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> Do you think the processing of room acoustics might make a big enough difference that the speaker sounds as good as or better than more expensive options? Th

> Do you think the processing of room acoustics might make a big enough difference that the speaker sounds as good as or better than more expensive options? That's the important question, which I obviously can't answer yet. However judging by early reports, even by audio enthusiasts, it seems to be an incredible speaker for its size and DSP is indeed one of the features that can really make difference in modern speaker design. But then again it's a 4 inch speaker and I'm wondering if they have limited their potential with such a small form factor. If it sounds as good as other, slightly larger, yet affordable bookshelf speakers that's impressive, but those speakers have been widely available (and work with any source) for a long time. So to stay with your analogy, I worry that Apple has managed to turn a needlessly small sensor into a competetive camera and wonder what they could have done if they used a decently sized, already competetive sensor with the same software magic.

hypercluster 9y ago
Well, maybe it's just a price thing. A bigger speaker would probably have cost too much. And while I agree that with speakers like Dali Zensors or Denon MC41s affordable solutions exist.. you'd still need an amp with airplay, calibration etc. Also you can't just put stereo speakers on your table in the middle of the room. If there would be a good spot for them something like the airSOUND AS 30 (active speakers) would be an alternative. Plus subwoofer you'd be at the same price point.
- thirdsun 9y ago
  Yes, that's probably all true. I just wanted them to aim slightly higher, but let's not forget that this needs to have appeal to the masses that already consider a $300 speaker expensive. Most audio people see that as the minimum to get anything worthwhile and I'd have loved to see what Apple can do with larger, more expensive speakers.
  - criddell 9y ago
    They have to appeal to the portion of the masses that are Apple customers and for them, $300 isn't terribly expensive. It is expensive compared to what Amazon sells and that's why Apple is smart to have focused on the speaker rather than the smart. When you compare it to their previous speaker system (the HiFi), it's a huge step up for the same amount of money.
    - thirdsun 9y ago
      > They have to appeal to the portion of the masses that are Apple customers and for them, $300 isn't terribly expensive. Maybe, but as indicated before I think if that’s the case and sound quality is the focus those customers could very likely do a lot better with a pair of bookshelfs.

hypercluster 9y ago

Well, maybe it's just a price thing. A bigger speaker would probably have cost too much. And while I agree that with speakers like Dali Zensors or Denon MC41s affordable solutions exist.. you'd still need an amp with airplay, calibration etc. Also you can't just put stereo speakers on your table in the middle of the room. If there would be a good spot for them something like the airSOUND AS 30 (active speakers) would be an alternative. Plus subwoofer you'd be at the same price point.

thirdsun 9y ago
Yes, that's probably all true. I just wanted them to aim slightly higher, but let's not forget that this needs to have appeal to the masses that already consider a $300 speaker expensive. Most audio people see that as the minimum to get anything worthwhile and I'd have loved to see what Apple can do with larger, more expensive speakers.
- criddell 9y ago
  They have to appeal to the portion of the masses that are Apple customers and for them, $300 isn't terribly expensive. It is expensive compared to what Amazon sells and that's why Apple is smart to have focused on the speaker rather than the smart. When you compare it to their previous speaker system (the HiFi), it's a huge step up for the same amount of money.
  - thirdsun 9y ago
    > They have to appeal to the portion of the masses that are Apple customers and for them, $300 isn't terribly expensive. Maybe, but as indicated before I think if that’s the case and sound quality is the focus those customers could very likely do a lot better with a pair of bookshelfs.