INTRODUCTION

   I remember a time when we all went out occasionally to see all the latest complete stereo systems launched from all the leading manufacturers like SONY, Philips, Pioneer, Panasonic, AIWA, Technics and Yamaha only to find out in the end that we couldn't really afford to get the highest end models featuring 10 CD disc changers (or more), mini discs and plenty of bells and whistles which of course were not available on the cheapest models. Times have changed however and so nowadays most people prefer to use their computer systems, media stations and smartphones to listen to their favorite music while at the comfort of their home and so the only real issue is finding a quality speaker set capable of fulfilling that task with ease. Well the latest Wireless Speakers by our friends over at Audyssey just might be the right ones for the job.

     We are a Los Angeles-based company that designs and develops innovative audio technologies and products for music fanatics and movie buffs like you. Our roots are in R&D and we solve audio problems so what you hear is an accurate reproduction of the recorded music, movie or live performance you are listening to – how it was meant to be heard. Our digital technologies solve some basic audio problems, such as spikes in volume or poor sound quality at low volumes. We also delve into more complex audio problems, such as the way room acoustics are impacted by furniture, walls and windows, and how to compensate for small speakers when limited by the laws of physics.

   The Wireless Speakers by Audyssey are actually based on the previously released Lower East Side Media Speakers so right from the start you should know that you are getting pretty much the same retro design stereo speakers with the same high quality of materials, audio clarity and features like BassXT (deeper bass, lower frequency response), Audyssey EQ (increased sound accuracy) and Dynamic EQ (superior audio clarity even at low volume levels). However instead of the optical in (SPDIF) this time over Audyssey has equipped the Wireless Media Speakers with Bluetooth wireless connectivity something that i was expecting for a long time from them. Audyssey did release the near-excellent Audio Dock Air a couple of years ago but it uses Wi-Fi to wirelessly connect with devices and i am not really that much into Wi-Fi, at least not as much as Bluetooth regardless of their differences when it comes to range (Bluetooth works up to 10-15m tops). So since we've been using the Lower East Side Media Speakers ever since we got them the only real question in our minds is whether or not the wireless version produces the same audio clarity when feeding audio material via Bluetooth.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Just like the speakers themselves the package is white with a large product picture at the front alongside the main product features and the Bluetooth logo.

The specifications and bundle contents lists are printed at the left side in 6 languages.

Three product pictures are placed at the rear with one of them used for showcasing of the main features.

The entire bundle is placed between two formed pieces of cardboard.

Aside the Wireless Speakers in the bundle you will also find a quick start guide, warranty information paper, speaker interconnection cable, 3.5mm mini jack cable and the AC power adapter with two different power tips (EU, UK).

THE WIRELESS SPEAKERS

The Wireless Media Speakers feature wooden enclosures paired with metal stands so they are quite sturdy for their size (23cm height, 12.4cm width and 17.3cm depth with a total weight of 1.266kg). Design-wise as already mentioned they are the same as the Lower East Side Media Speakers but come in white/black instead of black/red.

Audyssey has placed their logo on the inside side of each speaker and unlike the Lower East Side Media Speakers this time over it stands out a lot more.

The white/black color selection reminds me a lot of Apple products and that's something you either will love or you will hate.

The power on/off switch is also the volume control knob (press it to turn the speakers on/off) while right next to it we see the 3.5mm mini jack headphones output and the power LED (not visible when not plugged to the power).

The same color combination extends to the rear.

Each speaker uses a large 4" passive bass radiator placed at the rear for a deeper and richer bass experience (BassXT Technology).

Right beneath the bass radiator we see the Bluetooth Pair button with its green activity LED (need to press it to connect with paired devices), a 3.5mm mini jack input (aux), two interconnect ports and the AC power plug.

A sticker with the unit's electrical requirements, serial number, certification logos and country of manufacture is present at the bottom.

This time over the front cover could be easily removed so we could take a better look at the 3" driver (woofer) and the 0.75" silk dome tweet used.

Pairing the Wireless Speakers with your Bluetooth enabled device is not hard, just press the Pair button for a few seconds, detect it and pair both devices.

CONCLUSION

   Just like their predecessors the highly acclaimed Lower East Side Media Speakers the Wireless Speakers by Audyssey are great not only because they produce very deep and rich bass but also because they offer very good audio depth/accuracy/detail (however when using low-quality audio material the level of detail is not a good thing). Of course in order to use the Wireless Speakers in all their might we had them playing for almost 25 days (3-4 hours per day) and only then did we take into consideration their audio reproducing quality (you always need to give some time for the drivers to burn-in whether we're talking about speakers, headphones or ever earphones). The auto-off function Audyssey had implemented with their Lower East Side Media Speakers is also present in their Wireless Speakers and i personally consider it quite useful since i don't like spending a dime more for power than i have to (especially with the current prices in electricity). The same problem however remains and so just like with the Lower East Side Media Speakers the Wireless Speakers also lack treble and bass adjustment knobs which could help a lot especially people who may not like the rich bass offered by default and so i don't know why Audyssey keeps avoiding using something like that. Perhaps it's because they fine-tune the audio parameters of their speaker sets themselves, still i think it is well worth the gamble (and they could have a reset button to restore their "optimum" settings.

   Although currently the Wireless Speakers by Audyssey retail for USD199 inside the USA (Crutchfield) and at around 240Euros inside the EU you just might be able to find them for less by following the Audyssey Facebook page since they have been making quite a few discounts to their fans from time to time (sometimes in the form of offers via their distributors). True the current price tag is higher than the one of the Lower East Side Media Speakers but take into account that you are paying the new Bluetooth feature (although you lose the optical input) and at the same time you are still paying less compared to what you'd have to pay if you went for a stereo speaker sets from JBL, Klipsch and from the other well-known manufacturers instead. Long story short just like their predecessors the Wireless Speakers by Audyssey are not aimed at everyone out there but are mostly designed for audio enthusiasts who want deep/rich bass and superior audio clarity without having to spend their entire paycheck in the process. Because of the above the Wireless Speakers by Audyssey get our Platinum Award.

PROS

- Excellent Build Quality
- Design (For Some)
- Compact Size
- Rich/Deep Bass
- Audio Detail
- Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity
- 3.5mm Input/output
- Auto-Off Feature 

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- No Bass/Treble Adjustment Knobs
- No Optical Input (Compared To Their Predecessor)
- Audio Volume (Although Balanced For Their Size)