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.
Created in collaboration with industrial designer Joey Roth, the Grovemade Wooden Speaker System ($599) uses natural materials to its full effect. The speakers are machined out of solid wood and mounted on leather clad stainless steel stands. Each set's enclosures are crafted one at a time using CNC machining and hand forming, leaving the interior without any parallel walls or flat surfaces, eliminating distortion. The 2-inch full-range drivers benefit further from the back-loaded horn, as well as the 2 x 25W amplifier. Each shell is finished with two coats of natural oil and set atop a leather stainless steel stand. Available in either maple or walnut. Get more info here
What a beautifully designed speaker. The House of Marley's Get Up Stand Up ($300) combines the unparalleled audio with a stunning design. Soulfully crafted featuring FSC-certified and responsibly harvested dark walnut and birch wood with a satin velvet finish as smooth as the tunes played from this handsome system. Get Up Stand Up is powered by precisely engineered dual 4.5" speakers and 1" tweeters for that signature Marley sound. Recycled plastic enclosures and Bluetooth convenience round out this home audio system for superior audio quality that should be heard and seen.
The Bose SoundTouch 10 Speaker ($200.00) packs amazing sound and has a well-rounded feature set put into a compact package. Standing less than 8.5 inches tall, it uses a new 2.5 inch Unidome speaker that, paired with the company's digital signal processing, produces surprisingly full sound. It also has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi built-in, which gives you instant access to streaming services like Google Music, 8tracks and more and lets the speaker hook up with other SoundTouch units in your house wirelessly giving you the ability to build a whole-house system that includes home theater systems, soundbars, standalone units, and even outdoor speakers. Comes in two colors: black and white and you get free shipping.
There are so many different portable and personal speaker systems available on the market, it's hard to choose which one would fit your needs. So how about this one. The OM/One Levitating Speaker($180) has everything you look for in a speaker, with great-sounding audio across the range from low to high, 15-hour battery life, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and the ability to play from just about every music app available. Unlike every other speaker out on the market, this one actually levitates above its magnetic base, making it as much a conversation piece as it is an audio system. Check out the video below to get some more information on this product.
How many speakers do you have around your house that you wished were wireless with your phone? With Beep ($149) you now do not need to go and replace all the speakers you've accumulated around your house. Beep is a small Wi-Fi enabled devices that connects to any stereo or speaker system with an RCA jacks, auxiliary input, or optical input. You will now be able to play music to any connected speaker or group of speakers from your iOS or Android phone. Beep also gives you the ability to synchronize music across a range of Beeps, you can play your music throughout your place, or choose different music for different beeps. It currently at this time only supports Pandora but they are working to add other app's. Check out the site to get more information.
When traveling like I'm doing now, you don't want to relay on a laptop or smartphone speaker. You want some power to it and to also hear the clarity of music in your speakers. So how about the Soundmatters Dash7 Speaker ($250). One of the slimmest, lightest high fidelity Bluetooth speakers available, this little unit measures three-quarters of an inch high and weighs less than half a pound, while still packing plenty of sound. It has Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening, or an auxiliary input if you don't mind being connected. With 12 hours of Bluetooth battery life, and as much as 20 hours if you use the auxiliary cord, you won't have to worry about it dying on you. Available in range of colors, this speaker also includes an international charging kit, cables, and a carrying case.
There seems to be a lot of different varieties of wireless speakers but the Grain Audio Wireless Speaker ($250) has a solid and sleek look. Its solid walnut construction gives it some heft and durability, while providing a natural beauty and acoustic properties of hardwood cabinet. It comes with Dual two-inch drivers, a passive radiator, and the technical proficiency Grammy Award-winning Waves MaxAudio Suite deliver music the way it was meant to sound — without all the gimmicky enhancements found in lots of portable speaker systems. Combine all that with powerful Bluetooth connectivity, eight hours of battery life, and a carrying pouch, and what you get is one of the best (and best looking) small speakers available.
Our desks are where we spend a lot of time and sometimes space can be an issue with those with larger speakers. So how about some speakers that are an ideal combination of attractive design and fantastic sound as well as size. The Timbre Speakers ($125), machined from a single piece of solid alder wood and stainless steel, they have a long-lasting construction that actually contributes to the sound. The stainless steel sheet along the front acts as the diaphragm and suspension of the speaker, thanks to an attached voice coil. This results in a full sound across the entire range that's perfect for whatever music helps you make you tackle that to-do list.
