Playing music directly from the audio library on your iPad, laptop or iPod is very convenient, yet most computer speakers don’t deliver a reasonable quality sound. It seems that small, powerful and inexpensive can’t coexist in the same speakers, so you have to decide which of these three features you’re willing to give up.
Most audiophiles will be willing to close their eyes on the price and choose a brand name surround sound system.
However, we’ve just made a great discovery; the Orb Mod1 speakers and amplifier combo. This setup is not cheap either, but it costs significantly less than a similar system from Bose or Infinity. They are also very small – smaller in diameter than a CD as can be seen in the image below (click for large image):
Orb Speakers - Smaller than a CD
Upon plugging this speaker combo in we were rewarded with home theater quality sound, and all delivered via the Orbs tiny sound system.
All Orb Audio systems are made from premium, quality components and they are manually assembled in the USA by highly skilled technicians. The outcome is so good that Orb Audio will not only give a 5 year limited warranty on all speakers, but they will also allow their customers to enjoy a 30 day home trial of their sound systems, as well as free lifetime technical support.
OPI Audio Amplifier
Back to our iPad audio system, here are the technical details of the amplifier:
Class: Audiophile Generation 2 Class T by OPI Audio
Peak output: 15W
Power supply: both 110V and 220/240V
Accessories:
Stereo mini input with compatible cable
Stereo RCA input adapters
Either you opt for Orb Mod1 speakers or you decide to upgrade to Orb Mod2, you’ll enjoy stunning quality sound coming from an audio system that will look great in most home or office interior setups.
The Orb Mod1/Mod2 speakers and amplifier combo falls in the $300 price range and can be found on the Orb website.
Digital music is one of the greatest inventions since sliced bread. Enjoying it on the go has become widely accessible, as there are lots of gadgets which can play music and which have enough storage space to let you take your whole music library with you. Although some mobile gadgets may have speakers, there are situations in which it is preferable to keep your music to yourself, so a good pair of headphones is a must. However, good quality headphones are usually expensive and big. For instance, you may not be comfortable wearing them while jogging or while traveling by bus.
ZAGGbuds - closeup
This is what earbuds are for, because they are much better suited to wearing while on the move. If you know how to choose them, your earbuds can deliver a great listening experience, very close to that offered by more expensive and not so portable audio equipment.
ZAGGbuds are one of the best choices because their superior speakers offer a rich, clear and balanced sound. The multiple earbud adapters for various ear sizes enable an enjoyable experience for everybody, unlike cheaper models which hurt small ears and fall out from larger ears. The earbuds and the jack are angled, thus offering a plus of comfort in use. The 54 inch tangle-free cord features multiple sliders for better cord management and a protective invisibleSHIELD polyurethane coating available in seven color combinations. If you don’t want to have it all black, you can choose one of the following:
Zagg Buds - Color Options
red – black, blue – orange, black – yellow, gray – blue, gray – silver or black – pink. I like most the red – black combination, but this is only a matter of personal preference. All the colors look cool and the idea of having multiple sliders on the cord really rocks, because there’s nothing worse than having the headphones tangled up. By aligning the sliders as shown in the instructions, in the so-called “Hangin’ Tight” position, the buds will rest around your neck even when not in use, so it’s very easy to find them and put them back in your ears.
ZAGGbud
Technical specifications of ZAGGbuds:
Diameter of speakers: 10 mm
Impedance: 16 Ohms
Maximum input power: 10 mW
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 94 dB +/- 3 dB SPL/mW
Plug type: 3.5 mm (it fits the iPad, as well as any iPod or iPhone)
Cord length: 54″
The ZAGGbuds come with 45 day money-back guarantee and a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. ZAGG are always keeping their promise on this one, and they do replace any product if the customer finds issues with it absolutely free of charge. It is possible, however, that depending on area of residence, some customers are required to pay some shipping costs, so you’d better check this directly on the ZAGG website.
