Electronics maker JVC has rolled out four new audio systems designed for either portable or home/desktop use, all touting “Made for iPod” branding, but which can also be used with other audio players with a little cabling and clumsiness. JVC’s new line includes two desktop systems and two portable units.
Desktop units first: the NX-PS1 consists of four boxes: a center unit, two matching satellite speakers, and a nine-inch cube containing a powered subwoofer. The NX-PS1 offers JVC’s USB Host functionality, which enables users to play WMA and MP3 files from non-iPod audio players and flash memory drives, and a USB Audio function which enables the unit to act as an audio output device for a Windows or Mac OS X system. Naturally, the NX-PS1 sports an iPod dock connector which charges the iPod while in use, and provides playback control Also on board: an aux input for connecting any other audio device, a clock/timer, a way to set wake-up volume, bass and treble EQ (with four presets), headphone jack, and a black and white display area with black speaker grills, and a remote control. The speakers are 10 watts apiece; the subwoofer is a 6-inch driver with a 30-watt amp. Expect to see the NX-PS1 this month for a suggested price of $249.95.
Next up, the UX-EP25, a low-profile system with an iPod Dock connector, plus the USB Host and USB Audio capabilities found in the NX-PS1 (above). However, the UX-EP25 is just a few inches tall; offers an AM/FM tuner, aux input, clock, sleep timer, remote control, and headphone jack; nd putes music with a 7.5-watts-per-channel amp. Expect the UX-EP25 this month for a suggested price of $199.95.
Looking for something more portable? The RA-P10 aims to take over the slot in your life currently occupied by a clock radio, and features an iPod dock, AM/FM tuner, a four-watt-per-channel amp, and can run off either AC power or six AA batteries. The RA-P10 features an alarm clock, room thermometer, aux input, remote control, and a blue blacklit display. The RA-P10 will ship in October with a suggested price of $129.95.
Finally the RC-EZ38 is an old school boombox, offering a digital AM/FM tuner, a clock/timer, headphone jack, remote, iPod dock, USB Host capabilities (to play WMA and MP3 tunes off USB storage devices), and support for title and ID3 tag information on its built-in backlit display. But, just so you don’t have to go broke buying all-new tunes to play, the RC-EZ38 sports both a CD player and a cassette deck, so you can play your parents’ original mix tapes in all their warbly glory. Want one? Look for the RC-EZ28 in stores right now for $99.95.
