Zikmu Parrot Wireless Speakers Available To Demo (18/05/12)
Introducing
Zikmu Parrot by Starck. These Strangely named, unique looking wireless speakers have been formed out of a partnership between world renowned designer Phillipe Starke and manufacturer Parrot. Even the packaging is something special, when these first arrived we thought someone had taken up the trombone! If you're a fan of designs which are that bit different and stand out from the crowd then we suggest you drop by our showroom and give these a proper listen.
The Zikmu speakers combine stylish form with advanced function. Standing at just 2.5 ft tall they utilise slim NXT drivers coupled with a down firing subwoofer, built in amplification, wireless streaming and an iPod dock. As soon as you plug them in the speakers automatically link together wirelessly so there’s no need for a cable between them. Placement options are really flexible with the only real requirement being a power source for each speaker.
Although these look striking yet simple on the outside they’re packed with technology inside. The super flat NXT drivers radiate in both directions and this design means audio fades less with distance too so small as they might be the Zikmu fill large rooms with ease. These are aided by the subwoofer hidden away underneath to create what Parrot call “360 degree sound”.
If you’re a user of Apple devices then the Zikmu are the perfect audio partner, once docked on the top of one of them your iPhone or iPod can be controlled with the remote. Of course it charges whilst docked too and the audio transfer is digital for best quality instead of analogue. Parrot have made the remote control RF instead of the traditional infra-red so there’s no need to point it at the speakers to operate them. If you’d rather keep your Phone to hand however you can simply pair it with the speakers via Bluetooth and have your music streamed wirelessly.
Created to impress both visually and sonically, even the supplied power cords are smart. With matching colour and outer braid these don’t look like the cheap black nasty things supplied with most goods, the kind which always seem to have annoying kinks from having been folded instead of coiled and never stay where you want them.
As well as the advanced streaming options which allow you to play back music from your PC or Mac using wi-fi you’ll find a standard RCA connector tucked away underneath so you can connect other devices such as TVs etc. Access the web interface on your computer or phone and you can browse your music library as well as alter EQ and features such as dynamic loudness.
There’s an impressive clarity to the sound which the Zikmu provides, perhaps surprisingly so given they look nothing like a standard set of speakers. And that’s why Zikmu are something a bit special, because beyond sounding like a traditional hi-fi system that’s where the similarity ends. These speakers are for someone who wants enjoy great sounding music without the boxes and wires etc which come with a hi-fi. Easy to set-up, simple to use, tastes will vary with regards to the looks of these speakers, but those who do like them won’t be disappointed.
