Dapper Scout – A lifestyle web magazine for men

There are those individuals willing to put in the time and effort to build that perfect media center, meticulously researching the ideal configuration of receiver, speakers, and cabinetry at just the right price points.  Now, for those who are simply willing and able to spend the money for white glove service (and believe in one-stop shopping), there’s the Geneva Home Theater (available at Design Within Reach for $4,000).  It’s a striking synthesis of furniture and audio that comes in a hand-lacquered wood frame that’s well equipped with seven speakers, a 12″ subwoofer, an iPod universal dock, a CD player and an AM/FM radio.  Digital surround sound pours out of the Geneva Home Theater and while an LED light lets you know what’s on tap, the frame also includes room for your other media components.  Available in a piano-lacquered black or white, the Geneva Home Theater is the ideal all-in-one media and home theater center when you’re willing to put in zero effort, but demand maximum audio output.

Electronics, Loft, Music System

Having housed munitions in a former life (as its casing is sourced from an actual ammo box), the thodio A-BOX (available at thodio starting from $339) is undeniably the most battle-ready iPod dock we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing.  However, with a 1mm thick steel plating that’s reinforced with another 6mm of vibration dampening material, the thodio A-BOX isn’t meant to stop bullets as much as play your music with clarity and a decidedly bellicose attitude (at least on the surface).  The A-BOX has an integrated rechargeable battery and comes in two different models: a “light” version with a 2 x 25 watt RMS amplifier and woven glass fiber speakers in a carbon color, and a “heavy” version (editor’s choice) with a 2 x 70 watt amplifier and woven Kevlar speakers in a yellow color.  And whether you choose to connect your iPod to the A-BOX from the outside or keep it safely hooked up from the inside, you’ll have the flexibility of taking your music with you just about anywhere you go, even if it means going behind enemy lines (or in your case, just outside of the apartment).

Electronics, Gear, iPod Accessories, Loft, Music System

When it comes to electronics (and probably most other things), we just hate that feeling when we find out that a more up-to-date version is released, leaving us with something that’s essentially on its way to becoming obsolete.  The complete opposite is true of the AUX Classic Speakers (available at AUX starting from $999).  With a compact amplifier that puts out 400 watts of power, broadband speakers that hit the full range of relevant frequencies and a unique subwoofer, the AUX Classic has been deliberately designed (after years of extensive R&D) to withstand the passage of time.  Even its name alludes to a purity of form as the AUX Classic doesn’t house any means of music generation itself, rather its singularity of purpose revolves around the dispersion of sound via the AUX input (i.e. headphone jack).  Whether it’s an iPod, TV or your PC (among many other input options), the AUX Classic Speakers will channel your music with a level of clarity and depth that’s consistent with its strikingly slick exterior.

Electronics, Gear, iPod Accessories, Loft, Music System

There’s nothing quite like owning (and driving) a Porsche.  But until that elusive convergence of a serious bonus and promotion comes through, we’ll be more than happy daydreaming about one, as the Etón Porsche Design P’9120 Tabletop Stereo System (available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $800) fills our room with the sounds of solace.  Embodying Etón’s technical expertise with the engineering prowess and powerful design statement reminiscent of its four-wheeled cousins, the Etón Porsche Design P’9120 is the tabletop stereo system that does a little bit of everything.  Both a radio (AM/FM/shortwave/XM Satellite-ready) and an iPod dock, the P’9120 channels your music with clarity and power through its three full-range speakers and subwoofer.  An OLED display keeps you informed of what setting you’re on, whether you’re making adjustments using the manual dials (placed around the three speakers) or the remote control.  Though it may not take you from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, this Etón Porsche Design stereo system will immediately move you in many other ways (just while stationary for the most part).

Electronics, Gear, iPod Accessories, Loft, Music System

There’s something about the glossy, monolith-like aesthetic of the Parrot Zikmu Wireless Speakers by Philippe Starck (available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,600) that brings to mind Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.  Granted, the resemblance to the 2001 monolith only extends about halfway down the speakers before they fluidly extend into a striking base that appears to float above ground.  Like all of Philippe Starck’s innovative endeavors, the Parrot Zikmu Wireless Speakers are incredibly executed and defy the typical convention of speaker design in both form and function.  Using NXT technology to deliver 360° room-filling sound, the Parrot Zikmu is able to adapt to the individual acoustics of any room, regardless of size, as it delivers stunningly clear sound.  While you can use the iPod/iPhone dock directly, the Parrot Zikmu’s wireless capabilities also let you stream music from your PC using Wi-Fi technology or from your Mac using Bluetooth technology.  Whichever means you choose, when it comes to seamlessly and consummately experiencing your music from any point in your room, the Parrot Zikmu is the evocative choice for design fanatics and audiophiles alike.

Electronics, Gear, iPhone Accessories, iPod Accessories, Music System

Whether its signature form reminds you of the famed airship it’s named after or the head of a certain baby on a Fox animated series, there’s no question that the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin iPod Speaker (available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $600) is nonpareil in its design.  Using the same technology standards as the audio equipment found in premier recording studios, the Zeppelin exhibits uncompromised form and function in one  iPod speaker whose performance is just as stunning as its appearance.  Every aspect of the Zeppelin reflects a dedication to design with purpose, from the spring-loaded docking port that allows the user to grasp the iPod in hand, to the placement of the tweeters on the narrow ends of the speaker to maximize the dispersion of the tiny high-frequency waves.  And with three high-quality amplifiers and an internal subwoofer driver, the Zeppelin iPod Speaker generates an acoustic performance that not only surpasses what most iPod docks are capable of, but also rivals what you’d hear from high-end component systems with an experience you can see, hear and feel.

Electronics, Gear, iPod Accessories, Music System

For those iPod owners who spontaneously and unabashedly break into song without regard for their immediate surroundings, the Griffin iKaraoke (available at fredflare.com for $60) is the ultimate iPod accessory.  Simply plug and play (no are batteries required as it’s powered by your iPod) and the iKaraoke isolates the lead vocal in your music and fades it out, allowing your own voice to be the center of attention.  The microphone also lets you control tracks and adjust the volume, and if the background vocal support from your iPod just isn’t enough, you can even connect the iKaraoke to your music system, ensuring that wherever you go, the karaoke party goes with you.

Electronics, Gear, iPod Accessories, Music System