iPod Speakers, Part II

by Ami Kealoha

For Part II of our iPod speaker feature, we focused on larger systems designed to take the place of the traditional home stereo. See iPod Speakers, Part I for the rundown of smaller shelf-based and portable systems.

Geneva XL
Topping our list is a stylish Swiss audio-wolf-in-sheep's-clothing, the Geneva Sound System XL (pictured above right). Housed in a single, piano-lacquered wooden cabinet (measuring 24"x18" and available in white, black, or—my favorite—a hot Geneva red) the Geneva uses the patented EmbracingSound technology currently deployed in the Oscar-winning studio of Per Hallberg to deliver compelling hi-fi experiences at low levels or to blow the roof off of your next house party with up to 600 watts of sound. During a test at Cool Hunting headquarters, we were amazed at how masterfully the Sound System could handle the deep bass sounds of a Dre track and then recreate the acoustics of Carnegie Hall with a chilling recording of Mahler's 8th Symphony. Capable of playing individual CDs through a built-in loading slot, digitally tuning to FM radio, and easily connecting to TVs, game consoles, computers, and most MP3 players, the Sound System is a highly versatile solution to all of your audio needs. The Sound System can sit directly on the floor for an ultra minimal look but we loved it even more mounted on its optional 6" silver stand, which also makes it easier to connect.

$1,075 for the XL and $600 for the 100-watt, 11"x17" Model L (add $75 for the optional stand) from Geneva.

Klipsch iFi
The iFi is slightly more reminiscent of a traditional stereo component system as it comes in four pieces including a subwoofer, two smaller satellite speakers, and an iPod dock, allowing you to space out the system over an entire room or office. Once you get past the iFi's rather plain, industrial aesthetics (you would probably want to hide the subwoofer behind a monolithic chaise-lounge and keep the speakers on a cluttered shelf below eye level), you will be very excited by its capabilities to produce up to 200 watts of high quality sound. The iFi can be connected to most any other devices and as one of the first iPod speaker systems, it is still one of the better audio bargains out there.

$400 from Klipsch.

Hammacher Schlemmer Triode-Tube Speakers
Hammacher Schlemmer has developed a high-end analog option with their Triode-Tube Speakers. By utilizing an analog technology that is nearly extinct in today's digital world, Triode-Tube is the first tube base iPod speaker system ever created to cater to diehard audiophiles who own iPods. The speakers, engineered in Germany, consist of aluminum-encased amplifiers housing powerful class-a tubes which smooth over digital imperfections inherent in compressed audio files and emit a faint glow of light as they radiate rich, warm, hi-fi sound. In addition to being a masterwork of acoustical engineering, the Triode-Tubes would also serve as elegant objet d'arts for any space they might inhabit; however, considering the sound quality limitations of MP3 files and the price tag, you really have to ask yourself if playing your iPod through these speakers wouldn't be a little bit like killing an ant with a sledge hammer. That said, these speakers can be connected to a wide variety of other audio outputs, so you could get the full experience from these speakers if you still had an old reel to reel kicking around in the back of your mini-storage unit.

$4,000 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

Apple iPod Hi-Fi
Last but not least, we're including Apple's iPod Hi-Fi as another excellent choice for your home audio system. Originally, we were thinking about including this model with Part I of our iPod speaker feature, but after interacting with it, we realized in spite of its built in handles, the Hi-Fi is much less practical to lug around than a traditional boom box and better suited as a more stationary enhancement on the shelf next to your favorite easy chair. Measuring only 17"x7" and capable of producing around 130 watts, the Hi-Fi has remarkably good sound for its size. It is contained entirely within its sleek modern cabinet that has removable grill if you want a more modern look. The Apple Hi-Fi also has an apple remote, a battery power option, and Apple AirPort compatibility so it will fit right into your wireless lifestyle.

$350 from Apple.

Contributed by Edwin Cahill

Milano, I Saloni

by m ss ng p eces

Now in its 45th year, Milan's annual international furniture fair is the largest of its kind, featuring over 2,500 exhibitors and attracting over 200,000 international visitors. This year the event inaugurated its new sprawling location at the Fieramilano. Designed by Massimiliano Fuksas, the €750M structure is the largest and most technologically-advanced trade fair complex in the world.

We sat down with Manilo Armellini, the Managing Director of the Saloni on a late Friday afternoon. What began as a conversation about the enormity of the new Fieramilano slowly became a discussion about the heart of Italian production and the reason why so many designers choose to produce in Italy.

We decided to allow the interview to structure a dynamic visual journey through one of the world’s most venerable design exhibitions. Enjoy.

EFCI's 2006 Collection

by Evan Orensten

On the precipice of summer, Los Angeles-based EFCI has expanded its oft-imitated limited-run t-shirt line beyond its instantly recognizable lion emblem. New themes in the vintage cotton line include Bruce Lee and the partial wavy-haired profiles of Miami beauties. New zoology includes cobras, seahorses and geometric swans. In addition to screen-printing in gold and silver metallics on subdued grey and black, the tees also branch out into a more adventurous bright popsicle-hued range of colors. Even with changes, EFCI maintains an element of high-jealousy as availability is still limited, but look out for these shirts in their online store soon.

Previously on Cool Hunting: Elastic Fantastic Chronosynclastic Infundibulum (EFCI)

JetBlue Story Booth

by Josh Rubin

In order to tell the story of US domestic airline carrier JetBlue in a forthcoming web and tv campaign, JWT (their ad firm) decided to look to JetBlue passengers for content. New York based Mesh Architecture was tapped to create the physical Story Booth and Local Projects created the interactive experience inside the booth. The way it works is simple—walk in, tell your story and leave. The Story Booth is currently at the start of its 10 city tour in Rockefeller Center in NYC and will remain there through the weekend. From there it goes on to Orlando, Santa Monica, Oakland, Burlington, DC, Ft. Lauderdale, San Jose, Boston and Rochester. The schedule is here.

Vice Scandinavia adicolor Winner

by Ami Kealoha

At the speakeasy-style event that Vice held at Bruno Gallerian in Stockholm last week, Christian Bielke from Oslo walked away with 10,000 SEK (about $1,200) of Adidas Originals for the shoe he designed (pictured right). Congrats Christian!

Also on Cool Hunting: Vice Scandinavia adicolor Contest