14 DAY TRIAL // It's one thing to buy a speaker system and another to purchase one that not only supports personal computers but can also play directly from mobile phones and tablets as well, all without using cables. Microlab has just released a speaker system that can do this.
You would think that a wireless speaker system would use Wi-Fi technology to establish a connection between it and a host device.
That's not the case here, though. The Microlab FC60BT HD audio wireless Bluetooth/NFC 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System employs Bluetooth 4.0 technology instead.
What's more, it comes with NFC (near field communication), which lets it pair with Android, Windows and Blackberry devices (smartphones, tablets).
HDTVs, CD players, DVD players, Blue-ray players and, of course, desktop PCs and laptops are supported as well.
As one might be able to guess, a 360 degree RF remote control that works from any angle in a room is used to adjust volume, move between songs, play or pause a tune, etc.
In fact, Microlab describes the device as “the perfect Father's Day gift for the ultimate fully immersive ‘man cave’ audio listening experience.”
The HC2D (High Clarity Close Distance) technology has a lot to do with that, providing a sound output of 105 Watts. There's even automatic sound balancing.
Physically, the speaker system is composed of 2 see-through stereo satellite speakers and a 2.1 subwoofer (for the bass).
The satellites lack enclosures, eliminating harmonic distortions and vibrations, while the 8-inch bass subwoofer has a built-in amplifier.
Moreover, if you want to use cable connectors, there is a stereo 3.5 mm jack available (for media players without BT, most likely).
Sales of the Microlab FC60BT HD audio wireless Bluetooth/NFC 2.1 Subwoofer Speaker System should begin next month (May 2014), for the price of $449 / €449. Sales will only happen in the United States, at least at first, via Ma Labs.
Microlab talks in its press release as if the product is best suited for dads that have their own “man cave” where they play pool or meet up with their male friends. But there is no reason why everyone else shouldn't be able to get the best out of it.
The white finish and unusual design of the speakers should resonate with pretty much everyone in some measure or another. Especially if you're not in the market for one of those multi-satellite systems that need one of them in every corner of the room.