Altec Lansing Introduces the New inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker

[Cristian_25H]

Today, audio innovator Altec Lansing released the inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker (MA5000) that allows users of iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to stream music wirelessly over their Wi-Fi network to any room in the house. The inAir 5000 is the first in a new series of AirPlay enabled audio networking products that capitalize on the audio engineering excellence and groundbreaking product design of Altec Lansing.

The new inAir 5000 is the perfect companion for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch as well as computers running iTunes. Whether a user is playing music from a personal iTunes library or streaming content from AirPlay-enabled apps, the inAir 5000 is the simple, elegant way to wireless entertainment with astounding audio clarity.





"Altec Lansing is thrilled to add the first AirPlay speaker to our long line of products that support Apple devices and their customers," said Brendon Stead, Co-President, Altec Lansing. "Apple customers have come to expect the best in design and usability, and the inAir 5000 addresses those needs while promising the amazing audio performance for which Altec Lansing is known."

Designed for Compatibility

iTunes users and those with an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch can now enjoy room-filling sound in any living space. Engineered to be an accessory to an active social lifestyle, connecting to the inAir 5000 is fast and simple with AirPlay via any compatible device, and setting up the speaker is a breeze. Using the Altec Lansing inAir Guide App, users can quickly and easily setup their new speaker system. Within minutes of opening the box, users are streaming music from a wide range of sources. Furthermore, using iTunes on a Mac or PC, users can play music to multiple inAir 5000 speakers throughout the home or office.

Designed for Amazing Sound Quality

The new inAir 5000 has been engineered from the ground up to provide the most audio punch in an attractive form factor. The unique curvature of the unit goes beyond esthetics with non-parallel walls that prevent the cross-cancellation of sound waves and produce more natural sound. The result of this unique design is amazing clarity and minimal loss throughout the entire tonal range. The structure of the unit is fortified thoroughly to prevent distortion and vibration, so music is reproduced the way the artist intended. Intelligent digital signal processing promises lower bass response, widens the sound field and tames high frequencies. This product benefits from Altec Lansing's legendary sound engineering, and music enthusiasts will hear the difference.

The internal components of the inAir 5000 are a testament to the heritage and legacy of Altec Lansing's 75 years in audio excellence. The dual 3-inch mid-range drivers are constructed of super strong Kevlar to deliver true vocals and mid-tones with minimal distortion. Triple amplifiers drive the system, with dedicated power to the mid-range drivers, the neodymium tweeters and the thunderous 4-inch subwoofer.

Designed for Household Harmony

The inAir 5000 was designed with an emphasis on clean lines and minimal distractions to appeal to a wide variety of tastes and harmoniously blend with any decor. Discreet, side-mounted controls and the included remote give users easy command of the unit and their music.

Availability and Pricing

The inAir 5000 Wireless AirPlay Speaker (MA5000) will be available in late February at www.alteclansing.com and select retailers worldwide. MSRP is $499.95.

The inAir Guide App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone or iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

[FreedomEclipse]

I know Altec Make some great speakers.... but REALLY?? $500??? thats almost the price of a 7970, talk about being ripped off!

[Ferrum Master]

It seems I come from the wrong part of the world...

What the hell are these? For that price even cheaper are found for example here...

http://www.thomann.de/ie/active_nearfield_monitors.html

But at least a an active monitor... Or I am spoiled and don't understand anything?

[sneekypeet]

Originally Posted by Ferrum Master

It seems I come from the wrong part of the world...

What the hell are these? For that price even cheaper are found for example here...

http://www.thomann.de/ie/active_nearfield_monitors.html

But at least a an active monitor... Or I am spoiled and don't understand anything?

It looks to me like the speakers you linked still need a source. The big idea with what this thread is about, is that the $500 unit gets signal from your phone or tablet via wifi, so no "source" needs to be connected directly to this to function anywhere your wifi signal will reach.

[THE_EGG]

I'm sorry altec lansing but ill buy Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin (or Zeppelin Air) if your are going to charge this much for your ipod wireless speaker.

[RejZoR]

It's a speaker for iPhen, iPlad and iPlod. It's understandable that they charge as much. Ppl who own such products expect it to cost a fortune.

As a long time owner of Altec Lansing MX5021 speakers i'd prefer seeing them release successor to these speakers. I hate their Impressionist model because it cannot be mounted on wall. MX5021 can be.

[Ferrum Master]

Originally Posted by sneekypeet

It looks to me like the speakers you linked still need a source. The big idea with what this thread is about, is that the $500 unit gets signal from your phone or tablet via wifi, so no "source" needs to be connected directly to this to function anywhere your wifi signal will reach.

No it doesnt... I've said ACTIVE... it means that it has an integrated power amplifier there...

[sneekypeet]

Originally Posted by Ferrum Master

No it doesnt... I've said ACTIVE... it means that it has an integrated power amplifier there...

An amplifier still needs a signal from its source correct? The speakers you linked accept signal via wifi? Also your link goes to 263 sets of speakers, not just one kit

[Ferrum Master]

Originally Posted by sneekypeet

An amplifier still needs a signal from its source correct? The speakers you linked accept signal via wifi?

oh now I get it, thanks.

So it seems it is -
500$ for a plastic wireless media player that will sound like something trashing inside a garbage box? And to buy a separate A/V transmitter on ebay for around 40$... (bet it won't be more pure than this one)

Maybe it sounds sophisticated, but still sound wise this looks quite abstract to me... you cannot disobey basic physics... unless you buy them just for the looks, not the function...

[sneekypeet]

I didn't say it was genius There are similar solutions that are much cheaper to stream from your PC. For the iFans, this is right up their alley.