At a press event in New York City this week, Como Audio's lead designer and CEO Tom DeVesto showed off a new audio system that combines an old school turntable with modern wireless stereo speakers. And the company is offering early backers a steep discount via a new IndieGogo campaign.
The system is comprised of the SpeakEasy stereo speaker system ($399-$499, depending on finish), paired with the company's recently introduced streaming turntable ($399). The SpeakEasy stereo system is a voice-enabled Smart Speaker System that can play music from a number of different sources, including Bluetooth, Spotify, internet radio and locally attached music sources.For a limited time, customers can pre-order the system at the reduced price of $499 (37% off list) through an IndieGogo campaign that just launched this week.
The SpeakEasy system consists of a pair of speakers, one of which includes the brain and amplification and the other being a passive speaker that is connected to the base unit via a single wire. Why two speakers? Because that's how pretty much every recording artist, producer and engineer meant for us to listen to their music. While other companies claim to be able to create a "stereo soundstage" out of a single box, nothing compares to an actual pair of speakers with some space in between then, to create a pleasant-sounding and realistic stereo soundstage.
The SpeakEasy comes with Google Assistant built in so you can select your music, control the volume, or event adjust your Nest thermostat just by asking Google. Please ask nicely, though, as the AIs will one day rule the world. Remember: Google never forgets.
Unlike the slick plastic speakers of the competition, Como uses materials like real wood, paint and metal to create speakers that look as good as they sound. The free Google Home app works with both iOS and Android. But if you don't want to use your voice - or your phone - to control things, you'll also find a few good old-fashioned buttons and dials that can allow you to adjust volume, select between internet radio presets, or change the source.
And speaking of old-fashioned sources, the IndieGogo backer package also includes Como Audio's new streaming turntable so you can resurrect that old vinyl collection. The turntable includes a built-in preamplifier so you can connect it to the Speakeasy via a simple analog audio cable, or you can connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth from across the room. This might be useful if your record collection is in one room, but your speakers are in another.
The SpeakEasy's cabinets are made from furniture-grade wood veneer in walnut or hickory. Or you can get a piano black or white piano finish instead. Sized at 9.5" H x 5" D and 4.9" W, the main unit weighs in at just 3.9 pounds. There are knobs to control volume, select next/previous preset and play or pause the music. Bluetooth is also available to connect a phone or the turntable as the source. There's also a built-in microphone to call upon the Google Assistant. Four white LEDs blink to confirm that Google is listening and acting upon your commands. Also, there is an actual clock on board with simple to progam alarm functions. You can keep it plugged into the wall for power, or you can go wireless thanks to a built in lithium ion battery pack that provides up to eight hours of portable listening pleasure. There is a fifteen-foot audio cable that connects the main unit to the (included) second speaker for true stereo sound.
Each speaker has 1 x 3" custom 4-layer voice coil woofer, and 1 x ¾" dome tweeter. The tuned rear bass port doubles as a carry handle. Expected availability is this fall and the suggested retail is $399 for walnut and $499 for designer finishes or fashion colors, The SpeakEasy comes with a 2-year warranty.
As for the turntable, well vinyl records are back in vogue and sales are fairly robust. Of course, if, like me, you still have your Blood, Sweat and Tears Album, well, it never sounded better. With its Bluetooth capability and integration with Como Audio's ecosystem, your turntable can now be a source of music throughout your home. The turntable is belt driven with wood veneer or high gloss piano finishes. It can connect to the speakeasy - or any other compatible device- wirelessly via Bluetooth or via a standard analog audio cable. The 300mm diameter metal platter rotates smoothly and the tonearm is an 8.6" arm fitted with an Ortofon cartridge that is high quality and easy on your records. A low noise AC synchronous motor gives speed stability while not adding vibration Playback speeds include 45 or 33 RPM. There is a Removeable dust cover, and a black felt mat to protect your records. The unit comes with a two-year warranty, not including the stylus.
Overall the turntable measures 16.3" (415mm) W x 4.65" (118mm) Hx 12.6" (320mm) and has finishes to match all products in the Como audio line. The retail price is $399 and it's available as part of the IndieGogo backer package or on its own, directly on the Como Audio web site.
If you like what the company is doing and are interested in moving from customer to part owner, Como Audio is also launching a Wefunder campaign at wefunder.com/comoaudio.
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