WiFi HiFi from Phillips
If you crave a digital music system but can’t be bothered messing around connecting to a PC, this could be the answer. Phillips has just released the WAC3500D Wireless audio centre.
At around $600, the WAC3500D comes complete with an 80GB hard drive capable of holding up to 1500 CDs worth of music. CDs can be ripped at MP3 bit rates ranging from 128kbps to 320kbps, or as VBR and WMA audio files at 16-128kbps.They can then be streamed wirelessly to up to five Wi-Fi stations or played through a pair of included 40W speakers.
An iPod dock is included which will charge the player. It also supports USB direct and an internet radio connection. The Class ‘D’ Digital Amplifier takes an analogue signal, converts it into a digital signal and then amplifies the signal digitally. The signal then enters a demodulation filter to give the final output. The amplified digital output delivers all the advantages of digital audio, including improved sound quality. In addition, Class ‘D’ Digital Amplifier has greater than 90% efficiency compared to traditional AB amplifiers. This is one powerful amplifier in such a tiny box. Phillips have a downloadable PDF leaflet about the beastie here.
My Christmas list just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
