digital amplifier module giving an output of 25 watts per channel.
Features
* 25W per channel RMS digital amplifier
* Full range stereo speakers
* Three 3.5mm jack socket switchable inputs selectable by remote or front panel of amplifier
* Firewire and USB charging ports
* Compatible with:
o All versions of iPod
o MP3 players
o Portable CD Players
o Laptops and desktops
o Multimedia phones
o Games consoles
o Equipment with a stereo output
o 2 year manufacturer's warranty
SHANLING MC-30:MUSIC CENTER
The new flea-powered (3Wpc) Shanling MC-30 music center ($995). In one chassis, it combines a CD player, tuner, iPod input, and tube amplification. I especially like the concealed input selector and volume controls (mounted atop those front cylindrical supports).Shanling’s MP3-docking, CD-playing style hi-fi has real individuality, good sound and puts many micros to shame.
ROTH AUDIO MC4 MUSIC COCOON:
The Music Cocoon has been designed for use with the lovely Apple iPod (hence the fairly obvious dock on the top of the amplifier), any portable audio device (that’s why there is a 3.5mm socket on the back of the amplifier), any device which outputs audio to a 3.5mm jack (e.g. a laptop), or a CD player (that’ll be why there is a pair of RCA sockets on the back as well).
This means that regardless of the source unit, the MC4 can handle it, which immediately makes it more useful than a simple docking device for the iPod.
If one considers the iPod or MP3 player, for sure, what you put in is what comes out, so if you are using compressed audio files, we can’t weave some magic to restore what has been lost. However……we can guarantee that the amplifier will add a real warmth and dimension to the music which other amplifiers are not designed to do. That’s the thing about vacuum tubes; there is a science behind their use, but the results cannot be quantified.
When using uncompressed files, this amplifier has the ability to allow you to hear things in the music which you have not heard before. It will bring back the excitement of listening for the first time to that new album from your favourite artist, the same anticipation, but, with a curiously smooth and refined playback which you will not have experienced before. Yes. It is that good.
For CD playback it simply is astonishing and the audio quality and depth generated from such a small amplifier is beyond froody*.
In use, the MC4 is simple to operate and you can of course control the functionality of the iPod from the remote control. We made this nice and chunky so that you’re less likely to lose it.
Main Features
* Hi-Resolution pure tube sound
* 2 pre-amp tube
* Supports different musical sources: i-Pod, CD and MP3
* Volume Control
* iPod Charging
* Overheating protection (85¢)
* Speaker short circuit protection
* Speaker protection when turning on
* Fuse protection in the adapter
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