The Mini Transparent Speaker ($550) from Stockholm-based Transparent Sound designed a splendid minimal speaker. The single-piece aluminum frame has side panels of tempered glass, so as to put the dual full-range drivers on display. A built-in amp provides power, built-in Bluetooth provides a wireless option, and "True Wireless" support lets you pair two units together for a broader soundstage. There are a volume control and an input on the front, and a compartment in the bottom that provides both USB power and an input for an Echo, Sonos Hub, Chromecast, or similar additional wireless device, giving you the ability to upgrade the system as needed.
Released in 1970, JBL's L100 ($4,000) became a classic both for its sound and its eye-catching design. The L100 Classic is updated with modern components. Behind the removable, iconic Quadrex foam grille sits a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, a 5-inch pure-pulp cone mid-range driver, and a 12-inch pure-pulp woofer with a bass-reflex enclosure and front-firing port. The result is a speaker that can hold its own against contemporary options, with a design that pairs perfectly with vintage pieces, particularly when paired with the JS-120 stand.
Ikea and Sonos have designed a table lamp and WiFi Speaker in an invisible like design. The Ikea x Sonos Symfonisk Table Lamp ($179) helps eliminate clutter, while offering sound quality similar to that of the Sonos One. In addition, two of them can be paired together as a stereo pair or used as surround speakers with a Sonos Beam, Playbar, or Playbase, creating a near-hidden home theater sound system. It arrives, alongside the bookshelf model, due to come out in August 2019.
This might be something thats small but your hoping you don't lose. Measuring just 3.75 inches square and only 1.5 inches thick, the Bose Soundlink Micro Speaker ($110) produces surprisingly booming sound for such a small speaker. The secret is in the custom-designed transducer, dual-passive radiators, and battery that were designed in tandem as a single system. As a result, this tiny speaker can provide up to 6 hours of clear, satisfying audio per charge. It's waterproof, the silicone exterior holds up well against bumps, falls, dirt, and sand, and a durable strap makes it easy to attach to whatever's around. Did I mention you could use Siri and Google Assistant as well with this device. Available in black, midnight blue, and orange, it can also pair with a second unit for full stereo sound.
Inspired by the iconic portable radio, the Touring S brings this classic format to the modern age. Aesthetically a beautiful design. Built to deliver outstanding sound in a surprisingly small design, the Geneva Touring S DAB Radio ($215) is a powerful portable audio solution. In addition to its FM-RDS/DAB/DAB+ digital tuner, it also has Bluetooth and a line-in jack for connecting other audio sources. The rechargeable lithium battery lasts for over 20 hours per charge, the LED display is easy to read in any condition, and at nearly three pounds, its built quality is virtually unmatched. Available in black, red, or cognac.
BoseSoundLink Revolve Speaker ($199.95) is their first speaker to incorporate 360-degrees of sound. Extremely portable, it overcomes its small body by using a downward-facing transducer, dual passive radiators, and a carefully-angled acoustic deflector to transmit full sound wherever it's placed. Its rechargeable battery lasts for 12 hours per charge, Bluetooth frees you from the tyranny of wires, and the water-resistant body means it's as welcome at the pool as it is on the patio. Also available in a larger, more robust "+" version for $100. Check out Bose website for more info.
