Philips Fidelio DS8800W
Stacked up against hi-fi heavyweights like Klipsch and B&W, I wasn’t sure how the Fidelio DS8800W would fare. I needn’t have worried. The curved cabinet adds rigidity and along with its tuned bass pipes, the overall effect is stunning. Output is well-balanced and the mid and treble ranges are crisp and bright. There’s more warmth here than on the Klipsch G-17 Air and bass is hefty but not over-powering. Along with its own iOS app, there’s a WPS button, but if you don’t have a WPS router, you’ll need to use the same workaround as on the Audyssey and Libratone speakers. Pound-for-pound, this a very close second to the Audyssey Audio Dock Air.
Reg Rating 90%
Price £349
More info Philips
Teac NS-X1
The NS-X1 is the least expensive speaker here. It’s also the most fully-featured, with an FM radio, iPod dock, and DNLA streaming to add to AirPlay. Like the JBL, set-up is straightforward thanks to an LCD and menu buttons. Sadly, the Teac doesn’t fare well in the hi-fi stakes when pitted against the other speakers here. It’s not terrible by any means. But it’s a less satisfying listening experience than the others, and never delivers the thrills of the Audyssey, Philips or Klipsch. If you’re after something for the bedroom or have a limited budget, it’s fine. Otherwise, you should consider splashing out for the Audio Dock Air. ®
Reg Rating 60%
Price £200
More info Teac
Eight... AirPlay speakers
COMMENTS
Looks nice
But if you want a proper airplay solution, surely a nice set of small Monitor Audio speakers, even a basic Cambridge Audio amp and an Airport Express as the Airplay device would sound 1000% better than any of these one box solutions on test, and potentially cost around the same?
Re: Looks nice
That's what I did, sort off.
I got some fag packet sized D-class amps (Sure electronics, 15w) from fleabay for 35 quid and my old Tannoy 607 and 603 speakers and some Linn ceiling speakers for the bathroom. These and some airports, either N's or G's (turned the wireless off on the G's) and Bobs your aunty.
They sound great to me and plenty loud enough which is probably all that most people would want/need. Indeed, when I needed some more amps I had to order another 6 for other people.
Not as cool as the ones in article but massive geek satisfaction value.
I disagree....
The Teac *does* sound abysmal. We tested it against a similair styled Sony and the Sony sounded a million times better.
But why no Denon Ceol / Marantz 603(?) / Sony G2 series? Have auditioned these all recently for myself and ended up with the G2BNIP (ie DAB and AirPlay/Wifi) as the Marantz and Denon both took the best part of a week to start playing from an iPhone once it was plugged in.
Please be objective
There are some excellent objective and measurable criteria when evaluating a speaker:
- linearity
- efficiency
- loudness
It all comes down to parameters that can be measured and quantified in a frequency-response curce, rather than fuzzy adjectives like 'warmth' and 'ambience'.
If you insist on testing analogue peripherals, such as speakers and displays, please set up a lab with proper equipment to actually measure the results!
