French Synthpop Pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre Debuts High-End Speaker System
French synthpop and electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre is extending his legacy from the world of ambient sound to home electronics with the debut of an original range of high-end electronic audio gear. Available now in France, the composer’s AeroSystem One iPhone and iPod dock and speaker system, a full-sized sound tower aimed at audiophiles who prefer premium sound reproduction, retails for €799.00 (around $1100 US).
Designed with the artist’s uncompromising approach to sonic playback in mind, the over three foot-tall and nearly 32lb beast packs a 60W subwoofer and two 30W tweeters, and includes a mini-jack 3.5 mm connector. Compatible with a variety of sources from digital music to MP3 players and laptops, its steel and glass aesthetic further fits nicely with modern living rooms, though interior designers may balk at its lamp-sized footprint. Still, the nosebleed price and need to explain to your significant other why you’re literally placing Anberlin tracks on a pedestal may be a small price to pay for enhanced acoustic performance.
Albeit a curiosity likelier to find a place strictly in socialites’ and audio geeks’ playpens than the average American home, you have to give Jarre credit. As attention to detail goes, the system spares little expense, giving MP3s a boost in terms of loudspeaker quality, and upping the conceptual ante for future high-tech vanity projects to come.