We're very happy to introduce to you one of the most striking "made for iPod" sound systems we've met this year, the AktiMate Mini, the brainchild of two major names in the audio industry, the renowned British Epos and Creek, teamed with the Australian manufacturer AktiMate. The result is as loaded with top-drawer technology as it is reliable and good-looking, worthy to complement the most elegant or luxurious of home decors or executive's offices.

If you're looking for an exquisite gift for the oncoming holidays and you are also willing to spend a fortune on first-class audio gear, the AktiMate Mini might be one of the best ways to rid yourself of some cash.

From what we've read on the manufacturer's website it looks like the AktiMate Mini is one of the best iPod systems so far, sporting countless handy features and, of course, top-shelf components and impeccable craftsmanship. Epos has provided the 2-way driver array comprising the 5.25" moulded polypropylene mid/bass driver and the 1" metal dome neodymium-powered tweeter, while Creek came with the high-tech 2 x 40 W Class A/B amplifier fed by a top-notch toroidal transformer. And with 2 x 40 W RMS in 4 Ohms and 50 Hz – 22 kHz frequency range, we're talking a very serious sound!

AktiMate hasn't made any concessions on the quality side and provided the system with some of the best components around, among which the Burr-Brown PGA2311 high-end volume control. The AktiMate Mini speakers rise a decent 30 cm from the standing surface and come with high-gloss black or white finish, with more color options announced in the future.

The iPod dock is built in one of the speakers, on the top side, and sports all needed adapters to accommodate any iPod up to generation 5. On the connectivity side you also get a stereo 3.5 mm jack for any other MP3/MP4 player, RCA inputs for any high-end audio equipment, a video output for the image-enabled iPods, RCA out for daisy-chaining with more AktiMates, a USB port for directly charging your MP3 player.

Even more, the AktiMate Mini comes with a voltage selector, front panel-mounted volume control with push-standby function and a full remote control putting you in charge of all the iPod essential commands for increased comfort. And with a 3m (approx 9 ft) cable between the two speakers, you can not only have them installed even in larger rooms but also benefit from a real stereo separation.

Now, since the gear is by far in the top range, the price has been set accordingly: $699 for a pair of AktiMate Mini. Cool stuff!


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