Portable loudspeaker systems have become all the rage with the introduction of the iPod, iPhone, iPad and various other media-friendly phones and tablets. But the reality is that most of them sound rather mediocre. You can only bend the laws of physics so far, but the folks at Soundmatters dropped the big one back in 2008 with the first incarnation of the foxL portable system. Everyone from CNET to our friends over at Sound & Vision have raved about the high-end sound quality of these tiny little powered loudspeaker systems. And advancements in wireless technology have made it ever easier to control these systems. CEDIA 2011 was held last week, and Soundmatters strutted around Indianapolis touting the brand new foxLv2 Platinum Bluetooth portable system.
Audiophiles should get their bibs ready because the drool should start momentarily.
The new flagship model features a platinum finish, as opposed to the current black models but that's merely cosmetic. The changes under the hood are more substantial. The foxLv2 Platinum incorporates CSR's apt-X circuitry so that users who are trying to stream music via Bluetooth from apt-X equipped devices (such as Apple computers utilizing Snow Leopard or Lion) or compatible Sennheiser dongles will experience virtual CD quality sound along with improved sound/picture syncronization for movies and gaming.
Another major change that will appeal to audiophiles is that the foxLv2 Platinum now uses Audioquest Evergreen audio cable. Audioquest has been in the audio business for quite some time (I still use it in two systems in my home) and is one of the best values in high-end cables in my not so humble opinion.
The battery life of the foxLv2 Platinum has also been extended to 10 hours (with Bluetooth engaged) and 20 hours when running the system direct with Bluetooth turned off.
The foxLv2 Platinum utilizes Soundmatters patented "twoofers" and it's hard not to be impressed by the output capabilities of these tiny drivers. The system also features Bluetooth speakerphone capability with a built-in noise-cancelling microphone. However, taking a call while listening to music on a romantic getaway with the missus is not recommended.
You can connect virtually any music or media playback device to the foxLv2 via its standard 3.5mm stereo audio input; an AudioQuest Evergreen cable is now included.
The Lithium-ion BassBattery is rechargable via USB or included 5V universal wall charger. Soundmatters includes AC prong adapters for the US/Japan, Germany/China, UK, and Australia. If you run the system off its AC wall charger, the wattage doubles from 2 to 4 watts; which means that it'll make a great little system for your office or bedroom, or a killer hotel room system while you're on the road.
At 5.6"W X 2.2"H x 1.4"D, the foxLv2 is one robust sounding minor miracle of sound.
Looking for a great Christmas/Chanukah gift for the person who has everything? The foxL v2 Platinum expected to begin shipping in late October for about $229.
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