Gizmag was introduced to the Libratone Beat wireless speaker at CES 2010, and left mighty impressed. The Danish company has now raised the bar even further by unveiling a disc-shaped new addition to its FullRoom family called the Loop, which is claimed by CEO Tommy Andersen to offer "unparalleled sound quality."
Libratone says that the Loop's 13.1-inch (33.3 cm) diameter cabinet has been specifically designed for the control of acoustic resonances and the delivery of quality sound. It features a built-in limiter to predict and control movement, and promises artifact-free regulation and attenuation of speaker cone travel.
The integrated FullRoom DSP and 120 W digital amp join the party to throw out audio to every corner of the room via two 1-inch ribbon-type tweeters, a 4-inch woofer and a resonating passive radiator that essentially acts as a 5-inch subwoofer. The versatile wireless home speaker system is reported to have an overall frequency range of 40 Hz - 20 kHz and an SPL of 99 dB.
To the front is a combined volume control, power button and LED status indicator, while the rear is home to a 3.5 mm audio jack and USB port, together with wireless connection buttons. Though the Loop is AirPlay and DNLA capable, it also features the company's PlayDirect technology for wireless playback without the intervention of a home router. Libratone has developed an iOS/Android app for playback control and audio-enhancing customization.
There's also a handy hole to the top of the back panel for carrying the Loop from one room to another, and is also used with the speaker's included wall mount. A duo stand can be inserted at the bottom for tabletop or floor placement.
The Libratone Loop is available now in black, gray or red for US$499. Changeable covers in a variety of colors are sold separately.
The video below doesn't show much more than available color options, but take a look anyway.
Product page: Loop