Over the past few years, a number of speaker manufacturers have created speaker systems that attempt to replicate the advantages of powered soundbars--the easy setup, the small footprint, the minimal wiring, the internal processing and amplification--without their typical shortcomings: namely, the limited stereo soundstage and anemic bass. The latest such attempt comes from K.I.S.S. AV, via a new crowdfunding campaign running through July 31, 2016.
While the K.I.S.S. AV approach to straightforward setup and minimal wiring is certainly a large part of the system's appeal (indeed, K.I.S.S. stands for "Keeping It Super Simple"), perhaps of greater interest to HomeTheaterReview.com readers is the acoustic technology at the heart of the system. K.I.S.S. AV founder Jim Murray was one of the original founders of the now-defunct Beale Street Audio and the developer of its innovative Sonic Vortex technology, which he is now delivering to the masses via this compact, on-wall speaker system.
As part of the Kickstarter campaign, K.I.S.S. AV is offering two different systems--one is a stereo system comprised of the company's X4 speakers, and the other is a 2.1 system including the O6 subwoofer--at savings up to $200 and $400, respectively, depending on how quickly you act.
Here is the official press release:
From K.I.S.S. AV
K.I.S.S. AV is launching their crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter for their immersive audio system. Using technology that existed previously only in expensive, architectural speakers, K.I.S.S. AV is redefining what is possible from thin on-wall speakers with this 2.1-channel system. The speakers utilize Sonic Vortex Technology, a patented speaker design technology that can fill any room with 3D-style sound, from any audio source, with no special electronics or multichannel audio content required.
As flat-screen TVs continue to get thinner, there is less room for built-in speakers, and current speakers generally sound as flat as the screens they're built into. Many customers have moved away from traditional speaker systems because of the expense, complexity, and abundance of wires. For this reason, soundbars and wireless speakers have dominated home entertainment spaces over the last several years. However, the immersive and visceral impact offered by dedicated left and right speakers plus a subwoofer remains unmatched.
The K.I.S.S. AV X4 speaker system breathes new life into the audio performance of your flat-panel TV, instantly improving the audio of your favorite movies, television shows, music, or video games.
Price: Early birds can nab the left and right speaker for $199.
Size: Less than two pounds each and three inches thick (light enough to mount with Command Strips--seriously)
Wow Factor: Two words: Sonic. Vortex. The cabinet design boasts a sound super highway, literally a series of stacked sections and enclosures that move air at a high rate of speed, giving you some incredible rich bass and exceptional clarity previously impossible with small speakers.
The K.I.S.S. AV Kickstarter campaign is now live! From now through September, pledges range from $5 to $2,600+, and award backers can earn anything from a Sonic Vortex T-shirt to six K.I.S.S. AV X4 06 2.1-channel speaker systems to outfit every room of the house. All backers will receive a personal thank you from the team and updates about K.I.S.S. AV's progress and manufacturing process throughout the campaign.
Information and pricing for the various Kickstarter pledges is available here.
Additional Resources
• For more information on the K.I.S.S. AV X4 speaker system, please visit www.kissav.net or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.
• Beale Street Audio Unleashes Nine In-ceiling Speakers at HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Beale Street Audio Release In-wall L/C/R Speaker at HomeTheaterReview.com.