Music on the Move
Wireless speaker systems let you easily place the sound where you want it.
By Jeff Bertolucci, Contributing Writer
From Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, February 2005
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Installation
Each system is easy to set up, but finding a static-free spot for the speakers involves some trial and error. You may not be able to place a speaker exactly where you want it, although the difference between crystal-clear reception and static is often a matter of just a few feet.
Speaker makers have devised ways to improve reception. The Acoustic Research, RCA and Sony models have buttons or switches on the transmitter to tweak the frequency and thereby improve reception. The Advent uses a tuning wheel.
Even the best spot for speakers isn't perfect. McCormick, who uses an Advent system, reports static for short periods about once a week, and we found similar fuzzy patches with the speakers we tested.
When it comes to transmission range, none of the speaker systems lives up to its billing. The Acoustic Research and RCA promise a maximum of 300 feet, and the Advent and Sony claim 150 feet. To which we say, "Hooey." Yes, in some cases you'll get the full range, but walls, ceilings, floors, placement of the speakers and other factors we can't begin to describe -- sunspots, perhaps -- can reduce the range. For practical purposes, all four systems maxed out at 100 feet in our tests. Unless you live in a mansion, this covers you from roof to rec room, but it can be problematic for pumping up a garden party in the far corners of your yard. As you'd expect, the farther the speakers are from the transmitter, the fewer spots you'll find without interference.
As we mentioned, wireless speakers can be run on batteries or plugged in. Sony has the best system, with a rechargeable battery built in at no extra cost. RCA charges an extra $40 for a rechargeable battery pack. You can run an Acoustic Research speaker on eight C batteries, and an Advent on eight D's (buying rechargeable batteries and a recharger will set you back about $60). Sony says that its speakers will last four hours on a charge, and Advent says its speakers will last 13 hours. The other two don't provide estimates, but you're safe to assume at least four hours -- depending, of course, on the quality of the batteries and how much you like to crank up the sound.
--Research: Elizabeth Kountze