Denon has broken the $400 for an AirPlay compatible home theater receiver. (the Denon AVR-1613) With 75 watts per channel this 5.1 receiver includes 3D pass-through and 5 HDMI in. It even includes an HDMI port on the front of the unit. This does not seem important until your think about all the other HDMI devices you might want to get on your big screen like your phone, tablet, camera and video camera. Of course AirPlay will let you play all your favorite iTunes musics directly from iTunes or your AirPlay compatible Apple device. The unit also includes streaming Internet radio and Pandora. The up front USB port also lets you plug in your iPod or other non AirPlay devices.
Key features include
Fully discrete power amplifiers for all 5 channels (120 W x 5 ch, 6ohm 1kHz 0.7%).
3D pass-through technology Enjoy 3D video entertainment with dynamic surround sound.
5 x HDMI in / 1 x HDMI out Lets you connect your HDMI-equipped devices with a single cable. Enjoy high definition audio and video.
Front Panel HDMI Input Provides an easy connection for quick hookup and playback of your HDMI-equipped portable devices.
AirPlay Stream music from your iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch or from your iTunes music library.
You can get the Denon AVR-1613 for $399.99 at Amazon (currently on pre-order)
Here is what CNET has to say about the new Klipsch Gallery G-17 AirPlay compatible speaker. $549 USD
The Gallery G-17 Air looks very similar to the other speakers in Klipsch’s Gallery range of speakers. It’s made of glossy black plastic, has two 2.5-inch mid/bass drivers and two 0.75-inch aluminum horn tweeters. There isn’t a dedicated bass driver (which makes these two-way speakers) and the unit is quite small, measuring about 43cm across and just 10.2cm deep, making it more compact than popular AirPlay speakers such as the Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin Air and iHome IW1. However, it is still pretty hefty thanks to a solid glass stand and possibly larger magnets required for the long-throw full-range drivers.
I love speaker reviews from CNET. In fact I like them from almost anywhere. Having been the GM for The Speaker Company, (now defunct) I actually know what goes into design and pricing decisions. Seldom do the reviews even remotely “get it”. Combine that with the subjectivity of review how a speaker sounds or looks and you get a “kind of” idea as to whether or not you’re going to like the product. With that, CNET says the speaker is warm and detailed but lacks any substantial bass. They say this speaker won’t stand out in your decor. I don’t know, this looks kind of “look at me, I’m a speaker” kind of design. I’m betting the solid glass stand added quite a bit to the price of this puppy.
As is expected from Klipsch, the tweeters are “hornish” in nature, and with only 2 2.5 mid/bass drivers it’s doubtful there is much bass to speak of.
That said, while at the Speaker Company we did base our IDV1 speaker dock on a Klipsch product that did produce some decent bass from a pair of 3″ speakers with tweeters.
Though you can likely get an AirPlay speaker for less that will sound as good if not almost as good, Having the Klipsch will at least give you some bragging rights.
I should note that as of this writing, 8 customers gave this unit 4 stars on Amazon where it is available with Prime free shipping at $549.
For those who don’t want to think about having to match speakers with a separate receiver you’re certainly considering a home theater in a box. Though many will scoff at the idea as less than optimal, it can be a real time and money saver. Many folks cannot hear the difference between high end equipment and HTiB’s. But, there are many who can.
What will you loose with these systems? Not much, but those with other high end systems in the house will likely notice the difference, especially in the speakers. Everyone else will likely love these systems, especially if you’re mostly watching movies.
Airplay compatible Of course these affordable home theater systems include AirPlay compatibility which means those with iPhones and touches will be thrilled that they can send their favorite music or internet radio station directly to the system. No video still but that is a feature lacking in AirPlay, not a drawback of the systems. Another neat feature is the compressed music enhancer which could help your Pandora or Slacker radio sound better. Nice.
DLNA too! For those not inclined to use AirPlay or living in a dual OS household with Android devices, these receivers also include connectivity for DLNA.
These new Yamaha models include some pretty spiffy features including Dolby TrueHD and the ability to transfer 3D video signals. The models include the YHT-897BL ($850 suggested retail), YHT-797BL ($800), YHT-597BL ($650), which will ship in May, and the YHT-497BL ($480) and YHT-397BL ($450), which are available this month.
Logitech has jumped into the AirPlay compatible speaker fray. As is common in AirPlay speakers it is a bit on the expensive side. One does have to wonder why prices for this category of speaker are so high. For the most part most AirPlay compatible docks are fairly standard run of the mill type speaker docks. The big difference is that you can use AirPlay to stream music directly from you iPhone or iPod touch to the speaker, bypassing using the dock or an external amplifier. This is convenient if you’re moving around the house with your phone but hardly necessary if you have a touch for example, that you can afford to have docked in the speaker. In general these speakers don’t sound any better or worse than other iPod docks, they just usually cost more.
It’s Not AirPlay Driving Prices
Apple does charge a manufacturer money to include the AirPlay technology, but it is typically around $4 per unit or so. This makes it hard to see why so many AirPlay compatible speakers charge such a premium. I’m sure part of it is caching in on the Apple brand mystique and some is getting what the market will bear.
If you don’t need to be further away than 30 feet from your speakers, then consider using a bluetooth speaker which is usually cheaper or the dock on the unit if it has one.
So for full disclosure, I did work for Denon in a past life. I’ve also owned some Pioneer receivers. We’re approaching the time of year when receivers go on sale and this year is no different. The first salvo comes in the form of the Pioneer VSX-1021-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver selling for $399 (normally $549) on Amazon. This receiver really rocks. In addition to having AirPlay it boasts a very easy to use interface and DLNA, which the Denon receivers do not have. The app for the Pioneer also works much better than the current Denon app, which is very challenged. Please note that there are some third party apps you can get for the Denon that blow away almost all other remote apps for as little as $5. But they don’t come with the receiver.
Setup
The Pioneer also has setup videos and other very sophisticated setup tools in their iPhone and iPad apps that the Denon just cannot compete with. At $499, it’s a steal.
Check out the videos on Amazon that highlight some of the cool feature of this receiver.
The new Klipsch Gallery G-17 Air AirPlay® Speakers are not inexpensive at $549 each, but then nothing from Klipsch is inexpensive. They are however AirPlay compatible allowing you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPod touch without the need for a separate amplifier.
The soundbar shaped speaker is made of high density resin cabinet and finished in a piano black, high gloss luster and mounts vertically or horizontally on a wall.
You can also set it on a table or counter on the dark tempered glass base.
The following specs are from the Klipsch website:
DIMENSIONS: Without Base: 6″ H x 16 7/8″ W x 3.5″ D
With Base: 7″ H x 16.87″ W x 4″ D
ENCLOSURE TYPE: Bass-reflex
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 57Hz – 23kHz +/- 3dB / usable bass to 47 Hz (f10)
HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER: 0.75″ (1.9 cm) Aluminum diaphragm compression driver mated to 90° x 90° square Tractrix Horn.
Given its size it is hard to imagine just hom much bass you’d get. Typically Klipsch iPod products produce farily decent bass as has been witnessed by this writer in previously owned iPod docks. Your personal opinion on how much bass is enough may vary.
As is typical Klipsch includes horn loaded tweeters. I’ve never been overly fond of these in their larger speakers but they often sound pretty good in these smaller incarnations.
User review from Amazon – Nice product, but won’t replace a full-sized stereo system.
Disclaimer!! Audio “quality” is ultimately a subjective notion that depends greatly on personal taste, room characteristics and recording quality, among other things. While this review represents my own experience with the G17, prospective buyers would be wise to test this system in person, with their own music, before drawing any definite conclusions.
This speaker does have AirPlay. For those of you who don’t get the Stargate reference, don’t worry, it’s not necessary to the review. This is a unique looking unit to say the least. As for what folks think about the sound? Most folks think this 9″ ring speaker, it’s mono by the way, sounds . . . → Read More: Phillips AirPlay Speaker that Looks like a Stargate
OK, I’m going to tell you I’ve always been partial to NAD products. Clean design, function over flash, top of the line construction and overall high quality. I was intrigued when I saw they released a bluetooth speaker (sorry, no AirPlay here). But given their reputation, I figured it would be a knockout. . . . → Read More: NAD High Powered, Very Hot Bluetooth Speaker, and a Funny Review
AirPlay was all the news in audio receivers last year. Every major brand had at least one unit in their lineup that included AirPlay. Expect to see more wireless connectivity this year. Not only will receiver companies cut the cord with more AirPlay models but expect more built-in bluetooth and DLNA. Though the older . . . → Read More: 2012 AirPlay & Network Receiver Predictions
Though our site is called AirPlay compatible we really are taking the broader approach and talk about Wi-Fi and bluetooth devices as well. After all, it’s not the technology but the solution that fits your needs, right? Altec’s lastes LIVE 5000 speaker system lets you stream music from anywhere in your home to . . . → Read More: Altec Live 500 Wi-Fi Speaker – No AirPlay, but so what
Denon has broken the $400 for an AirPlay compatible home theater receiver. (the Denon AVR-1613) With 75 watts per channel this 5.1 receiver includes 3D pass-through and 5 HDMI in. It even includes an HDMI port on the front of the unit. This does not seem important until your think about all the other HDMI devices you might want to get on your big screen like your phone, tablet, camera and video camera. Of course AirPlay will let you play all your favorite iTunes musics directly from iTunes or your AirPlay compatible Apple device. The unit also includes streaming Internet radio and Pandora. The up front USB port also lets you plug in your iPod or other non AirPlay devices. 
Logitech has jumped into the AirPlay compatible speaker fray. As is common in AirPlay speakers it is a bit on the expensive side. One does have to wonder why prices for this category of speaker are so high. For the most part most AirPlay compatible docks are fairly standard run of the mill type speaker docks. The big difference is that you can use AirPlay to stream music directly from you iPhone or iPod touch to the speaker, bypassing using the dock or an external amplifier. This is convenient if you’re moving around the house with your phone but hardly necessary if you have a touch for example, that you can afford to have docked in the speaker. In general these speakers don’t sound any better or worse than other iPod docks, they just usually cost more.
selling for $399 (normally $549) on Amazon. This receiver really rocks. In addition to having AirPlay it boasts a very easy to use interface and DLNA, which the Denon receivers do not have. The app for the Pioneer also works much better than the current Denon app, which is very challenged. Please note that there are some third party apps you can get for the Denon that blow away almost all other remote apps for as little as $5. But they don’t come with the receiver.