Lars & Ivan Hybrid Amplifier and Cube Speakers : iPhone/iPod Accessory Review

iPhone/iPod Accessory Review: Lars & Ivan Hybrid Amplifier and Cube Speakers
Reviewed by: Cyprian Peters
-Official website
-Distributors
-Canada
-United States
Price: Hybrid Amp – $399.99
Wireless Speaker – $449.99

Of all the iPod/iPhone music accessories out there, there are very few that stand out and set themselves apart from the rest, both in style and sound. Lars & Ivan has a product here that actually does both, very well I might add. I’ll be looking at a couple of their products today. They can be used both separately and together. One is the Hybrid iPod Amplifier and the other is their Cube speakers.

First, we’ll take a look at the hybrid amplifier. The first thing that strikes you when looking at this is how cool it looks. It has an odd shape but it definitely works. It is not too bulky and its curved top makes it look very sleek. They sent me the black one but it is also available in grey and white. This is a tube amplifier and there are two transparent bubbles on the top which glow orange when it is in operation. This makes it look even more unique.

Unlike many iPod units, this one requires actual speaker wire connections. The speaker wire doesn’t come included with the amp or speakers, so make sure you have some on hand. The terminals are high quality and provide secure connections for the wires.

On the top is an iPod dock which integrates into the unit very nicely. It works with any iPod with a dock connector. It also worked with my iPhone 3GS but it doesn’t charge it. There are 4 input modes: iPod, Phono, CD, AUX. These are selectable with one of the two knobs on the front. The other knob controls the volume. On the back there are inputs for AUX, CD and Phono as well as video and subwoofer outs. There is even a USB out so you can connect it to your computer and sync if you like. With all the inputs, the amp is great to use with your PC, TV if you don’t mind only 2.1, and even a standalone iPod system. It isn’t cheap, coming in at $400, but you for sure get what you pay for here. With the right speakers (like the Cubes), this will give you warm, crisp sound that with fill up any room. It also comes with a little remote that lets you control the volume as well as giving play/pause/skip functionality.

I got the Cube speakers to go with the hybrid amp. These speakers actually cost more than the amplifier. They aren’t your average little iPod speakers. These are solid, heavy speakers. They have a wooden enclosure on the inside and a glossy black finish on the outside. They really look good next to the amplifier. The pair make a very modern combination that are sure to attract comments.

They may look good but what is really important is how they sound. I’d say just about as good as they look. Even at low volumes, these speakers have amazing clarity. Paired with the hybrid amp, you’re sure to hear old music in a new way. The sound is so precise, you hear every note. I like to listen to heavier, melodic metal music and sometimes audio systems just blur everything together. With these speakers and amp, everything is clear and you can hear all the individual instruments.

Not only do these speakers sound good at low levels, but they can really pump out the sound as well. They are more than enough to use at a party in a room full of people. You have to turn it extremely high before it starts to distort. The quality stays really good up to really high volumes, which I like. They also have very good bass, which is important to me. Even though there is the option of adding a subwoofer, with these speakers you don’t really need it.

All in all, I’m very impressed with this combo of amplifier and speakers. Tube amps in general are pretty pricey, so $400 isn’t an unrealistic amount to pay for one. The speakers on the other hand are more than the amplifier. This might be the only discriminating factor here. $450 speakers are usually out of most people’s price range. The good news is the amplifier will work with any wired speakers. If money isn’t an issue though, this pair of amplifier and speakers make for some amazing listening! I know I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them.

Score:
8.5/10

Tags: Accessories, Accessory, Canada, iPhone, iPhone 3GS, News, OS, review

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