GadgetVortex

Audio gadgets are for the gadget oriented audiophiles looking for that next level of technology to reproduce their favorite audio collections.

Source Sharper Image Retail Price $149.95
Truly a unique addition to grace our site, the Lightscape Relaxation System is in a class all by itself.

For years, people have used Sound Soothers® to block noise, relax, meditate, or fall asleep. But they only work on one the auditory senses, leaving room for visual distractions. Yet as wonderful as those Sound Soothers are, Lightscape™ Relaxation System far surpasses them. It was designed to be "The Total Escape."

Unlike anything you've ever experienced, Lightscape transports you to an utterly relaxing place of soothing natural sounds and beautiful, ever-changing colors. We call it "The Total Escape" because your eyes and your ears carry you to a serene, private, stress-free oasis. The glasses block visual distractions as they display a sound-activated light show; the headphones screen out noise as you listen to soothing soundscapes.

Lightscape's light show is activated by a built-in Sound Soother. Just relax, put on the glasses and headphones, turn it on, and escape totally into a dreamy world of light, color, sound and motion. Tension melts away as you view a gentle wash of slowly changing jewel-colored lights. The controls — for brightness, volume and selection of sounds — are right at hand and very easy to use, even with eyes closed. Choose any of five environments: babbling Brook, quiet Countryside, gentle Rain, rushing Waterfall, or rhythmic Ocean. For drifting away, choose a relaxation program that slowly changes the volume over a 10-minute period.

Lightscape also has input jacks for playing music from a CD player, cassette or tuner — music that also will activate the colorful, tranquil light show. One might choose Mozart one evening, or some acoustical guitar another — it's a pleasure to create a highly personal sound environment and lose yourself in the music you love.

The entire system — glasses, folding headphones, ear buds and controller with Sound Soother — weighs just 16 oz. Runs on 4 AA batteries (not included); a 45-minute auto-shutoff preserves battery life. Also plugs in with an optional AC adapter. One-year warranty. Select bronze or lapis finish.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $349.95
The reason for having this on the site has to do with its size to functionality ratio. The total Aiwa Ultra-Compact Stereo measures a mere 11 3/4" x 7" x 8 1/2" and weighs a svelte 15 lbs. 

You'll enjoy rich stereo surround sound from Aiwa's newest system that measures — with component unit and speakers combined — less than 12" wide and 7" deep. Includes an auto reverse tape deck and AM/FM tuner with 32 presets. The electronic graphic equalizer, Dolby B noise reduction and Super T-Bass boost ensure optimum low- and high-end clarity, while Aiwa's 3D Surround technology provides surround sound imagery without additional speakers. 

Wireless remote and two 17-foot speaker cords included. Plugs into wall outlet; remote runs on two AAA batteries (not included). 90-days labor, one-year parts warranties.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $399.95
We though this was cool not only because it would be great in an office, but it looks cool too. The ultra-compact components of JVC's redesigned Executive CD System deliver excellent performance for their size. Volume and independent bass and treble controls can be adjusted electronically. Digital PLL-synthesized receiver has 30 FM/15 AM station presets and electronic bass/treble controls. JVC's Active Hyper-Bass (AHB) enhances bass and minimizes distortion.

Most remarkable is the reported extraordinary sound from the shielded bass-reflex speakers housed in compact enclosures of European cherrywood. Through advances in layered voice coil technology, JVC was able to reduce speaker size while significantly boosting bass response. When you turn the unit on, the motorized glass top slides back to reveal the easy-access console and lifts up for CDs at the touch of a button. 

Display shows time or function and can be dimmed. All functions can be controlled by wireless remote. Features jacks for AUX/MD input/output and subwoofer output (subwoofer not included). 

Programmable CD player features a 1-bit D/A converter and an optical digital output.

Main unit measures 12" x 8 1/2" x 3". Each cylindrical speaker is just 5 1/2" in diameter and 9 1/8" tall. Remote uses 2 AA batteries (not included). One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $229.95
We've had the little brother of the Motorized 200 CD Rack with Light on our pages for some time now, but the 200 CD capacity of this great gadget makes it large enough for even the most avid music fan or software collector.

Anyone with a sizeable CD collection knows that hunting down a favorite album can be a challenge. To make life easier, this ingenious motorized CD rack with built-in lamp was create by the folks at Sharper Image. At the touch of a button, it allows you to view 200 CD jewel boxes in seconds.

No more searching to within inches of the floor; no more struggling to read those skinny edges, all crammed together. With Power Tower™ the CDs come to you on a motorized track and fan past your eyes — quickly displaying the front, back and edge of the cases at a comfortable, back-saving height. When the motor is activated, a convenient lamp illuminates the jewel boxes for easier viewing in low-light conditions; it turns off automatically about 20 seconds after rotation stops.

Press a button to rotate 360° forward or back; when you find your selection, release the button. Remove the CD effortlessly. This discreet, space-saving system occupies about a square foot. Both the Power Tower 100 and 200 CD models use 6 D batteries (not included). 

Stands 3' 4" tall and can be plugged in using an optional AC Adapter (available separately). One-year warranty.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $79.95

Feel safer and more secure in any hotel room anywhere in the world. The new Talking Travel Companion with Weather Trend Indicator separates into two incredibly useful multi-functional gadgets: The first is a combination flashlight, barometric weather trend indicator and alarm clock. Press a button and a woman's pleasant voice announces the time and weather trend — improving, steady or worsening. You don't even have to open your eyes! 

Its flip-up LCD screen — showing 12/24 time, room temperature in °F or °C, calendar and weather trend — has an LED backlight that illuminates briefly at a touch. 

The four-step progressive alarm wakes you gradually with the sound of church bells. If you feel like sleeping in a bit longer, the "super-snooze" feature allows you to add 10, 20 or 30 additional minutes of sleep — you don't have to wake up every few minutes to hit the snooze bar again.

The second device is a combination motion sensor/smoke detector. Hang it from a door, a window, a piece of luggage — anything you don't want moved — and if disturbed, it sounds a loud 110-decibel alarm; if it detects smoke, a separate 110-decibel alarm will alert you.

Measures just 7 1/4" x 2 3/4" x 1 1/4" and weighs 10 oz. when assembled for travel. Runs on one 9v and 4 AAA batteries (not included). One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $99.95
Cordless headphones aren't new. But the JVC Cordless 900MHz Headphones are a distinct improvement on yesterdays cordless headphones.

Listen to great music, as loud as you like, free to roam throughout your home and yard, without bothering others — enjoying bright, clear, undisturbed private listening.

These wireless headphones come with a compact 900MHz FM transmitter that plugs into your sound system and transmits superior high fidelity music through walls and floors up to 100 meters away. 

The lightweight (11.3 oz.) headphones have a softly padded, closed cup design that greatly reduces ambient noise. Plus, JVC's optimal Direct Sound Delivery System places the high-performance 40mm drivers at right angles to the ear canal, so you hear a richer bass and cleaner highs. 

The stand is also the charging base for the headphones' NiCad battery, meaning no more batteries to constantly replace. You'll get up to 15 hours use on a full charge. 

Voice Call function allows others to get through to you with the press of a button on the transmitter. One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $1,200.00
The Nakamichi SoundSpace 8 is a super high-quality system, worthy of a gadget title.

Nakamichi's® SoundSpace™ 8 music system makes living with music effortless. By combining all necessary functions in one easy-to-assemble compact system, extraordinary sound can be yours in just a matter of minutes. Operation is a breeze, with its user-friendly control panel designed with a level of straightforwardness not often found on today's conventional mini-systems. 

Coordinating the SoundSpace 8 with your decor poses no major challenges as placement and mounting options are virtually endless. You can even select the panel illumination hue to best match your preferences and living space!

The wall-mountable main system unit contains a programmable MusicBank™ five-CD changer that gently handles your CDs, never touching the disc's playing surface when loading or unloading. The digital tuner provides up to 30 station presets (10 AM and 20 FM). The main system unit can be controlled using one of two wireless remotes — one is simplified for basic use; the other is full-featured for programming.

Nakamichi's legendary audio engineering and extensive research into the characteristics of human hearing have created a powerful yet discreet speaker system that provides unparalleled high-fidelity sound quality. The two tiny satellite speakers can fit on any bookshelf or can be mounted on a wall. Each features a two-way, three-speaker configuration that delivers excellent midrange and extended high frequency reproduction with no distortion. The active subwoofer has a 16cm driver and a bass reflex port for sound dispersion. That means you can place the subwoofer anywhere in the room (under a sofa, tucked in a corner) without location-dependent changes in tonality.

The main unit contains input jacks for up to three outside sources (cassette, MD, TV), as well as recording output jacks for MD and cassette. Comes with three 17' speaker cords for the subwoofer and satellite speakers. Main unit measures 15 1/4" x 7 1/4" x 4 1/4" and weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz.; subwoofer is 9 1/8" x 20 1/8" x 8 5/8" and weighs 19 lbs. 13 oz. Each satellite speaker measures 3 1/8" x 7 1/4" x 3 7/8" and weighs 1 lb. 7 oz. Plugs into wall outlet. Each remote requires 2 AAA batteries (included). One-year parts and labor warranty.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $499.95

For those who want to get their news directly from international sources, or simply love the romance of hearing news, music and propaganda transmitted from thousands of miles away, the Grundig Satellit 800 World-Band Radio is the top choice. 

With the included 592-page "Passport to World Band Radio" book as your comprehensive guide to stations, content and broadcast times, you'll be able to listen to virtually any country in the world.

The Satellit 800 has three bandwidths using electronically switched IF filters, providing great reception for shortwave as well as AM/FM and VHF aircraft signals. With excellent sensitivity and selectivity, you'll hear weak daytime shortwave signals and distant AM stations without interference from adjacent frequencies. Tune with the direct digital keypad or the large traditional tuning knob that doesn't mute as you scan each broadcast band. The 70-user memory presets let you group up to 10 stations together so you can scan your favorite broadcasters by category such as news, sports, music or even local AM/FM. Two clocks keep track of local and alternate times. Comes with high-quality stereo headphones.

Measures 21" x 8 1/2" x 9 1/2" and weighs 16 lbs. Runs on included 110/220 AC adapter or 6 D batteries (not included). One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $500.00

Nakamichi continues to push the boundaries of design and audiophile sound with their unique SoundSpace™ 3 stereo music system. 

Housed within the three identically-sized 6 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" chassis is a high-fidelity full-frequency range three-speaker satellite/subwoofer system. 

The main unit houses a compact satellite speaker, the CD player and a high-performance quartz synthesizer tuner, providing stable, drift-free reception with 10 AM and 20 FM station presets.

The second satellite unit, as well as the main unit, feature large-digit clock displays that automatically adjust for contrasting brightness depending on the room’s ambient lighting conditions. Their independent alarms have five-second ramp-up alarms to wake you gently, as well as snooze bars and sleep timers — all of which can be controlled by wireless remote. 

The third unit holds the powered subwoofer for rich, room-filling bass. Also features motorized CD lid and 12/24-hour time display. Each unit plugs into wall outlet; remote uses 2 AAA batteries (included). 

Each unit weighs less than 2 1/2 lbs. One-year parts and labor warranty.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $39.95
Nothing is worse than trying to concentrate in a noisy environment. But with the NoiseBuster Extreme Headphones you wont have that problem.

These active noise cancellation headphones generate precise "anti-noise" waves to neutralize irritating sounds. An included two-prong adapter lets you plug the unit in for use on commercial flights so you can enjoy in-flight music or actually hear every word of the movie.

The pocket-size audio pack can also be plugged into your personal stereo, tape player, CD player or any portable audio device. You can enjoy music with or without noise cancellation. VariActive control lets you adjust the ambient noise reduction to suit your surroundings.

Comfortable, lightweight stereo headphones are digital ready and foldable for easy storage. Operate about 100 hours on 2 AAA alkaline batteries (not included). 

One-year warranty. While headphones do permit you to hear voices, ringing phones, etc., they are not for use while driving or when alertness to background noises is required.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $129.95
Summer is a great season, our favorite season in fact. Hanging out in the back yard, swimming, Barbequing, tossing a ball. They're all great activities, but without music, it can be less appealing, and playing a boombox out back is distorted.

Now you can have the best of both worlds with Indoor/Outdoor 900 MHz Speakers.

Now you can listen to music all around your home and yard, indoors and out, without the hassle of running and hiding hundreds of feet of speaker wire and without worrying about water damage from light moisture. Just plug the transmitter into virtually any sound source — stereo, tuner, boom box, TV, DVD, VCR — and Advent's® new wireless outdoor/indoor speaker delivers high-quality sound in the most challenging locations...even pool decks, patios and big backyards. Its 900 MHz signals travel with ease up to 300 feet through walls, floors and other obstacles.

Music plays brilliantly through Advent's two-way speaker with AudioMax® Digital Amplifier, an extended range one-inch dome tweeter and a five-inch waterproof woofer, for deeper bass notes. As a water-resistant outdoor speaker, it's designed to withstand the effects of drizzling rain, morning dew and other gentle sprinklings. This wireless speaker can be totally portable, too, running for up to 100 hours on 8 C batteries (not included). It also can be plugged into outlet using the included AC adapter. Speaker comes with transmitter, receiver, 2 adapters, headphone adapter plug, audio input cable and "V" cable adapter. Speaker is 7" x 7 1/2" x 9 3/4" and weighs 7 lbs. One-year warranty.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $59.95

Even if you're packing light, now there's no reason to let a noisy hotel room spoil your trip. This compact Travel Soother relaxation system brings you four digital nature sounds in a size that fits easily in your pocket, attache, or travel bag. The relaxing sound of Seaside, Summer Night, Brook, or Rain can mask unwanted noises throughout the night, or let the 60-minute timer switch off after you've fallen asleep.

Available in two finishes: Titanium-Tone (shown here) and Carbontech. Adjustable volume control and built-in speaker. Just 4 1/2"L x 2 1/2"H x 1"D. Runs on 4 AA batteries (order separately). One-year warranty. Created by Sharper Image Design.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $79.95
Yeah, OK, so the whole uneventful Y2K thing is over. But that doesn't mean there aren't other times you need a radio in otherwise unusual places. 

Whether you're backpacking, sailing the high seas, or in the middle of a power failure, you can rely on the Freeplay 2 Handcranked Solar Radio to provide clear, static-free reception — without batteries or cords. Simply turn the crank for 30 seconds, and you generate enough energy to operate the AM/FM radio for up to 25 minutes.

Always at hand for an emergency (or a day at the beach), this advanced radio utilizes patented spring-engine technology. Turning the crank tightens an internal carbon steel spring mechanism, creating energy as tension is slowly released. (The clear case lets you watch the mechanism at work.)

The radio also operates indefinitely in direct sunlight, thanks to a solar panel that continually draws energy from available light, automatically switching to spring energy only when needed. A sophisticated generator provides a smooth flow of electricity, ensuring consistent volume and excellent sound quality.

This durable, weather-resistant radio is equipped with a telescoping antenna, and DC and headphone jacks. Measures 8" x 11" x 7"; weighs just 5 1/2 lbs. Gift wrap not available. One-year warranty.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $29.95

The bandless JVC® Attitude stereo headphones combine the best of both private-listening worlds — headphone-quality sound with the neat, discreet portability of ear buds. 

Lightweight, padded earphones feature comfortable over-the-ear hooks that keep them firmly in place, even when jogging. Frequency response of 8Hz to 24,000Hz, with 98dB/1mW sensitivity, ensure exceptional bass response. Attractive earphones have design plates that can be removed and replaced with your own personalized graphics. Weighs less than 1 1/2 oz. Cord is four feet long. One-year labor, 90-day parts warranties.

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Source Sharper Image Retail Price $219.95
In all fairness, the CD Radio/Alarm Clock with Sound Soother 20 and Talking Time and Weather Trend (yes that is its official nomenclature) is the ultimate travel and desk accessory. You could even keep one on your nightstand.

This self contained unit provide all of the entertainment and relaxation stimulus needed for almost any environment. Not only can you listen to your favorite CD or radio station, you can also get the latest weather, or have it "tell" you the time in a pleasant synthesized voice. 

Once the hectic moments of life have subsided, it will help you relax with up to twenty relaxing soundscapes including:

City, Roadside, Steam Train, Surf’s Up, Foghorns,
Dockside, Oceanside, Ebb Tide, Rain, Brook, 
Yosemite Falls, Rainforest, North Woods,
Thunderstorm, Everglades, Fireside, Wind Chimes,
Summer Night, Aviary, and Heartbeat

Stereo output is reproduced through two internal high fidelity speakers, and the tuner features quick auto scan and 20 presets. There's also a Sleep Mode timer that can be set for 15, 30, 45 or 60 minutes. During the last five minutes, the volume gradually ramps down to silence...avoiding abrupt cessation of the sounds that gently put you to sleep. Duration of the Snooze is adjustable to 10, 20 or 30 minutes. The easy-to-read backlit LCD screen shows 12/24 time; month, day, year; room temperature in ° F or ° C; and barometric weather trend.

The space age, handsome hinged case folds closed while leaving music controls — and speakers — uncovered. CD play is programmable and has an auto shut-off when using batteries.

Features digital volume-control and comes with stereo ear buds. Measures a compact 9" x 6" x 2" and weighs just 32 oz. For portability, it runs on 6 AA batteries (not included) or an optional adapter. One-year warranty. Available in three finishes: Select titanium, black or translucent graphite.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $189.95
There are a lot of in shower radio's available for the shower vocalist, but we've seen few that have a built in CD player. The CD Shower Companion with AM/FM Digital Tuner fits the bill.

The perfect gadget for everyone who loves to sing in the shower. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only water-resistant CD player for use in the shower with superior stereo sound from quality dual speakers. Open the vertical compartment and place a CD inside. It will stay safe and dry behind the water-resistant sliding door, while  you enjoy music as never before!

It includes a superior AM/FM stereo shower radio too, with excellent reception, precise digital tuning and 10 station presets. It can pipe in sound from any broadcast TV program as well. While traveling, you can also tune in European radio.

When you've finished showering, just take the portable CD Shower Companion with you — it comes with a handy countertop stand that cradles the player vertically in a small amount of space. Big-button controls are easy to use. The LCD screen shows the CD track, time, station and battery strength. Includes hanging hooks and wall-mount bracket.

Runs on 4 C batteries (not included) or an AC adapter (not included) for use outside the shower. Auto shut-off preserves battery life. 10 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 2". Weighs 28 oz. One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $199.95
Being short on space doesn't mean you have to live with a poor quality sound system The Slim Profile Stereo with CD, Cassette and AM/FM Digital Tuner will meet all of your audio reproduction requirements in a compact package.

The system is so sleek and slim — a mere three inches deep — that you can hang it on a wall for the ultimate in space savings! Enjoy rich stereo sound from a system that takes up no more room than a mirror or a poster. You don't need an extra piece of furniture — just a few nails.

Although the design is ultra compact, it doesn't skimp on the features: a vertical CD player; cassette player/recorder; digital AM/FM stereo tuner, with 10 AM and 20 FM presets; remote control for CD, radio, volume, and power; SUREWAKE™ alarm-clock system for radio or CD; large backlit LCD; detachable two-way speakers; headphone jack; and electronic sound equalizer for jazz, rock, pop, and classical. 

It even comes with interchangeable black and blue cloth speaker grills. Wall-mount brackets included. Measures 19" x 14" x 3" deep. Weighs only 12 lbs. Plugs into wall with included adapter or runs on 8 C batteries (not included); remote uses 2 AA batteries (not included). 90-day parts and labor warranties.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $289.95
Yet another excellent choice of the space-impaired audiophile, the Inline 3-CD Stereo is not only a sensational-looking stereo system, it also has a sleek, European-inspired design to grace any home or office. The clean lines, trim profile, cool blue lights and a clear view of the three CDs lined up horizontally in a vertical changer make a unique centerpiece for your audio center. The transparent front cover opens smoothly and automatically at the push of a button for easy loading and unloading of discs.

The compact speakers offer rich, full, room-filling stereo sound, and you can choose from four equalizer presets for Rock (Pop), Jazz, Vocal or Flat (Classical). Enjoy CDs or the built-in digital AM/FM stereo tuner with 20 AM and 20 FM presets.

Features include LCD display with blue LED back lights, electronic volume control, bass-boost control, high-speed search, headphone jack, audio in/output jacks for auxiliary devices, and sleep timer. Wake to the radio or your favorite CD. 

All functions are controlled by remote; runs on 2 AA batteries (not included). Matching detachable speakers measure 6 1/2" wide x 8 1/4" high x 5" deep. Main unit plugs into outlet and is 18 3/4" x 8 1/4" x 5" deep. Entire system weighs under 12 lbs. and is trim enough to mount on a wall, if desired, for additional space savings. 90-day warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $189.95
Here's another great choice for your audio needs both home and away. The CD Radio/Alarm Clock with Sound Soother.

When selecting sounds to sleep or wake by, you can't beat the versatility of this little bedside companion. It's an AM/FM tuner, a dual snooze alarm clock, a Sound Soother® and a dual-speaker stereo CD player — all in one beautifully compact package.

You can wake up to the buzzer alarm, or choose the pleasurable sounds of the radio or your favorite CD. Or relax to one of the Sound Soother's tranquil natural environments like Seaside, Summer Night, Rain or Brook. You can now set the Soother to play continuously through the night to mask ambient sounds such as people or traffic (great while traveling), or use the auto shutoff to fall asleep to the radio or a CD. (When using the sleep timer and wake-up alarm on the same night, you must choose a single sound source for both functions, or the buzzer alarm.)

Includes stereo ear buds for private listening. Backlit LCD screen shows day, date, temperature and time (in two zones). Folds for travel. Optional carry case; 6 1/2" x 6 1/8" x 1 1/2"; weighs just 16 oz. Runs on 4 AA batteries (not included) or an included AC adapter. One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $149.95
Oh the horrors associated with digging through an extensive music collection looking for that one CD that's right for the moment. Well you can put those troubles behind you with the new Power Tower 100 Motorized CD Rack with Light.

To make life easier, this ingenious motorized CD rack consolidates your collection in an easy to use rack organized. Turn the switch to view 100 jewel boxes in seconds. No more searching to within inches of the floor; no more struggling to read those skinny edges, all crammed together. With Power Tower™, the CDs come to you on a motorized track and fan past your eyes, quickly displaying the front, back and edge of the cases at a comfortable, back-saving height. Turn the switch to rotate 360° forward or back at two speeds; when you find your selection, release the switch and remove the CD effortlessly.

This quiet, discreet, space-saving system occupies about a square foot. Runs on 6 D batteries (not included) or can be plugged in using an optional adapter. It stands 3' 4" tall. Buy two racks and Sharper Image will send you a free cord splitter so you can operate both with one adapter. One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $129.95
Have you ever had one of those days when you knew you should have stayed in bed, only to come home and need a soothing place to relax? The Sound Soother 20 can help.

Familiar sounds evoke comforting memories. Exotic sounds transport you to a dreamy tropical isle. But for everyone, "noise" interrupts concentration, disrupts relaxation and ruins sleep. In contrast, soothing sounds leave you feeling relaxed, clear-headed, rejuvenated. 

This gadget features all-digital recordings of authentic natural environments, plus innovative soundscapes of "Wind Chimes," "Foghorns," "Roadside," and 17 others...projected with amazing fidelity through a high-quality omni-directional speaker.

Make your choice to mask out traffic noises, barking dogs, a snoring partner, a neighbor's stereo — and escape the noisy, hectic world. The graceful design and beautifully simple controls are the first step toward creating a serene personal environment. Memory retains your last-selected sound upon start-up. The 60-minute sleep-timer, during the final five minutes of play, gently ramps down to total silence — avoiding any abrupt cessation that can disrupt sleep.

Features rotary volume-control and headphone jack. Measures 8" high and 6" across. Runs on 6 AA batteries (not included), or plugs in using optional AC adapter. One-year warranty. Select platinum or platinum with Burltech™ top.

The 20 soothing sounds include:

Brook               City                   Aviary
Rain                 Fireside              North Woods
Rainforest         Summer Night      Oceanside
Steam Train      Everglades          Yosemite Falls
Wind Chimes     Thunderstorm       Ebb Tide
Heartbeat         Foghorns            Dockside
Roadside          and Surf’s Up

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $399.95
Yet another great choice for the space-impaired, the Go-Video DVD Player and VCR creates a new unit for saving money and space with this all-in-one DVD/CD player and VCR, so you can spend the extra cash renting movies! Also plays CDs and MP3s on CD-ROM for hours of downloaded music on a single disc. The unit’s RF outputs plug into any TV, so you can watch DVDs with digital image clarity and theater-quality surround sound (with additional speakers) using the Dolby™ Digital 5.1 Surround Sound decoder and DTS™ digital output.

The four-head, hi-fi stereo VCR features VCR Plus+C3™ and S-VHS playback. If you’re in the middle of a DVD when one of your favorite can’t-miss programs is on, simply set the unit to record and keep watching — it can record to tape while you watch a DVD! You can also record non-Macrovision-encoded DVDs to video. 

Getting started is a snap as the unit searches for channels to program and the clock automatically sets itself (also offers English, French or Spanish on-screen programming). Control all functions — as well as your cable box — using the joystick remote with glow-in-the-dark keys. Also features headphone jack with volume control and composite, S-video and component video outputs for maximum versatility. 

Unit measures 17" x 14" x 3 1/2" and weighs 16 lbs. Plugs into wall outlet; remote uses 2 AA batteries (not included). 90-day labor warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $19.95
Portable entertainment in a discreet package, the FM Pen high-quality rollerball pen houses a tiny FM stereo radio. Press a button to scan and lock onto the strongest signals; press Reset to bring it back to the bottom of the FM wavelength. Clips discreetly to pocket — great for the office, library or commuting. Comes with ear buds that plug into the top of the cap. 90-day warranty.
Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $800.00
Looking for a space saving unit with top shelf performance? Check out the Nakamichi SoundSpace 5.

Nakamichi's SoundSpace 5 is a work of audiophile art. Each speaker has its own individually optimized power amplifier, a 2.5cm semi-dome-type tweeter and a 10cm cone-type midrange bass permitting superb stereo images and an amazingly wide dynamic range.

The speakers and main unit are housed in handsome brushed metal and look like silver-framed pictures when resting on a shelf or hanging on a wall. These compact components can stand upright, or angled back on built-in easels, or can be easily wall-mounted for the ultimate in space saving. Decorative options include blue or green illumination of the acrylic CD window, and cloth speaker covers in three colors: charcoal, navy or teal...all included.

The programmable MusicBank 3-CD changer gently handles CDs without ever touching the playing surface. The high-performance quartz synthesis digital AM/FM tuner offers excellent, stable reception, 30 presets, plus scan and seek functions. Comes with two wireless remotes — a simplified one for basic use and a full-function remote for programming. Each remote runs on 2 AAA batteries (included). 

Features two input jacks (tape, aux), headphone jack, subwoofer output jack, and sleep timer. System plugs into outlet with included AC adapter. The main unit and each speaker are the same compact size: 10 1/2" x 8 2/3" x 3 2/3". Entire system weighs only 5 lbs. One-year warranty.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $2,999.95
Ever wondered what would happen when technology and nostalgia collided? You end up with the 100+ 1 CD Jukebox.

This new jukebox organizes 100 + 1 CDs in its expansive magazine. Assign stored CDs titles (up to eight characters) for easy reference, and group them in up to 10 categories by genre, artist, occasion (party, romantic, raucous), individual family members' favorites, you name it! Play is impressively programmable — play a single CD, programmed tracks, music in a certain category, random and more.

Even when silent, this classic jukebox's grand presence fills any room with a warm, nostalgic glow. Red, blue and pink neon lights glint off gleaming chrome-colored accents. The cabinet features handsome dark wood paneling. Through the window, an ersatz turntable spins continuously. Auxiliary jacks allow other sound sources (cassettes, tuner, MD) to play through the jukebox's built-in speakers. There are other jacks for adding external speakers. Rolls easily on wheels. Control all functions with the wireless remote. Jukebox measures 51" x 27" x 20" and weighs 154 lbs. Plugs into wall outlet. CD remote uses 2 AA batteries; audio remote uses 2 AAA batteries (not included). One-year warranty. There is also a $100 premium added to the regular delivery charge.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source Sharper Image Retail Price $349.95

Wanna drown in digital waves of today's hottest dance-club music and "scratch vinyl" to your favorite tunes? It's easy with Yamaha's DJX all-in-one sound machine. 

Built-in stereo speakers feature bass ports; and Yamaha's exclusive, uncompressed AWM technology (Advanced Wave Memory) means its preprogrammed sounds are served up with amazing fidelity and clarity. Hit the Pattern Player button to blast out more than 70 AWM dance patterns and 10 variations (Rave, Techno, Dance, Rap, Hip-Hop) from the 23 Drum Kits enhanced by 180 AWM dance voices. 

Cool, CD-size Scratch Pad delivers realistic vinyl-disc scratches. The Live Effector warps, distorts, echos and slices your sounds with an array of DSP special effects. Dial the three-band Isolator to pump up the bass or tweak the highs. Tap Tempo picks up your own beat, while the Audio BPM Counter syncs in with the beats-per-minute of jacked-in CD or vinyl music. 

Output jacks let you record your original music to a cassette; input jacks channel your favorite CD or vinyl-disc tunes through the DJX Box stereo speakers. Headphone jacks for private listening. Measures 13" square x 5" high. Weighs 7 lbs., 10 oz. Runs on 6 D batteries (not included) or plugs in using included AC adapter. One-year parts, 90-day labor warranties.

Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source TigerDirect Retail Price $89.99

 

The Tredex DMP16 MP3 Audio Player plays your favorite MP3 files in an ultra-light, ultra-compact unit with all the extras! Includes a 4-setting equalizer for dazzling sound with Super Bass. Records up to 16MB of your favorite MP3 music.

Features:

  • Track UP/DOWN
  • Repeat
  • 4-Setting Equalizer
  • Super Bass
  • Battery Indicator
  • System Lock
Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source TigerDirect Retail Price $129.99

The First International iRock! MP3 Player is reported to be the world’s smallest player, comparable in size to a business card (95 x 55mm) and as thin as an ordinary pencil (8mm). 

Equipped with enough memory to store up to 60 minutes of your favorite music, the unit is so small and lightweight, you may forget it’s in your pocket. 

Regardless of your activity, the iRock! has no moving parts, so there wont be any of those annoying skips associated with inexpensive CD players.

Features:

  • Dimensions: 95mm(H), 55mm(W), 8mm(D)
  • Weight: 45g
  • 4 continuous hours of operation using only one 1.5V AAA battery
  • 32MB of on-board memory for up to one hour of music storage
  • Large, clear LCD display for easy readability and operation
  • User-friendly ergonomics allows for one-hand operation
  • Unique button shape facilitates quick learning and easy operation—even in the dark
Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source TigerDirect Retail Price $89.99

 

A uniquely designed MP3 player, the I-Jam IJ-50 MP3 Player is as functional as it is sleek. Uses Compact Flash modules for easy music exchange, and is small enough to stick in a shirt pocket.

This is a unique MP3 player, and worthy or a second look.

Features:

  • Uses interchangeable Compact Flash
  • USB Connection for PC or MAC
  • Comes with one 8MB Compact Flash card
  • Comes with everything you need: Player Software 8MB Compact Flash card One External Drive for Recording
  • Backworn Earphones
Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source TigerDirect Retail Price $199.99

 

A USB port MP3 player means easy uploading of your MP3 files to the I-Jam MP3 Player. Small in size, and sporting a 32MB memory capacity, it's a solid choice in an MP3 player. It also has a built-in FM stereo tuner so you can catch up on the weather and news, and lots of extras.

Features:

  • Available Colors: RED & Black
  • I-JAM MP3 Player/FM Stereo!
  • 32MB Memory
  • Jam Station Hardware
  • Recording Software
  • High Quality Stereo Earphones
  • Carrying Case with Belt Clip
  • 16" Neck Strap
Our Rating Review Status Untested
 
Source TigerDirect Retail Price $139.99
The I-Jam MP3 CD Player is our personal favorite. Although larger than all other MP3 players here, it has the added advantage of being a CD player, AND is able to play MP3 files directly from a CD-RW or CD-R! This means an unprecedented 10 hour music capability! If you've tried other MP3 players and been disappointed by their music capacity, worry no more. This unit dispenses with those limitations. 

Features:

  • Plays Music CD's, & CDR/RW With MP3 Files
  • Includes Earphones & AC Power Adapter
  • LCD Displays Track & Time
  • Repeat/Shuffle Play
Our Rating Review Status Untested

  

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