When we moved into new offices it became clear that it was also time to move beyond wires for our audio setup. Having things hanging down from the walls, having to plug devices in, having to worry about compatible charging docks, it all seemed so darn 20th Century.
The quest was on for a really good wireless audio solution, so that’s what we had on our minds when we attended the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show.
While Apple’s AirPlay was getting good visibility at CES this year, the problem was that the gear we could find was more aimed at bedside tables and desks than audiophile-level multi-speaker devices that could be wall mounted and enjoyed by everyone.
When we bumped into audioengine, however, things became interesting. They sell audiophile-level bookshelf speakers and a small amplifier that makes the tiniest of iPods sound like a fancy hi-fi system, while still having a remarkably small footprint: the P4 speakers are only 9″ high by 5″ wide and 6″ deep, and the N22 amplifier is 7″ x 3″ x 5″ deep. Tiny. With sound far beyond what you would expect.
And it’s pretty darn sweet.