Does thus exist, whats it called, and Which is best?

[Zeedre]

Hi audiophiles,
Here's what I'm thinking must exist. (I've poked around and searched but not found exactly)

I'd like to connect either my smartphone or directly to maybe pandora or Internet radio sources to a pair of very unobtrusive yet very good sounding speakers. my friends have those docks that never sound good to me. So to some extent maybe that on steroids?

No tv in the room. It doesn't have to be very loud but this living room is 11x20. Im thinking I should have a bit of distance between the two speakers? Hopefully less than 200$

All ears to your knowledge.

Z

 

[Actran]

AirPlay is apple's technology that will allow for that. I'm not sure what / if google, android, or windows phones use. If you have an apple phone, just buy a receiver or dock that supports AirPlay.

i use a denon 2312 with AirPlay for the same reason.

 

[Hobbit]

Just google "internet radio." I have a grace digital wifi tuner and it streams pandora, aupeo, lastfm, and many more and all the internet radio stations (which nowadays includes all the local stations), it also streams all my music that I have on my computer. The sound quality is great too. Then you can download an AP that allows your smartphone to act as the remote for it if you please. Many of the new AVR's have similar features. Albeit, most I've seen don't have the functionality as my GD.

 

[ACsGreens]

Check these out, use the Bluetooth adapter and enjoy wonderful sound. You can use 1 in mono or 2 as left/right. About $300, so not quite at the 200 level but big sound for an extra $100.

A2 Powered Speakers | Paradigm SHIFT™ Series

 

[j_garcia]

What you are looking for are simply powered speakers, of which there are TONS of choices, though not all are going to be in the $200 range.

These are in that range: http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-A2

Above that range

http://www.nhthifi.com/Powered-Desktop-Monitor-Speaker-Super-Power?sc=12&category=7097

Audioengine 5+ - Gallery

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Hi audiophiles,
Here's what I'm thinking must exist. (I've poked around and searched but not found exactly)

I'd like to connect either my smartphone or directly to maybe pandora or Internet radio sources to a pair of very unobtrusive yet very good sounding speakers. my friends have those docks that never sound good to me. So to some extent maybe that on steroids?

No tv in the room. It doesn't have to be very loud but this living room is 11x20. Im thinking I should have a bit of distance between the two speakers? Hopefully less than 200$

All ears to your knowledge.

Z

Question - when you say directly connect the smartphone to speakers - do you mean wirelessly or by wire?
If it's prior -> see below J_Garcia suggestion for A2 speakers,but if it's wireless system is what you looking for - it probably doesn't exist in your price range

 

[Zeedre]

Ahh, powered speakers. Ok. got it. Researching. Thanks for the help!

 

[Actran]

I was checking out Denon's site for something simple. I found their CEOL piccolo Desktop Networking System. It's basically a wirelessly networked receiver. It's $499, but it gives you a place to start and maybe some terms you can search on.



http://usa.denon.com/us/product/pages/productlanding.aspx?pcatid=audiocomponents(denonna)&catid=shelfsystem(denonna)&catalog=denonna_us

 

[Actran]

Talk about timely! Look what audioholics just reviewed. This would greatly open up your options

Pyle BlueReach PBTR70 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Adapter | Audioholics

 

[j_garcia]

I was checking out Denon's site for something simple. I found their CEOL piccolo Desktop Networking System. It's basically a wirelessly networked receiver. It's $499, but it gives you a place to start and maybe some terms you can search on.

Home Theater Receivers and iPod Dock Shelf Systems | Denon

That does not include speakers, so it would be WAY over budget.

 

[jplinville]

If you already have a stereo in place, why not go for this? NFC Enabled HD Bluetooth® Music Receiver | BT Music Receiver | Audio | Entertainment | Products | Belkin USA Site

I've had one for about 9 months, and love it. I can stream from my Windows 8 phone, my kid's iPod, and with a small USB transmitter, I can stream from my laptop.