Wireless 5.8GHz Speaker Amplifier for Surround Speakers
Instead of spending hours trying to figure out how to bury or hide those lengthy speaker cables for your surround sound speakers, you can opt to go the easy way out with this awesome plug-and-play wireless 5.8GHz speaker amplifier, which is ideal for your rear speakers. The built-in and self-powered 25-watt x 2 amplifier is ideal for those rear satellite speakers that are oh so annoying to try and wire. The high gigahertz rating on the RF transmitter assures that you will not lose any signal strength or audio clarity by going wireless, and with six channels to choose from, you can virtually eliminate any interference in the signal. The speaker volume and line level inputs are adjustable on the rear, and the unit works up to four hundred feet away.

Priced online from $150.00-$200.00

Features & Specs
• Wireless transmitter/receiver
• Built-in digital amplifier for audio speakers
• Ideal for Dolby 5.1 Digital, Pro Logic II, DTS, SACD, DVD and MP3 audio systems
• 2 built-in diversity transmitter and receiver antennas for optimal audio reception
• Transmits through walls and floors via long-range 5.8GHz radio frequency (RF)
• Noise reduction circuitry
• 6 selectable RF transmission channels eliminate interference
• Built-in 25-watt x 2 stereo amplifier
• Operating range up to 400 feet
• Adjustable speaker volume and line level input control

When the Buck Stops Rolling
For those who have been through the frustrating trials and errors that accompany the wiring of a home theatre surround sound system, this unit spells a certain relief, and an audible joy at being able to simply plug-and-play. While we wish that the wattage was a bit more, hey for the price you cannot complain. When the buck stops rolling, and it eventually does my friends, this unit is a good deal for the money and should prove useful to anybody (ourselves included) that cannot seem to find a way to bury those darn speaker wires on their surround sound system.

Get Rid of the Messiness of Cords When you Go Wi-Fi
This awesome video, courtesy of CNET, will show you how to enjoy a cordless experience with your surround sound system, step-by-step.

Watch the Video

The iPod Laser Light Show
This sweet, orb-shaped device plugs right into your iPod and will project dancing red laser beams to the beat. You can change the pattern and the style of the laser beams by simply adjusting a knob. The device is self-powered, so it won’t drain your battery life. And when you are not using the lasers, you can use it as a simple external speaker. It comes with a lifetime warranty and free shipping. Finding one in stock is another story, as this audio gadget is extremely popular. Priced online from about: $64.95

iPod E-light Indoor/Outdoor Entertainment Light
This warm and romantic, clip-on and portable, outdoor light is a nifty add-on for your iPod. It features six powerful LEDs that will cast a nice glow on anywhere you take your iPod; excellent for romancing. A sturdy clamp attaches the light to most poles or even table umbrellas. The fixture has two balanced stereo speakers that offer a decent quality audio, there is nothing like some smooth music to enhance a date. It can run for six to twelve hours, depending on if you are running the lights and the speakers at the same time; they can be run separately if desired. You can get your paws on this nifty light for about $39.50 online.

What It All Comes Down To
In the end both of these nifty iPod gadgets are not must-own, but are really freaking cool. The popularity of portable MP3 players has never waned, and seemingly in par with the many different audio gadgets that you frequently see for such devices, these lighting units offer more ways to brandish your songs while showing off for your friends. And with all of these cool audio gadgets constantly being released for the iPod, we find ourselves just giddy with anticipation over what they will come out with next; perhaps an iPod accessory that drives your car for you? Now wouldn’t bars love that device!

Novena V1″ 1GB MP3 Player Wrist watch w/ RF Transmitter
This awesome and sleek wristwatch will scream style when you sport its water-resistant escalade to those whom you keep company with. However, don’t be fooled by its classy exterior. The onboard and massive 1-gig hard drive allows you store thousands of MP3 files, or a few hours of your own recorded voice (for lawyers and doctors and those who love the sound of their vocal chords vibrating.) It supports both WMA and MP3 file formats and can easily USB (Via mini-USB to large USB) into your computer, iPod or other device to capture songs. The battery is rechargeable and lasts about 8 hours when fully charged. It’s also got a nifty RF frequency adapter included so you can easily tune into your car stereo and play your favorite tunes while driving, from your watch! With this many features you may expect it to cost a fortune. Wrong. You can get this beauty for about $65.00 online from a variety of merchants.

Features and Specs
• Memory capacity : 1GB
• Support audio format: WMA, MP3,
• RF frequency range: 88.1MHZ to 88.9MHZ
• All-in-one Port (2.5mm) for earphone, USB plug, 2.5mm to 3.5mm (male to female) plug adapter cable 2.5mm to 3.5mm (male to male) audio cable
• Battery: Built-in Hi Li-ion recycles usage 180mAh/3.7V battery
• Battery life: 8 hours continuous playing time when fully charged
• High quality record: Recording file as MP3 or MAV format
• Recording sampling rate: 44.1Kbps
• MP3 Compression Rate: 32Kbps to 320Kps
• Output Frequency Rate: 20Hz to 20 KHz
• Signal to Noise Rate: >/= 90dB
• Adapter Power: AC 100V-240V 50HZ-60HZ
• System Platform: Windows 98/Me/NT/2000/XP, Mac 8.6 or above
• USB Transmission Rate: high speed USB 2.0

All Weather High Fidelity PS830 Omni Greek Vase Speaker
This weather-resistant outdoor speaker comes inside of a high quality Grecian vase that will look great in most outdoor residential settings. The speaker boasts two 1.5” Mylar cone tweeters, and an 8” Polypropylene Woofer that offers a 360 degree omni horizontal dispersion pattern. It is capable of booming up to 300-watts with a sensitivity of about 90dB. And, it comes with a three year limited warranty. Now typically you would pay about $650 for this puppy. But some online merchants are currently selling this outdoor speaker for around $199-$299 online.

Features & Specs
• Weather Resistant
• Two 1.5” Mylar cone tweeter
• 8” Polypropylene Woofer with 360 degree omni horizontal dispersion pattern
• Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 300W
• Frequency Response: 40Hz – 21kHz +/-3dB
• Sensitivity: 90.5 dB 
• Dimensions: 14.6″ L x 13.2″ W x 16″ H
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

The Bottom Line:
You will not find a better deal on disguised outdoor speakers than this sweet vase speaker. High quality construction and a solid warranty, not to mention being able to get your hands on it for about 40-60% off online, makes this a surefire budget-minded purchase in our books. Of course the power amplifier will cost you extra, not to mention wiring and such, but hey, who is counting!

TC Helicon VoiceLive Vocal Floor Processor
This pedal is as sweet as a jar full of honey and is essential to any live performer who seeks perfection. Four programmable stomp buttons allow you to choose and select from 99 factory presets, each that can be live (up to four simultaneously). It comes with a state-of-the-art pitch corrector, you can utilize up to four different live harmony patterns, and of course, compression and a vast array of goodies that come packaged with this sleek and easy-to-use unit. Most vocal pedals costs thousands (for the big stages) but this one will only take you out about $599 when purchased online through select merchants.

Features and Specs/Technical Jargon
• Connectors: RCA Phono (S/PDIF)
• Formats: S/PDIF (24 bit), EIAJ CP-340, IEC 958
• Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
• Connectors (balanced): Mic (XLR), Line (1/4 in. phone jack)
• Impedance: Balanced/Unbalanced Mic.: 3.6/1.8 kOhm, Line: 21/13 kOhm
• Line Input Level @ 0 dBFS: 24 dBu to 0 dBu
• Line Sensitivity @ 12 dB headroom: 12 dBu to -12 dBu
• Instrument Input Level @ 0 dBFS: 18 dBu to -6 dBu
• Instrument Sensitivity @ 12 dB headroom: 6 dBu to -18 dBu
• Mic. Input Level @ 0 dBFS, Pad Off/On: -13 dBu/7 dBu to -51 dBu/-31 dBu
• Mic. Sensitivity @ 12 dB headroom, Pad Off/On: -25 dBu/-5 dBu to -63 dBu/-43 dBu
• EIN @ Max Mic Gain Rg = 200 Ohm: 126 dBu
• THD < -100 dB: (0,001 %) @ 1 kHz
• Crosstalk: < -85 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• A to D Conversion: 24 bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
• D to A Conversion: 24 bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
• D to A Delay: 0.63/0.68 ms @ S.R.= 48 / 44.1 kHz
• Connectors (balanced): 1/4 in. phone jack
• Output Impedance: 40 Ohm
• Output Range: 20 dBu / 14 dBu / 8 dBu / 2 dBu
• Dynamic Range: > 104 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• THD: < -98 dB (0.0013%) @ 1 kHz
• Frequency Response: +0/-0.3 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Control Interface: MIDI In/Out/Thru, 5 Pin DIN
• Pedal: 1/4 in. phone jack
• Display: 4 character LED, 16 x 2 character LCD
• Dimensions: 11.2 in. x 3.5 in. x 10.5 in. (284 mm x 89 mm x 267 mm)
• Weight: 4.1 lb. (1.85 kg)
• Mains Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-select)
• Power Consumption: < 15 W

The Bottom Line (And This is Truly It!)
If you are truly looking for a vocal pedal and effects processor that does it all and for the right price, this pedal cannot be beat. Considering that the mainstream pedals, those that are used on the big arena stages can cost thousands, you will never find a more feature-laden, live vocal effects processor that works as well as the TC Helicon does for the bucks. Period! And that is entirely the Bottom Line!

Check out how live performances fare when using the TC Helicon VoiceLive Vocal Floor Processor: this video will show you everything you ever wanted to know about this processor when used in a live performance setting.

Shower Clock Radio with Fog-Free Mirror
This nifty shower clock radio has a fog-free mirror so you do not constantly have to wipe it clean just to shave during the wee hours of the morning, as you are just starting your AM routine. It also has a time-telling clock and also allows you to tune into both AM and FM frequencies. The speakers are tiny, but will blast enough waves into your shower that you will swear you are Rick James. It takes a few AA batteries, so remember to keep them changed out and you can screech in the shower every morning before work. Price online at about: $45.00

Features:
• Water resistant
• Takes AA batteries
• AM/FM radio bands
• Built-in waterproof speaker
• Has a clock on it – never be late for work again
• Fog-free Mirror for shaving

iPod / MP3 Shower Radio
Protect your iPod from the water by nestling it in the nice cove in this awesome iPod shower radio. It has built in stereo speakers and most iPods and MP3 players will fit snug inside of it. The speakers, while small, will easily get the job down in your shower each morning. A handy and large, fog-free mirror assures that you do not show up to work with bits of toilet paper clotting shaving wounds on your chin. The mirror also has 2 LED lights on it for those darker mornings. And, it can attach to most nightstands or end tables. Priced online for about: $79.95.

Features
• Built-in stereo speaker system plays your iPod® & MP3 player
• AM/FM Radio
• Excellent stereo sound quality.
• Oversize Fog Free Mirror.
• Light for mirror – 2 LED white lights.
• Pull out night table stand, hanging strap or wall mountable.
• Water resistant compartment fits most iPOD’s & MP3 players (iPod® & MP3 not included).
• Unit measures: 7.8” x 2” x 9.8”
• MP3 compartment measures: 4.75” H x 2.5” W
• Takes 4 ‘AA’ batteries (not included)

It All Comes Down to This
Most of us like to sing or whistle in the shower, right? Well at least we do. These two nifty audio gadgets full encourage that you utilize your musical prowess and talents while getting clean in the morning. The included clock and shaving mirrors are added bonuses. Imagine being able to listen the radio, tell the time and shave simultaneously, or listen to your favorite iPod tracks while being blasting with hot, soapy water. What will they think of next? We have to say that while shower radios are nothing new, these two gadgets are well-priced and are must-own for any avid music lover that keeps a very strict personal hygiene routine.

With a wide variety and selection of available PC speaker setups, most people have no idea what is a good setup or how much money that it should cost them. However, to make a solid point here: you never have to spend more than a hundred bucks to get the ideal PC speaker setup with a 5.1 surround sound and a powered subwoofer. And if you have spent more money than that, you probably overspent on a setup that can easily compare in price and production, and output, to another setup that cost far less but delivers equally.

To help you better choose the best priced PC speakers, we are always keeping an eye peeled for awesome deals on ideal setups. The Speaker Company actually makes one of the better setups that we have been able to find when it comes to computer speakers. So we thought it insightful to take a look at their smoking MM51.7 multimedia speaker system for PC.

MM51.6 – Multimedia Speaker System
This computer speaker setup has it all. Quality speakers by The Speaker Company meet true innovation. Capable of delivering 260-watts of total power with 25-watts dedicated to the subwoofer. It comes with two remote controls. One allows for all the typical features and another allows for the easy changing between inputs. The satellite speakers are wired, but thanks to the molding found on the back of them, they can be easily placed anywhere in your multimedia room. They are currently offering free shipping and they always offer a 30-day in home trial usage period. So if you decide that you do not like them, box them up and send them back, they will even pay the return shipping. Finding deals like this on hot PC speakers is hard to do online. These puppies are well priced at: $69.97; the most you should ever pay for an ideal PC speaker setup.

Features & Specs
• 5.1 Surround Sound
• 260-watts of output
• 25-watts dedicated to the subwoofer
• Easy wiring and plug-and-play interface
• Remote control
• Wired mouse-like controller allows for easy input selection, balance and fading
• 30-day in-home trial
• Free Shipping (both ways)
• Sleek black finish

The Bottom Line
This setup offers it all and truly delivers at a price that is hard to find anywhere else. The power output is ideal and will really bring your games to life. Not having to spend hundreds on quality speakers is an added plus as well. A decent warranty, free shipping and 30-day in-home trial also make this a truly smart purchase. Two thumbs way up!

iDJ for iPod
Basically this is a lavish way to mix songs on your iPod and make them all fancy. It features a cross fader and a line fader, two of each, one for each unit, and it does require that you have two separate iPods, both containing MP3’s for it to work. You can also use this mixer on any turntable as it is compatible for that, but why in the heck would you? You get a very standard, three-range, mid-swept EQ with all of the essentials. There is a microphone control panel and headphone control, each with that has its own standard settings. Of course the unit has two RCA inputs and is equipped with USB outputs for docking to any computer. And yes, it is compatible with all iPod models. If you are fancying mixing your own songs, with the obvious limitations of course, then you will be happy to know that you will only have to shell out about: $159.00 to get this unit online.

Features & Specs:
• Two universal iPod docking stations will accept all model iPods with bottom connector and charge while connected
• Large iPod navigation controls
• 3-band EQ with gain control on both channels
• Dedicated microphone input with tone and level control
• Phono/line inputs for adding additional devices on both channels
• USB connectivity (PC and Mac) enables iDJ to function as a music-loading base
• iPod’s recording capabilities supported by iDJ for voice memos, etc.
• Turntable spindle receptacle enables placement of the iDJ on a turntable
• Zero tolerance precision switches/knobs for a tight, precise feel
• Docking Interface: USB 2.0 standard size slave
• Mic Controls: Gain, Tone Mic Input 1/4 inch
• Headphone Control: Gain, source select
• Headphone Output: 1/4-inch, 1/8-inch stereo
• Inputs: (2) stereo line (RCA) with phono – preamp switch and ground lugs 1 mic
• Channel Controls: Gain, Bass, Middle, Treble, Source Select, Line Fader
• EQ Rang:e ±15 dB
• Gain Range: Infinty ±10dB
• Line Faders: 60mm
• Crossfader: 60mm
• Outputs: Stereo Master (RCA), Headphone (1/8-inch and 1/4-inch), S-video, Record
• iPod Navigation Controls: 5 button, 1 wheel per channel
• Docking Connector: Standard Apple Connector, with Numark insert
• iPod Models Supported: All Generation 2 and newer except Shuffle
• Power: 9V, 2.8amp

The Bottom Line
While we are certainly impressed by this newer iDJ unit, which allows you to successfully mix songs from iPods, there are some notable drawbacks. One it’s a fairly costly unit, placing it in the hands of most teens, which are the predominant users of iPod, is unlikely. Secondly, it requires two iPods to mix, and the features and functions for mixing do not add up for the bucks.

In end, no self respecting DJ would ever waste their wad on this white hulk, when they can easily stop by the local Guitar Center and get a real DJ mixing board for close to the same price. And to further this notion, there are dozens of open source programs that can be found online that offer free DJ mixing software for all digital formats, which you can then download into your iPod, for free. They have more features and did we say they are free? So while nifty, this one unfortunately does not make our cut. And that’s the bottom line.

Take the newest bass subwoofer series to make its debut by The Speaker Company, a leader in providing exceptional speakers at an amazing value, generally half the price of their competitors and more feature-laden. They plan on unveiling the ASW-8 powered subwoofer for home theatres this fall, and you would not be able to find a better deal on subs if you tried.

ASW-8 powered subwoofer
Featuring a flared bass reflex port that will really pound those all too sought after low frequencies around the room like you never have heard before. This 100-watt self powered unit is sure to get the job done on even the most demanding of action films without draining all of the power from your amplifier in the process. Using their signature BASH amplification technology, you will truly hear clear and audible 100-watts of sound that can easily shake the windows in your home. Utilizing internal dynamic compressors to eliminate distortion and thermal protection to prevent overheating, this subwoofer packs a serious punch for the bucks.

An 8” high excursion driver will thump even the lowest tones and 1.0” voice coil will assist. As their website states, “All of these high performance attributes combine to create the magic of a small drive unit operating in a piston like fashion with linear behavior.” This is exactly what you will get with this sleek sub which comes in a nice veneered wood box. Amazingly priced online for about $99.00 – and they are offering free shipping both ways. So even if you change your mind you can send it back within 30-days and they will refund all your dollars, no questions asked, and they will pay the return shipping as well. And you can’t beat that!

Features & Specs:
• BASH® amplifier technology
• 50w RMS/100w Peak power rating
• Vented (Bass Reflex) enclosure
• Rigid MDF construction
• Flared bass reflex port
• High density 5/8” (15mm) MDF construction
• 8” high excursion driver
• 1.0” voice coil
• 18oz. ferrite magnet
• 40-150Hz adjustable low pass crossover
• Independent level adjustment
• 0/180° phase switch
• Selectable “ON” or “AUTO” modes
• Operates on 110VAC
• Free shipping
• Free 30-day in-home trial
• Free return shipping
• 2 year warranty

That being said, the latest brainchild of Hammacher Schlemmer – who is known the world afar for being the creative genius behind hundreds of notable audio gadgets and their respective doodads – are the digital drumsticks for the iPod. In a nutshell these are a pair of motion activated and motion sensitive digital drumsticks that you can plug into your iPod, computer speakers, CD player, stereo, TV or anything with an auxiliary input and use. And yes, you can plug in headphones into them to so you don’t annoy those in your household so much that you find yourself confined to the garage for drum lessons.

Without ado, here is the down-low.

Digital Drumsticks
Just when you thought everything possible had already been released for the iPod, think again folks! These motion-activated, digital drumsticks plug right in to your iPod, TV, or CD player, so you can jam along with your favorite songs. They also have a headphone jack so you can thump all day without getting pounded by your brother for annoying the heck out of him. The sticks have fill and combination buttons on them that allow for snare drum, bass drum, tom, floor tom, hi-hat, and crash cymbal combos at the click of a button. You can clip it to your belt via a sturdy plastic clip, and it comes with a standard iPod cable for easy plug-and-play connection. Well priced online for about $29.95 – being good at drums however, is up to you.

Specs:
• Both sticks have buttons for fills and cymbal combos
• Volume control knobs
• Tempo control knobs
• Plugs into any auxiliary input
• Comes with six background rhythms to drum to
• Requires 2 double-A batteries
• Comes with iPod cable
• Comes with a belt clip
• 1 year warranty

The Bottom Line
We find this to be a nifty and intriguing concept. How often do you catch yourself keeping rhythm to songs that you listen to? With these sticks the world is your oyster, and the price can not be beat! So watch out Mickey Hart!