I am currently listening to most of my music on the new Big Jambox as part of my continuing hands-on review. While, it is no where close to my Sonos Play 3, which essentially sounds like a pint-sized Luciano Pavarotti, it is turning out to be a decent addition to the growing list of wireless speakers that work with iPod, iPhone, iPad and Spotify.
In addition, to Big JamBox, I spotted two more that are worth keeping an eye on. I have no plans to buy either one, but if you are looking to acquire one, check these two as well.
I am particularly intrigued by Aris by Aperion Audio though it is really made for Windows PC environments. It uses WiFi to stream music and costs $500. Expensive!
Bang & Olufsen have also come up with a brand new iPad-focused speaker/dock, BeoPlay A3. It is going to cost around $727 and is a high-end device to dock your iPad. This one looks so sleek, that I almost want it for aesthetic purposes.
I’ve helped a few folks get up and running with kit that sounds better than any of these for the price of an Airport Express or Apple TV. Just use AirPlay and some old Bose 201 or 301 class speakers and an old amp or receiver. Many of us have this stuff sitting in our garage or basement or know people of the generation that had small component stereos.
I’ve auditioned the BeoPlay and wasn’t very impressed … If a person just wants background music in a room and wants to buy a new box either of the Jamboxes is great –
If you store your music as MP3, then it soes not matter much what you use. Compression is too high for high quality. However if you use one of the quality audio formats, I’d agree with steve above. Recycle that good quality audio system sitting in the basement or garage.
I love my B&W A7 – sound is sublime and design is minimal.