Love it or hate it, Bluetooth isn't going anywhere, which is especially evident in the number of higher-end headphones and even integrated amplifiers that support it these days.
If you're on the "love it" side of the equation and still have a thing for nice things when it comes to audio, you'll be happy to hear that Shinola has teamed with Barefoot sound to create a new bookshelf speaker that includes this most ubiquitous of wireless technologies, along with stereo analog, digital, and USB connectivity. The new speakers, which seem to be dubbed simply "Bookshelf Speakers," sell for $1,500 per pair and are available in your choice of two finishes.
From Shinola:
Shinola has partnered with Barefoot Sound, a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording monitors, to create our first bookshelf speaker system with Bluetooth technology. This introduction marks the first time Barefoot Sound has ventured out of the studio and mixing landscape.
Thomas Barefoot designs speaker systems that are embraced by the world's most elite recording artists and producers who demand the very best. His name is synonymous with precision and inspiring sound.
Barefoot and the Shinola Audio team have completely reengineered the Shinola Bookshelf Speakers from the ground up, creating an exciting new product that is as comfortable in a professional recording studio as it is in your home. This level of sonic excellence, once strictly reserved for music producers, is now available to the Shinola customer for the first time.
"We couldn't think of a better partner to help re-launch our bookshelf speakers," said Shinola's CEO, Tom Lewand. "Thomas Barefoot's know-how and reputation in the pro-audio world married with our commitment to quality and our design ethos has produced a stunning speaker system. We are so proud of what Barefoot and our audio team have created and can't wait for our customer to hear it."
"Working with Shinola has been an amazing experience," says Barefoot Sound founder Thomas Barefoot. "I grew up in Pittsburgh which has a similar riches-to-rust story as Detroit. Creating US jobs while building incredible products is Barefoot Sound's mission. I can't think of a better way to enter the consumer space than partnering with a company that so deeply shares our core values. I'm very excited about this collaboration and bringing studio level sound to a wider audience with this new bookshelf speaker."
Assembled and tested in Portland, Oregon at the Barefoot Sound factory, the bookshelf speakers are equipped with Bluetooth functionality for streaming audio sources, versatile connectivity, including RCA, Aux, S/PDIF or USB, and a removable magnetic grille.
Available in black and a natural oak finish, the Shinola Bookshelf Speakers will launch on July 12th and will retail for $1,500/pr.
Additional Resources
• Visit the Shinola website for more product information.
• Visit our Wireless Speaker Reviews page for our thoughts on similar products
