Wireless Speaker System
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A question that I have often asked of various speaker manufacturers is "When are we going to see products that make use of wireless technology?" Generally the initial response is a grin followed by silence. I then go on to complain about the difficulty of having wires cluttering up the place, adding to the possibility of causing an accident. The response then usually follows the line that power and interference problems far outweigh the perceived benefits of having speakers physically detached from the audio output source and I would be left with the distinct impression that there was no more to be said about the subject.
However, asking the same question of Saitek Audio would illicit the response of "Have you seen our A-250 2.1 speaker system model?" This particular speaker system, as you have probably guessed, makes use of wireless technology in order to receive audio output from a computer. The kit consists of a one-piece speaker unit and receiver unit which attaches to the computer via a USB port.
Those familiar with Saitek Audio products will know that the company is not adverse to introducing an unusual shape to its design concept or adding a touch of style for good measure. In this case of the highly polished, black and red A-250 model, the shape reminds me of the head of a bug-eyed monster with the speaker grills covering two 3W Mission tweakers looking like eyes and the 3W Mission sub-woofer proving the units raised base.
Powered by four AAA batteries or the supplied AC lead, the A-250 connects to the computer via the circular receiver with a range of up to 30 metres. Control buttons, above the right speaker, allow you to start/pause the music; switch between wireless and wired connection mode; cycle backwards and forwards through tracks; adjust the volume level or mute the audio; plus turn off the system. To avoid any confusion, it should be made clear that the appropriate source application, whether that might be Windows Media Player, Winamp or whatever, needs to be started from the computer - the A-250 only controls active output.
A two-inch, eye-shaped LCD on the front of the speaker unit provides feedback status information. This display will inform you of the type of connection, battery life (indicated by ten horizontal bars when at full capacity) and volume level.
As well as connecting to the computer via wireless, you can also link direct with the supplied 3.5mm jack connecting lead. The wired connection option means that you could use this speaker system with your iPod or other MP3 players. However with such devices you will only be able to adjust volume level as you loose the ability to change tracks.
Setting up the speaker system to work with a Windows XP proved trouble free although some users might need to change their default sound device setting. Instruction of how to do this are included in the package. Some changes will also need to be made to the settings when using Winamp. Again the relevant steps are included.
The audio output quality of the A-250 should be fine for most users although Hi-Fi enthusiasts might not be so easily satisfied. As for the wireless range of this device, line of sight is important. While it might be possible to venture 30 metres in a direct line, without any obstructions, from the receiver, if walls enter the equation then I found that 10 metres was the limit. I could get decent reception when the receiver was in one room and the speaker was in an adjacent room but venturing further resulted in signal break up.
As long as you intend using the system speaker within its limitations regarding signal strength then you should have an enjoyable audio experience. The A-250 has been priced at £99.99.
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