Accessory and peripheral maker Logitech is aiming to tap further into Apple’s ever-burgeoning iPod market with two new speaker systems bearing the AudioStation name. The AudioStation itself is a boombox sized speaker system designed to function as a home stereo, while the AudioStation Express offers a more-portable solution for headphone-free listening.
Logitech is promoting the AudioStation as the best-sounding, most powerful speaker system available for the iPod. The one-piece, sleek black design measures 16 inches long, 4.5 inches deep, and 7.25 inches tall and combines one-inch tweeters, four-inch high-power long-throw woofers, and an 80-watt bi-amplified design to deliver a wide frequency response. There are no buttons, switches, or knobs on the AudioStation: the front panel is touch-sensitive, and controls illuminate with white LEDS when the unit is powered on. The AudioStation sports an integrated AM/FM tuner—AM support is unusual amongst digital music products—and the AudioStation features a large LCD which can display station information, track information, and a spectrum analyzer. The AudioStation also comes with a remote which offers complete control of the unit, including 3D stereo imaging, sleep timer, menus, EQ adjustment, and more. The AudioStation works with any iPods which offer Universal Dock connectors; iPods charge while playing. A 3.5 mm jack enables users to connect other music players or sound sources; the speaker grilles can be removed for a different look.
The AudioStation should be available in the U.S. and Europe in October, with a suggested U.S. retail price of $299.99.
Meanwhile, the AudioStation Express is a more-portable solution for people who want to listen to their iPods in real air, offering flexible power options, a protective case, durable design, and a wireless remote. The AudioStation Express offers two 2.5-inch high-excursion drivers and a bass port to help out the bottom end, and can be powered using either an AC adapter or 6 AA batteries. A wireless remote offers volume, track-hopping, play, and pause controls, and slips into a storage slot at the back of the speaker system when not in use. The system supports any iPod with a Universal Dock connector, and offers a 3.5mm jack for older iPods and other audio sources. Metal grilles protect the speakers, and the protective case can be left on while the unit is playing music.
The AudioStation Express will be available in the U.S. and Europe in October, with a suggested U.S. retail price of $129.99.