John P. Falcone,
Senior Editor
April 30, 2008
Wireless speakers have long been a Holy Grail of sorts in the home audio world. And while power concerns and still keep the "wireless" aspect firmly in quotes, there's actually been some progress in the past several years. Nearly every major manufacturer offers at least one--if not several--home theater systems with wireless rear speakers. Meanwhile, those with existing speaker systems can opt for universal wireless add-on kits--such as the KEF and Rocketfish models shown below--that convert rear speakers to wireless operation. If you just need a set of stereo speakers, consider the JBL On Air Control 2.4G. And if you're looking for an iPod-friendly wireless system that--thanks to built-in rechargeable batteries--has a set of truly wireless speakers, you'll want to check out the Griffin Evolve.
| Product name | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $174.99 to $209.07 | $599.95 | $104.99 | $399.99 |
| CNET editors' rating | ||||
| Average user rating | ||||
| Review date | March 01, 2007 | July 03, 2007 | February 26, 2008 | November 14, 2007 |
| The Bottom Line | JBL's On Air Control 2.4G requires an annoying amount of wires and has limited compatibility with surround receivers, but its impressive sound quality surpasses that of previous wireless solutions. | While it costs a bundle, KEF's Universal Wireless System makes good on its promise to deliver CD-quality sound to any brand of speakers. | The Rocketfish Universal Wireless Rear Speaker Kit can convert most brands of surround speakers to cordless operation for less than $100. | The iPod-friendly Griffin Evolve is the first wireless speaker system that delivers a truly cable-free experience. |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | ||||
| System Components |
Transmitter 2 speakers |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
2 x speakers |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
5.1 in x 5.1 in x 5.1 in |
| Nominal (RMS) Output Power |
15 Watt |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| MP3 Player Compatibility | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
IPod (3G) IPod nano (aluminum) (2G) IPod nano IPod with video (5G) IPod photo IPod (4G) |
| Battery | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Speaker battery - Rechargeable - Lithium ion |
| Remote Control |
Remote control - Infrared |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Remote control - Radio |
| Product Type |
PC multimedia speakers |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Wireless speaker system with digital player dock |
| Speaker System Details |
2 x Speaker - 15 Watt - 50 - 20000 Hz |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Connectivity Technology |
Wireless - 2.4 GHz radio frequency |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Wireless |
| Speaker Type |
2-way - Active |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Active |
| Product Description |
JBL On Air Control 2.4G - PC multimedia speakers |
Info unavailable |
Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit RF-WHTIB |
Griffin Evolve Wireless speaker system with digital player dock |
| Manufacturer Warranty | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
1 year warranty |
Info unavailable |
| Audio Amplifier |
Integrated |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Integrated |
| Response Bandwidth |
50 - 20000 Hz |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices |
|
|
|
|
- Check out what's new
- Introducing the all-new CNET!
- Send feedback
