Bang & Olufsen, the Danish audio video company whose products are pieces of art with a price tag to match, have introduced a new line of "affordable" components called B&O Play. Most will find their affordable line still a bit steep in price.
The first product to launch in the new subbrand is the Beolit 12 Airplay. It's designed after a transistor radio they produced in the 1970s. It looks gorgeous with loads of power and is even retro in the fact that it only plays in mono.
The Airplay in the name is a giveaway. Yes, it syncs with Apple's Airplay as well as having a mini input to plug in a device that might not be on a network. It's also quite portable and can play off the battery for about eight hours.
When I first heard about the piece I was thrilled that I might be able to afford something from B&O. Actually I do have a great B&O turntable but I bought that used. Then I looked at the price tag of $800. I guess affordable is a subjective term.
Here's another write up on the Beolit 12 Airplay from the New York Times, Bang & Olufsen’s Homage to Its Past.
If you have a question or if I may be of service email me at radiohannibal@gmail.com
John Hannibal
Edit (1.30.12): I got an email from Jon Erikson of B&O "The BeoLit 12 plays in Stereo. It has a left and right driver and does have left and right imaging." I apologize. I got my info from the New York Times who stated that it was mono.
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