The latest in Philips' Streamium range of networked media players is the MCI900.
It includes a CD/DVD player, streaming capability, internet radio, 160GB hard drive as well as a 3.5in colour screen. The speakers use Philips' 'SoundSphere' technology, developed after seven years of research, which has resulted in that odd-looking 'freed' tweeter.
The 25mm soft-dome tweeters are contained in a single one-piece aluminium enclosure supported by a rigid, sonically inert arm which raises them above the speaker cabinet. Philips says that this helps them to produce a wider dispersion of sound and frees the tweeters from any vibrations or standing waves within the main speaker cabinet to help it deliver a more accurate and uncoloured sound.
The tweeter rises above the 5in woofer built into the top of the 1.8in thick aluminium cabinet, and the woofer is angled upwards but towards the front for improved sound projection.
The system is driven by a Class D digital amplifier built into the main unit which offers 50 watts per channel. It can be networked using Ethernet, USB or 802.11n Wi-Fi connectivity to deliver internet radio, stream tracks from a PC and also record to the built-in 160GB USB hard drive. You can also connect it to a TV via HDMI.
The Philips Streamium MCI900 is available now for £999.
philips.co.uk
