14 DAY TRIAL // Wires are so last-generation as far as home theater setups are concerned, but there are quite a lot of people out there who are simply not willing to give up on their hi-fi gear just yet and replace it with its newer, wireless counterpart. For this reason, the JBL company has launched at this year's CEDIA show the On Air WEM-1 Wireless Expansion Module, a device that can help users transform their old, wired speakers into wireless ones.
As you've already figured out, the main purpose of this device is to offer multiroom capability to an existing audio system, or allow users to add surround speakers to a home theater system without running speaker wires. Moreover, it can also be used for distributing music from a computer to anywhere in the home.
The WEM-1 package includes a transmitter module that connects to an audio source, a receiver/amplifier unit that connects to a pair of speakers, a remote control and various accessories. Moreover, it has an operating range of up to 70 feet (21.33 meters) and offers a variety of connection options, including line- and speaker-level outputs, to accommodate a wide range of audio source components and A/V receivers.
The receiver/amplifier unit features a 50-watt-per-channel amplifier and includes a subwoofer output, as well as a local input, allowing users to directly connect a portable device or other audio source to it at a remote location. It provides five equalization curves that are tailored for use with select JBL loudspeakers, as well as an unequalized bypass setting.
However, as expected, this enhanced level of versatility does come with a price, and a pretty hefty one, for that matter. Hence, JBL's On Air WEM-1 has a MSRP of around 360 US dollars, which means that it's very likely that customers are not going to be "rushing in" when this thing arrives in stores, at some point in September. Still, if the price point drops below $250, WEM's adapter might actually enjoy a pretty high level of success.
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